From catching a free movie screening to creating an animation cel to experiencing winning an Oscar, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a great spot for kids to explore the wide world of cinema.

As an LA native who grew up in an “industry” family, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has long been on my bucket list. With kid-focused exhibitions, drop-in workshops, and weekly movie screenings, the Museum Row gem welcomes visitors of all ages–and with free tickets for those under 17, a family trip is that much more appealing. Sensory-friendly hours and screenings make it especially accessible.

While there’s certainly something for everyone at the Academy Museum, some exhibitions and attractions do skew towards more grown-up cinephiles. So, read on for my rundown of the most fun and engaging family attractions and a list of tips to review before booking your tickets.

Climate anxiety is real! Climate change and environmental disasters have become part of the world our kids are growing up in, and a pretty scary part. One way to help kids understand both the issues and how they can actually affect change is to start a conversation in an entertaining way.

From flicks with nature themes to climate change documentaries, these environmental films will get kids thinking, talking, and interested. Grab some popcorn, cozy up on the couch, and dive into a world of eco-friendly entertainment.

If you’re looking for even more movies to watch with your budding cinephile, why not check out our list of the 75 best movies for kids? Or, if these movies and shows inspire them to take action, check out our Earth Kids Guide, packed with ways kids can help save the planet.

Hudson River Park has no shortage of places to play, but there's always room for more. And so it is that Pier 26—already an educational wonderland—is home to a brand-new playground.

A pair of colorful, larger-than-life sturgeon beckon local kids and passersby to stop and romp. Go inside these whimsical sea creatures with us and find more fun places to play in our NYC Kids' Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

There are tons of great birthday party spots across New Jersey that cater to preschoolers and toddlers, since big-kid birthday party places can be a bit too grown-up for this age group. 

Read on for a list of cool play spaces, play cafes, and kiddie gyms that specialize in birthday party celebrations for the 6-and-under set. Find even more ideas for birthday party fun in our Guide to Birthday Parties in New Jersey.

Astoria, Queens is having a moment right now, especially for kids and families. This vibrant corner of Queens is filled with amazing places to play, great places to stay, and awesome eats that will make you say, “no way.” Indeed, when it comes to family-friendly fun, Astoria, Queens has it all.

Read on for our favorite things to do in Astoria, Queens, and find more local haunts on our list of the best things to do in Queens.

The DC area may be in the thick of summer, but the 2024-2025 school year is coming up quickly. If you haven't already, it's time to start gathering those school supplies, buying those back-to-school clothes, and planning family vacations and school-break camp coverage.

To help you do just that, here is the DC public school calendar for 2024-2025, as well as links to other public school calendars for Maryland and Northern Virginia school districts. Bookmark it now so you can easily reference it later!

For more back-to-school help, check out our lists of great lunch boxes for kids and the best kids clothing labels and name stickers for back-to-school. And if you really want to plan ahead, check out these 100 school lunch ideas for kids.