30 Banned Children's Books You Should Read Today

New Kid book signing with author Jerry Craft. Photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins

Books are getting banned at an alarming rate, especially children's books. When you think banned, you think there's got to be something controversial, mature, or upsetting in the books. But many of these books are classics that are beloved by generations of kids.

While kids might want to ban bedtime, bathtime, or broccoli, we're guessing that books like Charlotte's Web and Captain Underpants are things kids would rather celebrate than ban. We've compiled a list of frequently banned children's books that kids of all ages adore. So go ahead, be a rebel. Read a banned book. Books are magic, and knowledge is power.

For more of our favorite books that expand minds, thoughts, and hearts, check out our Best Kids' Books Guide to Great Reads, which includes incredible Kids' Books About Racism, Best LGBTQ Books for Kids, and more great book recommendations.

Best Indoor Playgrounds in Chicago for Kids

Climb and play all day no matter the weather, at Present Place. Photo courtesy of Present Place

Looking for indoor playgrounds in Chicago? Here are our favorite indoor play spaces near Chicago.

When the weather's too cold, too hot, or too rainy to play outdoors, you can head to one of our favorite indoor play spaces for kids in Chicago. There’s a climate-controlled play zone for every age, every interest, and every kind of kid. Many indoor play spaces in Chicago even offer coffee and wi-fi for grateful parents, so you can catch up on email (and caffeine) while your little ones get their sillies out.

Here are our favorite places to play indoors in and around Chicago when the weather won't cooperate. Looking for something else fun to do indoors with kids in Chicago? Check out our list of the best FREE indoor play spaces in and around Chicago. For more fun when it's too hot or cold to play outside, check out our Winter Activities Guide for Chicago Kids.

Parents Confess: 50 Things We Pretend to Enjoy

Let's see if they're still smiling after a long day at the amusement park!

Every week we here at Mommy Poppins ask our readers a question—things like, "What is your favorite donut place in your city?" or "Which would you rather have, a maid or a chef?" We typically get lots of great responses—some funny, some sweet, and some super insightful.

But rarely do we receive as much feedback as when we posed this question: "What are you convinced people are pretending to enjoy?" So many of you came to your keyboards for this one! We received hundreds of responses, with kale being mentioned the most.

Since this was such a hot topic, we decided to compile the best answers into one big list of 45 things we pretend to enjoy—and believe other people pretend to enjoy, too. Save this for the next time you're hanging out with other parents—it's sure to make for a lively discussion. Then check out our Parenting Guide for more parent talk, from funny animal memes to parenting tips from dads.

21 Birthday Freebies in NYC: Places Where Kids Eat Free and Nab Gifts

Hit up the Hard Rock Cafe for a free birthday treat.

Rent-out-the-whole-museum and hire-a-marching-band kid birthday parties have their fans, but when it comes to a memorable day, we think it's nice to find a few birthday freebies. Of course, there are plenty of at-home, DIY ways to celebrate your child's birthday for FREE, from leaving cute notes on the mirror to playing hooky. But it's also the one time each year you can take advantage of all those corporate birthday clubs that promise to make your kid's big day even more special with fun birthday freebies like complimentary gifts, food, and other deals.

We've rounded up a mix of local spots, with a lot of national chain restaurants and popular kids' stores thrown in, which all offer FREE birthday goodies. Some are specific to kids, though adults can snag a few birthday freebies, too. Most require an email list or loyalty card sign up.

Find more fun for your little one's big day (maybe even a marching band) in our NYC Kids' Guide to Birthday Parties.

The Best Indoor Play Spaces for Kids in Suffolk County

Kids can hop on tricycles and ride around the indoor track at L.I. Salty Kids Cove.

The best indoor playgrounds and indoor play spaces in Suffolk County range from bounce houses to more low-key offerings centered on activities like art. There are fun zones loaded with action sports that are best for bigger kids, and plenty more just right for toddlers and preschoolers.

Many of these destinations also double as party spaces, so call ahead to make sure they're open for public play. And don’t forget your socks—many do not allow shoes or bare feet, even for adults. Then get ready to let your kids loose to play there instead of in your living room.

Check out our similar list of indoor playgrounds in Nassau County, and be sure to bookmark our Guide to Winter Activities on Long Island for more ideas. 

100 Fun Free Things To Do in San Francisco with Kids

Swing by The Outpost at the Presidio Tunnel Tops for all the free fun. Photo by Sandra Lee

A treasure trove of free things to do in San Francisco with kids awaits. From walking across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to admiring the beloved sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf, it's easy to experience a diverse range of free things to do in San Francisco and the Bay Area. 

Explore the historic charm of Chinatown, take in breathtaking views at Lands End, introduce kids to culture at the Randall Museum, and explore all the free things to do in San Francisco at the Presidio. San Francisco's cultural richness and mild all-year climate ensures kids have memorable, endless options of free things to do in San Francisco. 

For more free things to do in San Francisco, discover free museum days for kids in San Francisco, check out everything you need to know about visiting Golden Gate Park with kids, and browse our Free Things To Do in San Francisco with Kids Guide

Don't Miss CAMPTOPIA, Our Amazing Indoor Festival with Camps

Camptopia NYC Camp Fair connects local families with top NYC summer camps for a day of fun.

If you've been to a Mommy Poppins event, you know they are always full of fun, but our upcoming CAMPTOPIA summer camp fair may be one of the best yet.

We've convinced top area day and sleepaway camps to bring their activities to CAMPTOPIA so you can try them out and see how much fun summer camp might be. There will be arts and crafts, robotics, filmmaking, s'mores, slime, a photo booth, gymnastics, an obstacle course, ping pong, dance, glass demos, a bounce house, magic shows, face painting, and more!

Plus, our sponsor b.box is giving the first 100 families a free b.box snack box. Find all the details and how to sign up below. 

38 Best Indoor Play Spaces and Indoor Playgrounds in Philadelphia

Kids can zoom down the slide and, of course, launch scarves at Kith + Kin. Photo courtesy of Kith + Kin

When the temperatures outside keep active children inside, it's important to have a list of the best indoor activities for kids in Philadelphia. To that end, we've compiled the best indoor playgrounds near Philadelphia and spots with indoor play spaces near Philly for kids to let off steam. From the most energetic trampoline parks to the calming nooks of Montessori-style hang-outs, Philly's got something for your family.

Need more ideas for great times indoors? Be sure and check out Free Indoor Play Spaces for Philly Kids and our Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones Guide.

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