We all know how important recycling is for the environment. Unfortunately, it's hard to figure out exactly how to recycle. What does the recycle symbol mean? What can be recycled (and what can't)? Where do we put items we want to recycle? And, most important, how do we teach kids about recycling symbols and what they mean?

This confusion—coupled with the fact that recycling rules often vary from city to city—is part of the reason only 32% of trash in the US is recycled, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.

We're here to (hopefully) answer all of your questions about what to recycle, how to recycle it, and just how to decode that ubiquitous recycle symbol. Check out our Earth Kids Guide for more tips on creating Earth-friendly habits for your family, including our tutorial on how to compost. And, sign up for our Earth Kids newsletter for more ideas and activities every month.

Historic Cold Spring Village in Cape May is definitely worth a visit if your kids are interested in history or you are hoping to pique their interest in history. The village is the largest open-air living history museum in New Jersey. You could spend a few hours strolling around the shady village or even the whole day.

When you visit the restored buildings on the 30-acre grounds, the 1800s really come to life! Kids will get a kick out of watching the hilarious puppet show, meeting the farm animals, and seeing how different life was 200 years ago! Read on to find out why my kids loved our day spent meandering around in the 19th century. 

While you are in Cape May, be sure to check out the FREE Cape May Zoo, the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, the Harriet Tubman Museum, or the bike along an old railroad track with Revolution Rail. 

When is the last time you stepped into The Met and had a curator encourage your child to touch and feel the exhibits? That tactile connection to artwork—to its making, its preservation, and ultimately, its appreciation—is at the forefront at the 81st Street Studio, the brand-new art and science play space that’s now open at The Met’s Fifth Avenue location.

Beyond giving city kids a new way to enjoy the wonders of The Met, the 81st Street Studio also makes it very accessible—admission to the space is completely FREE to kids and their families, surely cementing The Met’s status on our list of the best museums in NYC for children for years to come.

Orlando is synonymous with family-friendly vacations, and it's no surprise why. With its world-famous theme parks, beautiful weather, and a plethora of activities for all ages, it's the ultimate destination for a memorable family getaway. However, those hotels can really start to add up, when you're booking a long vacation with kids. Sometimes it's nice to stay in a house; one with multiple bedrooms, a kitchen, and even a backyard for the kids.

We've scoured the area to find our favorite home and condo vacation rentals for families in Orlando to help you book your dream vacation, with options for every budget. And if you are looking for a hotel, check out our Best Orlando Hotels for Families with Kids and Orlando Theme Parks Guide.

Bond with your little one during Mommy and Me—or really, Parent and Me—classes that help caretakers spend quality time with their babies and toddlers. Moms and dads have so many options in Atlanta for parent-child classes. From dance and gymnastics to art and music, Atlanta parents can try out fun, cute ways to connect with their young kids. 

Sailing on tall ships is a great way for families to explore the waters off Long Island's shores. From fishing trips and educational tours to private charters and schooner sails, these Long Island boats are the perfect way for your family to set off on a nautical adventure. 

Take the Ginny Marie, a 50-foot topsail schooner based in Port Jefferson Harbor. Sailing 7 days a week, three times a day from May to October, this 1920s wooden ship boasts a pirate ship vibe, which is perfect for families. My mateys and I were granted permission to come aboard for an afternoon sail. 

Below, a review of our tour, followed by a round-up of other sloop, schooner, and sailboat adventures around Long Island that are sure to make a big splash.

If you're looking for the absolute best things to do this fall in New Jersey, you've come to the right place. To celebrate the changing seasons, we've crafted this fall activities bucket list with dozens of things to do in New Jersey with kids. 

In autumn, New Jersey pulls out all the stops with crisp air, brilliantly colored leaves, apples ripe for the picking, pumpkins, and Halloween celebrations aplenty.

Be sure to also check out our Activity Calendar, which is bursting with fun picks, as well as our Guide to Fall Fun in New Jersey.

Rochester, NY is widely known as a gateway to the Finger Lakes region or the perfect stopover on a road trip to Niagara Falls. But this Upstate New York city stands on its own as a great family vacation destination, with good food, world-class museums, and a ton of history. Set right outside the banks of Lake Ontario, Rochester is also full of natural beauty.

Our family had a blast exploring Rochester on a recent summer trip. Here are 25 of our favorite things to do in Rochester with kids, including family-friendly hotels and restaurants in Rochester, NY. Check out our Adirondacks and Catskills Family Travel Guide for more New York State family vacation ideas.