Nature Centers in Westchester to Explore With Kids

Little animal lovers go crazy for the collection at the Weinberg Nature Center, which counts toads, chinchillas, bunnies, and more among its 40+ residents.

Families in Westchester County are surrounded by beautiful green spaces and outdoor destinations. There are great places to go hiking with kids plus plenty of family-friendly farms in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. If you're looking for a new way to connect with nature, it might be time to head to one of the many nature centers in Westchester County.

These nature centers allow children—and adults—to learn about the natural world, see undisturbed habitats, and encounter wildlife up close, often in a smaller and less zany environment than, say, a big, crowded zoo. These local nature centers house scenic hiking trails and playgrounds, plus many host interactive events. A visit is a great way to spend a day no matter the season. Read on for all the details on seven nature centers in Westchester.

Retro Roller Skating Rink Coming to Rockefeller Center This Spring

Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace at The Rink is set to bring roller skating to Rockefeller Center beginning Friday, April 15.

Rockefeller Center’s famed ice skating rink is scheduled to close for the season this weekend, but those not yet ready to give up skating at The Rink are in luck. Skaters of all ages will be able to take to the rink this spring and summer—the roller skating rink, that is! Read on for details about the brand new roller skating rink coming to the already family-friendly Rockefeller Center complex this spring.

Tons of Totally Terrific Tongue Twisters for Kids, Tweens, and Teens

Try wrapping your tongue around a few of these tantalizing twisters! Photo courtesy of Saeed Karimi via Unsplash

Don’t you just adore alliteration? How the words just roll right off your tongue? Well, sometimes those words can get a little stuck, or twisted. Tongue Twisters are phrases specifically meant to pose a challenge for those who attempt to speak them. There are funny tongue twisters, while others are pure fun to try and say. A special parental guidance warning for this one: I slit a sheet, a sheet I slit. Upon the slitted sheet I sit. Save that one for the older crowds.

On top of the fun to be had, tongue twisters for kids can greatly help them improve verbal pronunciation, fluency, and vocabulary. Similar to learning nursery rhymes, tongue twisters can actually build a lifelong love of literacy.

Looking for more laughs? Check out our list of side-splitting jokes for kids in our Ultimate Collection of Riddles, Knock-Knocks, and More Jokes for Kids.

Summer Jobs for Teens: How to Help Your Kid Find a Summer Gig

The Summer Youth Employment Program connects NYC youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer. Photo courtesy of  SYEP

Got a teen who's looking for a summer job? While NYC teens have a variety of summer internships to apply to, most of these are unpaid, offer school or volunteer credit, or provide only a small stipend. For a paid summer job, there's a different set of procedures teens must follow.

Read on to find out what you and your teens need to know before they begin their hunt for a summer job or after-school gig.

How to Plan a Kids' Birthday Party At Home

Plan the perfect at-home kids' birthday party with these ideas and tips. Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels

Planning a kids' birthday party can be as stressful as it is fun. You've got to think about the food, the guest list, the decorations, and so much more. But before you can get to all those details, you have to decide where the party will be. And if you're on a budget—or you just want a more private event—having the birthday party at home can be a great option.

To help you plan the perfect birthday bash, we've rounded up loads of kids' birthday party ideas, from yummy kids' birthday party food and festive decorations to fun party favors and birthday party games for kids. No matter what birthday theme your kiddo is into or how many people you’re inviting, we have ideas for every size party and budget. By following our tips and tricks, your next kids' birthday party is sure to be a stress-free success.

For more kids' birthday party ideas and inspiration, check out our ultimate Birthday Party Ideas Guide. Party on!

22 Most Affordable and Free Summer Camps in Connecticut

Make new friends at Camp Foxfire. ​Photo courtesy of Camp Foxfire

Most kids look forward to getting outside and playing at summer camps in Connecticut. Budding athletes can sign up for sports summer camps in Connecticut, and kids who crave connection with nature can attend summer camp at the beach or summer camp at Connecticut parks. Some kids may want to learn a foreign language, while others may be interested in all of the above. We've rounded up the most affordable and even free summer camps in Connecticut for kids, hitting all of those marks without breaking the bank.

For more summer camps in Connecticut, including picks for Sleepaway Summer Camps and the best STEM summer camps, be sure to bookmark our Connecticut Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and town. 

Mexico's Velas Vallarta All-Inclusive Family Resort is Eco-Friendly Earth Check Certified

All-inclusive resorts are popular with family travelers because they make life so easy, but all those options can also take a big environmental toll. An all-inclusive resort may create tons of food waste on a daily basis, not to mention loads of electricity for air conditioning and water for washing pool and bath towels. Nobody wants to feel guilty while trying to enjoy a relaxing getaway, so a resort that meets the needs of families and the environment too seems like a real dream vacation. 

Velas Vallarta, a family friendly all-inclusive resort with 10 acres of oceanfront in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, has an impressive green initiative that goes beyond the typical superficial hat-tip to eco-friendliness. Their efforts have been recognized by EarthCheck, the world's leading organization in certifying sustainable tourism, with gold and silver status for the resort. Plus, the all-suite resort, with kitchens in every room and a free bottomless mini-bar, offers an affordably luxurious all-inclusive experience. 

The Best Anaheim Hotels near Disneyland for Families

Twsit, turn, then plunge into refreshing waters with a wild ride down the water slide at Disney Paradise Piers Hotel.

Most family trips to Anaheim mean enjoying a couple or more days with the mouse at the happiest place on Earth, the Disneyland Resort. Therefore, finding the perfect place to stay either on Disneyland property, within walking distance, or a short shuttle ride away is essential. We've compiled a list of 10 great Anaheim hotels near Disneyland that will comfortably help you rest those tired feet between rides, enjoy some pool time with the kids, and perhaps even take in a hotel-balcony fireworks show after a long, memory-filled day at Disneyland with your family.

Be sure to check out our Guide to Orange County for all of our local recommendations, from 25 Things To Do in Anaheim With Kids to Great Family-Friendly Restaurants Near Disneyland, and even a guide to visiting Disneyland with your baby.

Pages