Art of Problem Solving offers math and language arts enrichment for advanced learners from grades 2-12 in the Bay Area.

A generation ago, many occupations required people to repeatedly solve routine problems–but, now, most of those jobs are performed by computers! To set today’s students up for success, they need to learn critical problem-solving skills, and the earlier the better. Understanding how to tackle difficult problems–not just replicas of ones they've already seen–teaches kids how to learn, and prepares them for the challenges of top-tier colleges and competitive careers.

That’s the focus of Art of Problem Solving (AoPS). At AoPS Academy, an in-person after-school, weekend, and summer academic program geared toward advanced learners, students build a problem solving skill set to prepare them for many of life's challenges. The program combines a rigorous curriculum, expert instruction, and community to create a one-of-a-kind enrichment experience at 13 locations across the country, including 3 in the Bay Area: Pleasanton, Santa Clara, and a brand new campus in Fremont.

Let’s face it: planning a birthday party for the teen crowd can be tough. Gone are the days when a piñata and a cake were instant crowd pleasers. If your tween or teen is looking for a high-energy adventure or a thrill-seeking event to celebrate their birthday, look no further than these teen birthday party ideas in DC.

From well-themed escape rooms where costumes are encouraged to one-stop sport centers that pack in all the activities under one roof, we found 20 of the best teen birthday party ideas in DC for your next event. For more family fun that won't bring on the eye rolls, check our our list of 12 fun things to do with teens and tweens near DC.

Here’s the thing about kids: They need a lot of stuff. From strollers and scooters to winter coats and summer dresses–not to mention the things they use only once or twice. (We’re looking at you, Halloween costumes!)

That’s where consignment shops can come in handy. Consignment shops typically sell "gently used," name-brand items at a fraction of their original prices. There are many consignment shops throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley, from stores that are open every day to pop-up sales. And, on the flip side, if you find yourself with lots of baby gear to unload, consigning–often by appointment, sometimes as walk-ins–can also be an option.

Looking for more ways to shop Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Check out our Stores and Sevices Guide. And for other thrifty activity ideas, be sure to bookmark our Free Fun Things to Do With Westchester Kids Guide. 

Day tripping to local farms is one of my family's favorite things to do, and Alstede Farms in Chester, New Jersey, is definitely worth the drive. Alstede Farms is jam-packed with family-friendly things to do—landing it on our list of the best farms in New Jersey for family-friendly entertainment. We planned our trip to include fruit picking, checking out the farm animals, and eating some delicious homemade food. Though there are plenty more farm activities to explore, our little one was too tuckered out to tackle them. That's left us planning a return trip; the hay pyramid awaits! Read on for the best things to do at Alstede Farms with kids and plan your own day on the farm.

Be sure to check our rundowns on apple picking in New Jersey and the state's top pick-your-own farms. And find everything else you need to know for autumn fun in our Fall Fun Guide.

"Wooder ice! Get your wooder ice!" Philadelphians certainly have their fair share of lingo and accents, but whether you (youse?) pronounce it “wooder” or go with the old faithful “water,” get yourself to one of these Philly-based water ice destinations while the warm weeks are still upon us. Many locations on our list had their start in humble beginnings, only now to be recognized as some of the area’s best. With classic and unique flavors, real fruit, and to-go bins, everyone is sure to find something yummy. More of an ice cream lover? Many of the spots listed carry ice cream and soft serve as well, plus check out our list of Philly's best ice cream spots!

Located in the heart of The Berkshires, find the town of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. With its walkable main street draped with red, white, and blue buntings and bespeckled with the work of local artists, it's a charming mix of old and new, befitting a region that's experienced a re-birth as a regional travel destination thanks to the pandemic.

Its location is convenient for visitors from major metropolitan areas in Boston and New York City, and it manages to balance a certain small-town allure with arts, culture, recreation, and a burgeoning foodie scene to lure a variety of visitors. Whether you're heading for a hike in the hills outside of town or craving top-notch theater without big-city prices, Pittsfield has something for you. Read on for 35 things to do in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, with kids, and find more fun things to do nearby on our list of the best things to do in The Berkshires with kids. Be sure to bookmark our New England Family Travel Guide for more regional travel destinations.

We've all made hand shadows with flashlights when the power goes out unexpectedly, but have you tried lowering the lights on purpose for playtime? Light experiments are a magical form of sensory exploration with well-documented developmental benefits for kids, while happening to be deceptively simple for even the laziest parent (like me). Setting up a dark environment and incorporating flashlights into your play unlocks a whole new way of looking at the world, mesmerizes tumultuous toddlers, and brings open-ended process play into your home with minimal effort. Light experiments can even work wonders on children who fear the dark.

So cut the lights and grab your flashlights (check for batteries first, because dead flashlights are a bummer) and try out these 10 easy light and shadow experiments for toddlers and preschoolers. For more preschool and toddler science ideas, check out our list of science experiments for toddlers, and more science fun for kids of all ages in our Guide to Science Experiments for Kids.

Looking for things to do in New Jersey with tweens? Read on for our top picks. 

Your tweens may be too big for bouncy houses and tea parties, yet too young for solo outings with friends. But they still love family fun–even if they won't always admit it. When a trip to your local playground is met with eye-rolling instead of cheering, it's time to check out these amazing things to do in New Jersey with tweens. The good news? You may genuinely enjoy competing with your tween in bowling or tackling the fast slides at a water park.

Read on for 40 ideas that are cool enough for big kids and find more fun things to do in New Jersey with tweens in our Tweens and Teens Guide to NJ, which includes our rundown on birthday party ideas for teens in New Jersey.