Nature Centers in Westchester to Explore With Kids

Little animal lovers go crazy for the collection at the Weinberg Nature Center, which counts toads, chinchillas, bunnies, and more among its 40+ residents.

Families in Westchester County are surrounded by beautiful green spaces and outdoor destinations. There are great places to go hiking with kids plus plenty of family-friendly farms in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. If you're looking for a new way to connect with nature, it might be time to head to one of the many nature centers in Westchester County.

These nature centers allow children—and adults—to learn about the natural world, see undisturbed habitats, and encounter wildlife up close, often in a smaller and less zany environment than, say, a big, crowded zoo. These local nature centers house scenic hiking trails and playgrounds, plus many host interactive events. A visit is a great way to spend a day no matter the season. Read on for all the details on seven nature centers in Westchester.

Retro Roller Skating Rink Coming to Rockefeller Center This Spring

Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace at The Rink is set to bring roller skating to Rockefeller Center beginning Friday, April 15.

Rockefeller Center’s famed ice skating rink is scheduled to close for the season this weekend, but those not yet ready to give up skating at The Rink are in luck. Skaters of all ages will be able to take to the rink this spring and summer—the roller skating rink, that is! Read on for details about the brand new roller skating rink coming to the already family-friendly Rockefeller Center complex this spring.

Tons of Totally Terrific Tongue Twisters for Kids, Tweens, and Teens

Try wrapping your tongue around a few of these tantalizing twisters! Photo courtesy of Saeed Karimi via Unsplash

Don’t you just adore alliteration? How the words just roll right off your tongue? Well, sometimes those words can get a little stuck, or twisted. Tongue Twisters are phrases specifically meant to pose a challenge for those who attempt to speak them. There are funny tongue twisters, while others are pure fun to try and say. A special parental guidance warning for this one: I slit a sheet, a sheet I slit. Upon the slitted sheet I sit. Save that one for the older crowds.

On top of the fun to be had, tongue twisters for kids can greatly help them improve verbal pronunciation, fluency, and vocabulary. Similar to learning nursery rhymes, tongue twisters can actually build a lifelong love of literacy.

Looking for more laughs? Check out our list of jokes for kids and fun family game night ideas. You can even practice your tongue twisters on Alexa, or ask Alexa some silly questions.

Summer Jobs for Teens: How to Help Your Kid Find a Summer Gig

The Summer Youth Employment Program connects NYC youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer. Photo courtesy of  SYEP

Got a teen who's looking for a summer job? While NYC teens have a variety of summer internships to apply to, most of these are unpaid, offer school or volunteer credit, or provide only a small stipend. For a paid summer job, there's a different set of procedures teens must follow.

Read on to find out what you and your teens need to know before they begin their hunt for a summer job or after-school gig.

Sports Summer Camps on Long Island for Kids

Lacrosse Academy operates several summer camps across Hempstead's parks. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

There are plenty of summer camp options on Long Island, and choosing among them might be dizzying. If you have a budding athlete on your hands, a sports summer camp is worth considering. From basketball summer camps to lacrosse summer camps, multi-sport summer camps, and more, we've found a slew of sports summer camps on Long Island for kids.  

For more summer camps on Long Island, including picks for preschool summer camps across Long Island, dance summer camps on Long Island, and the best affordable summer camp options nearby, be sure to bookmark our Long Island Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and town.

How to Plan a Kids' Birthday Party At Home

Plan the perfect at-home kids' birthday party with these ideas and tips. Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels

Planning a kids' birthday party can be as stressful as it is fun. You've got to think about the food, the guest list, the decorations, and so much more. But before you can get to all those details, you have to decide where the party will be. And if you're on a budget—or you just want a more private event—having the birthday party at home can be a great option.

To help you plan the perfect birthday bash, we've rounded up loads of kids' birthday party ideas, from yummy kids' birthday party food and festive decorations to fun party favors and birthday party games for kids. No matter what birthday theme your kiddo is into or how many people you’re inviting, we have ideas for every size party and budget. By following our tips and tricks, your next kids' birthday party is sure to be a stress-free success.

For more kids' birthday party ideas and inspiration, check out our ultimate Birthday Party Ideas Guide. Party on!

Golf Summer Camps and Classes in New Jersey for Kids

Kids can hone their swings at Skyway Golf Course's summer camp. Photo courtesy of the club

Junior golfers can perfect their swings this summer at these golf summer camps and classes in New Jersey. Golf courses throughout the Garden State host group lessons, summer camps, and clinics where golfers as young as 7 learn fundamentals of the sport based on age and ability. Taught by PGA professionals, most of these golf summer camps are booked by the week and may run half- or full-day sessions. 

For more summer camps in New Jersey, such as affordable summer camps and STEM summer day camps, bookmark our Guide to Summer Camp in New Jersey and our New Jersey Summer Camp Directory, where you can search for summer camps by age, interest, and town. 

22 Most Affordable and Free Summer Camps in Connecticut

Make new friends at Camp Foxfire. ​Photo courtesy of Camp Foxfire

Most kids look forward to getting outside and playing at summer camps in Connecticut. Budding athletes can sign up for sports summer camps in Connecticut, and kids who crave connection with nature can attend summer camp at the beach or summer camp at Connecticut parks. Some kids may want to learn a foreign language, while others may be interested in all of the above. We've rounded up the most affordable and even free summer camps in Connecticut for kids, hitting all of those marks without breaking the bank.

For more summer camps in Connecticut, including picks for Sleepaway Summer Camps and the best STEM summer camps, be sure to bookmark our Connecticut Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and town. 

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