Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Photo courtesy of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thanksgiving, Pumpkin Destruction Day, and More Holidays & Activities for November 2024
Cookeez Makery is one of the hottest new toys of 2024!
Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Hottest Toys and Christmas Gifts for Kids
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Make memories to last a lifetime at the all-inclusive Beaches Turks and Caicos.
42 Warm and Sunny Family Winter Vacation Ideas in the US and Abroad
How many of these trivia questions can your little brainiac answer? Photo by J. Fanchin, courtesy of Canva
100 Trivia Questions for Kids - With Answers!
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What Should I Do Today?
How should parents navigate children’s exposure to technology?
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Learn some random fun facts that will leave your kids laughing. Photo by Sara Marentette
125 Fun Facts For Kids That Will Blow Their Minds
Test your family's knowledge with this fun list of Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader questions.
100 Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader Questions
Printable word search puzzles are a great way to keep little brains engaged.
Printable Word Puzzles for Kids: Great Sites for Word Searches, Crosswords, & Word Scrambles
Would you rather drink hot chocolate or chocolate milk? Photo by the author
100 Best 'Would You Rather' Questions for Clever Kids
Have sweet dreams of all the free baby stuff you'll get. Photo by Garrett Jackson courtesy of Unsplash
How to Get Free Baby Stuff: Free Diapers, Formula, Baby Gear, and More
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Saguaro in Palm Springs, California, beckons families with its pool and more.
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Guide to Family-Friendly Resorts & Hotels
All you need for Crazy Hair Day are some cupcake baking cups! Photo by the author
Easy School Spirit Week Ideas: Crazy Hair Day, Anything But a Backpack Day, and Beyond
Join Dairy Queen's Blizzard Fan Club and enjoy a free birthday Blizzard! Photo courtesy of Sunny Daze and Dairy Queen
Birthday Freebies for Kids: 64 Places To Get Free Stuff on Your Birthday
Timber Ridge Lodge in Geneva, Wisconsin features both an indoor water park and outdoor pools.
Best Family Resorts with Water Parks: All-Inclusive Family Resorts and More
Photo of girl laughing by Amina Filkins via Pexels
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Jokes for Kids and More Humor for Kids: The Funny Pages
Teachers have found inspiring ways to be there for our kids. Here are some ways to show our appreciation. Photo by Yan Krukov, Pexels
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week 2024: Teacher Appreciation Gifts They’ll Love
A water park, beach activities, and more await at Coconut Bay's all-inclusive resort in St. Lucia.
Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the US, Caribbean, and Mexico for Kids
Family Travel Guide
Kids love these jokes that require audience participation. Photo by Jay Wood via Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
25 Funny Knock Knock Jokes for Kids With Growing Funny Bones
Unicorn parties never go out of style! Photo by Malcolm Garrett/Pexels
100 Popular Kids' Birthday Party Themes for Every Age and Interest
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Go ahead. Hand them the iPad; these websites for kids are fun and at least a little educational. Photo courtesy of Bigstock
100 Great Websites for Kids
Belize is the perfect tropical vacation destination for families.
Belize Family Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Best Resorts and Top Things to Do with Kids in Belize
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Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties and Birthday Party Ideas
Photo of girl laughing by Amina Filkins via Pexels
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Jokes for Kids and More Humor for Kids: The Funny Pages
Toys make perfect first birthday gifts for budding toddlers! But which ones? We've got you covered.
Best First Birthday Gifts: Toys and More for 1-Year-Olds
Get a sunscreen they won't mind slathering on! Babyganics Mineral Sunscreen Lotion image courtesy of the company
Reef-Safe Sunscreen for Kids: Protecting Their Skin and the Planet
Skip the candy and the plastic that ends up in a landfill with these creative goody bag and party favor ideas. Photo courtesy of Hannah Rodrigo/Unsplash
Unique Goody Bag and Party Favor Ideas for Kids' Birthday Parties
Being a dad is one of the two best jobs on earth. Photo courtesy of the City of Fort Collins, Colorado
Preparing for Fatherhood: Parenting Tips From Our Favorite Dads
Photo by Liz Baill
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Crafts & Games Guide: 100s of Activities for Kids
Kids can play these daily word games alone or with a friend. Photo by Sara Marentette
7 Games Like Wordle for Kids: Daily Word Games Online
Sea otters really don't want to get lost! Photo courtesy Joe Robertson/CC BY 2.0
