New AMNH Exhibit Reveals The Secret Life of Elephants

Get up close to a life-sized African Elephant model at the AMNH's new Secret World of Elephant exhibit. Photo by Alvaro Keding/AMNH

Step into The Secret World of Elephants courtesy of a brand-new exhibit now open at the American Museum of Natural History.

The sprawling exhibition dedicated to the world's largest land mammal is filled with life-sized models—some surprisingly pint-sized—interactive displays, and touchpoints aimed at teaching the public about these incredible animals and their evolutionary relatives.

Read on for a sneak peek at this exhibition and find more fun museum exhibits to explore with kids in our NYC Kids Guide to Museums and Galleries.

Sewing for Kids: Best Kids' Sewing Machines and Sewing Kits

The Janome Blue Couture Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine is a great first sewing machine for kids.

Looking for the best sewing machine for kids? How about kid-friendly sewing kits? There are lots of great options to choose from!

Sewing is both a fun and Earth-friendly skill for crafty kids of all ages to learn. Sewing allows kids to work on fine motor skills and flex their creative muscles. Plus, being able to patch a pair of pants or replace a button helps keep clothing out of landfills—especially when kids are older and not outgrowing items faster than they can wear them.

There are so many beginner-friendly sewing machines that it's hard to pick the very best sewing machine for kids. We've rounded up four great options, plus some awesome sewing kits for children. We've also shared some beginner sewing projects and tutorials to help your kids become expert stitchers.

Check out our Earth Kids Guide for more planet-friendly activities and habits for kids, from cardboard box crafts to eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas. And, sign up for our Earth Kids newsletter for more ideas and activities every month.

What's Open Thanksgiving Day in NYC: Best Things To Do with Kids

Bring your skates and you can hit the ice for free at Bryant Park. Photo by Colin Miller for the Winter Village

Whether you're a local or a visitor, you may be wondering what's open on Thanksgiving Day in NYC. Once you've watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade float through town, this list of fun things to do on Thanksgiving Day in NYC is filled with kid-friendly activities that go beyond feasting on turkey.

All our top picks for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend can be found in our Guide to Thanksgiving in New York City. From all of us at Mommy Poppins, we're wishing you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving. We're grateful you're here with us.

17 Things To Do in Garden City, New York with Kids

Garden City's quaint downtown makes for a great stroll with kids. Photo courtesy of the Village of Garden City

Garden City is one of Long Island's most desirable communities, with tree-lined streets, a vibrant downtown, highly-rated schools, and plenty of green space. Take a stroll down historic Seventh Street, which plays host to family-friendly events all year round; spend the day learning on Museum Row; or shop till you drop at the area’s largest shopping mall, Roosevelt Field.

It’s no wonder so many families enjoy living and visiting this village. We've rounded up the top things to do on a visit to Garden City with kids. 

Be sure to check out our posts on the best parks in Nassau County for kids and the best indoor play spaces in Nassau County for more great activity ideas in the area. 

Christmas Tree Farms Near Atlanta for Family Fun

Pick your tree then enjoy the festive atmosphere at Yule Forest, with a mug of hot apple cider. Photo by Bethany Paquette

Most Atlanta Christmas tree farms offer an unforgettable experience for families, with helpful staff who aid in cutting, prepping, and hauling Christmas trees. Besides finding the perfect spruce, fir, or pine, many of these Christmas tree farms offer even more holiday highlights, like hot chocolate, a glimpse of Santa, and more! The holiday atmosphere is not to be missed: A visit to a live Christmas tree farm offers the perfect photo opportunity for your newfound or recurring family holiday tradition.     

We've rounded up awesome Christmas tree farms near Atlanta perfect for families! Make a day of it and venture out to a festive Christmas tree farm to find the perfect holiday tree. And for even more holiday happenings, keep checking our Atlanta Christmas and Holiday Guide for up-to-date info about the best events and ideas this holiday season.  

3 Days in Seattle with Kids: Your Ultimate Itinerary

Pike Place Market is the beating heart of Seattle and a perfect place to start exploring. And eating!

Seattle is a city you fall in love with instantly. While there are so many things to do with kids in Seattle, I promise you that in three short days, you can explore enough of the city to feel like a native. It's a vibrantly green, friendly, walkable, delicious, coffee-tinged, slightly weird, and yes, rainy city. It's also a city that knows how to handle the rain: with a smile, no umbrella, fabulous coffee, and plenty of fun things to do indoors.

Let's also not forget the gorgeous summers, stunning views when sun peeks through, and great sports teams. It's such a welcoming, easy city, that if at any point tired kids make you ditch your well-thought-out itinerary (see below) and just play, shop, eat, and walk around, you won’t regret that for a second.

For more things to do in Seattle, check out our list of 35 Things To Do in Seattle With Kids. To explore more of the great Pacific Northwest, explore 50 Things To Do in Portland, OR With Kids and more in our West Coast Family Travel Guide.

Best Museums for Kids in Connecticut: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums

By land, by sea,  by river—however!— families are coming to the best Museums in Connecticut! Connecticut River Museum photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins

Local families love the best museums for kids in Connecticut; children's museums that are interesting, fun, and always hands-on! Connecticut offers all sorts of special places to take your kids. There is STEM-related fun in Hartford, historical exploration in Mystic, and CT children's museum excitement in Niantic, Norwalk, and beyond. So whatever your child is interested in, you can find interactive fun to fill up an entire day. Many of the museums offer regular classes and meet-ups that will become a part of your week. Some turn down the lights and music and offer sensory-friendly hours. 

Be sure to look through our list of Free Museums in Connecticut to Visit with Kids for bargain-priced museum fun. And be surte to explore our Connecticut Museums Guide and Indoor Fun Guide for family activities in any kind of weather!

Best Museums for Kids in Philly: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums

Explore Franklin's life and character in the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Photo courtesy of NPS

Museums are some of the best places for kids to learn more about the world around them, practice new skills, and have a safe place to play during wintry or rainy weather. Luckily, Philadelphia is home to a host of museums that are sure to entertain any child, no matter their interests. From history to science and nature to art to cars and trucks, there’s something for everyone and for every budget. Check out our favorite children’s museums and family-friends museums in the Philadelphia area.

Don't forget to check out our Museum Guide for reviews and more. Our Indoor Activity Guide also has tons of great indoor fun for days when the weather has you down.

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