Camping seems like such a nice idea. You connect with nature—just you and your family or friends in the woods. But the reality isn’t always as splendid. Gathering all the gear needed and packing everything and everyone into the car, or arriving at a trampled campground that's often just a few feet of dirt and some brush separating you from a band of beer-drinking bros, and you lose some of the romance. That's why we were excited to stumble upon a new way to reconnect with nature, especially for NYC or city families who don’t have room to store lots of equipment between trips.

A new website, Tentrr, connects private camp sites and campers, like an Airbnb for the Great Outdoors. While your host may leave you cookies or something extra to make you feel welcome, the best part of our stay was the total seclusion. The sites are on private land, so it really will be just you, the trees, and some woodland creatures.

Deal Alert! Mommy Poppins readers can save 20% off Tentrr. Visit our deals page to see all current offers for Mommy Poppins readers. 

One of the many great things about living in the greater Houston area is that we are surrounded by small towns and communities full of history, attractions, and fun things to do. Tomball is northwest of Houston and can be accessed from Highway 249, and is the perfect spot for a morning or day out with the kids. If you're looking for more north Houston fun, check out our list of things to do in The Woodlands with kids.

Baby-and-me classes are a great way to get out of the apartment, meet other parents and bond with your new infant. We've been sampling classes all around Manhattan for the last year, and have six offbeat choices from Mandarin and sign language to mom-and-baby exercise classes and more.

However, if the thought of a class is still overwhelming your new-parent lifestyle, consider a one-off adventure to these surprisingly fun (for parent and baby!) places to hang.

Looking for cool baby classes in Brooklyn? We've also rounded up some of the best options in the borough. Check out our NYC Baby Guide or Classes Guide for more ideas.

With Mayor Bill de Blasio’s announcement last year that New York City schools must focus on a strong STEM track over the next decade, including computer science, it’s no surprise that enrichment classes have popped up all over the city – from the Y After School Academy (offered at most local branches of the YMCA) to the American Museum of Natural History. But these 10 awesome options up the fun factor with quirky takes on science and technology, which means your kids will be hooked from the start.

Find more STEM classes in our NYC directory.

Buying clothing is fun, but nothing beats making your own outfits and accessories. And since New York City is the fashion capital of the world, there are lots of kids' classes where budding designers can learn how to sew, embroider, knit, weave, and crochet.

While tweens and teens can go all in with advanced programs that often include runway shows, younger kids can also get in on the fashion fun by trying less complicated projects, like making tote bags and scarves, and decorating clothing with paint, no-sew appliques, and sparkly embellishments. So for all of the aspiring Vera Wangs out there, here are the best fashion classes for kids in NYC.

Find more NYC classes in our Classes Guide and Directory Listings.

Baseball may be America's official pastime but a recent study claims football is actually our favorite sport—and not just during Super Bowl season either. But while grown-ups may love watching or playing football, they're often less enthusiastic when it comes to their kids doing it, for risk of concussions and other head injuries.

Fortunately, New York City is home to a number of football programs for NYC kids, including non-contact options like flag and touch football, where tackling isn't part of the game. And even if your kids do opt for traditional American tackle football, these leagues make safety a priority, and generally children aren't allowed to pile on until they're past the peewee stage.

So get out that pigskin: Here are seven football programs where New York City kids can get their game on.

Find more NYC classes in our Classes Guide and Directory Listings.

Tucked in between Fairfield and New Haven counties, the Lower Naugatuck Valley or just, 'The Valley,' is really a hidden bucolic paradise. From Shelton to Southbury, the valley offers plenty of New England backcountry to explore. Head to Derby for some of the best farmstead ice cream in the state or hike up Southford Falls for a panoramic view of sweeping hills and a killer sunset. Climb to the top of the towering Pease Place playscape and cool off in the lagoon at Indian Wells State Park. Here's our list of the top 25 things to do in the valley with your kiddos.

It’s July; the kids are bouncing off the walls, and there's still more than a month until school starts. You're beginning to think there aren't possibly enough activities in the world to keep your children entertained all summer long, when a can't-miss art installation opens in Downtown LA that's fun for the whole family.

Animal Soul, which is on display July 14-22, is composed of giant balloon creatures located at two DTLA venues: FIGat7th and the Wells Fargo Center. And if you're looking for an opportunity to have a meaningful conversation about art with your kids, artist Jason Hackenwerth believes his expansive exhibit fits the bill.