50 Fun Animal Facts For Kids You Won't Believe
These questions to ask grandparents help kids get to know their favorite people a little better.
101 Questions To Ask Grandparents About Their Lives
It's time to plan the ultimate Bluey birthday party!
Bluey Birthday Party Ideas: Bluey Birthday Cake, Games, and More
Adorable? Yes. Useful? No way. Babies don't need shoes.
Deinfluencing Your Baby Registry: Baby Products You Totally Don’t Need
Starface's star-shaped pimple patches make kids look and feel awesome while dealing with pimples.
Best Teen Skincare and Pimple Patches Kids Are Obsessed With—From a Teen!
Kudos diapers use four times more plant-based materials than competing brands. Photo courtesy of Shark Tank Products
Best Diaper Subscriptions in 2023: Amazon, Honest, and More
It's up to kids to save our planet, with a little guidance from us. Photo by Ron Lach from Pexels
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Earth Kids: Green Activities for the Planet
There are so many fun ways to reuse your Imperfect Foods boxes. Photo courtesy of Imperfect Foods
How To Get Free Stuff, Save Money, and Reduce Waste
Grab your list and head out for a scavenger hunt with the kids!
Indoor and Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids - Plus Cute Printables!
Now we can send you articles about things to do in your neighborhood that match your interests!
Mommy Poppins' New Web App and Notifications Are the Easiest Way To Find Fun Things To Do
Walking, talking, grabbing, holding, smiling, laughing... it's all coming. But when? Photo by Tatiana Syrikova, via Pexels
Developmental Milestones for Babies in the First Year
One top tip is getting kids involved from the planning stage, and they'll want to help cook! Photo by Brooke Lark, via Pexels
Family Dinner Secrets from Savvy Parents: Weekly Menu Planners and Meal Planning Made Easy
Just one kid composting can save 400 pounds of food waste a year. So yes, one kid can make a difference! Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Climate Change: How One Kid (You) Can Take Action
When kids are bored, bored, bored, it's handy to have a whole list of fun things to do. Photo by Mommy Poppins
"I’m Bored, What Should I Do?" 100 Things To Do When Kids Are Bored
There's nothing like a delicious cup of hot chocolate on a cold day. Photo courtesy of Cotton Bro Studios
Hot Chocolate Recipes Kids Adore
Photo by Polina Tankilevitch via Pexels
Top Types of Parenting Styles from Gentle Parenting to Tiger Mom: Which Is Best?
Disney turns 100 and there will be celebrations from coast to coast. Photo courtesy of Disneyland
20 Family-Friendly Openings We're Looking Forward to in 2023
How about a birthday celebration at a local park for free! Photo by Antonius Ferret vis Pexels
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Free Activities, Events, Classes, and Camps for Kids
It's easier than you'd think to turn a simple paper lunch bag into a festive piñata!
How To Make a Piñata at Home: Easy Paper Bag Piñatas
Learn some random fun facts that will leave your kids laughing. Photo by Sara Marentette
125 Fun Facts For Kids That Will Blow Their Minds
Trader Joe's how do I love thee? Let me count the ways: for being inexpensive, gourmet and friendly.
The Best Trader Joe's Food for Families: 50 Favorite Products and Reader's Tips
Snuggle up with one of these beloved bedtime stories for kids. Photo courtesy of Bigstock
41 Best Bedtime Stories for Kids, Including Free Bedtime Stories Online
Screen time doesn't have to be a solo activity with these fun, free online games for kids to play with friends.
20 Free Online Games For Kids to Play Together
Take a spin around the lazy river at Mandalay Bay.
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Las Vegas, Nevada: 50 Awesome Things To Do in Vegas with Kids
SingleCare offers major savings on more than 10,000 prescription drugs through its free app.
This App Offers Up to 80% Off the Whole Family’s Prescription Meds–Here’s My SingleCare Review
The outdoors are a natural playground for curious kids.
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Top Outdoor Activities for Kids
Remember getting your first Cabbage Patch Kid? Photo by Charlotte B
100 Classic Toys for Kids: Favorite Classic Toys, Retro Toys, and Vintage Toys
Photo by Leah Kelley via Pexels
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The Ultimate Road Trip Guide for Families
Are you brave enough for some of these spooky ghost stories?
21 Kid-Friendly Ghost Stories and Spooky Stories for Kids
A perfectly packed lunchbox helps kick the school blues. Photo courtesy of www.YumboxLunch.com
100 School Lunch Ideas for Kids: Back-to-School Lunches Kids Will Actually Eat
Revel in the dirty hands! Outdoor activities help kids sleep better and jumpstarts their imaginations.
30 Outdoor Activities in Nature for Kids for Hands-on Outdoor Learning
Rent a gorgeous backyard pool like this for your family for an hour or a day. Photo courtesy of Swimply
Resort Passes and Daily Pool Rentals Near You: Family Resort Daycations for Everyone
Alphabet Soup. Photo courtesy of foodwithfeeling
