These aquariums near NYC make for a fun under-the-sea day trip destination where families can see colorful fish up close, be entertained by a variety of undersea animals, and get a kick out of interactive exhibits, feedings, and shows.

There are a number of great aquariums within an easy day trip from the tri-state area, so the next time your kids request a trip to the aquarium, consider visiting one of these regional picks, which each offer a truly unique undersea experience. At these local aquariums in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, you can see everything from Beluga whales at the Mystic Aquarium to the East Coast's largest collection of sharks at the Adventure Aquarium.

Find more day trip-worthy destinations in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways and find all our top picks for animal fun in our Guide to Local Zoos and Gardens.

How much sleep do kids need? Sometimes it feels like they'll never go to sleep. And then a new phase hits, and it seems like all they do is sleep. (This is mostly babies and teens.)

For sleep-deprived parents, hearing stories of babies sleeping through the night can be frustrating. It's hard not to compare or wonder if you're doing something "wrong." But I'm here to tell you, all kids' sleep patterns are not created equal! While there are kids who conk right out at bedtime, many have trouble falling and staying asleep.

Read on to find out just how much sleep kids actually need, plus some popular suggestions on how to help kids sleep—from bedtime routines to sleep aids and more. Keep in mind that, just like a baby's developmental milestones, there are no magic numbers. But eventually, everyone will catch their ZZZZZZZZs.

While New York City is home to some of the world's most popular tourist attractions for kids, it's also full of secret spots and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. That's part of the charm and fun of living in a city like New York. We've rounded up 25 secret spots in NYC that kids will love. From secret gardens to waterfall tunnels, kids get a kick out of discovering these under-the-radar attractions.

Looking for more off-the-beaten path attractions to explore? Check out our roundups of the coolest secret gardens in NYC and our top picks for underrated parks you must visit this season. Of course, we've got to picks for popular tourist spots in our NYC Visitors Guide for Families, too.

Congratulations, you're expecting... and now you're being spammed with influencer ads telling you about all the baby products you need to have. Sure, influencers can be super helpful in showing you the coolest new baby products to add to your registry. But they can also make you end up with a house full of trendy baby gear and cutesy items that—trust us—you won't actually use. So we're here to rescue you by deinfluencing your baby registry.

That's right—we're sharing 12 baby products you don't actually need. We've been there, done that, and wasted our money so that you don't have to! By deinfluencing your baby registry, we're helping you make room for the baby products you actually will use—from the best baby sleep aids to space-saving baby gear—and helping to keep unnecessary items out of landfills. That's a win for you and the planet!

Looking for the best family-friendly restaurants on the Jersey Shore? Read on for more than a dozen eateries you and your kids will love. 

With the unofficial summer season approaching, many of us will be heading to the Jersey Shore soon. After a day of sun and fun, you’ll need to find food for your kiddos before they become “hangry” – luckily, Mommy Poppins can help! Read on for the Jersey Shore's best restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. 

And be sure to check out our list of frozen treats and quick eats in South Jersey, as well as all the other yummy options in our New Jersey Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide. 

A ride on one of these carousels in NYC makes for a wonderfully nostalgic outing. It's the simplest of amusement park attractions, and there are more than a dozen merry-go-rounds in New York City alone. It's easy to stumble upon them on your next park outing if you know where to look.

Each of these New York City carousels offers a unique spin on this traditional kiddie ride, from harbor views to a ride inside an iridescent fish. We've rounded up the best merry-go-rounds in all five boroughs. Find more rides, games, and entertainment in our Guide to Amusement Parks and Water Parks in NYC. 

Moms deserve the world, so shouldn't they get the Mother's Day gifts they really want? No scented candles, please. No scented bath soaps. (What is it with scented gifts, anyway?) And—say it with us—no robes.

So, what do moms really want for Mother's Day? We asked, and our readers answered—loud and clear. Yes, we all want a tasty Mother's Day brunch and homemade Mother's day cards. But as for Mother's Day gifts? Hold the flowers, please.

Here’s what moms really want for Mother’s Day 2024. May this list of 50 Mother's Day gift ideas provide some much-needed inspiration!

Looking for the best spots on Long Island for your baby or toddler's first haircut? Read on for terrific options in Suffolk and Nassau counties. 

You've probably conquered many of the firsts already: the first birthday and a visit to a spot or two on our baby bucket list. Now it's time for the first haircut, and choosing the right salon is important.

Hair stylists and barbers need to have patience and experience dealing with babies and toddlers. Our list below includes both salons that specialize in haircuts for kids as well as family salons. 

Don't forget to check out our Long Island Baby Guide for more stories like this.