DC is celebrating its two new residents: giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao! The pandas have been in DC since October, but they debut to the public today, Friday, January 24, 2025. Read all about them in our previous panda post. 

Giant pandas have made their home at the National Zoo since 1972, when China gifted two pandas to the US as a gesture of goodwill. But after pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Xiao Qi Ji returned to China in November 2023, there was an empty space at the zoo—and in DC families' hearts.

Guests can visit the pandas at the National Zoo starting today, and several local businesses have their own unique ways to celebrate the panda-monium. Check them out below and tag us on Instagram at @mommypoppinsdc if you participate in any!

MFAH proves that fine art isn't just for grownups.

When the temperatures outside keep active children inside, it's important to have a handy list of the best indoor activities for kids in Philadelphia. We've got you covered! Here's our list of the best indoor playgrounds near Philadelphia. We've also included the best kids indoor playgrounds in the Philly suburbs for kids to let off steam. From the most energetic trampoline parks to the calming nooks of Montessori-style hang-outs, Philly's got something for every family.

Need more ideas for great times indoors? Be sure and check out Free Indoor Play Spaces for Philly Kids and our complete Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones Guide. And if going out isn't in the cards today, check out come of our favorite indoor play ideas.

If you—or your kids!—think you've outgrown indoor play spaces, we found an out-of-the-ordinary new indoor play destination to change your mind. CREA Interactivity is a tech-enabled, multimedia play space for kids unlike any we've ever visited.

Step inside to experience a futuristic obstacle course that gets kids running, jumping, and climbing with obstacles designed to breed collaboration. With activities geared toward kids ages 3-12, it’s perfect for mixed-aged siblings and the best part is, it’s not for parents. So, plan to drop your kids off and enjoy the amenities and attractions in Industry City while they play.

Snow day activities are a must when school is closed and you've got a house full of stir-crazy kids. Sure, you can go sledding and try some of the ideas on our list of snow games for kids. But when the kiddos get too cold and are ready to come indoors, it's only a matter of time before they start to get bored.

Luckily, there are lots of fun things to do on a snow day indoors that don't involve zoning out In front of a screen all day. From fun crafts and games to interesting STEM projects and easy recipes, here are 50 snow day activities for kids of all ages.

Find more things to do on a snow day indoors in our Guide to Boredom Busters for Kids.

Summer internships can make your average, high-achieving, New York City kid really stand out from the rest of the equally high-achieving pack when it's time to apply to colleges. In an era when applications have become increasingly competitive—leaving schools to look for more than good grades, great test scores, an outstanding essay, and a list of after-school activities—these summer internships in NYC offer kids hands-on, real-world experience, and some even include leadership opportunities.

NYC summer internships come in various formats, paid and unpaid, regular and intermittent, educational and creative, with some also offering school or volunteer credit. The primary thing summer internships in NYC for teens tend to have in common is the application due dates are usually long before most teens have started thinking about their summer—or college—plans.

To make sure your teens don’t miss out on any opportunities, we've rounded up 17 great summer internships in NYC for teens. Most are accepting applications now. Find more teen-friendly happenings in our Tween and Teen Guide to NYC.

A mere 21 miles away from Austin lies Round Rock, TX. A charming Texas town that’s grown exponentially in the last few decades, it’s the kind of place with plenty of excitement and family-friendly entertainment to warrant a visit all on its own—even without a stop at Texas’ state capital. Luckily, we’ve got all the details on the best things to do in Round Rock, TX with kids, so whether you’re looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of Austin, or if you’re in the mood for water park fun, here’s everything you need to know.

The best part? Round Rock is under three hours away from both Dallas and Houston, so it’s the perfect destination for a quick getaway or weekend road trip.

Gymnastics classes provide a great introduction to physical fitness. Often called the "mother of all sports" for its conditioning qualities and focus on strength, balance, and flexibility, these gymnastics classes in NYC give kids an early athletic foundation.

Read on for 16 gymnastics classes in NYC for kids—whether you just want somewhere for little ones to get their wiggles out, or they're eyeing a future Olympic appearance. For more great classes for kids, including everything from tennis classes to karate classes and more, check out our NYC Classes for Kids Guide and our searchable Classes Directory.