Free Gear-Packed Baby Boxes Coming to an NYC Hospital Near You Later this Year

Launching later this year, NYC Baby Boxes will be distributed to every family delivering babies at four public hospitals.

When it comes to welcoming a new bundle of joy in NYC, it's no secret that a little one needs tons of gear, but a new initiative is set to put infant-supply-stocked NYC Baby Boxes in the hands of new parents at some local hospitals.

Read on for more details on this program and find more need-to-know info for new parents in our NYC Baby Guide, which includes our top picks for the city's best baby stores, plus 20 things to do before your baby turns 1, and more parent-tested tips for those early days with wee New Yorkers.

14 Best Hidden Gems in Orlando: Exploring Past the Big Theme Parks

Embark on a heartwarming, up-close encounter with playful dolphins at Discovery Cove. Photo courtesy of Discovery Cove

Take a break from Orlando theme parks and bring the family to one-of-a-kind, unique Orlando attractions. From swimming with dolphins, driving a tank(!), and partying with pirates, the Orlando area offers fun, wacky activities for every area of interest. Take a look at 14 of the best, off-the-wall Orlando experiences and attractions!

Where To Get Kids' Ears Pierced in New Jersey

Check out our list of trusted stores that do ear piercing for kids.

Looking for the best places in New Jersey to get your child's ears pierced? Read on for our list of NJ's top ear-piercing businesses. 

When the time is right to get your child’s ear pierced, there are so many things to think about. You’ll want to find an experienced and patient ear piercing specialist who uses sterile equipment. And, you’ll want to pick an ear piercing place that makes your child as comfortable as possible.

Not to worry—New Jersey has lots of great businesses specializing in ear piercing, so read on for our roundup of the state's best. Be sure to check out our Guide to Stores and Services, which includes our writeup on the Best Baby Stores in New Jersey

Secrets of MoMA: A Parent's Guide to Getting the Most Out of a Visit with Kids

The Museum of Modern Art has always been one of our favorite NYC museums to visit with kids. It's a gem among the city's world-class cultural institutions. You'll see some of the world's most famous artwork alongside exciting, new contemporary exhibits, and soaring sculptural pieces. In recent years, MoMA has made great strides to make its art accessible and fun for kids with family programming and events, kid-friendly gallery guides, tours, and interactive art labs.

The space and collection at MoMA are vast. With nearly 165,000-square-feet of art spanning five floors of galleries and more than 200,000 pieces ranging from paintings and sculptures to drawings, prints, photographs, and film, it's impossible to explore the entire museum in one day. To help families get the most out of their visit, here are our favorite family-friendly finds, tips, and activities at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Find more of our top tips and museum picks in our NYC Kids Guide to Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits in NYC.

Best Ear Piercing Places in Chicago for Kids

Thinking of getting your kid's ears pierced? These ear piercing places in Chicago are clean and gentle.

The best ear piercing places in Chicago for kids need to be gentle and hygienic, of course, but many kids and parents have other criteria on their list as well. Do they want to have both ears pierced at once so they don't chicken out between piercings? Would you prefer the more professional setting of a doctor's office, the fun feel of a jewelry store, or the edgy vibe of a tattoo parlor? How important is the selection of jewelry available?

We recommend picking a place certified by the Association of Professional Piercers. And make sure the child has received a DTAP vaccination, which is required before a piercing by Illinois state law. Some of the piercers on our list will only pierce children over the age of 6 or 8. Others will pierce infants or children over the 5, but not preschoolers. Make sure you check before making your appointment.

Cheap Spring Break Trips for Family Vacations

Visit DC in the spring for warm temps and maybe even cherry blossoms. Photo by m01229 via Flickr

Traveling during spring break can be expensive, but there are plenty of options for cheap spring break trips if you know where to look. Many cities and destinations cost a bit less but don’t scrimp on the family attractions, including top museums, eateries, beaches, and amusement parks.

In-the-know families also deploy a few tricks to plan fun spring break family vacations without blowing their mortgage payment, from scoring secret deals to compromising a bit on the location.

Read on for some of our favorite hacks for cheap spring break trips, including great budget-friendly destinations throughout the US. If a longer trip is not in the cards, check out your local guide to family day trips and weekend getaways. And, read our post on how to plan cheap, amazing, and affordable family vacations for even more money-saving ideas.

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