Slime in the carpet. Glitter on the walls. Paint on a brand new couch. These are just a few of the art-projects-gone-wild I've cleaned up over the years. And though I know the value in all this messy fun and creativity, sometimes I just don't want to deal with stocking the supplies, guiding the activities, and cleaning it all up. Enter the Children's Museum of the Arts. For my money (and sanity!) nothing beats a trip to this creative hub. Dubbed by my arts-loving daughters as their favorite NYC museum, it's an arts education powerhouse that doubles as an indoor playspace, making it a must-visit for NYC guests and tried-and-true boredom buster for city parents.

Maybe your daughter changed her mind about her Halloween costume for the bazillionth time. Or maybe your son got an invite to a last-minute Halloween party. Or maybe you're just a proud member of the Procrastination Club. Whatever your case may be, we’ve found the easiest Halloween costumes for kids that even a non-crafty mom or dad can pull together on the fly.

Most of the costumes on our list don't call for an arm's-length list of crafting supplies or Halloween props: Headbands, pom-poms, markers, solid t-shirts, and a glue gun can go a long way with a little imagination. In fact, these DIY kids' costumes are so easy, you might just have time to whip up a few frighteningly tasty Halloween treats, too.

And for Halloween activities near you, check out our Local Halloween Fun & Activities Guide.

Longwood Gardens is a special Chester County destination for children and grown-ups alike. Every season it has something exciting to offer. In the fall, it’s tough to beat its array of colorful foliage, and kids enjoy the pumpkins and harvest activities. Winter brings a wonderland of festive lights and holiday displays.

Once spring and summer roll around, Longwood Gardens transforms into an oasis filled with incredible blooms, shady pathways, and outdoor events and musical performances in the Open Air Theatre. Visitors don’t have to be horticultural experts to appreciate everything Longwood has to offer. Here are seven reasons why kids (and adults!) can’t get enough of Longwood, no matter the weather.

Turns out, Marina del Rey — "Marina of the King" — is also fit for a kid. So, too, is its neighbor, Playa del Rey. That's right, whether you're seeking food, recreation, an outdoor romp, or a dip in the water, Marina and Playa del Rey are sure to float your boat. Read on for our 25 favorite things to do in the area, perfect for when 100 things to do in LA sound like too many, and Burbank, Hollywood, Redondo Beach, and even Culver City sound too far away.

Most indoor play spaces around town offer ample options for climbing, sliding, and jumping, but only a select few give kids their very own space to engage in imaginative play.

Kid 'n Play Indoor Playground not only offers a more traditional play structure, but kids are also encouraged to dress up and explore a kid-sized city to create a world all their own as cooks, hairstylists, musicians, firefighters, and police officers. It truly offers the best of both worlds when it comes to combining physical and creative play. We also love that Kid 'n Play is located in the heart of Pearland where there are a plethora of kid-friendly parks and restaurants to enjoy before or after a trip to Kid 'n Play. 

Do you have a child who dreams about being a pro sports star, a pirate, or a princess? A handful of forward-thinking playgrounds in Massachusetts really take imaginative play to the next level. From a pair of Patriots-themed parks sure to thrill G.O.A.T. and Gronk fans to a castle-shaped playground fit for wannabe royals, these outdoor play areas—all within an hour of Boston and free and open to the public year-round—are perfect for kids who love to play pretend. For more parks that justify a trip beyond your own 'hood, check out our recent roundups of our favorite destination playgrounds and brain-boosting playgrounds.

What kid doesn’t like special treats on his or her birthday? There are plenty of places on Long Island offering FREE meals and other goodies for your child on that special day. Many of these birthday treats can be cashed in anytime during the child’s birthday month, so the fun can be enjoyed before or after the birthday itself.

We love to support local small businesses when we can, but some chain-store birthday clubs are pretty sweet, too, and many have locations across Long Island: There's bound to be an outpost near you. Be sure to check out our Long Island Party Guide for more on how to make your child's birthday a day to remember, including information on venues, entertainers, and more.