25 Reasons LA Is the Best Place to Grow Up or Raise Kids!

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Whether you moved out here, leaving a trail of envious family and friends who all imagine your life as an endless stream of Brangelina sightings and half-caf chai lattes, or you're one of those rare local novelties, the born-and-bred Angeleno who remembers what this place was like before the rest of us arrived—here you are raising your children in Southern California. Anyone can tell you SoCal is inherently pleasant (and a dry heat), but raising kids in the LA area goes way beyond pleasant. In so many ways, LA is the BEST place to raise (or be) kids! Here are 25 reasons that your children are lucky to be growing up the Angeleno way.

Best NYC Kids’ Theater for Spring 2015: 12 Great Family Shows

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Our spring culture coverage continues with a look at the most promising family shows opening this season. While Broadway's new crop of kid-friendly spectacles (Finding Neverland, Gigi, The King and I) may be getting all the press, there are lots of fantastic family shows beyond the Great White Way with much lower ticket prices.

There are options for all age groups, including a few shows that are perfect for first-time theatergoers. From page-to-stage adaptations of popular children's books like Click, Clack, Moo, Manxmouse and The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, to offbeat experimental theater, to interactive experiences where families can get in on the action, it sounds like an exciting spring season. Plus, the New York Children's Theater Festival returns for its fourth year in a new Greenwich Village venue.

The one thing all of these shows have in common? You can take the kids to see them without dipping into their college funds—most of our recommendations are $25 or less.

News: Robot Foundry Tribeca Relocates, Free SHSAT Prep & the Muppets Return

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Lots to tell you about this week, as there are a few openings, closings and relocations of favorite places like the Brooklyn Robot Foundry in Tribeca. We've also got news of a FREE summer prep camp for the Specialized High School Admissions Test. Plus, details on how kids can register for Asphalt Green's FREE Big Swim meet and the possible return of the Muppets to the small screen. Get all the scoop, below!

Birthday Parties for Boston Kids Who Are Wild About Animals

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These days, there are almost countless ways to celebrate your child's birthday. But for kids who love animals, creating a party centered around their favorite furry friend or curious creature will make their day extra special.

Animal birthday bashes are both fun and educational. Check out all the ways you can celebrate your kid's animal interests at these fun party venues.

Activities in Central Connecticut for Children with Special Needs

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Many kids’ schedules are packed with extracurriculars, but for children with special needs, it can be challenging to find programs they can participate in fully. We've rounded up some adapted classes and activities in the Hartford and New Haven areas that accommodate a variety of learning styles, so that kids with special needs—be they physical, social, or emotional—can partake in the same enriching fun as their peers.

Recycled Kids' Craft: Make Wind Chimes

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These Earth-friendly, up-cycled wind chimes are a perfect way to welcome spring. We turned some trash into treasure by using tin cans to create this set for our backyard. Kids can use all sorts of materials: empty plastic containers, plastic cutlery, soda cans, even old keys work. Discover the different sounds you get from various items. We left our wind chimes au naturel, but you can decorate yours with patterned duct tape or paint, too.

7 Places Where NYC Kids Can Learn Marine Biology

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Ever since my daughter found a group of moon jellyfish (a.k.a. a smack) at the beach last summer, she’s been fascinated by sea life and oceanography. With the push to get more children involved in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), and concern about our planet’s sustainability at an all-time high, I am happy to encourage her latest passion.

It turns out the beach isn't the only place to get your feet wet with the wonders of marine biology. We've rounded up seven places in NYC where kids can learn about and explore sea life.

Gargoyles, Art and Scavenger Hunts at NYC's Cathedral of St. John the Divine

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My family and I have a long personal history with the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, a beautiful cultural destination in Morningside Heights. It's where I went to elementary school as a child, and where my 9-year-old daughter now attends summer camp at ACT, an early education and recreation program located under the stately building.

For those who don't live nearby, the Cathedral offers lots of enriching drop-in fun for visitors of all ages and denominations. From medieval-themed sleepovers and family art workshops, to fabulous annual festivals and art installations, to exploring amazing stained-glass windows, neo-Gothic architecture and landscaped grounds, a trip to the Cathedral makes for a transcendent and mostly FREE family daycation.

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