After a summer of expensive entertainment, we could all use this list of free and cheap after-school classes in NYC for kids!

The school year is barreling toward us, and that means it's (past) time to start thinking about after-school classes in NYC, too. Families looking for reasonably priced, enriching, and even free after-school programs for kids in New York City have plenty to choose from. There are tons of after-school programs for sports, arts, academics, and other classes to choose from. With offerings in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Harlem, and more, you're bound to find a great inexpensive or free after-school program for your kids, no matter their ages, interests, or address.

We've rounded up 15 local organizations offering free or cheap after-school classes in NYC for kids, tweens, and teens throughout the five boroughs. If you're looking for more options, see our New York City Classes for Kids Guide and use our directory to search for programs by age, interest, and neighborhood.

We rounded up New Jersey's best indoor family fun centers where toddlers, kids, and teens can burn off some energy. These spots are perfect places to bring the kids when it's too hot, cold, or rainy to be outside. 

Whether you're into trampolines, laser tag, or play mazes, we've got something for everyone on this list.

Check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids for more great indoor play spots. 

With the upcoming start of fall, Philly families have a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the surroundings in what is clearly the most colorful season of the year. All across the region, scarecrow competitions, autumnal exhibits, and outdoor adventures allow visitors to embrace the season. Whether by way of garden, train, river, or mountainous vista, there are lots of great family-friendly fall day trip options in the Philadelphia area! 

For more ideas to fill your fall days as a family, check out our Guide to Fall Fun in Philly.

Every time we post a poll or suggestions question on our Instagram and Facebook pages, one name keeps popping up: Imaginology Kids. 

Where’s the best place for a kids' birthday party? Imaginology Kids. Where is a great place to send the kids to summer day camp? Imaginology Kids. Where is a great spot for free play during the week? Imaginology Kids. I’ve seen it so many times that I knew I had to visit with my crew. And what a visit it was! I'm breaking down everything you need to know about one of the coolest playspaces for kids in Los Angeles.

Check out our list of recommendations if you are looking for other great indoor spaces to play, the best playspaces in LA, and museums for kids in LA. 

Are you smarter than a fifth grader? You may be, but are your kids? Find out with these fun trivia questions!

Do your kids love learning and testing their knowledge? Are you looking for a fun and educational way to spend time together as a family?

Look no further. We've compiled a fantastic list of Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader questions that will challenge your little ones and bring out their inner scholars. From history, geography, and math to animals, nature, and science, these questions are perfect for kids from first through fifth grade.

Once your kiddos have tackled these 100 Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader questions, challenge them further with our list of 100 trivia questions for kids. Then find even more brain boosters in our Boredom Busters for Kids guide.

On top of buying the right notebooks and packing the correct pencils, we all want to make sure our kids are physically and emotionally prepared for a happy and healthy school year. But never did I consider back-to-school concerns like the impact of AI on my kids’ learning, asthma safety, or recovery from common sports injuries.

Luckily, the experts at Connecticut Children’s have, and they’re sharing all their timely tips in their free 2024 Back to School Toolkit. As always, the comprehensive kit provides straight-forward, age-appropriate advice from leading pediatric specialists who are 100% dedicated to kids’ mental health, sports performance, health and safety, and social justice issues.

Here are five questions to ask this back-to-school season, plus answers and advice from the pros:

There are tons of wonderful tours in New York City that give families an unforgettable experience. But, who doesn’t love to peek behind the curtain for an inside scoop? From stepping into famous pizza kitchens to exclusive looks behind the scenes of a favorite Broadway show, these behind-the-scenes tours in NYC offer a treasure trove of adventures to spark curiosity and excitement, while giving you and your kids some street cred!

So, grab your calendar and start planning an adventure to one of these behind-the-scenes New York City tours. We've got more splurge-worthy experiences for families on this list of over-the-top NYC experiences for kids.

The Tuckerton Seaport Museum bills itself as a showcase for New Jersey's coastal culture, and my family and I had a great time visiting it this summer. The Jersey Shore institution offers boat rides, creek tours, a nature trail, a lighthouse, an old fishing village, and crafting. 

When I first looked at the website before visiting, I thought it would be for older children, but my kids ages 2, 6, and 8, were all happy with the visit because it offers activities that will appeal to a variety of ages.

Read on for everything you need to know before visiting the Tuckerton Seaport Museum, and check out our roundup of 70 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids for more inspo while you're in the area.