30 Banned Children's Books You Should Read Today

New Kid book signing with author Jerry Craft. Photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins

Books are getting banned at an alarming rate, especially children's books. When you think banned, you think there's got to be something controversial, mature, or upsetting in the books. But many of these books are classics that are beloved by generations of kids.

While kids might want to ban bedtime, bathtime, or broccoli, we're guessing that books like Charlotte's Web and Captain Underpants are things kids would rather celebrate than ban. We've compiled a list of frequently banned children's books that kids of all ages adore. So go ahead, be a rebel. Read a banned book. Books are magic, and knowledge is power.

For more of our favorite books that expand minds, thoughts, and hearts, check out our Best Kids' Books Guide to Great Reads, which includes incredible Kids' Books About Racism, Best LGBTQ Books for Kids, and more great book recommendations.

Best Indoor Playgrounds in Chicago for Kids

Climb and play all day no matter the weather, at Present Place. Photo courtesy of Present Place

Looking for indoor playgrounds in Chicago? Here are our favorite indoor play spaces near Chicago.

When the weather's too cold, too hot, or too rainy to play outdoors, you can head to one of our favorite indoor play spaces for kids in Chicago. There’s a climate-controlled play zone for every age, every interest, and every kind of kid. Many indoor play spaces in Chicago even offer coffee and wi-fi for grateful parents, so you can catch up on email (and caffeine) while your little ones get their sillies out.

Here are our favorite places to play indoors in and around Chicago when the weather won't cooperate. Looking for something else fun to do indoors with kids in Chicago? Check out our list of the best FREE indoor play spaces in and around Chicago. For more fun when it's too hot or cold to play outside, check out our Winter Activities Guide for Chicago Kids.

Parents Confess: 50 Things We Pretend to Enjoy

Let's see if they're still smiling after a long day at the amusement park!

Every week we here at Mommy Poppins ask our readers a question—things like, "What is your favorite donut place in your city?" or "Which would you rather have, a maid or a chef?" We typically get lots of great responses—some funny, some sweet, and some super insightful.

But rarely do we receive as much feedback as when we posed this question: "What are you convinced people are pretending to enjoy?" So many of you came to your keyboards for this one! We received hundreds of responses, with kale being mentioned the most.

Since this was such a hot topic, we decided to compile the best answers into one big list of 45 things we pretend to enjoy—and believe other people pretend to enjoy, too. Save this for the next time you're hanging out with other parents—it's sure to make for a lively discussion. Then check out our Parenting Guide for more parent talk, from funny animal memes to parenting tips from dads.

21 Birthday Freebies in NYC: Places Where Kids Eat Free and Nab Gifts

Hit up the Hard Rock Cafe for a free birthday treat.

Rent-out-the-whole-museum and hire-a-marching-band kid birthday parties have their fans, but when it comes to a memorable day, we think it's nice to find a few birthday freebies. Of course, there are plenty of at-home, DIY ways to celebrate your child's birthday for FREE, from leaving cute notes on the mirror to playing hooky. But it's also the one time each year you can take advantage of all those corporate birthday clubs that promise to make your kid's big day even more special with fun birthday freebies like complimentary gifts, food, and other deals.

We've rounded up a mix of local spots, with a lot of national chain restaurants and popular kids' stores thrown in, which all offer FREE birthday goodies. Some are specific to kids, though adults can snag a few birthday freebies, too. Most require an email list or loyalty card sign up.

Find more fun for your little one's big day (maybe even a marching band) in our NYC Kids' Guide to Birthday Parties.

26 Best Things To Do in NYC February 2024 with Kids

Celebrate Lunar New Year with Chinatown's big, annual parade on Sunday, February 25. Photo by Better Chinatown

Whether sending valentines or planning a Presidents Day weekend getaway—there is plenty to love about February! Don’t miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in New York City this month.

Even though it's the shortest month, February in NYC manages to cram annual favorites like Kids' Night on Broadway, Governors Island's Ice Sculpture Show, Chinatown's Lunar New Year Parade, the activity-filled Kids Week at the Intrepid, and the BAMKids Film Fest into its meager 29-day span.

Don't miss CAMPTOPIA, where Mommy Poppins has teamed up with top area summer camps for a fun, FREE day of play that helps get your summer camp plans on track early!

We’re adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

100 Fun Free Things To Do in San Francisco with Kids

Swing by The Outpost at the Presidio Tunnel Tops for all the free fun. Photo by Sandra Lee

A treasure trove of free things to do in San Francisco with kids awaits. From walking across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to admiring the beloved sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf, it's easy to experience a diverse range of free things to do in San Francisco and the Bay Area. 

Explore the historic charm of Chinatown, take in breathtaking views at Lands End, introduce kids to culture at the Randall Museum, and explore all the free things to do in San Francisco at the Presidio. San Francisco's cultural richness and mild all-year climate ensures kids have memorable, endless options of free things to do in San Francisco. 

For more free things to do in San Francisco, discover free museum days for kids in San Francisco, check out everything you need to know about visiting Golden Gate Park with kids, and browse our Free Things To Do in San Francisco with Kids Guide

Best Free & Fun Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids February 2024

Bring the family for a community-style Valentine's Day celebration at Halcyon at Forsyth. Photo courtesy of Halcyon

Celebrate Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras, Lunar New Year, and more this month—there is plenty to love about February! Don’t miss our favorite FREE things to do in Atlanta with kids in February!

There's plenty of FREE things to do during February in Atlanta so save some money while entertaining the kids this month! February may mean more chilly weather, but we can get excited about Valentine's Day with fun, free events like Family Valentine's Party at Halcyon and Laurie Berkner's FREE Virtual Valentine's Concert. February is also Black History Month: Families can watch FREE movies at Atlantic Station, as part of its Black History Month Movie Series; or take part in Roswell Roots: Storytelling Sunday, where families enjoy interactive storytelling about black history and culture. 

Find additional February and seasonal fun in Atlanta, including activity ideas, recipes, travel guides, and more — bookmark Winter Activities Guide for Atlanta Kids!

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