7 Educational After School Programs for Philadelphia Kids and Teens

The school year is upon us, which, for some, means normalcy is returning. For those who work late and need to extend school hours, or for kids interested in further pursuing their passion for science or the arts, after school programs are great. These programs are the perfect way to keep kids entertained in those late afternoon hours while continuing to further their education. Keep those brains working a little longer with some of these awesome programs.

New VR Gaming and Escape Room Opens in Chelsea

Big kids will love testing out the VR games at Escape Virtuality.

There's a new game in town—actually, a whole slew of them—with the opening of Escape Virtuality in Chelsea, featuring two floors of immersive gaming and technology. Whether you're in the mood for classic, immersive VR games, have a taste for a wild ride, or want to tackle a brain-teasing escape room, grab your big kids and sense of adventure and give it a go. Read on for a look inside the new space and tips for what to expect (and play!) when you arrive.

Weekend Fun: Pirates, Music, and Sunflowers

Swashbuckle with pirates on Shefflied Island. Photo by Ally Noel

Those cool mornings the last couple of days offer a refreshing reminder to savor these last weeks of summer. Aside from our end-of-summer checklist of activities, families can enjoy summer blooms in Killingsworth or Middlefield, sample free ice cream in East Windsor, or swashbuckle with a pirate on Sheffield Island.

We update our Events Calendar frequently so be sure to check back for even more great suggestions. To keep up with the latest family-friendly events and activities, sign up for our free newsletters and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Have a fantastic weekend!

My Lil' Town Is an Indoor Play Space in the Valley With a Fun Twist

Playing on jungle gym at My Lil Town. Photo by author

The San Fernando Valley has a new indoor playspace, treating kids to a giant jungle gym, plenty of pretend play, climbing walls, and spontaneous dance parties on a hot or rainy day. My Lil' Town is a great addition to the family scene in Granada Hills (just next door to Northridge), but it's more than just an indoor playground; My Lil' Town is an inspiring space, with a creative design that has something for kids of all ages, from babies and toddlers to big kids.

Moody Gardens with Kids

Moody Gardens is pretty hard to miss, with its massive pyramids drawing the eye from quite a distance. But what is going on inside those mysterious pyramids? This Galveston attraction features a complex of museums, rides, and exhibits has enough to entertain kids of all ages!

From the many animals of the Aquarium and Rainforest Pyramids to its variety of swimming spots, Moody Gardens' many attractions can be overwhelming. Luckily, we've broken down the best things to see and do with kids.

For more things to do in Galveston, check out our guide to Galveston with kids.

10 Spots to Explore the Immigrant Experience with New York City Kids

Lower East Side Tenement Museum's Meet the Residents program.

No matter your political leanings, immigration is a hot topic of conversation these days, and New York has a rich and ongoing history as a gateway to our country. We've combed through our city's top museums and cultural institutions to pinpoint some of the most kid-friendly destinations for those curious about the immigrant experience, or looking to teach children about diversity and cultural acceptance.

Of course NYC often plays host to rotating art exhibits related to this theme, which you can always find in our event calendar. Read on for ten NYC spots where history leaps off the pages for interactive exploration.

10 Science and STEM Classes for Boston Preschoolers

Kids see forest life firsthand at Puddlestompers. Photo courtesy of the program

There’s no shortage of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities for kids in the Boston area, from summer camps to robotics classes. While most of these programs are geared toward older kids and teens, children as young as 2 or 3 years old are at a perfect age to start learning the basics of the scientific method. We've rounded up a list of local programs that offer science or technology programs specifically for curious preschoolers.

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