Here’s the thing about kids: They need a lot of stuff. From strollers and scooters to winter coats and summer dresses–not to mention the things they use only once or twice. (We’re looking at you, Halloween costumes!)

That’s where consignment shops can come in handy. Consignment shops typically sell "gently used," name-brand items at a fraction of their original prices. There are many consignment shops throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley, from stores that are open every day to pop-up sales. And, on the flip side, if you find yourself with lots of baby gear to unload, consigning–often by appointment, sometimes as walk-ins–can also be an option.

Looking for more ways to shop Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Check out our Stores and Sevices Guide. And for other thrifty activity ideas, be sure to bookmark our Free Fun Things to Do With Westchester Kids Guide. 

"Wooder ice! Get your wooder ice!" Philadelphians certainly have their fair share of lingo and accents, but whether you (youse?) pronounce it “wooder” or go with the old faithful “water,” get yourself to one of these Philly-based water ice destinations while the warm weeks are still upon us. Many locations on our list had their start in humble beginnings, only now to be recognized as some of the area’s best. With classic and unique flavors, real fruit, and to-go bins, everyone is sure to find something yummy. More of an ice cream lover? Many of the spots listed carry ice cream and soft serve as well, plus check out our list of Philly's best ice cream spots!

Located in the heart of The Berkshires, find the town of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. With its walkable main street draped with red, white, and blue buntings and bespeckled with the work of local artists, it's a charming mix of old and new, befitting a region that's experienced a re-birth as a regional travel destination thanks to the pandemic.

Its location is convenient for visitors from major metropolitan areas in Boston and New York City, and it manages to balance a certain small-town allure with arts, culture, recreation, and a burgeoning foodie scene to lure a variety of visitors. Whether you're heading for a hike in the hills outside of town or craving top-notch theater without big-city prices, Pittsfield has something for you. Read on for 35 things to do in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, with kids, and find more fun things to do nearby on our list of the best things to do in The Berkshires with kids. Be sure to bookmark our New England Family Travel Guide for more regional travel destinations.

We've all made hand shadows with flashlights when the power goes out unexpectedly, but have you tried lowering the lights on purpose for playtime? Light experiments are a magical form of sensory exploration with well-documented developmental benefits for kids, while happening to be deceptively simple for even the laziest parent (like me). Setting up a dark environment and incorporating flashlights into your play unlocks a whole new way of looking at the world, mesmerizes tumultuous toddlers, and brings open-ended process play into your home with minimal effort. Light experiments can even work wonders on children who fear the dark.

So cut the lights and grab your flashlights (check for batteries first, because dead flashlights are a bummer) and try out these 10 easy light and shadow experiments for toddlers and preschoolers. For more preschool and toddler science ideas, check out our list of science experiments for toddlers, and more science fun for kids of all ages in our Guide to Science Experiments for Kids.

Looking for things to do in New Jersey with tweens? Read on for our top picks. 

Your tweens may be too big for bouncy houses and tea parties, yet too young for solo outings with friends. But they still love family fun–even if they won't always admit it. When a trip to your local playground is met with eye-rolling instead of cheering, it's time to check out these amazing things to do in New Jersey with tweens. The good news? You may genuinely enjoy competing with your tween in bowling or tackling the fast slides at a water park.

Read on for 40 ideas that are cool enough for big kids and find more fun things to do in New Jersey with tweens in our Tweens and Teens Guide to NJ, which includes our rundown on birthday party ideas for teens in New Jersey. 

Welcome to year one! You’re officially “in it”—and even though you’ll have quite a few occasions in which you’ll want time to fly by, like those first few nights your infant sleeps in a crib for the first time, this year will be over in a flash. So, on top of all the daily snuggle fests and snapshots of milestones, do your best to make the most of these first 12 months with fun activities and family outings.

We’ve rounded up some of the best things to do with your infant, from a trip to a park or playground to a visit to one of Jersey's themed eateries to practice eating those solids.

Read on for 12 things to do in New Jersey before your baby turns 1–plus one to grow on!

Honestly, the kids just started school, and I haven't made our plans yet (note to self: do that today) for a quick getaway or day trip for Labor Day weekend. I am not ready for Halloween! But, with pumpkin spice lattes at coffee shops, Pumpkin Spice Oreos in the stores, and my kids already planning Halloween costumes, I think it's time to start planning. Especially since Disneyland has already announced that Oogie Boogie is fully sold out for 2022... So, I took a look at which beloved Los Angeles Halloween events and attractions are already on sale—almost all of them—so we can all snag some tickets before everything sells out.

From fun for the whole family at Haunt O' Ween to the big kid scares at Haunted Hayride, here are the best Halloween events you just might want to get tickets for today. Keep tabs on all the Halloween fun as it is announced in our Los Angeles Halloween Fun and Activities Guide.

After much reminiscing and debating, we’ve winnowed down our list to the 100 top classic toys for kids. What you'll see below are the best classic, retro, and vintage toys—the ones that capture the nostalgia of childhood and the pure bliss of playtime. Now, this is not a list of simple games and fun like kick the can or hide and seek. This is a list for your ultimate inner child—the one who wants all the toys! Perhaps the most amazing thing is that you can still buy every single one of them, either for yourself or to share the classic toy fun with your own kids. So sit back, remember, and possibly be inspired for your child’s next birthday or holiday. Or maybe your own?

Looking for more childhood favorites and classics? The bookworms here (that's pretty much all of us) brainstormed a list of 100 Kids' Books Every Child Should Read, and we've also got ideas for family movie night on our list of the 50 Best Kids' Movies of All Time.