Best Botanical Gardens for Los Angeles Kids, Plus Cool Hidden Oases

Step into the magical children's garden at The Huntington. Photo courtesy of the Huntington Botanical Gardens

Botanical gardens in Los Angeles and beyond might be the answer for when you want to take the kids on an outdoor adventure but don't feel like carrying toddlers up a mountain and toting a surplus of supplies. 

Lush, plentiful, and open year-round in Southern California, botanical gardens are perfect for casual nature strolls with little ones in tow, whether in a stroller or sprinting toward children's gardens and koi ponds. Kids won't even realize they're on an educational outing as they become itty-bitty botanists for a day. From beloved botanical gardens to lesser-known free hidden gems, we've dug into the roots of the best botanical gardens in Los Angeles. 

Enjoy more blooms on wildflower hikes, stretch your limbs on stroller-friendly hikes, and explore more fauna and flora in our Zoos & Gardens for Los Angeles Kids Guide

Kid-Friendly Spas and Kid Spa Parties Near DC

Pamper the birthday child and their friends with a spa party! Photo courtesy of Unique & Special Kids Spa

Everyone needs a little pampering sometimes—even kids! But at-home spa days often lead to polish-splattered carpets and makeup-smeared faces. If that thought terrifies you, head to one of several kid-friendly spas near DC. These spas in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia make a great setting for a relaxing parent-child outing, a fun gathering of your child's besties, or even a glam birthday party.

Prefer the comfort of your own home (minus the mess)? There are also companies that bring kid spa parties to you, all with the aim of making your child and their friends feel special and beautiful.

Read on for 10 kid-friendly spas and companies that host kid spa parties near Washington, DC. Check out our DC Kids' Birthday Party Guide for more kids' party ideas, from fun indoor birthday party places for preschoolers to cool teen birthday party spots.

Best Playgrounds on Long Island for Kids

A day at Sunken Meadow State Park can feature playground games, a walk on the beach, and more. Photo by Kimberly Chacon

An abundance of parks and playgrounds makes Long Island a wonderful place to raise a family. We’ve scoured the island to find the best playgrounds, all of which offer plenty of space and entertainment for you and your little ones.

These destination-worthy playgrounds are all a cut above your local jungle gym, and many have fun features like epic splash pads, mini-golf courses, skating rinks, and more.

For more playground inspiration, check our Guide to Long Island's Top Parks and Playgrounds, plus our list of the top playgrounds for toddlers.

Visiting Urban Air Adventure Park in Brooklyn with Kids

Urban Air Adventure Park goes way beyond a typical trampoline park, with ropes courses, climbers, mega playgrounds, VR, and more.

Sunset Park's Urban Air Adventure Park gives Brooklyn kids a whole new place to play. This new trampoline park gives kids space to jump, bounce, fly, and play to their hearts' content in a safe environment. While Brooklyn families are fortunate to have a number of indoor places to play from climbing gyms and ninja warrior courses to indoor playgrounds, there hadn't been a trampoline park in the borough for a few years. Urban Air Adventure Park, which opened in late 2022, changed that bringing with it a variety of all-ages attractions. It's one of those rare destinations where a preschooler and a tween can run around and have fun.

Read on for our visit to this ultimate indoor playground and find more places for action-packed playtime in our Guide to Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones in NYC.

Best Things to Do in Coney Island With Kids: Luna Park, Aquarium, Beach, Mermaids

Visit the rides along the Coney Island boardwalk. Photo by Julienne Schaer for NYCgo

The shores of Coney Island and Brighton Beach open for the season Memorial Day weekend, but the amusement park rides have been spinning since early spring, and the boardwalk and New York Aquarium are always action-packed, making this season the perfect time for a Brooklyn day-cation!

From enjoying the sandy beach and waves, to amusement park thrills, and delicious sweets and treats, here are the best things to do in Coney Island with kids this season.

Best Diaper Subscriptions in 2023: Amazon, Honest, and More

Kudos diapers use four times more plant-based materials than competing brands. Photo courtesy of Shark Tank Products

With babies using nearly 3,000 diapers on average in their first year of life alone, diaper subscriptions can be a lifesaver for busy parents. After all, newborns go through up to 12 diapers per day, making it hard to keep track of just how many diapers are left in that giant box. And, trust me—you don't want to be elbow-deep in a blowout only to realize you are out of diapers.

Diaper subscriptions bring a steady stream of diapers right to your doorstep, so you don't have to worry about panicked, late-night runs to the store. Plus, companies charge less for diapers when you set up regular deliveries, so diaper subscriptions will save you money. And because you can easily adjust the size of the diapers you receive and the frequency at which they arrive, your diaper subscription will always suit your family's needs.

We've got you—and your little one's bum—covered with this list of the best diaper subscriptions, including the Honest diaper subscription, the Amazon diaper subscription, and even some cloth diapering options. Check out our Best Baby and Kid Gear Guide for more of our favorite baby essentials, from the best bath toys to great baby sleep aids.

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour is Coming to a Theater Near You

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour is a fully immersive musical extravaganza traveling across America this year! Photo courtesy of Shore Fire Media

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour is coming to a city near you. The show is making a stop in Houston on April 15th before heading to San Antonio on April 16, and continuing across the country from there. One of our writers had the privilege of seeing the show when it stopped in Rockford, Illinois, and her family had a blast while she got the scoop on everything parents need to know about this show. Hot take: If you have a little Blippi fan in your home, this show does not disappoint.

From the songs you can sing along and dance to, to the adorable kids (and parents!) dressed like Blippi, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about this fun and interactive show. Read on for the details on this show that's sure to delight your favorite preschooler.

6 Reasons to Love Life at 180 East 88th Street

From an imaginative playroom to perks at 92NY, there are so many reasons families love living at 180 East 88th Street.

Nestled in oh-so-family-friendly Carnegie Hill and outfitted with eight floors of amenities for all ages, 180 East 88th Street offers a totally luxurious living experience. In addition to beautiful spaces where residents can play, relax, and entertain, the intimate condo building features stunning half- and full-floor apartments, ranging from studios to five-bedroom units, plus unique four-bedroom duplexes and a won’t-find-it-anywhere-else triplex penthouse.

The unrivaled features and kid-centric neighborhood, paired with new pricing, make 180 East 88th Street a very desirable choice for families with their sights set on a luxury condominium on the Upper East Side. If you’re in the market for one of the most refined living experiences available in NYC, here are some reasons to consider life at 180 E 88th Street.

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