Do you have a child who dreams about being a pro sports star, a pirate, or a princess? A handful of forward-thinking playgrounds in Massachusetts really take imaginative play to the next level. From a pair of Patriots-themed parks sure to thrill G.O.A.T. and Gronk fans to a castle-shaped playground fit for wannabe royals, these outdoor play areas—all within an hour of Boston and free and open to the public year-round—are perfect for kids who love to play pretend. For more parks that justify a trip beyond your own 'hood, check out our recent roundups of our favorite destination playgrounds and brain-boosting playgrounds.

What kid doesn’t like special treats on his or her birthday? There are plenty of places on Long Island offering FREE meals and other goodies for your child on that special day. Many of these birthday treats can be cashed in anytime during the child’s birthday month, so the fun can be enjoyed before or after the birthday itself.

We love to support local small businesses when we can, but some chain-store birthday clubs are pretty sweet, too, and many have locations across Long Island: There's bound to be an outpost near you. Be sure to check out our Long Island Party Guide for more on how to make your child's birthday a day to remember, including information on venues, entertainers, and more.

Summer has come and gone and the days of vacation at the shore have passed. If you've still got some vacation days left, maybe you're thinking about taking a long weekend away. Or, maybe you'd just like to take a weekend to see the leaves change color and enjoy the beautiful weather before winter hits. We've rounded up some beautiful vacation spots nearby that are full of lovely fall activities and sights. If you're taking a longer trip, check out our 10 Family Road Trips Under 10 Hours Away post for more great ideas.

For over a decade, parents flocked to Tribeca for top-notch schools and huge loft apartments, even if it meant giving up some of the amenities found in more established neighborhoods. There’s certainly no lack of family friendly features now! With action-packed parks, delicious restaurants, and tons of kid-approved spots and attractions, Tribeca offers the best of city living while somehow maintaining an almost small town vibe that residents can’t get enough of.

Likewise, instead of the rough loft spaces of the past, families can now opt for luxury buildings, like our sponsor 6 Cortlandt Alley, with enviable perks. This boutique condominium features a cyber doorman, a parent-approved private gym with Peloton bikes, a resident’s lounge for the whole fam, spacious storage units available for purchase, and even a cold storage room to keep up with your sanity-saving grocery delivery addiction.

With all of these offerings, families moving to Tribeca nowadays can have their cake and eat it too. Read on for some of the things that make this happening hood an out-of-this-world place to raise your kids, and learn about a rare auction offering high-end Tribeca condos at seriously marked-down prices.

Waterfalls are one of those treasures in life that we don’t often come across—but when we do, we’re mesmerized.

While New Jersey has a handful of picturesque cascades, most are tucked away on hiking trails or in wooded areas, such as Hemlock Falls in the South Mountain Reservation in West Orange or Boonton Falls in Grace Lord Park in Boonton.

If you’re not much of a backpacker, however, or are just looking for a quick jaunt, check out Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in Paterson. It’s an easy day trip with a view to remember—and one you can drive right up to.

NYC's long list of fun, immersive pop-up experiences is growing by the day—this year alone there have been Instagram-worthy pop-ups devoted to color, candy, tea, and dogs. The Museum of Pizza, which just opened in Williamsburg, may be the tastiest one yet: Every ticket holder gets a free slice. If there's anything more city-kid-friendly than a pizza inspired funhouse that comes with a slice of pizza, don't tell me what it is. Read on for a sneak peek inside NYC's latest pop-up, and tips for visiting the Museum of Pizza with kids.

If previous efforts to drag your kids to something as high falutin' as the ballet have misfired, Sweet Sorrow: A Zombie Ballet may be a game changer. In fact, it could make this Halloween season the perfect opportunity to convince your kids that there's more to classical music than just predating 1990.

It's past bedtime, but a barking cough and noisy breathing are keeping your toddler wide awake. Weekend soccer practice ends abruptly with a slide tackle right to your middle schooler's ankle. Your otherwise healthy teen is suddenly covered with welts from head to toe. The pediatrician’s office is definitely closed and panic starts to set in as you weigh whether the circumstances warrant an emergency room visit.

Well, as it turns out, there may be a better option. A pediatric urgent care center—like those operated by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in Chalfont, Pa., Glen Mills, Pa., and King of Prussia, Pa.—can actually handle all of these problems and then some, including a number of illnesses and injuries you might think require an emergency department visit. And while many issues may feel ER-worthy to us worried parents, they might not meet the medical criteria that require a trip to the hospital. So, instead of booking it to the nearest emergency room or waiting for the pediatrician's office to open for your kiddo's next fever or fall, call your child’s doctor and ask if an urgent care for kids might be the best option. These facilities treat your child when you need it—on evenings and weekends—and how you need it—with special consideration for his or her needs.