Even the most creative parents on Long Island know the value of quality after-school programs. Kids learn valuable skills, social tools, and critical thinking under the supervision of caring, qualified adults. Here are some of our favorite affordable after-school programs for kids on Long Island. You might be surprised to learn many of these classes and programs fall within a conservative budget.

While you're at it, check out our rundown of great STEM classes for Long Island kids and our Long Island Classes and Enrichment Guide.

We've put together a list of reasonably priced and FREE after-school programs around New Jersey that offer enrichment and entertainment for children.

Many after-school programs start enrollment in May and fill up quickly, so be sure to mark your calendar in the spring so you don't forget to sign your kids up. Remember to always check your local school district, as some of the options offered by your town can be low-cost for those who are eligible and could be most convenient for your family. 

Find more great ideas for the coming school year in our Guide to Classes for New Jersey Kids and our Back-to-School Guide. 

Orlando kids are back in school, and that means afterschool programs for families with working parents looking for affordable options. We've rounded up several options for cheap, afterschool programs in Orlando, and some are even available at no cost! These afterschool programs in Orlando offer engaging activities such as academic support, sports, STEM, and more, within a fun and safe environment.

Affordable afterschool programs in Chicago can be hard to find, especially with rising prices everywhere. It's important for working parents to have a safe, fun, and educational environment for their kids before and after school, so we've done the work for you and come up with a list of free or cheap afterschool programs in Chicago. Several of these afterschool programs offer hardship assistance, scholarships, or free tuition.

Many of the aftercare options on the list below offer sports, games, mentorship, STEM activities, career planning, homework help, and more. And for more classes for Chicago kids and babies, check out our Best Classes for Kids in Chicago Guide.

Puerto Vallarta has everything that makes Mexico such a popular family vacation destination: warm and sunny weather, beautiful beaches, loads of outdoor activities, delicious cuisine, and family-friendly all-inclusive resorts. The city's manageable size and affordability are added bonuses that ensure everyone, from curious toddlers to uber-cool teens to adults in need of a little R&R, has a great time.

Whether you're swimming in the turquoise ocean water, learning to cook a new dish, or relaxing on a hammock while the kids play in the pool, you're bound to make lasting memories in Puerto Vallarta, as my family has over the years.

Here are the 21 top things to do in Puerto Vallarta with kids, including great Puerto Vallarta hotels and Puerto Vallarta restaurant options for families. Visit our Best Mexican Family Travel Guide for more great places to visit in Mexico, as well as our list of the best all-inclusive resorts in the US, Caribbean, and Mexico for kids.

By the time the newborn stage is over, you're itching to get out of the house and start finding things to do in Houston with babies. The only problem is where do you even start? Rest easy, mama, because we're here to help! We've rounded up 14 of the best baby activities in Houston. 

Check out our Baby and Pregnancy Guide for Houston Parents for more helpful baby tips.

Located just 90 miles from Chicago, Starved Rock State Park is there for when Chicago families need to get away from school and screen time and head to the great outdoors for the weekend.  The state park is one of several just a 90-minute drive southwest of Chicago, but once you leave the area officially considered the suburbs, you may feel like you're in a different world.

In addition to the wealth of hiking, there are unique places to stay and interesting restaurants to keep our kids entertained for a weekend trip. We also love that we can plan a vacation here at the spur of the moment. Each time we've gone, we have found lodging with less than two weeks notice.

Here's what our family likes to do at and around Starved Rock State Park. For more outdoor family fun, check out our State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids.