25 Brain-Boosting Baby Games and Activities

Black-and-white toys and books, like this Thremhoo foldout book, are the perfect first tummy-time playthings.

While you probably know that playing with your baby is an important way to boost their brain development, it's important to note that not all baby games are created equal. Certain activities, toys, books, and baby games do a better job than others of stimulating tiny brains, getting babies' creative juices flowing, and developing both fine and gross motor skills.

Here are 25 baby games that will keep little ones engaged and learning during tummy time, while sitting in their high chairs, or whenever you want to have some fun and give their growing brains a boost. See our Baby and Maternity Guide for all other things baby-related, from the best baby registry services to the best first birthday gifts.

MoMi Expands Access with Free Entry to New Public Plaza and Programming

Kids are drawn to the tech-filled installations in the Open Worlds exhibit at the Museum of the Moving Image.

The Museum of the Moving Image has just debuted Open Worlds, a new initiative to expand access to the Queens culture spot that delivers on its promise of opening up a new world for museum patrons to relax and enjoy this local gem.

We recently checked it out and are sharing the details of our visit below. Find more cultural gems in our NYC Kids Guide to Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits.

55 Awesome Free Things To Do in DC This Summer With Kids

Cool off at one of the area's many great splash pads this summer. Photo courtesy of Montgomery Parks

School's almost out, summer is unofficially here, and we're on a mission to keep kids busy and having fun all summer long without breaking the bank. Luckily, there are tons of free things to do in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia this summer with kids, from free outdoor movies to free swimming pools.

Here is a list of 55 free activities for kids and families in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. How many of these free things to do in DC can your family fit in before school starts again? And don't forget: we are constantly updating our event calendar, so keep checking back for more free things to do in DC this summer with kids.

45 Awesome Free Things To Do in Atlanta This Summer With Kids

Head to Piedmont Park on July 27, 2024, to taste LOTS of ice cream in different forms (cones, cups, on a stick) and enjoy music and kids' activities. Photo courtesy of the event

"Free things to do" is our favorite phrase when it comes to kids' summer activities. ("Cheap" is a close second!) More importantly, kids are happy and worn out playing at a free park or splash pads. Since an Atlanta summer usually requires water, air conditioning, evening shade...or all three, we've kept those prerequisites in mind while gathering the best free things to do in Atlanta this summer with kids. 

50 Awesome Free Things to Do in Orlando This Summer With Kids

You can take three different Monorail tracks at Walt Disney World, absolutely FREE. Photo courtesy of Disney

We've gathered FREE things to do in Orlando this summer because we know all about the pressure and price of finding things to do to keep kids entertained when school is out. These free things in Orlando include everything from free splash pads and playgrounds to free shows and attractions, and lots more. See how many of these free things you can check off your summer list before school starts back!

Best Public Pools for Kids in San Francisco and the Bay Area

The Bay Area has loads of amazing public pools with special features for families.

What’s better than a cool swimming pool on a hot day? Luckily, the Bay Area has loads of amazing public pools with special features for families. From water slides and lazy rivers to retractable roofs, extra-large inflatables, and even a water obstacle course, these public pools in San Francisco around the Bay Area (From North Beach to Mill Valley to Berkeley and beyond) are awesome for kids of all ages. 

We've rounded up our favorite family-friendly beaches in the Bay Area and the best splash pads in all of San Francisco for when you want different ways to cool off! Find all this and more in our Ultimate San Francisco Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

77 Free Things To Do in Los Angeles This Summer With Kids

Train-obsessed kids will love this Griffith Park gem. Photo courtesy of Travel Town

Free things to do in Los Angeles can be found just about everywhere. And so, while the water parks are open, camps are starting, and your wallet is draining faster than a contaminated kiddie pool, fear not! There are plenty of amusement parks and attractions that allow kids in for free; you can take advantage of all the city's free museum days, or you can spend the day at a free event like The Lotus Festival in Echo Park. So go ahead and look at the list below and create your bucket list of free fun for kids in LA. 

Want some ideas for free summer fun at home? Check out our Ultimate Summer Bucket List Ideas: 100 (Mostly) Free Outdoor Games and Activities for Kids.

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