Birthday parties have morphed into an entity all their own. Each year the celebration has to be bigger and better than the last. So, where do you start?

Don't worry—we've rounded up some of Long Island's best venues for parties to please a variety of kids, from divas and princesses to tumbling tots and animal enthusiasts. These places make party planning easy, and almost all include a host, setup and cleanup, food, and other essentials. The only hard part is picking just one! 

Be sure to check out our Birthday Party Guide for Long Island Kids for even more tips on planning the perfect party for your child. It has ideas specific to first birthdays, toddlers, active kids, and more.

Tucked on a woodsy cul-de-sac in Washington - one of the most pastoral areas of Connecticut – you will find an important assortment of stories and artifacts that preserve and celebrate the traditions and contributions of indigenous cultures. Though small in square footage, the Institute for American Indian Studies Museum & Research Center features an impressive collection and is an especially child-friendly Litchfield County attraction.

Of all of the exciting activities for kids in Houston, spending time at a shopping mall doesn't typically rank high on the list. Unless that is you happen to be heading to Memorial City Mall to visit the American Girl Store. Just walking up to the entrance to the store creates an Instagram-worthy situation as you and your child approach the iconic red facade. If you were a fan of the dolls as a kid, the nostalgia of American Girl will hit you square between the eyes as you enter the store. Of course, shopping is on the agenda, but there are so many other activities to engage in when you visit the American Girl store. 

When it comes to kids, stomach aches are two things: common and complicated. Sure, sometimes that second cupcake at the birthday party or the twisty turvy drive to Grandma's house is enough to turn a kiddo's belly, but other times an undiagnosed digestive disorder is to blame—and it may be getting written off as "just a tummy ache." So, when a pediatric specialist at Connecticut Children’s offered to give us the lowdown on stomach ache causes that may actually be more serious, the worried mom in me was all ears. And if you're no stranger to the infamous cry of "my belly hurts," you'll definitely want to read on to see if it's time to schedule an appointment.

Don't let bathtime be a battle! Easier said than done, right? Try these colorful bath toys to soothe cranky kids or entertain those fearful of the dreaded water and soap in the eyes.

Bath toys are sometimes the difference between a disaster of a nighttime routine and a chill one in my home, which includes three little kids. Picking the right bath toys, or a brand-new one, has always worked to distract my kiddos, so check out these 11 tried-and-true bath toys for toddlers, big kid bubbles, and even sweet baby bath toys, such as color-changing bath books.

Chinese New Year in Disneyland? Well, it is the Year of Mouse, after all. And while most angelenos know about DTLA's famous Chinese New Year Festival and its accompanying 120+ year-old Golden Dragon Parade, not everyone realizes that there are also ways to celebrate the season at our favorite theme parks. So if you like your lion dance with a side of roller coaster, you've got options.

My kids love to get free stuff, and to be honest, I get pretty excited about it too. Here are some of our favorite birthday clubs for kids, with great freebies like ice cream, burgers, and gift cards.  I’ve chosen birthday clubs that offer free stuff to kids (and often to their parents), plus some that give you BOGO or free with purchase deals for your child’s birthday. 

Even when it's not your child's birthday, kids can visit these museums at no charge and eat free at these area restaurants. See more no-cost activity ideas in our Free Fun Guide for Boston Kids!

If you're looking for a first museum experience for your kids, the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers is one of the best local options. It's not huge or overwhelming, but it offers plenty to do to keep kids engaged and learning. 

The largest cultural institution in Westchester County, the Hudson River Museum includes galleries, a planetarium, amphitheater, historic mansion, picturesque outdoor space, and plenty of family-friendly events and activities. My dad and I took my 5-year-old and 2.5-year-old for a visit on a recent Saturday afternoon, and it was a perfect outing.