Swimming Lessons for Boston Kids, Babies, and Toddlers (Where Parents Don't Need to Get in the Pool!)

All sibs in the pool! Small group sessions are available now at Goldfish. Photo courtesy of Goldfish Swim School

There are plenty of places that offer parent-child swim lessons for babies and toddlers in Boston, but that format doesn't work for all families. In some cases, parents aren't keen on the idea of getting in the pool themselves; in others, kids respond better to instructors when parents aren't around. Fewer places offer lessons for under-3-year-olds without a caregiver in the pool to participate, but some that do are highly rated by parents. Here are a few Boston-area swim schools that are open and accepting students now, with certain COVID-19 safety protocols in place.

Peruse our Boston classes guide for more enrichment ideas for your Boston baby and toddler, including music, soccer, and more.

9 Stroller-friendly Hiking Trails for LA Parents To Hike with Toddlers

Start kids hiking when they're young, and you've created a hiker for life.

If a stroll to the neighborhood park is not enough to stretch your limbs, pack that stroller and head for a trail—but make sure it's one that accommodates said stroller. Backpacking parents can enjoy our suggestions for traditional kid-friendly hikes; back-aching parents should read on to see nine suggestions for LA hikes with plenty of room for strollers to stride. From stroller-friendly hikes past waterfalls to hilly hikes with ocean views, there are stroller hikes here for every family.

For more hiking suggestions, be sure to check out our family hiking guide.

10 Creative Tooth Fairy Ideas Kids Love

What's that tooth worth these days? Photo by Mommy Poppins

As your child begins to notice the first signs of a wiggly tooth, you may start asking yourself a lot of questions about how to be the Tooth Fairy. What does the Tooth Fairy pay these days? Does she leave something besides money? Does the Tooth Fairy take the teeth with her?

From tooth fairy letters to tooth fairy pillows to glitter money and more, we've rounded up some truly creative and fun tooth fairy ideas and traditions that provide inspiration for creating a little tooth fairy magic in your own home. Plus, we'll tell you what the average kid seems to be collecting for those pearly whites...

Family-Friendly Bowling Alleys in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Hit the lanes at these local bowling alleys in Westchester that are open with safety measures in place.

A family bowling outing is a classic go-to activity no matter the season. Nowadays, bowling alleys have become flashy, multi-faceted venues with added attractions like arcades, rides—even ax-throwing.

Read on for 10+ family-friendly bowling alleys in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, and find more family fun at these indoor play spaces and in our Indoor Fun Guide.

New Worlds Await for Kids at the Kennedy Space Center's Planet Play Attraction

Explore the solar system and beyond. Photo courtesy of Kennedy Space Center

My family and I recently took a trip to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for my son’s 10th birthday. As part of the trip we got to check out the new multistory play experience, Planet Play, which opened January 1. Designed for ages 2-12, this indoor attraction includes interactive replicas of the planets in our solar system. Kids can slide down an asteroid field, walk on Saturn’s rings, race rovers on Mars, and more. 

Planning to visit Kennedy Space Center?  Make a fun family weekend out of it by staying at one of these nearby Florida beach communities.

Amusement Parks, Summer Camps Get Green Light to Reopen in New York

Legoland New York Resort is poised for a springtime opening thanks to Governor Andrew Cuomo's recent announcement. Photo courtesy of Legoland

New York families can finally start looking forward to a more "normal" summer thanks to Governor Andrew Cuomo's announcement this week that summer day camps and sleepaway camps can begin making plans to reopen. Another boon to families: Indoor family entertainment centers and outdoor amusement parks have also been given the green light to reopen.

Read on for details on these newest reopening plans, and be sure to bookmark our list of what's open now in NYC for kids to keep up on all the developments as they happen.

Maple Sugaring with Kids in Connecticut: Maple Syrup Festivals, Sugar House Tours, and More

Photo courtesy of the Sharon Audubon Center

Warm days and cool nights start the sweet, sweet maple syrup season. Right about now, sugar houses across Connecticut are busy collecting and evaporating clear sap into tasty, golden syrup. The traditional maple sugaring season extends from late February until late March. Here, we share the latest information on maple syrup activities and sugar house tours for Connecticut families during this year's syrup season. 

Make the most of the next couple months by checking out our favorite snowshoeing spots and snow tubing areas in our Connecticut winter fun guide.

8 Jersey Shore Boardwalks to Explore in the Offseason

Explore the famous Asbury Park boardwalk or one of its famous neighbors in the offseason.

Winters at the boardwalk are seriously underrated. You can zip down the Parkway, find parking without circling, stroll a crowd-free Jersey Shore boardwalk, and—best of all—jump to the head of the ice cream line.

So, where are the best spots for a crisp, offseason Jersey Shore adventure? We've rounded up eight local boardwalks where you can stretch your legs, grab a treat, and enjoy some family time. While wide-open spaces and the fresh sea breeze are nice, each of these spots boasts some family-friendly offseason perks making them worthy of a day trip.

Find more fun things to do in our Jersey Shore Family Guide.

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