100 Top Easy Recipes for Kids: Kid-Friendly Recipes for Every Meal
Gather 'round the campfire and sing some fun songs. Photo courtesy of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
21 Classic and Funny Campfire Songs for Any Camping Trip
These funny jokes for kids will have them laughing in no time!
75 Jokes for Kids That Will Keep the Whole Family in Giggles
Things like having a children's museum with a view like this make it easy to leave your heart in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of the Bay Area Discovery Museum
Mommy Poppins Launches in Miami and the San Francisco Bay Area
Kids can give parents tickets if they forget to turn off the water to soap hands or brush teeth!
17 Tricks For How Kids Can Conserve Water: Make Water Conservation Fun
A zip line and more await at Portland's Eagle's Nest Treehouse. Photo courtesy of julian@hipcamp
12 Family-Friendly Tree House Rentals to Delight Their Imaginations
Did you know a pillow fight is a great way to get proprioceptive input? Photo by Mommy Poppins
99 Sensory Activities for Toddlers, Infants, and Kids of All Ages
Find a bare patch of soil to place your seed bomb. Spread them far and wide! Photo by the author
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How to Make Wildflower Seed Bombs: An Earth-Friendly Craft for Kids
The Outdoor Play Plaza at Greensboro Children's Museum in North Carolina.
The Best Children’s Museums in the US: Museums Worth Planning a Vacation Around
Enjoy stunning views of the Thames River.
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London With Kids: 60+ Best Things To Do in London on a UK Family Vacation
How does your garden grow? Photo by Filip Urban, Unsplash
Create a Pollinator Garden in Your Home or Apartment: Planting a Butterfly Garden or Bee Garden with Kids
Taco Tuesday makes meal planning easy and dinner kid-pleasing.
Taco Tuesday: The Only 5 Taco Recipes You’ll Ever Need
Enjoy the clear turquoise waters of Turks and Caicos.
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Why Ocean Club Resort Turks and Caicos Is Tops on Our Family Vacation List
Watch as kids become entranced by a live show. Photo by Alexis Buatti Ramos, courtesy of the New Victory Theater
Best Children’s Theaters in the US: Why Bringing Young Kids to the Theater Is So Important
Our guide to living a more earth-friendly life.
Celebrate Earth Day! 25 Tips for Living More Sustainably Every Day
Plan the perfect at-home kids' birthday party with these ideas and tips. Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels
How to Plan a Kids' Birthday Party At Home
A water park, beach activities, and more await at Coconut Bay's all-inclusive resort in St. Lucia.
Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the US, Caribbean, and Mexico for Kids
We found plenty of things to do in Paris to fill our days and nights!
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50 Fun Things To Do in Paris with Kids
Children are natural advocates for the planet and our actions truly can make a difference.
New Earth Kids Guide and Newsletter to Share Activities for a Greener Planet
Abracadabra! These videos teach kids how to do magic at home! Photo by Amina Filkins/Pexels
20 Easy Magic Tricks for Kids
Try wrapping your tongue around a few of these tantalizing twisters! Photo courtesy of Saeed Karimi via Unsplash
Tons of Totally Terrific Tongue Twisters for Kids, Tweens, and Teens
Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.
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25 Preschool Science Experiments: Simple Science for Toddlers through Kindergarten Kids
Science experiments and STEM activities for kids entrance children with their
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Guide to Science Experiments for Kids and Fun STEM Activities
The outdoors are a natural playground for curious kids.
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Top Outdoor Activities for Kids
girl making apple pie courtesy of canva
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Easy Recipes for Kids
Need a kids' music playlist that will get you dancing, eating, and even learning state capitals? We found a playlist for every occasion.
22 Free Kids' Music Playlists for Breakfast through Bedtime
Have a Post-it party! Easy but fun games for toddlers can be made with household items.
Easy Toddler Games: 20 Ways to Entertain Toddlers When You’re Too Sick to Play
The Muppet Show never goes out of style. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprise, Inc.
100 Best Kids' TV Shows of All Time
The Light We Feel Inside encourages children to look to Black female changemakers of the past as guides for their biggest feelings.
21 Kids' Books About Racism, By Age
It's so important for kids to see themselves on the pages of books.
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Photo courtesy of Language Workshop for Children
10 Online Language Classes and Clubs for Kids
Milo Imagines the World, by Matt de la Peña was one of our favorite books of the year.
The Very Best of 2021 for Kids and Families: The Books, Movies, Shows, and More Our Kids Adored
