Parents Confess: 50 Things We Pretend to Enjoy

Elsa Simcik's picture Submitted by Elsa Simcik on

Let's see if they're still smiling after a long day at the amusement park!

Every week we here at Mommy Poppins ask our readers a question—things like, "What is your favorite donut place in your city?" or "Which would you rather have, a maid or a chef?" We typically get lots of great responses—some funny, some sweet, and some super insightful.

But rarely do we receive as much feedback as when we posed this question: "What are you convinced people are pretending to enjoy?" So many of you came to your keyboards for this one! We received hundreds of responses, with kale being mentioned the most.

Since this was such a hot topic, we decided to compile the best answers into one big list of 45 things we pretend to enjoy—and believe other people pretend to enjoy, too. Save this for the next time you're hanging out with other parents—it's sure to make for a lively discussion. Then check out our Parenting Guide for more parent talk, from funny animal memes to parenting tips from dads.

21 Birthday Freebies in NYC: Places Where Kids Eat Free and Nab Gifts

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Hit up the Hard Rock Cafe for a free birthday treat.

Rent-out-the-whole-museum and hire-a-marching-band kid birthday parties have their fans, but when it comes to a memorable day, we think it's nice to find a few birthday freebies. Of course, there are plenty of at-home, DIY ways to celebrate your child's birthday for FREE, from leaving cute notes on the mirror to playing hooky. But it's also the one time each year you can take advantage of all those corporate birthday clubs that promise to make your kid's big day even more special with fun birthday freebies like complimentary gifts, food, and other deals.

We've rounded up a mix of local spots, with a lot of national chain restaurants and popular kids' stores thrown in, which all offer FREE birthday goodies. Some are specific to kids, though adults can snag a few birthday freebies, too. Most require an email list or loyalty card sign up.

Find more fun for your little one's big day (maybe even a marching band) in our NYC Kids' Guide to Birthday Parties.

26 Best Things To Do in NYC February 2024 with Kids

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Celebrate Lunar New Year with Chinatown's big, annual parade on Sunday, February 25. Photo by Better Chinatown

Whether sending valentines or planning a Presidents Day weekend getaway—there is plenty to love about February! Don’t miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in New York City this month.

Even though it's the shortest month, February in NYC manages to cram annual favorites like Kids' Night on Broadway, Governors Island's Ice Sculpture Show, Chinatown's Lunar New Year Parade, the activity-filled Kids Week at the Intrepid, and the BAMKids Film Fest into its meager 29-day span.

Don't miss CAMPTOPIA, where Mommy Poppins has teamed up with top area summer camps for a fun, FREE day of play that helps get your summer camp plans on track early!

We’re adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

100 Fun Free Things To Do in San Francisco with Kids

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Swing by The Outpost at the Presidio Tunnel Tops for all the free fun. Photo by Sandra Lee

A treasure trove of free things to do in San Francisco with kids awaits. From walking across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to admiring the beloved sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf, it's easy to experience a diverse range of free things to do in San Francisco and the Bay Area. 

Explore the historic charm of Chinatown, take in breathtaking views at Lands End, introduce kids to culture at the Randall Museum, and explore all the free things to do in San Francisco at the Presidio. San Francisco's cultural richness and mild all-year climate ensures kids have memorable, endless options of free things to do in San Francisco. 

For more free things to do in San Francisco, discover free museum days for kids in San Francisco, check out everything you need to know about visiting Golden Gate Park with kids, and browse our Free Things To Do in San Francisco with Kids Guide. 

Best Free & Fun Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids February 2024

Elsa Simcik's picture Submitted by Elsa Simcik on

Bring the family for a community-style Valentine's Day celebration at Halcyon at Forsyth. Photo courtesy of Halcyon

Celebrate Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras, Lunar New Year, and more this month—there is plenty to love about February! Don’t miss our favorite FREE things to do in Atlanta with kids in February!

There's plenty of FREE things to do during February in Atlanta so save some money while entertaining the kids this month! February may mean more chilly weather, but we can get excited about Valentine's Day with fun, free events like Family Valentine's Party at Halcyon and Laurie Berkner's FREE Virtual Valentine's Concert. February is also Black History Month: Families can watch FREE movies at Atlantic Station, as part of its Black History Month Movie Series; or take part in Roswell Roots: Storytelling Sunday, where families enjoy interactive storytelling about black history and culture. 

Find additional February and seasonal fun in Atlanta, including activity ideas, recipes, travel guides, and more — bookmark Winter Activities Guide for Atlanta Kids!

Best Free & Fun Things to Do in Orlando with Kids February 2024

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The Sanford Mardi Gras event features a parade, food trucks, live music, costumes, and more! Photo courtesy City of Sanford

Celebrate Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras, Presidents Day weekend, and more this month—there is plenty to love about February! Don’t miss our favorite FREE things to do in Orlando with kids in February!

Check out wonderful, FREE events for kids in Orlando this February...to enjoy memorable experiences without straining your budget. The included awesome things to do in February 2024 include Seminole County Touch a Truck, Avalon SpringFest, Longwood Pirate Festival, and Mardi Gras events in Casselberry, Ocoee, and Sanford. And that's just the beginning!

These are just some of our favorite, fun, FREE February activities (say that three times fast) for Orlando kids—we're adding even more events to our Orlando Events Calendar every day so continue to sneak a peek.

Best Free and Fun Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids February 2024

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Step into the enchanting realm of Cirque Zuma Zuma, a mesmerizing spectacle that has earned acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Photo courtesy of Cirque Zuma Zuma

Whether sending valentines or planning a Presidents Day weekend getaway—there is plenty to love about February in Westchester and the Hudson Valley!

No need to get cabin fever this February as Westchester and the Hudson Valley is filled with fun, family-friendly things to do, including many FREE events. Families can indulge in the beauty of the great outdoors during the Lake George Winter Carnival or warm up at a FREE Cocoa Crawl in downtown Port Jervis.

February marks the beginning of the Year of the Dragon, and families can enjoy multiple festive celebrations, including the Lunar New Year Celebration at Chappaqua Performing Arts Center and a FREE Children's Lunar New Year Celebration at the Scarsdale Library. We can't forget Valentine's Day: Kids are invited to celebrate with Peppa Pig at Shake It Off's Valenswine's Day Party or craft DIY decorations at a FREE Children's Art Workshop at Blue Door Art Center. 

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