Eating out can be expensive, especially in NYC. However, kids can enjoy meals for free with special deals. For NYC kids, there really is such a thing as a free lunch...if you know where to go. At these local eateries, you can feed those hungry mouths for the unbeatable price of $0, while you get a break from playing chef. We know what you'll be making tonight: reservations.

Find all our top picks for family-friendly eats in our NYC Kids' Restaurant Guide.

In today's digital age, kids are often missing out on the joy of running to the mailbox and finding something addressed to them—a letter from a pen pal, a card from Grandma, etc. But there are many companies and organizations that will send your child free stuff in the mail just by signing up online. Whether it's free books or magazines, free stickers or toys, or free beauty samples for teens, your child will relish the surprise of receiving an envelope or a package with their name on it.

Check out this list of 24 organizations and companies that will send your child free stuff in the mail. For more freebies near you, visit your city's Guide to Free Things To Do with Kids. And, our massive list of birthday freebies for kids includes everything from free food at restaurants to free perks at stores.

Sloomoo, billed as the “World’s #1 Slime Experience,” recently opened a new location in Houston–and you'll want to check it out if you have a kid that likes slime. The Marq-E Entertainment Center opening follows popular Sloomoo locations in New York, Atlanta, and Chicago. 

We recently had a chance to visit, and it was a big hit with our kids. We all loved playing with different textures of slime, and the kids enjoyed making personalized slime to bring home. 

Read on to get the scoop on this awesome new experience. Check out our Indoor Fun Guide for Houston Kids to find more fun places to play indoors. 

Looking for more than mindless hanging out and screen time for your teenage daughter this summer? Girls Who Code, a nonprofit that aims to increase the number of women in computer science fields, is once again offering its FREE summer immersion program for girls and non-binary kids entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school. The 2- or 6-week STEM summer camp is completely virtual again this year, and accepting applications now.

Keep reading to find out who is eligible, how to apply, and when these Girls Who Code STEM summer programs are happening in 2024. Hurry, because the early application period for this FREE summer program is already open.

Find more STEM activities in our Science and Tech Guide for Kids, or check out more summer programs for teens and kids in our Camp Guide. You can also find free coding for kids websites and apps.

Climate change is going to continue to dominate conversations as our kids grow up. It can be scary and overwhelming to think about how the world will change due to the environmental crisis. Taking action can really help kids feel more in control and like a part of the environment around them.

From recycled crafts to eco-friendly swaps and more, we’ve gathered fun, educational, and impactful environmental activities that you can do at home.

For more green news and activities, check out our Earth Kids Guide to Green Activities for the Planet, and subscribe to our free Earth Kids newsletter to never miss an article.

Playtime and snack time seemingly go hand-in-hand at these kid-friendly play cafes, which give parents a moment to enjoy a cup of joe—and more—while little ones let loose. These play cafes in Brooklyn and Queens offer welcoming environments, great food, and a caffeine jolt, as well as dedicated, safe play areas for your kids. Several of them are play spaces first, and cafes second.

So turn your meal into a play date with a friend, or sit back and relax while your little one explores. Either way, you and your kids are sure to have a good time.

Check out our NYC Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide for more great family-friendly eateries, or our Play Spaces Guide for more romper rooms.

Many New Jersey restaurants offer themed and interactive dining experiences for the entire family, from knights and horses to model trains. So if you're looking for some fun along with your food, read on for more than a dozen restaurants in New Jersey that will make your next family meal a bit more magical.

Check out our Family-Friendly New Jersey Restaurant Guide for more ideas for kid-friendly restaurants, including places where kids eat free and more.

Know where to find the best packzi in Chicago? We do!

Some cities celebrate Mardi Gras, but here in Chicago, we celebrate Paczki Day! If you're new in town, Chicago is rich in Polish heritage, and in Poland, this day is celebrated with donut-like pastries filled with delectable jams, custards, or creams. More traditional fillings include prunes or poppy seeds, but some Chicago bakeries have upped their baking game by filling their paczki with more off-the-wall items like Oreos, S'mores, and even Dorito dust.

Whether for breakfast or a treat, your family can find a favorite paczki spot from our list of bakeries!

Be sure to check out our Chicago kid-friendly restaurant guide or our ultimate list of Chicago restaurants where kids eat for free if you need other places to grab a bite!