Try a little freeze dancing, robot style! Photo courtesy of Pavel Danilyuk via Pexels
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The internet is full of coding programs for kids, but which are the best? We tested them all. Photo courtesy of Kodable
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Long car rides don't have to be boring!
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Kids gobble up broccoli when it's smothered in cheese sauce. Photo courtesy of butterwithasideofbread.com
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Find a new favorite children's book with these reading lists.
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Best Kids' Books: A Guide to Great Reads
Selfies are fun, but make sure kids know how to be cell phone safe and smart. Photo courtesy of Kampus Productions, Pexels
How To Set Limits on a Kids’ New Cell Phone
Mexican Instant Pot Quinoa warms on a chilly night.
10 Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Weeknight Dinners
For Grandparents' Day or any day, the best gift is more time with grandkids! Photo courtesy of Canva
50 Fun Activities for Grandparents To Do with Kids: For Grandparents' Day and Every Day
Make the day special by letting your kid call the shots!
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Homeschool & Online Learning Resources for Families
Ride the San Diego Zoo Skyfari. Photo courtesy of Christina Simmons, for the San Diego Zoo.
The Best Zoos in the US: Take Your Kids on a Family Animal Adventure
Find a new children's book to read today. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Kids' Books Every Child Should Read Before They Grow Up
Walk the rocks at Fort Williams for views of Portland Head Light and the waves.
Portland, ME with Kids: 50 Best Things To Do in Portland, Maine
The Water's Edge Resort and Spa in Connecticut offers the beach and so much more. Photo courtesy the resort
Our Favorite New England Hotels for Families 
Prepare yourself for the awesomeness of Baha Mar. Photo courtesy the resort
Baha Bay at Baha Mar: A Luxury Water Park Opens in the Bahamas
With Bestow, get a personalized term life insurance quote—no medical exam required—in as little as five minutes.
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The Saguaro in Palm Springs, California, beckons families with its pool and more.
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Seattle is the city of the Space Needle, Puget Sound, miles of green, and loads of family-friendly fun.
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Families can get their groove on with these easy TikTok dances.
Best Easy TikTok Dances for Kids and Families to Try
Playing card games is not only fun, social, and educational; it gets kids off screens!
25 Card Games Every Kid Should Know
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Cypress Springs Water Park at Gaylord Palms Resort has the perfect lazy river for families to enjoy together. Photo courtesy of the resort
12 Best Hotel Water Parks in Orlando
Keep babies occupied with highchair activities at their own baby activity center.
Turn a Highchair into a Baby Activity Center with These Ideas
Climb to the highest point in Tennessee at Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
70 Fun Things To Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with Kids
SeaWorld Orlando theme park, zoo and aquarium offers exciting rides and roller coasters, up-close animal encounters. Photo by the author
100 Best Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Before They Grow Up (Other than Theme Parks)
Dessert charcutterie boards, like this S'mores Board, delight kids and parents alike.
The Most Irresistible Dessert Board Recipes for Kids
Build trains, cars, houses, and creatures with cardboard boxes!
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50 Genius Things to Do with Cardboard Boxes, Plus More Cardboard Crafts and Activities for Kids
A water park, beach activities, and more await at Coconut Bay's all-inclusive resort in St. Lucia.
Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the US, Caribbean, and Mexico for Kids
Sleep in a spaceship at the Area 55 Futuro House. Photo courtesy of Airbnb
The Coolest (Affordable) California Vacation Rentals for Families
A coat of paint turns a simple plate into a work of art.
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Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
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Use recyclables and household objects to build a better bridge.
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Visit Adirondacks
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100 Things To Do in NYC With Kids Before They Grow Up
Climb Monument Mountain for panoramic views of the Berkshires. Photo courtesy of Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
25 Things To Do in the Berkshires with Kids
Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ
100 Things To Do in New Jersey With Kids Before They Grow Up
Visit LACMA's Levitated Mass. Photo by Joey Zanetti
100 Things To Do in Los Angeles Before Kids Grow Up
The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up

