Ever find yourself feverishly working your way through your babysitter Rolodex to find that not even one is available? Whether it's a last-minute work commitment, a random appointment, or a spontaneous date night after one of "those" weeks, a great Boston-area caregiver is available. From drop-in childcare to drop-off gym parties, these sitter services will save the day (or night)!

Don't have somewhere you have to be but need a moment to yourself? Check out these Boston area gyms that offer childcare while you break a sweat!

Hauntingly close to Halloween, El Día de los Muertos – the Day of the Dead – is a magical holiday that's also a living history lesson, demonstrating the tendency of conquerors to absorb indigenous customs into their own. Christian Europeans arrived in Mexico already fans of All Hallows Eve (modern-day Halloween), only to stumble upon an ancient tradition celebrated by the Aztecs on November 2, with a spookily similar theme. Day of the Dead is a time when the door between worlds is meant to open so that celebrants can honor departed loved ones and hopefully lure them back for a visit.

Any parent knows that taking the kids to the zoo is a win. Burning up energy outside, seeing favorite and exotic animals up close, and maybe picking up a souvenir on the way out is a recipe for a great day. The DC Zoo, officially known as Smithsonian’s National Zoo, is no exception and a must-visit for families, whether they’re local or just visiting the nation’s capitol. And the best part is, it's one of the many free things to do in DC!

Read on for everything you need to know before you visit the National Zoo, including our top tips for making the most out of your visit. If you're looking for more free things to do in DC, check out our list of free museums in DC to visit with kids.

Tired of prying phones, tablets, and game controllers out of the hands of your littles? Maybe you just want a digital detox for your own sanity. Mommy Poppins has created a round-up of places to go and things to do on Long Island that offer unplugged fun. Put down the phones and head out the door.

For more family fun, connect with Mother Earth at these Long Island nature centers, plan a day trip and explore a nearby town or visit one of Long Island's many museums. Or if you're not totally screen-free, check out the 50 Best Kids' Movies for Family Movie Night.

Pittsburgh has been racking up the cool points lately, landing on "best cities" lists and topping rankings for top spots for sports, restaurants, and even tech. It isn't just college kids flocking here. The Rust Belt city offers plenty of fun things to do for kids and families, including a thriving arts and culture scene.

The Pittsburgh Zoo is a longtime attraction for families, along with the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, but unique offerings like the Carnegie Science Center, National Aviary, and Andy Warhol Museum are a draw, too. We've long touted the city as one of our top Pennsylvania weekend getaways for families, but we recently revisited and enjoyed exploring old favorites and finding more fun things to do in Pittsburgh. Read on for a list of 40 things to do, see, and eat in Pittsburgh!

Whether you access it by train (the ride from Grand Central Terminal in New York City takes less than an hour) or cross its picturesque town line by car, Greenwich offers a plethora of luxury shopping, restaurants, playgrounds, nature escapes, cultural opportunities, and waterfront activities. Here are 25 places to see and adventures to pursue in this Fairfield County community. 

Home to Robert McCloskey's Ducklings and the "world's only" Curious George store, the Boston area is known for its kid lit connections. One local children's author is Diary of a Wimpy Kid creator Jeff Kinney,  who’s built an incredibly special bookstore called An Unlikely Story in Plainville, MA. With readings from famous authors, kids' workshops, and cozy spots to read and enjoy a snack, this literary hangout is more than just a shop.

Parents of Boston-area bookworm kids, take note: Not only is the Boston Book Festival in October, with free events and readings, but any day of the week, you could go to An Unlikely Story Bookstore and Cafe to indulge your littlest literati. Here are some more of our favorite Boston children's bookstores, and 12 books that make kids proud to be Bostonians.

The days are long but the years are short. Not to get too sentimental, because truly the first year with your baby can sometimes feel like it is dragging, but it will be over in the blink of an eye. As you struggle with sleep schedules, delight in first smiles, and watch as your baby visibly changes before your eyes you may also be wondering exactly what you should try to do while they are still so small. While they are in this stage of incredible growth and exploration, it’s a great excuse to explore some highlights in Philly, as well as dip your toes into the world of parenting with classes and experiences designed just for new parents and their babies.

There is plenty to see and do in Philadelphia with a baby, either to mark a first, start a new tradition, or find an excuse to get out of the house and interact with other parents! Here are our picks of some of the best, first by season, then year-round.