Growing up in NJ's Monmouth County, I visited Allaire State Park frequently with my family as a child. Those day trips were filled with playground time, train rides, and old-fashioned candy purchased at the village’s general store. Now I take my own kids there, just like my parents took me.

Allaire is easily accessible from the Garden State Parkway, close to the Jersey Shore, and bursting with outdoor fun like family-friendly hiking, bike riding, picnicking, and camping. But what sets this 3,000-acre New Jersey state park apart from other bucolic green spaces are its historic village and working steam train. Read on for the highlights.

Be sure to check out our post on great day trips to New Jersey state parks and more in our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in New Jersey. 

Please note that the park's dinosaur sculpture exhibit has closed due to vandalism.

NYC's FREE art programs are one of the main reasons my family endures the challenges of raising kids in NYC. Whether your kids are into making theater, music, or fine art, there are myriad art programs in NYC that offer excellent training—and some are 100% FREE. Admittedly, these no-cost, audition-based performing and fine art programs are competitive, but they can be life-changing for talented, motivated kids and teens. Don't worry if your child doesn't get in the first time: Most of these organizations accept new participants annually, and sometimes it takes a few tries. As the mother of an art- and theater-loving daughter, I speak from experience!

Read on to find out how to apply to these FREE art programs in New York City. Deadlines for fall are coming up fast! You'll find more enriching programs for kids and teens, including our top picks for musical theater classes in NYC in our New York City Guide to Kids' Classes.

Spin, climb, and swing at Long Beach's newest accessible playground, Magnolia Park. Located right off the boardwalk, this convenient playground has lots to offer younger kids.

Read on to learn about the unique features of Magnolia Park, and be sure to check out our post on accessible playgrounds and much more in our Playground Guide to Long Island.

Looking for the best things to do with preschoolers in Philly? We've rounded up the top picks for keeping the under 5 crowd entertained!

The struggle is real—when your kids are little it can be hard to keep them occupied long enough to even plan the next activity. But there are so many things to do with preschoolers in Philadelphia! These are some of the best years, so get out there and have some fun together.

Looking for more fun for your preschooler? Ou guide to the Best Classes for Preschoolers and Toddlers in Philadelphia is perfect for you. If you're on a budget, there are plenty of Free Indoor Play Spaces for Philly Kids, too!

Swimming lessons teach kids one of the most important life skills—one that will keep them safe in pools, lakes, and other bodies of water. Lucky, there are plenty of swim schools in the DC area that offer swimming lessons for kids, from beginner swimmers as young as 3 months old to experienced swimmers looking for a competitive edge.

Dive into our list of 12 great schools that offer swimming lessons for kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Then find more kids' classes and programs—including baby swimming classes in DC—in our Guide to Classes for Kids Near DC. You can also check our directory of classes to find the perfect class for your child. 

Gymnastics classes in Los Angeles allow kids to get all that energy out and bounce off the walls and the floor. Some kids want to be the next big Olympic tumbler; others need a padded space to run and maybe figure out a somersault. 

My toddlers love a good, colorful gymnastics space. The foam pits, trampolines, giant mats, and balance beams are the perfect way to gain body awareness, learn listening skills, and maintain balance. If you are looking for gymnastics classes that are child-centered, non-competitive, and possibly closer to home, one of these kids' gyms may be just your speed. 

Classes keep the kiddos entertained while learning and honing new skills, so in addition to gymnastics classes, sign them up for sports classes in Los Angeles and LA's best dance classes. Find even more class ideas in our Classes Guide for Los Angeles Kids. 

After-school programs keep the kids engaged and looked after while you finish working, go grocery shopping, or cross off those last-minute errands. They are also great for socialization and keep the kiddos entertained. Don't wait for these programs—popular ones tend to fill up quickly. 

From after-school programs at the always accessible (and affordable) Parks and Rec programs to STEM activities and homework help, there is something for every kid's interests and hobbies, from pre-k to pre-teen. Keep reading below for favorite after-school programs in the San Francisco Bay Area that are not only fun and engaging for the kids but easy on your wallet. 

While school might be top of mind, summer camp planning will follow suit, so plan with these free and cheap summer camps in San Francisco.