There are tons of great birthday party rooms on Long Island that let you keep costs down without sacrificing fun.

Whether you're a DIY Diva, looking to fulfill your child's dream theme, or simply trying to keep your budget in check, we’ve rounded up several locations throughout Long Island where you can host your own bday event at a variety of rates. So go ahead and customize every last detail of the special day as you like!

Be sure to check out our Birthday Party Guide for Long Island Kids for even more tips on planning a party for your child. It has ideas for first birthdays, toddlers, active kids, and more!

Some salons and spas in Chicago offer services for kids, perfect for birthday parties, celebrating a special occasion, or as a bonding activity over manicures. Whatever the reason for treating your kid (and/or yourself!) we've rounded up some of our favorite kid-friendly spas and spa parties in Chicago. From mommy and me spa days to birthday pedicures, these are some amazing spas, nail salons, and spa party venues. Many of the kid-friendly spas below offer private kids spa parties and there's also a mobile beauty bar that can deliver a spa party at home. 

For more birthday party ideas check out our favorite Indoor Kids Birthday Party Venues in Chicago and the Ultimate List of Birthday Party Entertainment and Rentals.

When it comes to life skills, I can’t be the only mom of a college-bound senior wondering whether I’ve done all I can to prepare my kid for life outside my day-to-day care. High school graduation is on the horizon, and my son will fly the coop shortly thereafter. He’s smart, poised, and well-spoken, and I marvel every day that I had any role in shaping this incredible human. I also worry that I haven’t done nearly enough to teach him how to handle the day-to-day life skills that seem almost innate to me.

So, to help him—and me—prepare for his college days, I’ve put together this list of 70 life skills for teens. Checking off even a few of these lessons before my son heads to college will ease my mind, and hopefully his!

Looking for life skills for younger kids? We’ve got a list of 65 life skills for kids of all ages that will get you teaching everyone from toddlers to teens. And, take it from me, you’ll need this list soon, because high school graduation comes quicker than you think!

Filled with family-friendly things to do, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn is the perfect compromise between city and suburban living making it a great place to raise kids. Bay Ridge is ethnically diverse, relatively affordable, and easily accessible. There are quaint townhouses on its side streets and lots of cute mom-and-pop shops and good restaurants on its commercial avenues, plus a strip of big chains on 86th Street. Though many residents have cars, they aren't necessary. The neighborhood's top things to do are all just a short walk away, and the R and N trains offer a direct commute from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn to or from Manhattan.

Bay Ridge, Brooklyn also boasts tons of green space, playgrounds, and epic sledding hills, plus fun annual family events, and awesome views of New York Bay and Lower Manhattan.

Here are our top picks for things to do in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn with kids. Find more unique NYC enclaves to explore in our Guide to Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in NYC.

Green clubs are a great way to bring environmental activism into the spotlight at your school. Whether your school has a thriving climate club or none at all, we're here to help you start a green club, expand your existing climate club, and get more students involved to make the biggest impact possible. And hey, maybe you'll make some new climate-conscious friends along the way!

For more eco-friendly tips and tricks for kids of all ages, check out our article about how one kid can be a climate hero, and subscribe to our Earth Kids newsletter.

The Chicago History Museum is off the beaten path of Chicago's Museum Campus and downtown area in historic Old Town, and gives kids an idea of how this great metropolis got here and why its people are so interesting. It's the only museum in Chicago that focuses on how the Windy City got to be what it is today. Just like the city itself, the museum is a little eclectic and a lot of fun. It's great for kids because most of its exhibits have interactive elements, and you can get through most of the exhibits in about three hours.

The Chicago History Museum is open Tuesdays through Sunday and is always free for kids 12 and under. It's also relatively affordable to adults at $19, with a $2 discount for students and seniors. It's easily accessible via the Brown Line and several buses, or you can park nearby for $10 a day with validation. And if your kids like this museum, check out more in our Museum Guide for Kids and Families in Chicago.

What makes Chicago such an awesome city? Here are our favorite parts of the Chicago History Museum for kids:

SeaWorld Orlando is one of the best theme parks in Central Florida for families of all ages and interests —from amazing animal exhibits and shows, to roller coasters and kiddie rides, SeaWorld Orlando has it all!

As an Orlando native, our family has had SeaWorld passes for many years now, and my kids (ranging in age from 4-12) have loved visiting SeaWorld Orlando at every age. And to top it off, we learn something new about the incredible resident marine animals at each visit! Read on for everything you need to know about visiting SeaWorld Orlando with kids.

Plan your Orlando vacation with the help of our Orlando Theme Park and Water Park Guide. Be sure to also bookmark our Florida Family Travel Guide for more fun ideas around the Sunshine State.

Long Island has an abundance of nature centers to explore that help us learn about and appreciate the region's natural wonders, like its world-class beaches and woodlands. Many of these destinations offer indoor and outdoor nature-based activities for children and caregivers.

When it's time to unplug and spend some quality time together, there's nothing like taking in some fresh air and connecting with nature and each other. So, next time you need a change of scenery, consider visiting one of these 13 nature centers on Long Island.

If you're looking for other alfresco activities on Long Island, like a roundup of the best hiking trails, be sure to check out our Guide to Outdoor Activities.