Holidays

Free and Cheap Summer Camps Around Houston

Submitted by Kate M on Tue, 02/12/2019 - 12:00am

It's hard to believe it, but it is already time to start making summer plans for your little ones, and one thing every kid looks forward to in the summer is going to camp! Summer camp is a chance for kids to have fun while learning new skills and making memories with new friends. From overnight camps, outdoor camps, science camps, dance camps, arts camps, and music and theater camps, Houston has so many different types of summer camps, including the following camps that won't break the budget.

To find a summer camp that your little one and your wallet will love, check out this list of inexpensive or cheaper camps that we've rounded up, all of which cost around $100 - $150. Also, keep in mind that many camps offer early bird (get on it now!), multi-week, and sibling discounts, as well as discounts for members, and some even offer scholarships. And for more summer and vacation camp ideas, check out our comprehensive camp guide and full directory of camp listings.

20 Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day in NJ with the Family

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Wed, 02/06/2019 - 10:30am

Move over romantic Valentine's celebrations—Valentine's Day becomes a family affair once you have kids. Treat your crew to love-themed, kid-friendly fun at celebrations leading up to the big day. Have a Family Date Night at Jenkinson's, sample sweets at the Annual Valentine's Day Chocolate Walk, or enjoy a Chocolate Family Day at the museum.

Ready for a cheap date? Check out Valentine's freebies that include a storytime, craft, and cookie-decorating.

Read on for more ways to celebrate with the ones you love. And for even more mid-winter fun, check out our Event Calendar and February GoList. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

30 Things to Do Over February Break With Long Island Kids

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Sun, 02/03/2019 - 1:00pm

No matter what you call it...February break, midwinter vacation, or Presidents Week, your kids will be home from school for a whole week and you need ideas to keep them busy.

Well, we’ve got exactly what you need: a list of 30 family-friendly events happening across Long Island during school break, February 18-22 (most private schools are also closed that week). Of course, we think these events are timeless enough to be enjoyed whenever your children are home.

From one-day and weeklong camps to outdoor ice skating, indoor swimming, museums, and aquarium events, our roundup of activities will get your kids up and out of the house. Some events might cost you, but plenty are FREE or low cost, so there’s no excuse to not try at least one.

And for more ideas, check out our list of camps and classes during February break as well as our February GoList and Winter Fun Guide.

Chinese Lunar New Year Parades and Celebrations for NYC Kids

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on Mon, 01/28/2019 - 1:30pm

Lunar New Year is one of our favorite winter celebrations in New York City, and we're particularly excited for 2019's family activities. School-aged kids ought to be excited, too, as the holiday gives them an extra day off from school.

Often referred to as Chinese New Year, although many Asian nations celebrate it, this year the holiday takes place on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, and ushers in the Year of the Pig. Mark this cultural holiday with a family-friendly celebration. We've got the scoop on the best Lunar New Year parades, family dance parties, museum events, crafts, and more for NYC kids.

Commemorating Lunar New Year is a great way to learn about Asian culture and enjoy the food. Check out one of these dozen NYC eateries where you can enjoy Lunar New Year banquets, snacks, or desserts. With celebrations and parades in almost every borough, it's also an opportunity to get out and explore a new-to-you neighborhood such as Manhattan's Chinatown, Flushing in Queens, Sunset Park in Brooklyn, or Midtown Manhattan's Koreatown.

February School Break: 35 Fun Things to Do with NYC Kids

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on Sun, 01/20/2019 - 2:20pm

Time seems to be flying by, but for many families, the midwinter recess is a great time to slow things down and create some special memories. The 2019 midwinter break kicks off for New York City public schools on Saturday, February 16 and continues through Sunday, February 24, giving kids 9 full days of holiday playtime. To help you make the most of the February vacation, we've rounded up 35 things to do with kids across all five boroughs.

Lucky for us, NYC museums, ice rinks, parks, and other fun zones host a ton of special activities during the school break. Some of our picks take place on specific dates, others run the entire time, and many are completely FREE like the NYC Parks Kids' Week events.

The extra days off also make it a great time to book a couple of nights away as a family with these more budget-minded getaways, or to pile onto the train or into the car for a day trip to a top kid spot.

Remember you can always search our Event Calendar for more February break week happenings. (Tip: Search for a specific day or with the word "break.")

Celebrate Martin Luther King Day with Kids at These NYC Events

Submitted by Andy Fenwick on Tue, 01/15/2019 - 10:55am

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is peaceful for New York City kids, but it sure isn't boring, with music and storytelling and volunteer activities all focused on celebrating Dr. King's life and teachings with kids. Enjoy interactive peace marches, a special story hour, a FREE bash at BAM in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, and various museum events.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 21, 2019) is also a National Day of Service, when citizens are encouraged to help out in their communities. So we've included a list of family volunteering opportunities that are wonderful ways to honor King's work. You can find even more things to do on MLK Day in our Event Calendar.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Volunteer and Celebrate with Kids in NJ

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Wed, 01/09/2019 - 12:00pm

Martin Luther King, Jr., the chief spokesperson for the Civil Rights Movement, is memorialized annually on the third Monday of January. This floating holiday has evolved into more than just a day off from school. Now deemed a National Day of Service, MLK Day encourages volunteers across the country to donate their time in order to make a difference. This day reminds us of hope, compassion, and the ongoing potential for social change. Many New Jersey towns are hosting local activities, and we've put together a list that includes both celebrations and service activities.

How To Recycle Your Christmas Tree in LA

Submitted by Roberta B on Wed, 01/02/2019 - 3:04am

On the 12th day of Christmas my city gave to me - a chance to recycle my Christmas tree!

Whether from a lot at the corner or a cut-your-own farm in LA's outer regions, we lug those lovely-smelling, triangular chunks of evergreen wonder home on top of our cars each December amid singing, warm drinks, and family bonding. Thoughts of what will become of them a few weeks later are pushed to the outer regions of our To Do Lists. Well, the 12th day of Christmas is fast upon us, and our To Do Lists have come home to roost. Exhausting as it may sound after all the revelry, recycling a Christmas tree does not have to be difficult to arrange; all you need is a little information - which we've taken the time to assemble here!