I used to make Mother's and Father's Day crafts for my parents in the girl scouts, which consisted of painted wood panels that said "I <3 (insert parent here)" or flowers with pipe cleaners. Now you won't find any pipe cleaners here, (really, I think that is for the best) but you will find some cool, free and inexpensive crafts the kids can do to get creative, and bring you home something you can cherish/use to make their cheeks blush years later. Read on for where to make paper bouquets, crafts with real flowers, cards, cookie decorations, jewelry and jewelry boxes, and one event we think might be worth the cash.

If you’re looking for an enjoyable afternoon of stories, crafts, and a little bit of American history, all for free, do pay a visit to King Manor on a Saturday for either their upcoming Spring Festival on May 1st or one of their monthly children’s Hands on History days.  We attended one of the Hands on History events and found the crafts thoughtfully presented, the guides warm and welcoming, and the special presentation just the right length to be entertaining.  The free house tour we took after was also worthwhile.
 
Read on for more about this little-known locale and their upcoming children’s events.
 

Mother's Day is Mom's day so shouldn't she get to pick how to spend it? Some moms want to spend it with their families all together, but what some moms secretly crave is a day to themselves—hey, no guilt, it's perfectly understandable.

We've lined up a whole weekend of activities that are great whether you want to do something just for you or run amok with your kids — or whether you want dad to run amok with the kids while you do something just for you. So plan your own day, you know, for after you kvell over the lovely home made cards and macaroni necklaces. And if you choose to sit home and do absolutely nothing – well that is just fine, too. Read on and have a Happy Mother’s Day no matter what you decide to do.

I stumbled upon this children's used clothing and toy store that is opening today, April 26, 2010 for just 4 weeks. Rondo says it is to benefit the Church Street Music School, a great music and art school with preschool alternative in Tribeca.

I don't know if they are taking donations or selling on consignment (I assume they are taking donations), but I love shopping for kids gear second hand and it looks like they already have lots of cute stuff in the window.

Take a peek:

There are tons of fab free things to do to enjoy Mother's Day with your kids in NYC...and we don't mean spending the day cleaning out your closets (although that does sound exciting). Lots of places celebrate Mother's Day with deals, discounts and freebies just for mom. Here are a few no- and low-cost treats and activities moms and their lucky offspring can share together over Mother’s Day weekend.

You guys all know that New York City isn't just Manhattan, right? Of course you do, and this weekend really proves that all 5 boroughs of this amazing city are vibrant, community minded and full of fun events and activities. This weekend the Big Apple has festivals of every ilk – in every corner of the city.  Check out the cherry blossom festival in Queens or the St. George Day Festival in Staten Island.  Visit one of the many Earth Day, National Park Week or 12th National Puppetry Day Celebrations taking place around town.  Plus, The Tribeca Film Festival kicks off this weekend, too, families can watch the classic film, Big, under the stars at the "Drive In" on Friday night.

If you are going to be out of town this weekend, try visiting The Planting Field Arboretum in Oyster Bay, Long Island, an amazingly beautiful 400 acre garden with historic buildings and greenhouses.  They are throwing a huge Arbor Day festival with lots of fun activities like tree climbing, live music and even tree seedlings to plant and take home.  We were so excited about this one that we accidentaly posted it last weekend!  It is going on this weekend - so don't miss it.

If you are car free but want to get out of the city, take the kids and head right across the harbor (via Hudson Bergen light rail) to Liberty State Park, for the Garden State's largest Earth Day festival.  Kids can bounce till they drop in the Earth Day Kingdom or choose arts and crafts, interactive displays, games, contests and food.  You can also walk across the street and visit The Liberty Science Center and see what they have going on for Earth Day.

Whatever you choose to do this weekend – we hope you have a great one!

When you think of National Parks you probably think of places like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and other parklands out west. But did you know . there are actually 10 National Parks in New York City and Northern NJ, and over 30 historic sites, parks, monuments, trails, memorials, and heritage areas right here in New York State?

This week (to April 25) is National Park Week, and all 392 National Parks offer free admission in celebration of "America's Best Idea" so it's a perfect opportunity to check out some of these awesome destinations with your kids. (Tours and other fees may still apply).

Read on for everything you need to know for a family-friendly, historic, and beautiful visit to these local gems.