50 Environmental Activities Kids Can Do at Home

Gardening with your kids is rewarding, results in stuff to eat, and is also great for the planet!

Climate change is going to continue to dominate conversations as our kids grow up. It can be scary and overwhelming to think about how the world will change due to the environmental crisis. Taking action can really help kids feel more in control and like a part of the environment around them.

From recycled crafts to eco-friendly swaps and more, we’ve gathered fun, educational, and impactful environmental activities that you can do at home.

For more green news and activities, check out our Earth Kids Guide to Green Activities for the Planet, and subscribe to our free Earth Kids newsletter to never miss an article.

25 Must-Try Paczki Places for Chicago Kids

Paczki photo by Maureen Wilkey for Mommy Poppins

Know where to find the best packzi in Chicago? We do!

Some cities celebrate Mardi Gras, but here in Chicago, we celebrate Paczki Day! If you're new in town, Chicago is rich in Polish heritage, and in Poland, this day is celebrated with donut-like pastries filled with delectable jams, custards, or creams. More traditional fillings include prunes or poppy seeds, but some Chicago bakeries have upped their baking game by filling their paczki with more off-the-wall items like Oreos, S'mores, and even Dorito dust.

Whether for breakfast or a treat, your family can find a favorite paczki spot from our list of bakeries!

Be sure to check out our Chicago kid-friendly restaurant guide or our ultimate list of Chicago restaurants where kids eat for free if you need other places to grab a bite! 

iFly Indoor Skydiving Opens in Long Island City, Queens

iFly's new Queens location lets kids as young as age 3 take flight in its indoor skydiving tunnel.

Experience the sensation of indoor skydiving at iFly Long Island City. The popular adventure spot has opened its first indoor skydiving location in NYC and invites visitors to gear up for some high-flying family fun.

Read on for all the need-to-know info before you book your own indoor skydiving adventure, and find more action-packed outings, like the best extreme sports outings in NYC for kids, in our NYC Kids' Guide to Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones.

Best Places for Kids' Haircuts in Atlanta from Baby Haircuts to Cool Teen Salons

The Little Bluejay has some super cool rides for your kid to enjoy while getting a haircut. Photo by Emily Baas

Getting a first haircut is a monumental experience -- you don’t want just anyone cutting those precious locks of hair! And going forward, you need a good salon for kids haircuts to keep children calm, happy, and looking stylish. Many of these Atlanta salons offer fun toys, movies, and other distractions so your kids won’t want to leave.

For parents of younger kids, we've also got the skinny on the Best Baby Stores in Atlanta and the Best Atlanta Playgrounds for Toddlers.

Dopamine Land: A Multisensory Experience Brings Happy Vibes to Washington, DC

Diving into a ball pit will make any kid smile!

Dopamine is what gives our brains feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation, and that's what Dopamine Land: A Multisensory Experience in the Friendship Heights area of Washington, DC does. This paid experience invites visitors to activate dopamine through immersive activities in media, technology, and play.

With my 12-year-old daughter, I went through Dopamine Land during a preview event at which we learned a little about what satisfies our brains.

Read on to learn all about Dopamine Land, and don't miss our Guide to Indoor Fun for DC Kids to help with staying busy during these cold months.

Best Things to Do in Bellaire with Kids

Palace Social in Bellaire has a bowling alley, arcade, and VR rides. Photo courtesy of Palace Social

Bellaire is located just minutes from Houston’s downtown, straddling the loop in the southwest part of town, and it makes for a fun day trip or quick visit for a meal or recreation. The compact city is a mere 3.5 square miles, but its small footprint packs in a lot of family-friendly activities and events.

From playgrounds and pools to indoor activities and kid-friendly restaurants, read on for some of the best things to do with kids in Bellaire.

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.

15 Spots for Snow Tubing Near San Francisco and the Bay Area

Snow tubing adventures in NorCal are at the ready for kids of all ages. Photo by Trevor Clark, courtesy of Tahoe Donner

Snow tubing near San Francisco and the Bay Area really does exist. Sure, to get to the snow, it's going to require a trek to Lake Tahoe, the Sierras, or Yosemite, but there might be more places than you think of where you can have a memorable snow day in Northern California. 

From gentle hills to disco tubing, big air jumps, and snow tubing in a national park, magical snowy adventures await kids of all ages throughout Northern California. Snow tubing near San Francisco will provide unforgettable family experiences and the promise of a true winter wonderland. Keep reading below for the best places to go snow tubing near San Francisco and the Bay Area.  

When going snow tubing near San Francisco, you'll likely pass through California's capital city, so don't miss out on these things to do with kids in Sacramento. Beyond snow tubing, check out things to do with kids in Lake Tahoe, and get inspired for more family adventures with our Weekend Getaway and Day Trips from San Francisco Guide

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