Stores & Services

Unique Independent Bookstores to Visit With Houston Kids

Submitted by Ashley Jones on Mon, 08/27/2018 - 10:47pm

We love our local library, but sometimes we find a book that we love so much that it just has to be purchased and added to our at home collection. Big retail stores can be fun to explore when shopping for books, but there is something to be said for getting lost surfing the shelves of a local shop. Personalized service, author readings, and storytimes make shopping at a local bookstore a delightful experience to share with little ones. These stores are unlike any others in the city. You never know what you might find tucked away in the shelves or what local author you might bump into at these quaint shops.

25 Things to Do With Kids in Brooklyn Heights

Submitted by Angela Johnson on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 4:00pm

Affectionately known as America's First Suburb, Brooklyn Heights is a historic nabe with lots of kid-friendly things to do, see, and eat. The classic architecture and warm neighborhood vibe attract young families to the area, and the beautiful waterfront parks—notably the Promenade and Brooklyn Bridge Park—make Brooklyn Heights well worth a visit.

While so many parts of Brooklyn seem to be rapidly modernizing and changing, Brooklyn Heights has managed to maintain much of its original historic charm. The Brooklyn Heights Historic District is one of the first designated historic districts in the city and includes homes that have been around since the 1820s. Here are the best places to eat, shop, play, and learn with kids in Brooklyn Heights.

8 Consignment Shops for Kids: Back-to-School Clothes and Toys on a Budget Around Boston

Submitted by Tara D on Sun, 08/19/2018 - 8:37am

With school and new classes starting soon, it’s time to think about outfitting your kids for the year. If your children are anything like mine, they blow through sizes at an alarming rate. Instead of always buying new, I like to browse consignment or secondhand shops, where I often find name-brand, gently used (or even never worn) apparel at a deep discount, not to mention enriching toys, books, and games. What's more, most of these stores are always looking for items to sell, so you can offload some of your own outgrown or never-used clothes and gear for credit. Here are 8 consignment shops where you can score some beautiful clothes and toys at a fraction of what you'd spend at the mall or main street.

Fall Consignment Sales for Philly Families

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 08/17/2018 - 10:00am

Preparing a kid's closet for the cool breezes of autumn can hit a Philly family right in the wallet. But, it doesn't have to. Purchasing children's clothes by shopping local consignment sales is one way to save some cash. Throughout Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley, consignment sales offer families a place to buy gently used clothing, toys, baby items, and other childhood staples for a fraction of the retail price. Additionally, when your kids grow out of their clothes or toys, consignment sales provide an opportunity to sell these items for extra money.

Consignment sale organizers can submit their events to our calendar by clicking here. For a list of spring consignment sales, check here.

35 Things to Do with Kids in Soho and Little Italy

Submitted by Amy Meader on Tue, 08/14/2018 - 1:45pm

Spend the day roaming around Soho and Little Italy with kids and you'll realize just how kid-friendly NYC can be. Of course there are tons of shops and restaurants, but if you look closer you can see that the area is teeming with tons of fun activities for the whole family: You just need to know where to look! Here are 35 of the best places for families to visit, shop, and eat in Soho and the adjacent neighborhoods of Little Italy and Hudson Square, including family-friendly restaurants, must-see museums, playgrounds, and neighborhood institutions.

The Last Bookstore Is LA's Reading Playground for Kids Who Love Books

Submitted by Mike Anderson on Fri, 07/20/2018 - 6:00pm

Getting kids excited about reading is one of the most important things a parent can do—so it's worth thinking outside the box. When kids start to grow tired of the pastel children’s section, take them downtown to The Last Bookstore, LA's unusual book playground. It is undeniably cool and, best of all, it makes reading seem edgy and funky, rather than something a bunch of lame adults try to trick them into doing.

Amusement Rides and Indoor Play Spaces Await at Palisades Center

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Thu, 07/19/2018 - 12:00pm

I remember watching the Palisades Center being built from the ground up as I shuttled between Rockland and Westchester counties for various athletic meets and games in high school. At the time, I never imagined that 20 years later, I would be a parent seeking out that very mall to entertain and amuse my own child. But seek it out I do—and with good reason.

It's not just the shopping that makes the Palisades Center a destination spot for families (though, seriously, who can resist four full floors of restaurants and shops?). Palisades Center is also an entertainment complex that lures patrons of all ages. From indoor play spaces larger than many elementary schools to carnival rides and extreme ropes courses, this gigantic mall has something for kids with every interest—with plenty to entertain parents, as well. Read on for the highlights.

Looking for even more fun? Check out some other family-friendly spots!

Is 222W80 the Upper West Side's Most Luxurious Rental Building?

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Tue, 06/26/2018 - 10:00am

Ready to treat yo'selves to an apartment upgrade, moms and dads? If you've been daydreaming about a feature-filled luxury building, then wait until you see what this new rental building on the Upper West Side has to offer. And we're not just talking elevators and doormen here... Think bowling alleys and smartphone concierge apps (um, not kidding).

222W80 is a boutique-size, all-new construction in one of Manhattan's prime family-friendly neighborhoods. Its stunning architecture, seriously spacious interiors, and premium finishes are certainly enough to catch your eye, but it's the uh-mazing list of amenities that makes it really tough to top. We spoke to Amy Rose, the CEO of Rose Associates — the building's developer and leasing firm — to get the rundown on the extensive offerings.