News: Preschool Admissions, NYC Celebrity Tours, Contests, End to Classroom Aides, and Too Heavy Backpacks

7/22/09 - By Anna Fader

It's that time of year again when parents with children of a certain age need to start panicking about getting their kids into preschools. Find out about resources to help you get through it, plus this other news: Parents can't pay for classroom aides, Celebrities are giving City tours, how to know if your child's back pack is too heavy and what can you do about it. And there's some fun contests going on that could win you a free birthday party or some cash. And of course, don't forget to enter our Dinner Party Giveaway. We've given away three dinner parties for 10 and we've got 7 more to go!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

The common practice of PTAs paying for classroom aides to counter over-crowded classrooms will come to an end this year as the city (pushed by the teacher's union) puts the kibosh on this practice. There are lots of sides to this story. [NYTimes]

Big Apple Greeter offers free personalized city tours led by New Yorkers. Now some celebs are joining their volunteer ranks, like TIki Barber and Sopranos star Dominic Chianese. [1010 WINS]

Consumer Reports finds NYC kids in 6th grade are carrying loads upwards of 20 pounds, while the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids shouldn't carry more than 10-20% of their own weight to avoid back pain. See their recommendations for the best backpacks by height. [via NYTimes]

Preschool Admissions help: NY Family is offering a preschool admissions seminar where leading experts will share their insight on the admissions process and answer questions. You can also take a look at our Preschool Guide where I share my jaded perspective and we have many preschool listings.

Contests:

Win a free birthday party at the Scholastic Store. All you have to do is tweet about the contest to be entered.

Think your kids could have the Best Lemonade Stand in America? Send in your story and your kids could be featured on TV and win cash prizes.