Crayola Flowers Has a Bright New School Fundraising Idea

We got to check out the pop-up that launched Crayola Flowers with a "Giving Garden" in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier

There’s a bright new school fundraising idea blooming: Crayola Flowers has a new fundraising platform just in time for fundraisers for schools, sports teams, scout groups, and more.

With colors for every team, school, or occasion, you can order flowers for a friend, and a cut will go to the nonprofit of your choice, or use the platform for the next big fundraiser at school and the proceeds go directly to your organization. Crayola Flowers is putting a new spin on raising money that it promises makes sense, scents, and cents for its nonprofit partners.

Looking for more ideas that make this school year a little easier? We've got some easy school spirit week ideas, plus a list of school supplies that are truly unique and useful. They're all in our
Back-to-School Guide.

Grand Residences Riviera Cancun: Family-Friendly, All-Inclusive Luxury in Mexico

Grand Residences Riviera Cancun has two large pools for lounging and swimming.

Grand Residences Riviera Cancun is an all-inclusive Caribbean resort that definitely lives up to its “grand” billing. Every room on the beachfront property is a suite, and the service is charming and detail-oriented, with staff who learn your name.

On a recent three-day visit, we swam in the pool and ocean, took a day trip, attended a cooking class, and had a blissful massage at the on-site spa. We thought the resort was perfect for families who want luxurious touches and value elbow room.

Read on for all the reasons we think Grand Residences Riviera Cancun  is a splurge-worthy option for a sunny vacation. Then be sure to check out our Guide to Family Resorts and Hotels for other spectacular places to stay on your next getaway, including our list of the best all-inclusive resorts in the US, Caribbean, and Mexico for kids

Best Corn Mazes near NYC for Families

The whole family can get in on the corn maze fun at Outhouse Orchards. Photo by Sara Marentette

Navigating the twists and turns of a corn maze is a perfect fall outing for adventurous NYC families. But with dozens of corn mazes near NYC scattered throughout the rural parts of the tri-state area, the real challenge is deciding which one to visit.

While my family loves our annual corn maze trip to the Queens County Farm Museum's Amazing Maize Maze because of its proximity and kid-friendly size, there are plenty of corn mazes near NYC for families looking to get out of the city for an authentic country experience.

Here, we've compiled a list of almost two dozen of the area's best corn mazes—most within 90 minutes of NYC. Find more seasonal fun in our Guide to Farms and Pick-Your-Own Fun near New York City.

These Funny Animal Memes Explain the Stages of Parenting Perfectly!

No one said the teen years would be pretty!

Cat memes, dog memes, and more funny animal memes tell the story of the stages of parenting...

Bawling babies, terrible twos, sassy school kids, petulant pre-teens, terrifying teenagers—let’s be real, no matter where you’re at in your parenting journey, it feels like the toughest stretch, right? That’s why we’ve got you covered for the entire ride with 20 of those delicious, bite-sized morsels of humor known as memes.

Sometimes all it takes is a good laugh to get through a rough patch, and what’s funnier than our trials and errors depicted through the animal kingdom? Get your giggles on with a tour of the stages of parenting as told through cat memes, dog memes, and other funny animal memes.

For more parenting humor, check out Funny Parenting Memes That Will Make You Feel Seen and 25 Funny Mom Jokes. It's all in our Jokes and Humor Guide.

Best Soccer Classes for Kids in New York City

Get those feet moving at Soccer Shots. Photo courtesy of Soccer Shots

Soccer is a year-round sport in NYC and these soccer classes in New York City for kids get them ready to hit the pitch. We've found a variety of soccer classes for budding athletes, from preschoolers just learning to kick to middle schoolers ready to master fancy footwork. For advanced players, some of these soccer classes in NYC offer travel teams and competitive leagues. 

For more great classes for kids, including everything from gymnastics classes to ninja warrior and parkour classes, check out our New York City Classes for Kids Guide and Classes Directory.

Best Classes for Preschoolers and Toddlers on Long Island

Preschoolers will get in the swing of things at the Little Gym. Photo by the author

Long Island's wonderful toddler classes and preschool classes give kids opportunities to safely discover new skills and interests. 

While babies can enjoy mommy-and-me classes, toddlers and preschoolers seek a little more independence. Whether it's dance, art, sports, music, or maybe a combination of a few of these, we've rounded out a list of top toddler and preschooler classes for your little ones to try out.

Check out our roundup of 25 Things To Do with Preschoolers on Long Island and more in our Long Island Preschools Guide

Best Pumpkin Patches Near San Francisco

Where your little pumpkin can meet up with a great pumpkin. Photo courtesy of Speer Family Farms

Visits to the pumpkin patches are an annual family tradition for many of us, and the Bay Area has no shortage of places where kids can find a farm for pumpkin picking. Farms from Half Moon Bay to Petaluma to Livermore offer fun fall activities, including hayrides, bounce houses, petting zoos, u-pick fruits and vegetables, and beautiful backdrops for those obligatory photos in pumpkin patches.

From a two-acre Minotaur's Labyrinth hay maze to a four-story ship slide, it's easy to spend an entire day at one of our favorite Bay Area pumpkin patches that offer a little something extra. 

Don't miss other fall traditions like apple picking near San Francisco, and discover more to do during pumpkin season in our Fall Fun Guide for San Francisco Kids

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