Best Maternity Stores in NYC for Expecting Moms

Shop the stylish and locally made collection at Hatch, which has a pair of NYC locations.

When it comes to maternity stores in NYC, most pregnant mamas load up on cheap Target and Old Navy gear. After all, you're only going to wear it for a few months, right? But great maternity clothes can make you feel like yourself again—or at least the NYC mama you want to be. We've found 10 New York City maternity stores selling maternity clothes, plus great postpartum gear like nursing bras, breast pumps, baby carriers, and even adorable bespoke onesies. Some even offer pre- and postnatal classes, and all are worth the splurge to find the best for you and your baby to be, even if that super cute onesie will be covered in spit-up in no time!

So, hit up the big box maternity retailers for your everyday T-shirts, and save these local New York City maternity stores for special occasions or to find something that truly fits. Besides, you'll likely be visiting this store again to try on nursing bras, and nothing beats a dedicated, knowledgeable staff and a carefully curated selection of excellent clothing and gear. Several even offer perks like lounge areas and nursing pillows for on-the-go breastfeeding.

While these maternity stores will get you through nine months and beyond, we've got more curated picks for the best baby stores in NYC to carry you through toddlerhood. You'll find other new parent resources in our NYC Baby and Pregnancy Guide.

Swim with Sharks, Meet Penguins, and Other Animal Experiences at the Long Island Aquarium

Animal encounters are easily one of the most fun and memorable parts of visiting the Long Island Aquarium.

Home to one of the largest all-living coral reef displays in this hemisphere, a 120,000-gallon shark habitat, and 100+ engaging aquatic exhibits, the Long Island Aquarium is also overflowing with opportunities to get up close and personal with the animals!

From selfies with penguins to the chance to wade through a critter-filled salt marsh, animal encounters are easily one of the most fun and memorable parts of visiting the Long Island Aquarium. To make sure you don’t miss a thing on your next trip, take a look at some of our favorite interactive experiences, broken down by those that are free with the cost of admission and those that require an additional free–plus, oftentimes, a reservation.

Best Teen Skincare and Pimple Patches Kids Are Obsessed With—From a Teen!

Starface's star-shaped pimple patches make kids look and feel awesome while dealing with pimples.

There are so many teen skincare lines out there, it can be hard to know which work, which are just marketing grabs for money, and which commit the worst sin of all—being uncool. To get the scoop on the best teen skincare lines and pimple patches, we decided to go to the source: a teen. Luckily, our own Ally Noel's daughter is a teen skincare expert, and she was happy to tell us what's what.

Read on for Charley's teen skincare picks, which include an old favorite, a celeb-created line, and a line that parents will happily pilfer from their kids. Plus, find out which pimple patches actually work—and which look the cutest.

We've got more teen insight, too, including 70 Life Skills Your Kid Needs Before College and great Pre-College Summer Programs for High School Students. Because no matter how much we dread it, our little ones grow up!

Kid-Friendly Spas and Kid Spa Parties in Orlando

Enjoy the ultimate kid spa party at Bee You Girls Spa. Photo courtesy of Bee You Girls Spa

Who doesn't love a spa day, especially a kid spa party?! Treat your little one, tween, or teen with a day at one of these Orlando kid-friendly spas. From Mommy & Me pedicures to royal makeovers, these special spa days are sure to create lasting memories for you and your child. We've also rounded up local services offering mobile kid spa parties—these companies bring the spa experience to you and make children feel pampered.

How to Join the Phillies Kids Club and Root for the Home Team All Season

Join the Phillies Kids Club, just in time for the home opener!

Just in time for the Phillies home opener, we've rounded up everything you need to know about taking your kids to the ballgame, from kids clubs to park attractions. Loving baseball has been a long-standing tradition in Philly, and the Philadelphia Phillies have always been a team like no other. Last year, the Phils played exceptionally well, enjoying a long playoff run that ended in a trip to the World Series. The excitement for the team was at an all-time high last fall, and Philly kids caught the Phillies phever!

The ball park offers many options for families, so read on to get geared up for the season and to find out how to get the most out of taking the kids to Citizens Bank Park. For more of ideas to engage your littlest sports lovers, visit our Sports Guide, and find more warm-weather outings for Philly families in our Spring Activities Guide.

12 Best Places To Visit in the South, USA with Kids

Snorkel in the pristine waters of Key West. Coral Reef State Park. Photo by John Pennekamp

The best places to visit in the South are all wonderful in their own way. If you're looking for a warm and sunny destination to escape a cold winter, you'll find it in many parts of Florida, Georgia, and other southern states. Perhaps your family is drawn to the fabulous Orlando theme parks, the country-music scene in Nashville, or the rich history of charming cities like Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. Or, maybe you just need a good dose of southern hospitality and cooking!

Whatever your reasons for traveling down south, here are the 12 best places to visit in the South with kids. From beautiful beaches and pristine parks to world-class museums and children's attractions, there's a southern destination on this list to suit every family's interests. For even more southern family vacation ideas, check out our Southern States Vacation Guide.

10 State Parks Near Houston With Lakes, Beaches, and Hiking

Fishing in Lake Somerville. Photo courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife  Department

For a great family trip close to home, head to one of these state parks near Houston. Whether you are planning a day trip or want to enjoy a weekend getaway in a tent, RV, shelter, or cabin, we have some awesome recommendations for state parks within a 2-hour drive of Houston. Houston-area state parks give kids the opportunity to spend time outdoors hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, alligator spotting, and hitting the beach. State parks are free for kids 12 and under, and even the fees for adults range from free to only $7 a day, with the funds being used to maintain the parks for future generations. Our guide will tell you how long your journey is from downtown Houston, opening hours, costs, availability of camping, and top activities for you and your family to enjoy. So, why not fill up your cooler, pack your picnic and s’mores, and hit the road?

For more camping, hiking, and outdoor play ideas, check out our Outdoor Activities Guide for Houston Kids.

3 Days on the Jersey Shore with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

Spread your towels on the expansive beach in Seaside Heights. Photo courtesy of Seaside Heights Boardwalk and Beach

The Jersey Shore overflows with things to do and see, from action-packed boardwalks and beautiful family-friendly beaches to lighthouses, and nature centers. There are tons of family-friendly attractions in the region.

If you're not a local, it can be a little daunting to think about what to do and where to go—especially if you only have a couple of days to play with. Here, we've put together a three-day plan to help you hit some of the best things to do in the Point Pleasant, Seaside, and Long Branch areas. Plus, we've even offered a bonus side-trip idea if you have time.

So, read on for our top things to do on a mini-vacation to the Jersey Shore and find more family-friendly things to do in our Guide to the Jersey Shore, plus more local getaways in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

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