There’s nothing like the comfort of your own home when it comes to hosting your kid’s birthday party. Sure, you have to clean up, but you’re in control, and you don't have to worry about sharing a space with other parties. And, since the cost of an at-home party tends to be lower, it's the perfect opportunity to splurge on a one-of-a-kind experience that brings the party to you.

We've rounded up top New Jersey entertainers for your next bash. From costumed characters to magicians, balloon twisters, face painters, and animal wranglers, these party entertainers make house calls to delight your birthday kid and pint-sized party guests.

Find more ideas in our NJ Birthday Party Guide, including our story on where to get NJ's best birthday cakes. 

When it comes to birthday party ideas for teens, NYC kids are a discerning bunch. Luckily for you—and your kid—we've found 15 birthday party ideas for teens at venues new and old, all of which are sure to be a hit with the guest of honor and their (equally judgmental) friends. With party packages this cool, it's a shame you celebrate but once a year.

Find more awesome birthday party ideas for teens in our jam-packed NYC Kids' Guide to Birthday Party Places and more picks for any time teen fun in our Tween and Teen Guide to NYC.

Whether a birthday party or an outdoor family outing, these are the best parks in Los Angeles for family barbecue and parties that need outdoor grills.  

Nothing says “summer” like barbecue — but not everyone has the luxury of a backyard, and even those that do may not have the space for a BBQ or grill. Luckily, many of our local Southern California parks are standing by with grills and pits to satisfy that craving for charred food. 

The beauty of life in Southern California is that "summer" can be practically any time of year; the parks below have year-round barbecue facilities, ready for birthday parties, holiday celebrations, spontaneous picnics, or family dinners al fresco. As you know, living in LA can be expensive — that's why it's always great to find a location that doesn't require a booking fee that'll cost half your paycheck! Whether it's a casual get-together or a birthday party, grilling at LA parks is a great way to enjoy the city's unbeatable weather and open spaces. 

Sometimes it’s nice to just settle in for a good binge, but it can be hard to find a show the whole family can agree on! We’ve got you covered with a list of the 100 best kids' TV shows ever, from old kids' TV shows in black and white, to our all-time favorite PBS Kids TV shows, right up through the best kids' TV shows you can stream today. This list features programming suitable for children of all ages, from toddlers to teens, and every developmental stage.

These programs are funny, heartwarming, and wholesome, with educational and life lessons that entertain and help children make sense of the world. Okay, maybe there aren’t a ton of lessons to take from Mr. Bean, but that’s what the other 99 are for. So gather the fam, grab some snacks, and get comfy on the couch, bed, or floor … you’ll be there a while.

Need even more recs for family entertainment? Check out our list of the Best Kids' Movies for Family Movie Night. And whether tonight is a TV night or movie night, these Irresistible Dessert Board Recipes make for super snacks for everyone.

We tested the top home robots, from the best robot vacuum cleaner to cat litter robots, and here's what we thought.

Home robots can help automate some pretty heinous household chores that make parenting so hard. Anything that makes parenting easier? Sign me up! From robot vacuum cleaners to cat litter sifting robots to automated lawn mowers, there are a lot of home robot helpers out there. But, they can run into big bucks. Are they worth it?

This topic came up in the Mommy Poppins group chat, and we all had some honest truths to share with each other about which household chore robots were worth their weight in gold, and which ones were expensive dust collectors. And what we named our little mechanical helpers. (Because, oddly, most of us have names for the ones we love! Say hello to Poolio Iglesias, for example!)

Discover which robot vacuum cleaners are the best and which surprising home robots will make parenting just a little easier. For more insider parenting tips, check out our Mommy Poppins Parenting Guide.

The Atlantic City Aquarium reopened in spring 2025 after shuttering for a renovation that began in 2020.  

We took a trip down to see everything the small Jersey Shore seaside attraction has to offer. Is the reworked facility worth a visit, or is it a miss? Read on to learn more about the Atlantic City Aquarium's best attractions and everything you need to know to plan a visit. 

And, if this aquarium happens to spark a new interest in life under the sea, check out our rundown of the best aquariums for your next family vacation. For trip ideas further afield, read our comprehensive Family Travel Guide. 

Ground Zero in the Financial District has become a must-visit destination for many families visiting NYC. While a visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum with kids may be a somber and challenging experience, there's a lot of value to learning about and honoring such an important event.

If you're looking for some dining options in the area, we've rounded up some restaurants in the immediate vicinity of Ground Zero as well as some picks in nearby Battery Park City. While the neighborhood lunch spots mainly cater to office workers, there are many restaurants and establishments that serve fresh, delicious, and affordable meals and treats.

After your meal, stay and explore the rest of FiDi because this historical neighborhood has emerged in recent years as a great family-friendly destination. Find more fun neighborhoods to explore in our Manhattan Kids Guide and more great family-friendly restaurants in our NYC Kids' Guide to Restaurants.

Make the most of summer with these fun family activities before school starts!