Best Card Games for Kids of All Ages

Playing card games is not only fun, social, and educational; it gets kids off screens!

I have wonderful memories of playing card games with my family as a kid. The laughs, the late-night snacks, the speedy way my dad would shuffle the cards... good times! I recently started teaching my four-year-old some of the best card games for kids, and I was struck by how captivated she was, even without flashy gimmicks, lights, or sounds. Whether you've got preschoolers or teenagers at home, here are the best card games for kids perfect for one of your next family game nights.

Need more creative ideas to keep your whole family wholesomely entertained? Check out our Boredom Busters guide, not to mention this roundup of the best-ever board games and these brainy puzzle games for kids.

Flocks of Fun: One NJ County Has Been Taken Over by a Hidden Duck Scavenger Hunt

Keep your eyes peeled for ducks of all shapes and sizes in Monmouth County, NJ.

If you've been to Monmouth County lately, you may have noticed a mysterious invasion of little duckies. That's because members of the Monmouth County Ducks Facebook group—and anyone who wants to join in the fun—have been creating a whimsical scavenger hunt for local kids and adults.

So, read on for details on how to get in on the action and keep your eyes peeled: You never know where you might spot one of these faux feathered friends this summer. If your kids can't get enough of the scavenger hunt fun, we've got more ideas for staging a scavenger hunt at home or in your 'hood.

Gifts for Grads and Good Grades: Here's Where NYC Kids Can Score End-of-Year Freebies

Graduating public school seniors can get a FREE TDF membership, which grants deep discount to Broadway and beyond. Photo by Marc Franklin

Nothing beats the thrill of wrapping up the school year—especially when it’s capped off with rewards worth celebrating. Whether you’re graduating high school or just crushed it with straight As, these perks and freebies make your moment even brighter. From sweet treats to entertainment perks, there are tons of ways students can cash in for their hard work.

So, whether you just walked across the stage in your cap and gown, or you’ve got a glowing report card in your backpack, get ready to celebrate big. Scroll through our roundup of the best graduation perks and good-grade freebies that turn all that studying into serious rewards. For more freebie fun check out our list of 100 FREE things to do this summer in New York City.

Comedy Shows in NYC for Laugh Out Loud Fun

 Milk & Cookies is a monthly family-friendly comedy show at the West Side Comedy Club.

Everyone could use more laughter in their lives, and thankfully, New York City isn’t just home to world-class children's museums and family-friendly Broadway blockbusters—it’s also host to hilarious comedy shows for kids of all ages. Whether your crew loves slapstick, silly songs, or improv, there's a kid-friendly comedy show in NYC that will have the whole family in stitches.

These NYC comedy shows for kids prove you don’t need a screen to have a good time—just a stage, some quick wit, and a whole lot of silliness. And, because these shows are specially curated for kids, grown-ups don't have to worry about the content being too adult. From interactive comedy acts where kids can shout out suggestions to laugh-out-loud sketch shows designed for family audiences, here are our picks for the best comedy shows for kids in NYC.

The Best Things to Do in Chincoteague, VA with Kids: A Family Travel Guide

Look for birds along the Marsh Trail in Chincoteague. Photo by Lisa Warden

I loved visiting Chincoteague, VA as a child—the land of wild ponies running free. None of my children share my love of horses, but I still felt amiss that we hadn’t taken a trip to Chincoteague as a family. So we finally headed down for a long weekend, and despite the miserable weather, we had a great time!

If your family loves nature, birds, ponies, rocket ships (you read that right), and/or beaches, it's time to start planning a Chincoteague family vacation. Read on for tips on visiting Chincoteague, VA with kids, from fun Chincoteague activities to Chincoteague kid-friendly restaurants. And since it is about three hours south of DC, we also share some great Chincoteague hotels for families.

Our Guide to Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for DC Kids has even more fun travel ideas, including our list of the best family road trips from DC.

The Best Free Swimming Pools in Chicago for Families

Chicago has many free, clean public pools. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District

Chicago's free swimming pools typically open in the middle of June and close at the end of August. So on sunny days, you can find Chicagoans swimming, floating, and soaking up the sun at one of Chicago’s fifty (!) free outdoor swimming pools. Many free Chicago public pools have separate splash pads, or kiddie pools with zero entry for the littlest swimmers—and a few even have water slides! 

Here are a few of our favorite outdoor pools in Chicago for no-cost summer fun with kids. Looking for more ways to play in Chicago with kids this summer without breaking the bank? Check out our list of Free and Affordable Summer Camps for Chicago Kids, and also our complete Summer Fun Guide for Chicago Kids!

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