Free Activities

Must-See Cherry Blossoms in New Jersey's Branch Brook Park

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Thu, 03/21/2019 - 12:00pm

You don't have to travel to Washington, D.C., to see a stunning display of cherry blossoms this spring. You can enjoy the lush pink blooms right here in New Jersey this month at the 2019 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, held in Newark's Branch Brook Park from Saturday, April 6 – Sunday, April 14.

The event features two festivals-within-the-festival—Essex County Family Day and Bloomfest !—both of which offer plenty of family fun, including performances, bounce houses, a nearby playground, live music, and Japanese cultural demonstrations. It all takes place under the fragrant canopy of the sprawling park's 5,000 cherry blossom trees—the largest collection in the country.

Read on for an overview of Branch Brook Park and the festival, along with tips for visiting with kids.

10 Free Classes Kids Can Take at Stores and Businesses around LA

Submitted by Susan Leslie on Tue, 03/12/2019 - 11:03am

"I never run out of enriching activities for my kid," said no one EVER! Well, there are lots of classes in LA, some of which could send your bank account into cardiac arrest, but we have 10 classes your kid can do for FREE at local stores in your community. Okay, we say free; stores offer classes for free because, well, they think you just might consider a stroll down the aisles before you leave, and they're hoping a few items make their way into your basket. Stores are counting on your kid to scream, "I gotta have that!" before you leave. If you can manage to get the kids into the "free" activity and out again before the cash register rings, though, these free events are for you. (Oh, and you are a super parent!)

When Kids Get in Free at Chicago Museums, Zoos, and Parks

Submitted by Siobhan Adcock on Tue, 03/12/2019 - 10:58am

Chicago's museums, zoos, and parks rank among the best in the country—and lucky for busy, cash-strapped parents, many museums, zoos, gardens, and cultural institutions offer FREE or reduced admission at least once a month. Plus, many of the "grown-up" museums let kids in for free year-round, such as the Art Institute of Chicago, and most of the big institutions, including the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and the Field Museum, host popular free days just for Illinois residents throughout the year.

It can be hard to keep track of when and where these freebies are available, so we've compiled a list of reduced or FREE admission days and times at favorite Chicago cultural spots from the Art Institute to the Museum of Science and Industry.

Where To Find Bluebonnets in Houston this Spring

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Fri, 03/08/2019 - 10:05pm

It's that time of year again. Texas Bluebonnet season runs March-May, and this Spring Texans have already seen these beautiful blue blooms in some parts of the state. We've rounded up some spots where you can snap some of those iconic pictures in and around Houston, and we'll continue to update this post as we find more locations. If you have a favorite spot to share, let us know at houstoneditor@mommypoppins.com.

Spring Wildflower Hikes To Catch this Season's Super Bloom

Submitted by Audrey M on Fri, 03/08/2019 - 4:30pm

Spring is the time for enjoying wildflowers! With all the rain LA has seen, people are using that word superbloom again this season; local hills look more like Ireland than Southern California, and you don't have to go far to see carpets of flowers. There are several locations known for spectacular annual displays of spring wildflowers (not to mention the famous fields of Carlsbad), and areas recovering from recent fires can surprise us by bouncing back beautifully. Large displays typically last two to six weeks, so you need to make plans quickly when word comes of a good one. (Don't have time to drive outside the city limits? We know plenty of local hikes worth checking, too!)

If we hear of more great displays, we'll share in our newsletter! (Have you subscribed?)

Register for Free Spring Swim Lessons for NYC Kids

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on Mon, 03/04/2019 - 8:30am

The New York City Parks Department offers FREE swim lessons for children and adults all year round, but you have to apply through an online lottery for each session. The FREE spring swimming lessons are on the horizon, and the lottery for registration opens Monday, March 11, 2019, at noon.

Read on for the details on where to swim for free, or check our directory of paid kids' swim classes, and mommy-and-me swim lessons for babies and toddlers, including those in Brooklyn and in Queens.

Free Things to Do with Houston Kids in March

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Fri, 03/01/2019 - 2:05pm

The great thing about springtime in Houston is we get to enjoy this sliver of time where the weather is typically enjoyable. The chilly spittle of winter passes before the excruciating summer heat, and we are left with pleasant temperatures perfect for outdoor fun.

Our event calendar is packed with great things to do this month to take advantage of the weather, but here's a list we know all parents will love - FREE events happening in March perfect for kids. And if you enjoy free things and events, because who doesn't, check out our Free Fun Things to Do with Houston Kids guide.

St. Patrick's Day Events and Free Parades for Kids on Long Island

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 03/01/2019 - 12:30pm

Few regions celebrate their Irish heritage better than Long Island.

From Rockville Centre to Montauk, from the first weekend of March till the last, Main Streets across the Island come alive with pipers, parade marchers, traditional food, music, dance, and more. Huntington itself swells with visitors on the second Sunday of March when one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day gatherings in New York State kicks off in the village downtown. That Huntington parade is dwarfed perhaps only by New York’s City’s celebration, which this year is Saturday, March 16.

We here at Mommy Poppins have all you need to get into the spirit of the season, beginning with the Kings Park parade on Saturday, March 2 and climaxing with Jamesport’s on Saturday March 30. Most of these events are low cost or FREE, ideal for families, and appropriate for first-generation Irish-Americans or those who are just Irish for a day.

Read on for our favorites from among the 20-plus parades that will take place in Patrick’s honor this month on the Island. Click through for details, including parade routes, dates, times, and more. As always see our Long Island Events Calendar and March GoList for the best in family entertainment all month long.