The Labubu Obsession: A Parent’s Guide to the Trendy Toy

Find out why kids are utterly obsessed with these "so ugly they're cute little dolls. Photo by the author

What is a Labubu, and why are we going crazy for them?

Do you remember wanting nothing so much as a (let's be honest, kind of ugly) Cabbage Patch Kid? I do. Maybe that’s why, all these years later, when my daughter asks, “Mom, when do the Labubus drop today?” I find myself frantically trying to source them—scanning social media for updates, refreshing the browser endlessly, hoping to snag a doll that’s so ugly it’s cute. Just to give her that same feeling of excitement and joy over something she can call her own.

Here's the scoop on what Labubus are, where to buy Labubu figures, what clothes fit Labubu, and what "have a seat" means! 

For a trip down memory lane to remember Cabbage Patch Kids and other classic toys from our youth, check out our list of 100 Classic Toys for Kids.

Best Outdoor Restaurants in Queens for Kids and Families

Start your day with brunch in the sun or wind down with dinner under the stars at Veranda.

Nothing beats dining at an outdoor restaurant in the warmer months, especially with kids in tow, and in family-friendly Queens, there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy alfresco eats. We don't mean a sidewalk table or two—we're talking an actual yard with ample seating and room for families to enjoy a meal. Outdoor restaurants often provide a more relaxed atmosphere, where kids can be entertained by simple pleasures like a passing butterfly or flowers on a nearby plant, and city noises offer cover for little ones who may forget to use their indoor voices.

We've highlighted several Manhattan eateries with outdoor seating options in the past and a whole slew of outdoor restaurants in Brooklyn, as well as exceptional spots where kids and families can eat and play. Read on to take a closer look at our picks for the best outdoor restaurants in Queens with backyards for kid-friendly dining.

Kids Learn to Fence, For Free, with Olympic Champion Nick Itkin

Get hands-on, free, instruction from an Olympian! Photo courtesy of  The Nick Itkin Foundation

Nick Itkin, 2-time Olympian medalist, is hosting free fencing classes for kids with the newly launched Nick Itkin Foundation at the Los Angeles International Fencing Center. These classes are open to kids ages 6 & up, with equipment being provided by the club. Classes are held every Sunday and are entirely funded by non-profit donations from the community. I have been fencing for 10 years, and I can attest that there is no better sport for kids' minds and bodies.

And the chance to get (free!) instruction from Olympic fencer (and awesome guy) Nick Itkin? Amazing. He gives kids an introduction to the sport and all the basic forms and rules.

I got to speak with Nick Itkin about why he's offering these classes. He walked me through why this is the best sport on earth (I agree!) and how you can get your kids signed up for these lessons. Read on, and if you're looking for more great free activities for kids, check out the Mommy Poppins Los Angeles Guide to Free Activities for Kids

24 Best Things To Do in Sayville with Kids

Dance with the whole family at free concerts at Common Ground at the Rotary. Photo courtesy of The Sayville Common Ground at Rotary Park

Nestled comfortably on the South Shore between Nassau and the East End, Sayville makes a great day trip any time of the year. 

About five miles west of Patchogue, Sayville might be overlooked for the more popular central Suffolk destination. However, Sayville also has a booming downtown area full of restaurants and shops, as well as ferry service to central Fire Island. With delicious eateries, seasonal festivals, and play areas for kids, you can find something for every member of the family. 

We've rounded up all our favorite Sayville destinations for kids and families below. You'll find more fun local communities to explore in our Guide to Suffolk County, plus more fun expeditions in our Guide to Day Trips on Long Island.

Discount Broadway Tickets: Five Ways to Save Big on Broadway Shows

Big-name Broadway shows like &Juliet come at a premium prices, but there are ways to save on Broadway tickets. Photo by Aka NYC.

Scoring Broadway tickets to a top show is a thrill for locals and visitors alike, but with soaring ticket prices, it can be hard to make seeing these family-friendly Broadway shows a regular occurrence. Luckily, there are discount Broadway tickets to be found if you know where to look—and we do. We've got the scoop on five ways to score cheap tickets to Broadway shows.

Not sure what to see? You'll find all our top picks for the best kid-friendly entertainment in our NYC Guide to Children's Theater and Shows.

Atlanta Families Explore The Camp at The Works

The Camp at The Works, on the upper westside of Atlanta, is a shady, kid-friendly spot.

The Camp is a vibrant greenspace where kids can run and play while parents relax on Atlanta's Upper Westside. Located at The Works, the 80-acre mixed-use development with a large food hall to satisfy everyone's tastes, The Camp provides a great spot for families to unplug and enjoy the outdoors under a mature tree canopy. Bonus? The Camp (and parking) is FREE! All families need to do is show up, ready for a good time outdoors, and enjoy quality time together. Read on to learn more The Camp at The Works, a lush, urban oasis in the heart of Atlanta!

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