Free and Cheap Summer Camps in San Francisco

Kids can explore all that San Francisco has to offer this summer. City Kids Camp photo courtesy of San Francisco City Impact

Summer camps in San Francisco will be taking place before you know it. That means it's already time for planning and registrations, and those summer camp registrations usually begin in February. It's no secret that summer camps can be costly, especially if you have more than one kiddo, but luckily there are some fantastic free and affordable summer camps in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Trust us when we say you'll be glad to have something booked for the kids to keep them busy and active. 

There are options galore for free and affordable summer camps in San Francisco that include sports camps, coding camps, nature camps, STEM camps, and so many more camps to select. These free and affordable summer camp options will let curious minds wander and create summer camp memories that kids will fondly look back on. We’ve rounded up the best free and cheap summer camps in San Francisco and the Bay Area. 

Cost-savvy parents will also love free museum days, and if the little ones are too young to start camp, take them to a baby and toddler class. If you're full steam ahead on summer planning, check out our summer activities guide for San Francisco Bay Area kids

Best Breakfasts in Houston for Kids and Families

Check out one of these breakfasts in Houston for a casual meal when the kids get up early. Photo courtesy of Snooze

Looking for restaurants serving breakfast in Houston? Check out one of these kid-friendly breakfast restaurants for when the kids are up early.

Where is the best place to take kids for breakfast in Houston? Whether you prefer eggs and bacon, breakfast tacos, pancakes, migas, donuts, or masala eggs, we've got the answer for you. All parents know that eating out with kids can be challenging, especially in the evening when they're tired. So why not take your kids out first thing in the morning and enjoy delicious food when they are at their best? Then they're fueled and ready for a busy day. We've picked independent and chain restaurants that we know will welcome you and your kids to fill up on breakfast treats. If your kids have woken you up early, these restaurants are open early to serve you breakfast, and some have an online waitlist, so you don't need to stand in line with hungry kids!

Don't worry if you miss your early morning dining. Some choices serve all-day breakfast, or you can check out our full restaurant guide for more ideas on family-friendly restaurants in Houston

Best Chicago Museums For Kids and Families

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center

There are so many museums in Chicago! Here are our favorite museums for kids in Chicago.

Chicago has a lot to offer for kids: great food, the tallest building in the U.S., trains, and the lakefront. But one of its biggest draws is its wealth of amazing museums. Sure, the half dozen children's museums in the city and suburbs are a huge draw, but there are at least as many museums that appeal to the whole family. Learn about anything from science to history to art to writers in museums in downtown Chicago, in the neighborhoods, or in the suburbs. For the record, we had a tough time narrowing this article down to our favorite dozen, so click through the links to see some additional favorites at the end of the article, or check out our Chicago Museum Guide.

Of course many of these museums have their own free days, and many of them have fun events geared toward families and listed on our calendar. But whether you're going for a specific event or just to have fun, you should have a great time at any of these fantastic (and educational) museums for kids and families.

Pssst...you can save on some of these museums and other top attractions in Chicago with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass.

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the US, Caribbean, and Mexico for Kids

A water park, beach activities, and more await at Coconut Bay's all-inclusive resort in St. Lucia.

All-inclusive resorts are the way to go when you need a family vacation that's both relaxing and activity-packed, where delicious food and drinks flow freely, and where you don't have to worry about pulling out your wallet. The best all-inclusive resorts offer so many fun activities for grown-ups and kids, such as swimming, sports, arts and crafts, and more. Many of them even have kids' clubs so the adults can get a break. Plus, the plethora of fabulous all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico make it easy to escape the cold weather for a warm and sunny winter getaway.

We've rounded up some of our favorite all-inclusive resorts in the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean for families. Of course, they don't always come cheap, so we've included a couple of more budget-friendly options, too. These soup-to-nuts getaways will please the most discerning pint-sized guests (and their paying adults).

Check out our Guide to Family Resorts and Hotels for even more great places to stay on your next family vacation.

