I Took My Daughter to Family Saturdays at the New York City Ballet—Here’s the Honest Scoop

Submitted by Caralynn Matassa on

Even from the third ring, young audience members are entranced by the New York City Ballet's Family Saturdays program.

The Big Apple is home to several world-famous ballet institutions, including the renowned New York City Ballet. Housed at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center, NYCB was founded by renowned choreographer George Balanchine and arts patron Lincoln Kirstein in 1948.

My family and I recently attended the New York City Ballet’s Family Saturdays program, an interactive one-hour presentation designed for kids ages 5 and up. It was the perfect entrypoint to live ballet for my budding ballerina. Read on for everything you need to know about the kid-friendly ballet event, and be sure to bookmark our full NYC Kids' Guide to Live Theater and Shows for more fun cultural activities for kids in NYC.

Best Summer Day Camps Near Hartford, CT for Kids

Submitted by Clementina Verge on

Try out tennis and more sports at Mandell JCC's summer camp. Photo courtesy of the camp

Looking for the best summer day camps near Hartford, Connecticut? You’re in luck! The Hartford area is home to outstanding day camps that keep kids engaged, active, and happy all summer long. There’s the perfect camp for your child, whether they are a first-time camper or a seasoned summer pro.

From outdoor adventure and sports camps to STEM, arts, and creative programs, Hartford-area summer camps offer something for every interest and personality. Many of these camps also offer flexible scheduling, with options to enroll by the week or for the full summer—because that’s what I look for when I’m looking for a camp for my own kids.

For even more options, be sure to explore Mommy Poppins’ Connecticut Camp Guide, your go-to resource for finding the perfect summer camp or seasonal activity for kids across Connecticut. Or, search our listings of ALL the summer camps in Connecticut and filter by age, location, interest, and more.

The Best Indoor Ice Skating Rinks in NYC for Year-Round Family Fun

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on

The Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers is open for lessons and hockey programs. Photo courtesy of Chelsea Piers

As much as we love ice skating outside, sometimes it's just too cold, hot, or rainy for New York City's seasonal outdoor ice skating rinks. Indoor ice skating rinks in NYC let kids skate year-round. Some in-the-know parents with young ice skating enthusiasts say they prefer indoor ice skating rinks in NYC because the ice's quality is better, making for a smoother glide, which is especially helpful for newbies.

Here are six indoor family-friendly ice skating rinks in NYC to consider the next time your kids want to go for a glide. Find more indoor places to play in our NYC Kids' Guide to Indoor Play Spaces and Fun Zones.

100 Free Things To Do in DC with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on

Enjoy Art in Bloom during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Photo by Elvert Barnes via FLickr 2.0

Raising children in the DC area is an amazing adventure—it certainly has been for my family! From free museums and nature centers to amazing playgrounds and fun festivals, there are so many free things to do in DC with kids. This has allowed my family to discover hidden gems, explore iconic places, and have loads of fun while saving money. It also means visitors from out of town can have a fabulous family vacation full of historic and cultural experiences, nature, and play time without breaking the bank.

Here is our ultimate list of 100 free things to do with kids in DC, from the best free attractions in DC to free events in DC. For even more ways to have fun without reaching into your wallet, check out our Guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids and our list of free indoor places to play in the DC area. 

100 Fun Free Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids

Submitted by Matt Matasci on

There is so much free fun to be had at places in LA like LACMA. Photo by Joey Zanotti via Flickr 2.0

Free things to do in Los Angeles are words that likely grab your attention, and there's no shortage of free activities and attractions in a city as large as LA. Save your funds for birthday gifts, Christmas presents, summer camps, and theme parks, and instead, take advantage and plan out your days with the kids with all the many free things to do in Los Angeles.