If you're looking for the perfect birthday or holiday gifts for kids from 5-year-olds to 9-year-olds, you've found the right place!

When it comes to choosing gifts for kids, particularly this marvelous, coming-into-their-own age range of 5 to 9-year-olds, the temptation is to start veering towards digital. While we’re not into screen-shaming at Mommy Poppins, this list is free of screens and leans heavily on hands-on toys, physical books, and wonderfully messy art supplies. These creative and tactile toys keep kids' brains as active as their hands and bodies.

The lack of screen inclusion among these toy recommendations isn't a case of virtue signaling; we've seen that these are the toys that get treasured and played with for years to come.

Looking for awesome gifts for other ages? Find our faves for first birthday gifts, the most beloved toddler gifts, and more in our Mommy Poppins Gift Guide for Birthdays and Holidays.

Visiting Pumpkintown USA in East Hampton is a Halloween tradition in Connecticut. Do you love pumpkins, Halloween, and fall fun? Then Pumpkintown USA is the ultimate destination in Connecticut for your family. Pumpkintown celebrates fall’s favorite essential - the pumpkin! And Pumpkintown USA offers Halloween fun without the scares, which is perfect for the little ones in your pumpkin patch. Read on for our guide to visiting Pumpkintown USA in Connecticut.

Ready to get creative with your own pumpkin? See our tips for Easy Pumpkin Carving Ideas and Pumpkin Stencil Ideas for Kids. For more autumn activities to delight your family, check out our Fall Fun Guide for Connecticut Kids. And find more spooky (and not-so-spooky!) fun in our Top Halloween Events in Connecticut.

Magazine subscriptions for kids make the perfect gifts for children who love to read, those who are learning to read, and teachers looking to build up their classroom libraries. As old as I am (some would say “well-seasoned”), I still remember the excitement I'd feel whenever my Highlights magazine came in the mail.

And despite the advent of smartphones and iPads, kids today have more magazine options to choose from than ever. That means there are magazines for kids of all ages and reading levels, whether they're into animals, sports, technology, the world around them, or any other topic.

Here are our favorite magazine subscriptions for kids, from babies and toddlers all the way through teens. Our list includes award-winning Cricket Media and Highlights magazines for kids, plus several other interesting choices.

Check out our Mommy Poppins Gift Guide for more great gift ideas for kids, including our lists of awesome monthly subscription boxes for kids and 100 kids' books every child should read before they grow up.

Prospect Heights families take note: There's a brand-new NYC playground to explore right in your backyard. The new playground—dubbed Pacific Park—is located right next to 595 Dean Street's West Tower, a new residential development, and brings another kid-friendly option to the already family-friendly Prospect Heights neighborhood.

I recently visited this new playground in NYC with my 7-year-old and his friends, and it won rave reviews all around. Read on for all the details on this NYC playground and why it's a great addition to the neighborhood.

Check out our extensive Guide to NYC Parks and Playgrounds for more top places to romp.

It's time for a Taylor Swift Party! "See the lights, see the party..."

Hey, fellow Swifties! We are about to embark on an enchanting journey into the world of Taylor Swift, where fairy lights twinkle like stars, the bracelets are beaded, and the food names sound like a page torn from your favorite Taylor Swift songbook. 

Whether you are getting ready to catch a stop on the Era’s Tour, heading to the theater to see the Era’s Tour movie, celebrating the release of another (Taylor’s Version), or throwing a Taylor Swift party for your own birthday, the Queen of Storytelling gives us a lot of reasons to celebrate. So grab your glitter, don your red lipstick, and get ready to dance like nobody's watching because we're diving into the deep end of hosting a Taylor Swift-themed party.

For more party planning fun, including 100 Popular Kids' Birthday Party Themes for Every Age and Interest, check out our Guide to Kids' Parties and Birthday Party Ideas.

Port Jefferson boasts great parks, a Main Street that's lined with kid-friendly restaurants and unique shops, and plenty of things to do year-round. 

Located on Long Island’s North Shore, Port Jefferson is about 50 miles east of Manhattan and its port welcomes daily ferries to and from Connecticut. Whether you're spending the day or planning a fun night on the town, this picturesque harborside village offers something for everyone. To help you get the most out of your visit, we’ve rounded up the best of Port Jeff for you and your family.

Still got that day-trippin' itch? Check out our rundown on what to do in nearby Stony Brook with kids, and be sure to explore our Visitor's Guide to plan your next Long Island adventure close to home.

Ciders Mills in Connecticut have more to offer than a crisp fall beverage. These cider mills have become one-stop destinations for family fun, with everything from petting zoos to mini golf. And most offer both sweet cider, for everyone to enjoy, and hard cider—a nice reward for mom or dad after all those fall activities. Connecticut is home to some delightful cider mills, where families can enjoy autumnal fun while enjoying these (and more) tasty treats. Read on for some of the best cider mills, and cheers!

For more seasonal fun, check out our Fall Fun Guide for Connecticut Kids. It's full of our top picks for apple picking and corn mazes, as well as more autumn activities.

Looking for things to do with kids in the Houston Heights? Here's the scoop on kid-friendly activities in The Heights neighborhood.

The Houston Heights, located just northwest of Downtown, is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Houston. Known for its Victorian Houses along Heights Boulevard and quirky stores, it’s also home to many family-friendly events and activities. From playgrounds and museums to indoor activities and kid-friendly restaurants, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do with kids in The Heights.

If you’d like to explore options for more local adventures, check out our 100 Things To Do With Houston Kids Before They Grow Up post and the Visitors Guide.