Every Black Friday, I shoo my kids into the basement, climb the ladder to the attic, and extract our 45-pound artificial Christmas tree. Come January 6, I cram the branches back into the straining box while the kids cry about Christmas being over, then push the box back up the ladder. And every year I wonder if I'm actually helping the environment as I thought by reusing my artificial Christmas tree—or if chopping down a living, breathing Christmas tree would actually be more earth-friendly.

I decided to investigate, and the answer may surprise you... Read on to find out which option is better for our planet, plus get tips on picking the perfect Christmas tree for your family.

For more ways to help save the planet this holiday season and all year long, check out our Earth Kids Guide, and sign up for our Earth Kids newsletter.

Volunteering during the holidays not only helps our community, but also teaches kids the joy of giving back. Sharing traditions with our children is what the holidays are about—baking pies, lighting candles, giving gifts, singing songs—and volunteering to help those in need is another wonderful family tradition. In fact, dishing up food or singing Christmas carols may be the best gift of all, setting up our kids for a life of sharing and empathy. 

These are some of our favorite local organizations that offer up ideas for volunteering with kids of all ages: delivering food, helping lonely grandparents, fostering animals, and spreading cheer for the holidays and beyond! Also, check our calendar for more upcoming charitable events. For more ideas to keep the holidays bright, check out our Christmas and Hanukkah Guide for Families.

The Thanksgiving holiday break is nearly here, and while Thursday is likely filled with giant helium balloons and hearty portions of Thanksgiving dinner, you're going to need more things to do Thanksgiving weekend to keep kids and guests entertained after everyone's stuffed.

From only-in-NYC experiences to fun must-do holiday happenings and a slew of kid-friendly shows, we've rounded up 20 fun things to do Thanksgiving weekend in NYC.

Shopping for a Christmas tree in New York City can be a lovely family holiday activity. If you plan ahead, a day trip out to a nearby farm with the kids to cut your own tree might well become an evergreen tradition. But tree shopping can also be stressful and messy—especially if you leave it to the last minute. Think crowded, picked-over sidewalk tree displays, sap-covered hands, and aching lower backs from dragging trees home on the subway. Decorating the tree is fun. Putting presents under the tree is fun. Getting the tree, transporting it home, and setting it up? Not so much fun. The holidays whiz by and there won't be time for ice skating or baking if you're too tuckered out from transporting a tree that could have been delivered and set up completely hassle-free.

So whether you're a last-minute procrastinator or just prefer the ease of NYC's everything-can-be-delivered culture, a door-to-door tree delivery service might be just right. We've rounded up five local companies that will deliver that tree right to your door, even on Christmas Eve. Many are sustainable and support local farmers. Most offer add-ons like wreaths and lights, and, best of all, a promise to come back and take it to recycle when the season is over.

After months of masked, social-distanced toddler playdates, this mother can’t quite articulate how refreshing a multi-family, indoor gathering feels. Especially since it's suddenly oddly chilly in LA! So when I saw that Ball N’ Bounce just opened in the Encino Commons complex on Ventura Boulevard, an indoor playdate is exactly what I planned.

Stepping foot inside the play space, our whole group of kids and adults instantly perked up. The vibrant colors of the interior are joyful, and there are so many things to climb on and experience that my toddler couldn’t wait to start playing. Read on for just what to expect in this new family gem in the San Fernando Valley.

And if you’re in search of other terrific destinations for indoor playdates, check out our review of My Little Paris in San Gabriel, and all our favorite LA indoor playgrounds in our Indoor Fun and Play Spaces Guide for Los Angeles and OC Kids.

Bring fun to family gatherings with our tried and tested Thanksgiving jokes for kids that will make the whole family laugh and groan this Thanksgiving. When everyone is together for the holidays, it's fun to raise a few smiles and add to the conversation with these corny, fowl howlers. We promise, there's not a turkey in the bunch!

Read on for our favorite Thanksgiving jokes for kids. Once you get through these Thanksgiving jokes, check out our top 40 jokes for kids. Meanwhile, if you're looking for more Thanksgiving fun—from Thanksgiving crafts, games, and activities to everything you need to know about the 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade—waddle on over to our Thanksgiving Activities Guide for Families.

If you love the outdoors, you’ve probably checked out some of the state parks near Houston, like Lake Livingston or Huntsville. However there is a hidden gem within Houston itself that offers a similar experience. You won’t believe the great features of Lake Houston Wilderness Park for families:

• Free for kids aged 12 and under and only $3 for adults.
• Close by – located in the City of Houston boundary near New Caney.
• Nearly 5,000 acres of forest, 2 lakes, and a creek.
• Overnight camping in tents, shelters, or cabins.

So grab your backpack and enjoy the great outdoors for the day or the weekend. We provide ten great ideas for family activities in Lake Houston Wilderness Park, as well as details of what to know before you go, nearby attractions, and restaurant ideas.

If this article inspires you to travel further afield, you can check out some of the United States national parks. And to learn more about places to explore in the Houston area, try these 11 Amazing Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails.

The City Point Brooklyn complex has so much to offer families. It's a dining, shopping, and entertainment destination with offerings for all ages. Parents can appreciate the convenience of Target and Trader Joe’s, while specialty retailers cater to unique interests, and the whole family can enjoy the sleek dine-in movie theater and the vast DeKalb Market Hall, one of our favorite local food halls in NYC, with its delicious offerings from dozens of vendors.

We've rounded up the best things to do with kids at City Point Brooklyn below. You can find even more things to do nearby in our roundup of family-friendly destinations in Fort Green and Clinton Hill.