25 Brain-Boosting Baby Games and Activities

Black-and-white toys and books, like this Thremhoo foldout book, are the perfect first tummy-time playthings.

While you probably know that playing with your baby is an important way to boost their brain development, it's important to note that not all baby games are created equal. Certain activities, toys, books, and baby games do a better job than others of stimulating tiny brains, getting babies' creative juices flowing, and developing both fine and gross motor skills.

Here are 25 baby games that will keep little ones engaged and learning during tummy time, while sitting in their high chairs, or whenever you want to have some fun and give their growing brains a boost. See our Baby and Maternity Guide for all other things baby-related, from the best baby registry services to the best first birthday gifts.

MoMi Expands Access with Free Entry to New Public Plaza and Programming

Kids are drawn to the tech-filled installations in the Open Worlds exhibit at the Museum of the Moving Image.

The Museum of the Moving Image has just debuted Open Worlds, a new initiative to expand access to the Queens culture spot that delivers on its promise of opening up a new world for museum patrons to relax and enjoy this local gem.

We recently checked it out and are sharing the details of our visit below. Find more cultural gems in our NYC Kids Guide to Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits.

Best Public Pools for Kids in San Francisco and the Bay Area

The Bay Area has loads of amazing public pools with special features for families.

What’s better than a cool swimming pool on a hot day? Luckily, the Bay Area has loads of amazing public pools with special features for families. From water slides and lazy rivers to retractable roofs, extra-large inflatables, and even a water obstacle course, these public pools in San Francisco around the Bay Area (From North Beach to Mill Valley to Berkeley and beyond) are awesome for kids of all ages. 

We've rounded up our favorite family-friendly beaches in the Bay Area and the best splash pads in all of San Francisco for when you want different ways to cool off! Find all this and more in our Ultimate San Francisco Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Top Florida Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Trips for Kids

Get close to sea turtles  and other marine life when snorkeling in Florida.

Scuba diving or snorkeling in Florida is one of the best things to do during a family vacation to the Sunshine State. There is so much to explore under Florida's warm, clear waters, including spectacular coral reefs, shipwrecks, and underwater museums and memorials.

Here's everything you need to know about scuba diving and snorkeling in Florida with kids, from age requirements to the best places to dive and snorkel in and around the Florida Keys, Miami, and Destin. Our Florida Family Travel Guide will tell you even more great places to visit and fun things to do with kids in the Sunshine State.

New Haven with Kids: 25 Fun Things to do for Families

See extraordinary sights and find fun things to do when visiting New Haven with kids.The Peabody Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Known as the birthplace of American pizza, the city of New Haven is a foodie destination fit for kids. Home to Yale University (and its amazing natural science museum), it's also a coastal city rich with history, architecture, arts, and culture that kids can appreciate. Best of all for families, it's wonderfully walkable. Take the kids for a day trip or a weekend getaway and experience New Haven for yourselves, with this list as your guide.

Be sure to check out our Connecticut Day Trips and Weekend Getaways Guide for more great spots to visit in Connecticut.

Door County With Kids: The Best Things to Do in Door County, Wisconsin

Jacksonport Farmers Market. Photo by Mike Tittel, courtesy of Destination Door County.

Door County, Wisconsin has five state parks, 300 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 19 county parks, and 14 charming towns and villages. If that's not enough reason to plan a summer getaway here, how about dozens of festivals, a thriving arts scene, countless restaurants, and so many outdoor activities you'll have to decide what to do first? 

The idyllic peninsula is a five-hour drive from Chicago—and worth every mile. This guide has everything from what to do, what to see, and where to eat to help you make the most of your family trip to Door County, Wisconsin.

Looking for other vacation spots near Chicago? Check out this guide to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, these fantastic weekend getaways, and this Midwest travel guide for more ideas. 

Pages