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.

Flag Football and Parkour for Kids Come to Chelsea Piers Connecticut

Chelsea Piers Connecticut in Stamford is one of the best sports complexes in Fairfield County, and a family favorite for athletic classes for kids. This fall, the 465,000-square foot state-of-the-art facility is expanding its Ninja + Parkour program and adding Flag Football to its wide array of offerings, which already includes everything from dance classes, gymnastics for kids, and ice skating to youth basketball, soccer, swimming, and field hockey. The fall semester begins September 4, 2019, with programs available for children ages 3 months to 18 years.

Spotlight on STEM Programs for Kids in NYC

Make your own robot at Launch Math and Science Centers.

If you have a child who's interested in science and math, you may already be familiar with the incredible STEM programs available to kids around New York City. The great thing about many of these programs is they encourage creativity and experimentation—two pillars of childhood fun, and great motivators that support learning outside a school environment. Read on for awesome exploration-based STEM programs for New York City kids focusing on science, math, technology, and creativity.

Kip's Castle Park in Verona, NJ: A Day Trip Fit for Royalty

Be a princess (or prince) for the day at Kip's Castle Park.

Did you know there's an actual castle located in the heart of Essex County? Despite its location just off busy Bloomfield Avenue and Route 23, Kip's Castle Park is one of the best-kept secrets in the area. So secret, in fact, that I hadn't even heard of this hidden gem until recently, and I've lived in the area my whole life!

Since my 6-year-old daughter already fancies herself a princess, I figured a trip to this New Jersey park would be right up her alley. Sure enough, she happily explored the castle and pranced around the gorgeous green grounds, even without slides and swings. But playground action isn't far—we decided to pair our visit to Kip's Castle with a stop at nearby Verona Park, for the perfect double-header day trip.

Find even more warm-weather adventures in our Summer Fun Guide, plus check out these other super-cool summer day trips.

40 Ways To Keep Summer Going in Los Angeles after School Begins

Photo courtesy of the Annenberg Beach House

Whether you're relieved by the quiet or disturbed by the abrupt ending, most LA families are using those three little words (back to school) a whole lot earlier these days. Of course, dropping our kids off at school doesn't change the weather; there might be no child left behind at the beach, but it's still summer until close to Halloween. So if your family is not yet ready for summer to end, pick a few items off our End of Summer Bucket List and go have some fun while the sun still shines!

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