AutoCamp Joshua Tree: Hip Glamping in the Desert

Hightail it to the high desert for a new glamping experience in Joshua Tree.

Joshua Tree National Park’s annual visitor count has grown by a million in the last decade. It’s no wonder: the place has a very special charm, attracting globetrotters and locals alike who come to stargaze and spend time in the wilderness. Exploring huge rock formations in a Dr. Seuss-kind of landscape has never been more fun for city kids itching for time outdoors. After a few trips to Joshua Tree National Park with my family, I’ve come to love not only the desert, but the quirky towns that surround the park and the Old West history now being reinvented by the hipster culture. 

In the past, we’ve camped or stayed at fun hotels for families in and around Joshua Tree. Recently, though, we opted to try the new place in town: AutoCamp Joshua Tree. Read on for the scoop on this new Airstream glamping experience. 

Looking for more ideas for Joshua Tree camping, glamping, and even hotels? Check out our Hiking and Camping Guide for Los Angeles Families. We've got loads of suggestions for family camping trips and other Weekend Getaways and Day Trips from Los Angeles.

How To Stop Yelling at Your Kids: 10 Easy Tips for Calm Parenting

Sometimes parenting just makes you want to scream! (And other times, it's the best.)Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

Juggling work, school, and family has never been easy, but these days—as we're still working from home and have almost zero alone time to decompress—parenting feels like running a marathon on a hamster wheel. Which can make you want to scream, or at least yell, especially when your kids seem incapable of listening. But yelling always makes you feel worse, and it doesn't even seem to work. So, we scoured the web and chatted with other parents to get some easy-to-follow, actually actionable tips that will help you stop yelling at your kids, even when sorely provoked.

These tips will help you relax, take a beat, and see things from a different perspective. And remember, you're not alone! Every parent we've ever met has yelled at their kids at some point; if you want to commiserate, meet us on our Facebook page to chat about all the challenges of parenting. Sometimes it's just nice to commiserate and feel seen.

Long Island Cafes With Kids' Play Spaces

Draw on the tables at the Social Play Haus. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

A place for children to play and parents to connect with other moms and dads—that’s exactly what Long Island cafes with kids’ play spaces offer. Enjoy these fun, safe venues for your child’s next playdate: They'll have fun and explore, and you'll relax with a latte, catch up with your peers, or just relish some me time. Of course, parents are required to keep an eye on their children at all times.

For more seasonal fun ideas, check out our guide to indoor play spaces and our roundup of sensory play spaces on Long Island. And don’t forget our Winter Fun Guide for a host of ideas sure to keep your kids happily occupied during the winter months.

Job Resources and Summer Internships for Teens in Philly

Teens working with the Chinatown Development Corporation. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Youth Network

When kids think of summer, the first thing that often comes to mind is summertime adventures and fun. But during the teenage years, it's time to gain some experience with a summer internship, summer job, or volunteering opportunities to learn new skills and boost those college applications. These jobs and summer internships in Philly can teach teens how to budget and save money, make connections, learn invaluable life skills, and even meet new friends. From lifeguarding and camp counseling to community and civic engagement, we've compiled a few resources for Philly summer internships and jobs to help you get your teen started on the right foot.

For more great ideas to keep Philly teens active, check out our Tweens and Teens Guide to Philly. To have stories like this sent straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters.

Best Dance Camps near Boston: Get Moving and Shaking with these Summer Dance Programs

The best dance camps near Boston provide kids with great summer enrichment. Photo courtesy of the Dancing Arts Center in Holliston.

Massachusetts kids have plenty of options for summer camps in Boston, and dance camps for kids near Boston are no exception. Dance programs provide exercise, social engagement, emotional growth, and cognitive development. Sumer dance camps and dance programs bring out a child's creativity and artistic inclinations. The best dance camps near Boston offer something for dancers of all ages and skill levels. Best of all, these summer camps provide new friendships, fresh experiences, and lasting memories.

Here's our list of the best dance camps near Boston. You'll find summer programs and camps that exclusively offer dance, performing arts camps that include dance with other theatrical activities, and traditional summer camps with dance offered among the programs. Check out the full range of summer camp possibilities in our Camp Guide, to find unique categories like Great Free and Affordable Camps in Boston. And explore Online Camps, Virtual Classes, and Shows for Toddlers, Preschoolers, Kids, and Tweens. And if dancing mood persists, read up on the Best Easy TikTok Dances for Kids and Families to Try.

 

Top Preschool Summer Camps in Lower Manhattan

Green Ivy provides a warm and enriching summer camp experience for children ages 2-5. Photo courtesy of the school

When it comes time to enroll your little one in their first summer camp experience, you're likely looking for a summer camp that fits your parenting philosophy and won't overwhelm your first-time camper. These preschool summer day camps in Lower Manhattan fit the bill, by catering just to young campers or offering small, age-specific groups, enriching activities, and plenty of fun indoors and out.

We've found 10 preschool summer camps in the neighborhood—ranging from Chelsea all the way south to Battery Park and from river to river—practically guaranteed to get your little one excited to return day after hot summer day. For more summer camps in New York City, including picks for preschool summer camps citywide, free and cheap summer camps in NYC for kids, and more, be sure to bookmark our New York City Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory, where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and neighborhood. 

Things to do with Kids in Chicago's West Loop

Pancakes served all day long in Chicago's West Loop! Photo courtesy of The Little Goat, Facebook

In Chicago, the West Loop is known for its vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. It’s also home to the historic Greek Town neighborhood and where the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks call home.  So where do you go when you’re venturing into the West Loop of Chicago with kids? We’ve got you covered. From traditional Greek food to amazing facilities for kids to climb, jump, and get their energy out, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite places to go in the West Loop with kids.

Check out our Chicago Visitor's Guide for more things to do with kids in Chicago's neighborhoods.

35 Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia with Kids

Catch tropical vibes on a visit to Tybee Island. Photo courtesy of the author

Cobblestone streets, live jazz music, oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, the smells of Southern cuisine floating on the breeze... while this quintessential picture of Savannah, Georgia is accurate, the city is also full of fun activities for kids and families. From museums and historic sites to island excursions and dolphin watching, Savannah, Georgia offers lots to do while maintaining a small-town, laid-back vibe steeped with Southern hospitality. And with several barrier islands nearby, families can mix some beach time into their Savannah, Georgia vacation.

Here are 35 fun things to do in Savannah, GA with kids, including family-friendly hotels and delicious restaurants in Savannah, GA. For more family fun in Georgia, check out our review of Sea Island Resort, Georgia and our list of 50 fun things to do in Atlanta with kids.

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