When we were kids, birthday parties meant our parents claimed a picnic table in a park, had us pin a tail on a donkey, passed out goodies and cake, and called it a day. These days, it can be hard not to fall into the habit of planning an elaborate party for your kid, complete with a theme, balloon arches, top-notch entertainment, and custom cakes. And it probably comes as no surprise that here in Los Angeles, finding cheap party rental spots can be a challenge, with private venues often averaging $700 to $1,800 per event—yikes!

But you don’t have to break the bank just because your kid is a year older. I asked some friends for their best budget-friendly birthday party ideas (even in LA), and they did not disappoint. 

Set in the Blue Ridge range of the Appalachian Mountains, the southwest Virginia city of Roanoke is woodsy and outdoorsy—a major departure from the political hustle and bustle of the Washington, DC suburbs. Roanoke is affectionately known as Star City because of the giant neon star that sits atop one of its peaks (the largest man-made star in the world, FYI).

But that's not the only thing that shines in Roanoke. The city boasts cool museums for families, killer restaurants, and plenty of outside play activities. Our family had a blast exploring Roanoke, VA!

Here are our 21 favorite things to do in Roanoke with kids, including where to eat and where to stay. Check out our Ultimate Virginia bucket list for more fun ideas throughout the state, as well as our Family Travel Guide for more cool cities to visit.

Find family fun at Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester!

We've rounded up more than two dozen fun things to do with Westchester and Hudson Valley kids during February winter break, so there's no need to worry about keeping the kids busy during a midwinter staycation. 

These picks for Presidents Day week include in-person events, outdoor activities, and fun anytime excursions. We've also got an entire post dedicated to February's top to-dos, and our Family Activity Calendar is constantly updated.

Winter break, February vacation, President's Week, or mid-winter break — no matter what you call it, your Long Island kids will be home from school for a whole week, and you need fun ideas to keep them busy!

Our list of 25 family-friendly, interactive, and exciting events happening across Long Island is a must-read. February break on Long Island runs from Monday, February 16, to Friday, February 20, 2026, this year.

My kids love so many of these incredible activities and places to visit during our stay-cation. We like to plan a day to explore at the Long Island Aquarium, and the kids always ask for ice skating! For parents who have to work, there are one-day and week-long camps to get the kids out of the house and into the action. 

For even more ideas, check out our awesome Winter Fun Guide and list of 100 FREE Things to Do with Kids on Long Island. 

Looking for things to do during winter break in New Jersey? Read on for more than two dozen terrific options. 

It feels like I just put away the holiday decorations, and yet it’s already time to plan for New Jersey’s February break. This year, Presidents' Day is on Monday, February 16, 2026, and many NJ schoolchildren have a 3 or 4-day weekend, making it the perfect time for a family outing or family-friendly winter day trip. My kids definitely want to make the most of it with at least one NJ day trip.

Read on for our picks for the best February break activities for NJ kids, and bookmark our Family Activity Calendar for even more ideas.

While we all want to make our kid’s birthday special, birthday parties can be a major source of stress for budget-conscious families. Year after year, it’s hard to find increasingly fun party activities and locations (and deal with the increasingly long guest list) without spending an exorbitant amount of money. And if you can’t host a party in your home (or you just don’t feel like dealing with the clean-up), you have the added cost of renting out another space – which doesn’t always come cheap. Fortunately, we’re here to help you find affordable venue rentals in Philly that are perfect for parties. Whether you’re planning your child’s very first birthday, inviting your animal-loving eight-year-old’s entire class, or celebrating a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, here’s how to lower your party’s costs without lowering your party’s fun factor.

For many families, February's midwinter break is a great time to slow down and create some special memories. The NYC public school winter break runs from Monday, February 16-Friday, February 20, 2026. It's sandwiched between two weekends, which means you've got nine days to fill with kid-friendly fun! To help you make the most of the February midwinter break in NYC, we've rounded up 32 things to do with kids in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

Lucky for us, NYC museums, outdoor ice skating rinks, and playgrounds make for fun any-day destinations. The extra days off are also a perfect opportunity to book a getaway, and we've got picks for budget-minded escapes, family-friendly Catskills resorts, and the best things to do in the Adirondack Mountains if you're looking to get out of town.