Ninja Warrior Gyms, Obstacle Courses, and Parkour in Boston for Kids

Get your ninja warriors on the obstacle courses around Boston, for indoor fun and great exercise! Photo courtesy of Supercharged Entertainment

When the weather keeps you inside and your child is literally climbing the walls, it's time to head to ninja warrior gyms, obstacle courses, and parkour facilities in Boston. These gyms channel the TV show American Ninja Warrior. Just like the show, the indoor obstacles at these family-friendly gyms and indoor play spaces in Massachusetts require speed, agility, balance, and strength to complete. They are perfect for little monkeys who love to climb and appreciate a physical challenge. If your kids are inspired by the show, or just need a productive way to channel their energy, we've got a great list of Boston-area gyms with obstacle courses perfect for aspiring ninja warriors.

We love Boston's indoor play spaces for helping kids get their energy out. Find that and more in our Boston Indoor Fun Guide; it has great ideas for keeping kids active when it's cold or wet outside. And if your little one isn't so little anymore, see our guide to Teen Birthday Parties in Boston: Cool Party Places for Teens

Ninja Warrior Gyms, Obstacle Courses, and Parkour Near DC for Kids

Kids can swing, climb, and jump their way through the ninja warrior course at ZavaZone. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters

Ninja warrior gyms, obstacle courses, and parkour classes are the perfect places for kids to burn off energy when it's cold or rainy outside—or when they just need something a little different than a playground or indoor play space. At ninja warrior gyms and obstacle courses, kids can safely channel their inner ninja without doing flips off the couch or climbing the furniture. And when you've got children of multiple ages—including tweens or teens—they will all have a blast jumping, climbing, and swinging through the various obstacles.

Here are 10 great ninja warrior gyms, obstacle courses, and places to do parkour near DC for kids. These include both indoor and outdoor obstacle courses and ninja warrior gyms where even grown-ups can get in on the fun. For more things to do indoors near DC, check out our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for Kids in DC, which includes our lists of free indoor places to play and awesome trampoline parks near DC. Who knows? Maybe you'll have the next American Ninja Warrior on your hands!

3 Days in Atlanta with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

Root, root, root for the home team when you're in Atlanta...especially since the Atlanta Braves are, of course, the 2021 World Series champs! Photo by Bill Lefler

Welcome to Atlanta! There are a ton of things to do in Atlanta, the delicious land of peaches, peanuts, and Coca-Cola. You’ll find our city jam-packed with kid-friendly activities sprinkled with large doses of Southern hospitality. From Atlanta museums, sports events, theater performances, and delicious food, our city offers it all!

We’ve put together a three-day itinerary for things to do in Atlanta guaranteed to satisfy everyone in your family. To save money, purchase the Atlanta CityPASS ticket, which bundles five major Atlanta attractions at a discounted price. Also, our Kid-Friendly Hotels in Atlanta will point you in the right direction for accommodations.

Ninja Warrior Gyms, Obstacle Courses, and Parkour in Houston for Kids

Photo courtesy of Cypress Academy

Are you looking for ninja warrior classes in Houston? We have a list of Ninja Warrior gyms and obstacle courses in Houston.

Does your kid constantly attempt to do backflips off the couch and use your body as their personal climbing rope? There are a surprising number of locations to try out Ninja Warrior classes in Houston. Then you may be raising a little American Ninja Warrior. The show of the same name pits competitors against each other as they attempt to complete an obstacle course in the fastest time - from leaping on small platforms to climbing incredibly steep and daunting rock walls. 

That show has sparked a movement that encourages kids to spend their free time perfecting their parkour moves and gaining grip strength. This active hobby is a welcome change from the big kid and preteen video game obsession. Ninja Warrior is for all ages of kids, from toddlers to teenagers. Several dedicated Ninja Warrior gyms in the greater Houston area offer Ninja Warrior classes for kids, and you can usually find a class on any day of the week. In addition, some gyms offer a range of gymnastics programs alongside Ninja Warrior facilities and classes, so your kids can try other gym activities as well. Finally, your kids can simply drop into indoor adventure playgrounds and try out their ninja obstacle courses.

Many of these Houston Ninja Warrior locations are also great birthday party venues, and offer holiday camps and Parent's Nights Out. Want to try out some other fun physical activities? Be sure to check out our round-up of gymnastics classes for preschoolerstoddler dance classes, and swim classes for kids, or browse our classes directory

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