Try one of these educational and experiential programs for teens. 

Birthday cakes have reached a new level in recent years, with intricate figurines made out of fondant and even photos printed in icing. Virtually any theme is possible, from unicorns to superheroes. But finding the right baker who can make your (and your child's) vision into a reality is the key. 

We’ve rounded up our favorite bakeries in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, all of which are capable of creating custom birthday cakes worthy of The Food Network. Some of these bakeries even host children's birthday parties where kids can try their hand at being pastry chefs and decorate their own sweet treats.

Check out our Kids' Birthday Party Guide for more fun party ideas in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

Long Island is full of bakeries to create your child's dream birthday party dessert. From cakes for a family-friendly restaurant extravaganza, to a mega bounce center celebration or bowling party, to an intimate backyard gathering, the options are endless. 

We've compiled a list from Nassau to Suffolk County of Long Island's best custom cake bakeries to make your kid's perfect birthday cake. Whether you want an extravagant themed cake, a special character design, or a colorful, trendy creation, we have you covered. 

For even more festive birthday inspiration, check out our Birthday Party Guide for Long Island Kids, where you'll find our story on LI's top indoor birthday party venues. 

There’s nothing like the comfort of your own home when it comes to hosting your kid’s birthday party. Sure, you have to clean up, but you’re in control, and you don't have to worry about sharing a space with other parties. And, since the cost of an at-home party tends to be lower, it's the perfect opportunity to splurge on a one-of-a-kind experience that brings the party to you.

We've rounded up top New Jersey entertainers for your next bash. From costumed characters to magicians, balloon twisters, face painters, and animal wranglers, these party entertainers make house calls to delight your birthday kid and pint-sized party guests.

Find more ideas in our NJ Birthday Party Guide, including our story on where to get NJ's best birthday cakes. 

When it comes to birthday party ideas for teens, NYC kids are a discerning bunch. Luckily for you—and your kid—we've found 15 birthday party ideas for teens at venues new and old, all of which are sure to be a hit with the guest of honor and their (equally judgmental) friends. With party packages this cool, it's a shame you celebrate but once a year.

Find more awesome birthday party ideas for teens in our jam-packed NYC Kids' Guide to Birthday Party Places and more picks for any time teen fun in our Tween and Teen Guide to NYC.

Whether a birthday party or an outdoor family outing, these are the best parks in Los Angeles for family barbecue and parties that need outdoor grills.  

Nothing says “summer” like barbecue — but not everyone has the luxury of a backyard, and even those that do may not have the space for a BBQ or grill. Luckily, many of our local Southern California parks are standing by with grills and pits to satisfy that craving for charred food. 

The beauty of life in Southern California is that "summer" can be practically any time of year; the parks below have year-round barbecue facilities, ready for birthday parties, holiday celebrations, spontaneous picnics, or family dinners al fresco. As you know, living in LA can be expensive — that's why it's always great to find a location that doesn't require a booking fee that'll cost half your paycheck! Whether it's a casual get-together or a birthday party, grilling at LA parks is a great way to enjoy the city's unbeatable weather and open spaces. 

Sometimes it’s nice to just settle in for a good binge, but it can be hard to find a show the whole family can agree on! We’ve got you covered with a list of the 100 best kids' TV shows ever, from old kids' TV shows in black and white, to our all-time favorite PBS Kids TV shows, right up through the best kids' TV shows you can stream today. This list features programming suitable for children of all ages, from toddlers to teens, and every developmental stage.

These programs are funny, heartwarming, and wholesome, with educational and life lessons that entertain and help children make sense of the world. Okay, maybe there aren’t a ton of lessons to take from Mr. Bean, but that’s what the other 99 are for. So gather the fam, grab some snacks, and get comfy on the couch, bed, or floor … you’ll be there a while.

Need even more recs for family entertainment? Check out our list of the Best Kids' Movies for Family Movie Night. And whether tonight is a TV night or movie night, these Irresistible Dessert Board Recipes make for super snacks for everyone.