Ready to spoil your kid for their birthday? We love to make our kids feel special on their big day, and our readers have helped come up with dozens of completely FREE ways to show the birthday star how much they mean to us, from a "Yes" day to a special breakfast surprise. 

With a little bit of imagination—and this handy list for inspiration—your family might just create new traditions that don't involve forking over next month's rent with a pricey party. Most of these birthday party ideas work especially well during these days of continued social distancing and immediate-family-only celebrations. Check out our Birthday Party Guide for more ideas or find a virtual party entertainer on Poppins@Home.

The Hudson Valley is a great destination for weekends and day trips, offering beautiful nature, scenic hiking trails, outdoor activities, historic sites, and world-class art. When it comes to that last detail, Dia Beacon is our go-to destination.

The larger-than-life museum and exhibition space houses large-scale, post-modern artworks and installations on the banks of the Hudson River in the beautiful, family-friendly town of Beacon.

Located within a former industrial storage complex along the waterfront in Sunset Park, Industry City has evolved into a cultural and foodie hub. The eight formerly derelict, city-block-sized buildings, running from 33rd to 37th Streets between Second and Third Avenues, are now home to artist studios, workspaces, great shopping, art exhibitions, a chocolate factory, a Brooklyn Nets training facility, an international food hall, and even one of our favorite ice skating rinks.

It's the perfect spot for shoppers, food-lovers, and young families, offering a unique mix of tastes, sights, art, and family programming. While certain activities and businesses have closed in the current pandemic, there's still a great deal to see and do in Industry City. Its large outdoor areas are perfect for socially distanced get-togethers, too.

Read on for 17 ways to make the most of a trip to Industry City with kids.

If your kids are anything like most, their holiday wish lists were filled with requests for new toys. But now that your house is overflowing with new treasures, what do you do with all of the old ones or those that your child never even opened? Or all of the baby equipment that was gently—or never—used? Consider supporting one of these local charities accepting donations.

We've rounded up 11 local Long Island charities that could use your support. We always recommend checking current donation requirements. Many organizations only accept new, unused items.

For safety reasons, most charities do not accept cribs or car seats. However, many accept strollers, bouncers, and even baby care items such as diapers. Before dropping by, contact these local charities to make sure they haven't reached their donation limits. One other tip: Ask your school, local library, or church if they can use your second-hand items. Often, those institutions are willing to accept used toys and books from someone they know and trust.

Looking for more ways to help your community? There are plenty of local volunteer opportunities for kids and families.

We're excited to introduce a new place to find recipes on Mommy Poppins. Our brand-new Easy Recipes for Kids guide includes all sorts of simple baking projects like Hot Chocolate Bombs and Homemade Ice Cream, as well as weeknight dinner ideas, such as Trader Joe's Recipe Ideas.

We've also included plenty of snack ideas—handy for remote learning!—and even some sneaky science lessons in recipe form, such as growing rock candy.

It's not only safer to eat outside these days; it's more fun, too! Boston-area restaurants are getting creative by setting up igloos, domes, yurts, greenhouses, cozy private cabins, and other enclosed or socially distanced heated spaces to allow families to eat outside this winter. Be sure to call ahead or make reservations for these magical spaces before heading out for dinner, lunch, or brunch, since most restaurants are operating with capacity restrictions. 

Make an afternoon of it by pairing a visit to one of these kid-friendly restaurants with a winter day trip to a local park or farm. Our Boston Winter Fun Guide includes more ideas for keeping kids safe, warm, and entertained in the coming months.

It's no secret 2020 took its toll on New York City. From weary parents to homebound school children, the pandemic has left its mark on us all. As we turn the page to the new year, we want to take a moment to share some appreciation for the family-friendly NYC businesses that closed in 2020. These spots are pandemic victims in their own right, ranging from play spaces to bookstores and family-friendly eateries and boutiques who all helped make our lives a little simpler, and their loss is one we'll likely feel for years to come.

Discover 30 days of indoor activities to get your family through an entire month of at-home play with kids of all ages. Tuck it away for a rainy or blustery day, or break it out now if facing another round of stay-home orders. Find more indoor activities in our Stay-at-Home Activities Guide.