If you've got an aspiring actor on your hands, there are plenty of great acting classes for kids in New Jersey. These local spots offer lessons to help your star-in-the-making shine whether they're a newbie, aspiring professional, or somewhere in between. And, if your child’s schedule is already booked through the school year, don’t fret—most of these spots offer summer acting camps, too.

For more enrichment opportunities, check out our guide to Classes and Activities in New Jersey for kids.

LA is having an immersive moment, and it's one of the few things we can thank the pandemic for: inspiring the proliferation of these amazing, touch-free, large-scale productions. They're popping up everywhere—in fact, there are two Van Gogh exhibits near LA—and these immersive art experiences will take you from the heart of Vatican City to the art on the street. Walking into one of these larger-than-life pop-up shows is like diving into an artist's palette (and mind!). Traditional museums around Southern California are a wonderful destination for you and your little art lovers, but don't miss a chance to visit at least one of these current or upcoming immersive shows, which are great for kids of all ages and a true treat for art-starved adults!

Read on for the scoop of when these art experiences are popping up, what each entails, and which ones are best to visit with kids.

Homemade butter is easy to make and requires nothing more than some heavy cream, a tightly lidded container, and a marble. It's fun to make, and kids love this at-home, rainy (or snowy) day project. We've made this homemade butter recipe several times, but really got into it during our covid-baking days. Give it a try! Not only does the butter taste fresher, you can evoke days of old without having to figure out how to make a butter churner. Plus, kids are super proud to serve butter they made by themselves.

Find more things to cook and create in our guide to Easy Recipes for Kids.

Gymnastics is a multidimensional sport that improves endurance, strength, and flexibility, as well as grace and poise. Few sports challenge participants in so many areas.

Gymnastics classes on Long Island can help a shy child learn to express him or herself in a whole new way. There are many class options available, from mommy-and-me programs for younger kids to beginner and advanced gymnastics instruction for older students.

For additional class suggestions, see our Classes and Enrichment Guide for Long Island Kids.

After a year of virtual vocal classes and performances, Brooklyn Youth Chorus is back to in-person programming this fall, with plenty of safety precautions in place. Now in its 30th season, the Chorus offers world-class music training for ages 7 to 18 with an emphasis on healthy vocal development, music literacy, and group performance at all levels.

There’s no experience required to join the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, but a love of singing is an absolute must! If you’re interested in getting your music-lover involved, read on for class offerings, COVID-19 safety measures, and the lowdown on how to apply for the 2021/22 season.

Whether you’re in the “please don’t color on the walls” phase or your tween is serious about honing her painting skills, you’ll find a creative and enriching art class available in Westchester. The best part? There are classes for any and all interests—from painting and cartooning to clay-making and silk screening.

We’ve rounded up destinations in Westchester where kids can get creative. Have a writer or musician instead? We’ve got them covered too. Check out our full Classes Guide for even more picks.

Although every pocket of Queens has a neighborhood playground, we’ve taken the time to scout the cream of the crop for NYC kids. Whether you're visiting from another borough or just want to explore a new-to-you-neighborhood, here are 12 of our favorite romping spots in Queens, from Astoria to the Rockaways. These parks offer clean, safe equipment with innovative and fun details that go beyond the jungle gyms of the past, like kid-sized Ferris wheels and super cool sprinklers.

Find more playgrounds across the five boroughs in our guide to NYC Parks & Playgrounds.

As the national editor for Mommy Poppins, a lot of kids' stuff comes across my desk (well, kitchen table). I mean, a lot. And some of it is pretty ridiculous (like high heels for babies and diaper-changing gloves—really?). But one of the perks of the job is watching events and activities pile up in my inbox that I just can’t wait to do, see, and experience with my kids. Because that sense of discovery—of finding something that leads to new interests and passions for my kids—that’s what parenting is all about. And if I discover something that makes my life a little easier along the way...all the better!

Check out the stuff I’m super excited about in September 2021, and discover a few things that will make this month of back-to-school and pumpkin spice lattes even more fun for families.