Retro Birthday Parties That Even Parents Will Love

Photo courtesy of Anders Ruff Design Co.

Whether it’s Throwback Thursday or you’re filled with nostalgia, hosting a kid's birthday has a whole new appeal. Reboots of ‘80s and ‘90s TV shows like Roseanne, Full House, and Will & Grace are gaining popularity and even kids are enjoying watching these blasts from the past. Instead of the traditional bounce houses, parents are enjoying going back in time with roller skating, laser tag and more. Check out these other unique birthday party ideas, too. 

Valentines Day, Year of the Dog, and a Star Party This Week

February is a month full of special celebrations: President's Day, Valentine's Day, Black History Month, and the Lunar New Year. This week you can make a card for your Valentine, enjoy a parade in New Haven celebrating the year of the Dog, and star gaze at White Memorial in Litchfield. Whatever you end up doing, have fun and come back to Mommy Poppins for all the best family fun info.

Best Bowling Alleys for Kids in Suffolk County

Sometimes even 100 things to do aren't enough to keep active kids entertained. If you're looking for a family-friendly activity but keep striking out, why not try your hand at bowling? It's a sport that's easy to learn for most age groups and there's something very satisfying about knocking things over.

A number of bowling centers across Suffolk County offer kid-friendly options such as lighter balls, ramps, and even leagues for little ones. Some alleys have options for adults to enjoy while their kids bowl. Order a pizza or one of the specials from the center's restaurant and make a night of it. And when the bowling shoes come off, a few of these centers even have arcades for more gaming fun. 

Check out our list of Suffolk bowling centers sure to bowl you over with fun. And if you're in Nassau County or on the East End, don't worry, we've rounded up a list of the best lanes for you.

10 Things to do in Chinatown with Philly Kids

Chinatown's Friendship Gate. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation

One of the most bustling neighborhoods in Philadelphia is Chinatown, with so many shops, restaurants, and sightseeing spots. Chinatown is an historic area of Philadelphia filled with culture, fun, and good food.  With the Chinese New Year upon us, now is also a great opportunity to educate little ones about the diverse melting pot of cultures in Philly. It's a great place to spend a day walking around and having a great time with the kids. We've rounded up some really fun things to do with kids in Chinatown.

FREE Museum Days in the Fairfield and New Haven Area

A host of museums in Fairfield County and New Haven County offer free admission on certain days of the month or promote free admission all the time for young kids. Check out the latest exhibit at the Aldrich, see a classic at Yale Peabody, or something from the bronze age at Fairfield University. Best part is that you can do it for free during their free admission times in these Fairfield County and New Haven area museums. 

30 Things To Do with Kids in Downtown Los Angeles

Vista Hermosa Park: photo by Corona/Flickr

From the outside looking in, Downtown LA can seem somewhat daunting and unfriendly. Isn't it just another part of LA with tall buildings and not enough pedestrian zones? Tourists and LA natives alike often find themselves wondering what kid-friendly activities there are to do Downtown. Well, I'm happy to be the messenger as well as the reminder of all the wonderful family-friendly activities that there are in this bustling metropolis. Read on for a list of 30 kid friendly things to do in Downtown LA. Then hop on the Metro or the Expo Line and start the adventure!

Best Arcades in Connecticut: From Fun Centers to Old School Arcades

How do I know it's worth a trip to the best arcades in Connecticut? The day my kids and I walked into an arcade with a giant-sized Space Invaders game, I may or may not have raced them to the token machine. There's just something about the flash and buzz of a good arcade that throws me right back to when I was a kid with a fist full of quarters. These days, I hand off all my prize tickets to my kids, but I still get a thrill out of watching them pour out of the machines. I get an even bigger thrill watching my kids dart around like...well, like kids in an arcade!

Read on to get your game on at Connecticut's best old school arcades and fun centers. With climate control in the summer and winter, the season is always right for some indoor fun

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