Free and Cheap Summer Camps in Los Angeles

Camp Hollywoodland is an affordable sleepaway camp in the heart of LA. Photo courtesy of laparks.org

Summer camps in Los Angeles can be a great way to keep kids busy and even intellectually and creatively stimulated through those long summer months—but rarely is it cheap. Amazingly, we came up with a list of summer camps in Los Angeles that won't destroy your budget. Some are even (gasp) free. Check out these summer camps in Los Angeles with your kids, tweens, and teens now, as spots will fill up before you know it.

You may want to browse great STEM camps, and musical theater camps too! Find even more options in our Los Angeles Summer Camp Guide, or browse our Camp Directory of listings by interest, age, and area.

The Best Winter Day Trips from Chicago for Families

TIme to get out of the city and make some snow angels. Glacial Park photo courtesy of McHenry County Conservation

These day trips from Chicago are perfect for that post-holiday stretch when you need to get the kids out of the house. Because winter in Chicago can feel long... really long. A change of scene can be just the thing!

We've rounded up day trip options that are great whether you're up for a short drive or want to take a full day to explore. From museums to outdoor snow fun and nearby states to visit, these are the best winter day trips from Chicago to take with kids.

For more travel guides and winter activities, be sure to explore our Chicago Family Travel Guide. Looking to stay local? Check out our winter activities guide for kids here

20 Great Winter Day Trips and Getaways near Philadelphia

Play a tune on the piano mat at FAO Schwarz. Photo by Janet Bloom

The cold, blustery days of winter present an ideal time for a family getaway. Whether you enjoy skiing, amusement parks, or seeing historic sites, there are plenty of options for day trips near Philadelphia. Within a few hours' drive, Philadelphians can explore the mountains of Pennsylvania, visit the Catskills, or cross the bridge to New Jersey's many attractions, hitting any number of memorable experiences along the way. For a quick adventure, consider one of these exciting winter day trips near Philly.

Additional ideas for seasonal fun can be found in our Winter Fun Guide for Philadelphia Families, and our Skiing, Snowboarding, & Snow Sports Guide.

Top Places to Host a First Birthday Party in Houston

Houston is full of great places to celebrate first birthdays. Photo courtesy Sweet Pecks Photography

First birthday parties in Houston come in all shapes and sizes and often involve guests of all ages, including parents, siblings, friends from daycare, and more. Choosing the theme, decor, food, and location for a first birthday party in Houston can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be.

We've rounded up a list of Houston-area birthday party venues that provide age-appropriate activities for your birthday boy or girl to help you plan a fun, festive first birthday celebration.

If the weather cooperates, we've also got some great Outdoor Kids' Birthday Party Ideas. For more helpful birthday party tips, check out our Birthday Party Guide for Houston families.

25 Things To Do on February Winter Break on Long Island

The Long Island Aquarium's Butterfly Garden is a beautiful and warm place to visit during winter break. Photo by Gina Massaro

Winter break, February break, midwinter break, or Presidents Week—no matter what you call it, your Long Island kiddos will be home from school for a whole week, and you need ideas to keep them busy.

We’ve got exactly what you need: A list of 25 family-friendly events happening across Long Island during February's winter break, which runs from Monday, February 19-Friday, February 23, 2024. From one-day and week-long camps to outdoor ice skating and family-friendly museums, our roundup of activities gets you up and out of the house. 

For more ideas, check out our list of 24 fun things to do with Long Island kids this winter and our Winter Fun Guide.

25 Things To Do on February Winter Break in New Jersey

Catch one of the 30-minute family shows at Rowan University's planetarium this winter break. Photo courtesy of the  university

Looking for things to do during winter break in New Jersey? Read on for more than two dozen terrific options. 

Sandwiched between the bustling holiday break and the itching-for-warm-weather spring break is New Jersey's midwinter February Break. This year, Presidents Day is on Monday, February 19, 2024, and many NJ schoolchildren have a 3 or 4-day weekend, making it the perfect time for a family outing or family-friendly winter day trip.

Read on for our picks for the best February break activities for NJ kids, and bookmark our Family Activity Calendar for even more ideas.

Best Things To Do with Kids in Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, and Boerum Hill, Brooklyn

Cobble Hill Park is a buzz of activity no matter the season. Photo courtesy of Sara Marentette

The charming streets of tree-lined Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, and Boerum Hill are filled with family-friendly dining, places to play, and unique experiences like gaming and drop-in play spaces. It's infused with a mix of cultures, including Italian and French. The spires of grand historic churches mix with the pretty brownstones and numerous parks and playgrounds.

The area is bordered by the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge Park to the west and the charming Brooklyn Heights enclave to the north, with Park Slope and Gowanus to the south and east.

Read on for our top picks for kid-friendly things to do in these popular Brooklyn neighborhoods.

Best Sledding Hills in NYC

Central Park has some great hills for a fast ride. Photo by Jody Mercier

When the flakes fly, the sledding hills in New York City really come to life. Families flock to these local sledding spots spread across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island for wintertime fun with the kids. In compiling our list of the best sledding hills in NYC, we asked our readers, family, and Mommy Poppins writers and editors for their top recommendations for sledding hills citywide.

Looking for more snowy day activities? Read our roundup of snow day boredom busters, and bookmark our Guide to Winter Fun in NYC for more seasonal activities.

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