The adjacent Flatiron District and Union Square neighborhoods are two of Manhattan's most unlikely kid-friendly areas. Even though both are filled with office buildings and chain stores, there are lots of amenities for families if you know where to look. Both Union Square and the Flatiron District boast beautiful parks with destination playgrounds, a great selection of family-friendly restaurants, and one-of-a-kind attractions like the interactive Museum of Mathematics, the foodie wonderland that is the Union Square Greenmarket, kid-lit haven Books of Wonder, the sculpture-filled Lego Store, and a very magical Harry Potter New York.

Because the neighborhoods encompass less than a mile together, families can easily explore both Union Square and the Flatiron District in one day, even with a short-attention-span toddler in tow. Of course with so many things to do, see, and experience in this 15-block stretch from 11th to 26th Streets between Fifth and Park Avenues, you'll probably need more than just a day to hit all the recommended stops in this guide to Union Square and the Flatiron District.

Find more local enclaves to explore in our Family-Friendly NYC Neighborhood Guide.

A crying baby can send even the most seasoned parent into a small panic—especially if you can't figure out just what is wrong. Is your baby hungry? Tired? Colicky? Hot? Cold? Trust me—we've all been there.

The truth is, there are a variety of reasons a baby may be upset. Figuring out which of those reasons is causing the fuss—and learning just what to do to fix the problem—is key to knowing how to soothe a crying baby.

The below tips will help you figure out why you have a crying baby, what to do when babies cry, and how to soothe colic in a fussy baby. If your infant is having trouble sleeping, you can also try one of our favorite baby sleep aids to (hopefully) help your baby sleep through the night. And if you still can't figure out how to calm your crying baby or you think something may be wrong, don't hesitate to contact your pediatrician. After all, when it comes to your child, you could never be too careful. You've got this!

Everyone's all a-flutter at the Natural History Museum because the butterflies are back in town! The Natural History Museum is opening the Butterfly Pavilion on the museum’s South Lawn, offering delightful flutterby time on the same site where the creepier Spider Pavilion usually sets up in autumn. From chrysalis to butterfly, the Butterfly Pavilion is full of magical moments, which is why it rates as one of our 100 things to do with LA kids before they grow up.

Tickets are available beginning on March 5, and these lovely Painted Ladies and delicate Lacewings will be on display all summer long, so everyone will have a chance to see them!

If you’re looking for a free outing in Chicago, the Lincoln Park Zoo is likely already high on your list. The new Houston Family Play Tree House has recently opened in the zoo, making it an even more fun place to explore with kids. Plus, the tree house is located indoors, making it a great stop even if the weather isn’t optimal for walking around the zoo.

This accessible play space is replacing the former Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo and has play features that appeal to children up to about the age of 10. For more fun with kids in Lincoln Park, be sure to check out our Lincoln Park neighborhood guide for some great places to check out with kids before or after your zoo trip.

These newly remodeled NYC playgrounds are ready for their close up. The changing of seasons has us anticipating the arrival of spring and sunny afternoons to enjoy these new romping spots. Located in parks from Manhattan to Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, the NYC Parks Department has been on a tear remodeling and rebuilding NYC playgrounds.

So, if you've already visited all of these NYC playgrounds worthy of a subway schlep, we've got you covered with some newly opened or renovated playgrounds in NYC for you and the kids to enjoy. From tot lots to expansive climbing structures and top-notch sandboxes, here are six new NYC playgrounds we can't wait to romp in. Find more places to play outdoors in our Guide to NYC Playgrounds.

Turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.

There are so many indoor birthday party places in San Francisco that it will be hard to choose just one. Luckily, kids will have years and years of birthdays in the future, with no shortage of exciting indoor party places in San Francisco to hold those memorable birthday parties. 

A wide range of indoor birthday party spots for all interests and energy levels makes it easy to plan an indoor birthday party in San Francisco and the Bay Area, especially if the weather isn't ideal. From places that let kids learn about animals, science, arts, and interactive activities like inflatables, LEGO, and bowling, there are indoor birthday places for all interests and all ages. We rounded up our favorite indoor birthday party places in San Francisco that pretty much do all the party planning for you while making your kiddo's milestone a special one. These birthday party places might have walls, but they'll still be the life of the party. 

Want more indoor fun? We love these indoor playgrounds when the kids need to release some energy, and these cooking classes for little foodies. Our at-home guide also has tons of engaging activities to try inside the house. 

Sending children to summer camp can add up, so finding an affordable summer camp in Miami and South Florida that also excites kids is a rarity. We have compiled a list of fun, affordable camps in South Florida that kids will love for the activities, and parents will love for the cost. Summer is fast approaching, and keeping kids busy, happy, and engaged is crucial when getting them through the Florida heat.

For more awesome summer camp ideas, check out our Guide to Summer Day Camps in Miami & Fort Lauderdale! And make summer travel plans by visiting our Florida Family Vacation Guide to get creative ideas about hotels, restaurants, activities, and more in the area.