Submitted by Michelle Curran on
These days, there are almost countless ways to celebrate your child's birthday. But for kids who love animals, creating a party centered around their favorite furry friend or curious creature will make their day extra special.
Animal birthday bashes are both fun and educational. Check out all the ways you can celebrate your kid's animal interests at these fun party venues.
Submitted by Erin McNamee on
Many kids’ schedules are packed with extracurriculars, but for children with special needs, it can be challenging to find programs they can participate in fully. We've rounded up some adapted classes and activities in the Hartford and New Haven areas that accommodate a variety of learning styles, so that kids with special needs—be they physical, social, or emotional—can partake in the same enriching fun as their peers.
Submitted by Ally Noel on
These Earth-friendly, up-cycled wind chimes are a perfect way to welcome spring. We turned some trash into treasure by using tin cans to create this set for our backyard. Kids can use all sorts of materials: empty plastic containers, plastic cutlery, soda cans, even old keys work. Discover the different sounds you get from various items. We left our wind chimes au naturel, but you can decorate yours with patterned duct tape or paint, too.
Submitted by Alina Adams on
Ever since my daughter found a group of moon jellyfish (a.k.a. a smack) at the beach last summer, she’s been fascinated by sea life and oceanography. With the push to get more children involved in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), and concern about our planet’s sustainability at an all-time high, I am happy to encourage her latest passion.
It turns out the beach isn't the only place to get your feet wet with the wonders of marine biology. We've rounded up seven places in NYC where kids can learn about and explore sea life.
Submitted by Raven Snook on
My family and I have a long personal history with the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, a beautiful cultural destination in Morningside Heights. It's where I went to elementary school as a child, and where my 9-year-old daughter now attends summer camp at ACT, an early education and recreation program located under the stately building.
For those who don't live nearby, the Cathedral offers lots of enriching drop-in fun for visitors of all ages and denominations. From medieval-themed sleepovers and family art workshops, to fabulous annual festivals and art installations, to exploring amazing stained-glass windows, neo-Gothic architecture and landscaped grounds, a trip to the Cathedral makes for a transcendent and mostly FREE family daycation.
Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on
It almost doesn’t seem fair that the kids are all back in school when there are free desserts available. Ben & Jerry are giving away their annual cone, and Sprinkles is celebrating its ten-year anniversary with free cupcakes. But wait, there’s more. The Autry and the Japanese American National Museum both have free days this week. There’s a Star Wars convention in Anaheim and kids under age six are free; everybody else pays the big bucks, but Luke and Leia (Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher) will be there so it’s worth it.
Submitted by Laurie Rein on
Now that spring has sprung, it’s the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. Nature activities abound this week, including Awesome Animal Artists, Sprouts & Seedlings: Seed Spectacular and Croaks, Trills and Splashes. You can also enjoy free fun at Holmdel Library’s Story & Science program, Freehold Library’s Read to the Dog event and Barnes & Noble's Monkey & Duck Quack Up! Storytime. Don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options.
Submitted by Linda DiProperzio on
Spring break is over, yet we still seem to be waiting for springlike weather to arrive. At least there's plenty of fun stuff for the kids to do during the week. From roller-skating to free storytimes, there are events to keep the little ones entertained during the day and older kids occupied after school.
Keep in mind that this list is just our top picks—be sure to check our Event Calendar or more options. To receive posts like this in your inbox, sign up for our free newsletters, which go out twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays.
