The Met Meets Roblox in New App that Lets Visitors Interact with the Artwork

Jody Mercier's picture Submitted by Jody Mercier on

The Met Replica lets users scan artwork to learn more about the pieces and add it to their collection to outfit their Roblox characters.

I'm always game for a visit to The Met, but sometimes my kids need a little convincing. They don't know how good they've got it, but this week's visit was an easy sell for my 10-year-old, thanks to the launch of The Met Replica, a brand-new, interactive app that mashes up the power of play—in the form of Roblox characters—with The Met's masterpieces, introducing the art in a whole new way.

I turned my phone over to my daughter and let her lead the way on our hours-long quest to find all the artwork highlighted by this new app, and we emerged hours later filled with new knowledge and excitement to return again soon. Find out why this app is a cool new guide to one of our favorite museums in NYC to visit with kids, and get all our tips for the city's top culture spots in our Guide to Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits for NYC Kids.

New Sesame Place Philadelphia Store Won't Require Park Admission- Now Open

Submitted by Cait Sumner on

Sesame Place now has a brand new (and massive) store just outside the gates! Photo by the author

An all new Sesame Street Store has opened at Sesame Place in Langhorne and the good news is you don't need a ticket to the amusement park to check it out! The brand new store opened this October and allows guests to shop without paying the admission fee.

Want to know more about Sesame Place? Check out our guide to Visiting Sesame Place with Preschoolers. Don't stop there, we've got plent of amusement park fun in our Theme & Water Parks Guide.

Printable Word Puzzles for Kids: Great Sites for Word Searches, Crosswords, & Word Scrambles

Submitted by Amelia Eigerman on

Printable word search puzzles are a great way to keep little brains engaged.

One of my favorite parts of going out to eat as a kid was doing the word searches on the placemats. (Is that a thing everywhere? And can I have free games with my dinner as an adult, please?) Printable word games and word search puzzles can give today's kids that same thrill without heaving to leave home.

There are tons of free printable word search puzzles and word games that will keep your kids entertained and using their brains. Whether you’re looking for car games for a road trip or you just want something to do on a rainy afternoon, we’ve got you covered with the best word search printable puzzles for kids of all ages.

If you're itching for more word games or printable fun, check out our lists of free online word games for kids to play together, games like Wordle for kids, and 100 free printable activities for kids. Our Boredom Busters for Kids Guide also has lots of great activities to cure the doldrums.

Allaire State Park Guide: Train Rides, Hikes, and More Things To Do

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

Allaire State Park has beautiful walking paths, hiking trails, and historical buildings. Photo courtesy of NJ.gov

Growing up in NJ's Monmouth County, I visited Allaire State Park frequently with my family as a child. Those day trips were filled with playground time, train rides, and old-fashioned candy purchased at the village’s general store. Now I take my own kids there, just like my parents took me.

Allaire is easily accessible from the Garden State Parkway, close to the Jersey Shore, and bursting with outdoor fun like family-friendly hiking, bike riding, picnicking, and camping. But what sets this 3,000-acre New Jersey state park apart from other bucolic green spaces are its historic village and working steam train. Read on for the highlights.

Be sure to check out our post on great day trips to New Jersey state parks and more in our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in New Jersey. 

Please note that the park's dinosaur sculpture exhibit has closed due to vandalism.

Free Art and Theater Classes and Camps for NYC Teens

Raven Snook's picture Submitted by Raven Snook on

The 92NY's Program for Excellence in the Arts offers professional training to talented teens through its audition-based programs in performing and fine arts. Photo courtesy of 92NY

NYC's FREE art programs are one of the main reasons my family endures the challenges of raising kids in NYC. Whether your kids are into making theater, music, or fine art, there are myriad art programs in NYC that offer excellent training—and some are 100% FREE. Admittedly, these no-cost, audition-based performing and fine art programs are competitive, but they can be life-changing for talented, motivated kids and teens. Don't worry if your child doesn't get in the first time: Most of these organizations accept new participants annually, and sometimes it takes a few tries. As the mother of an art- and theater-loving daughter, I speak from experience!

Read on to find out how to apply to these FREE art programs in New York City. Deadlines for fall are coming up fast! You'll find more enriching programs for kids and teens, including our top picks for musical theater classes in NYC in our New York City Guide to Kids' Classes.

Top Dual Language and Immersion Preschools in Houston

Submitted by Elizabeth R on

Dual language preschools teach young children a second language alongside English. Photo courtesy of Alianza Eco International School

Houston's dual language preschools teach young children a second language at an age where their brains are primed for this type of learning. Language immersion preschools are a great option for childcare that focus on the natural ability of young children to learn a second language. Research has shown that there are many benefits to learning a second language, including higher self-esteem, better test scores, enhanced creativity, a higher level of complex problem solving, and an appreciation of other cultures. Plus, you may even save money in the long run when your kids test out of college language credits!

For more kids' classes in Houston, check out our Classes for Houston Kids guide.

 

Best Coding Classes for Kids in Boston

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Hone their computer skills with the best coding classes for kids in Boston! Photo courtesy of Code Ninjas

The best coding classes in Boston for kids have a lot of benefits. These after-school (or weekend) activities are fun—and educational. Why not guide their computer and tablet time towards enriching programs? The best coding classes will help them develop some amazing computer skills. These cutting-edge Boston-area programs introduce children to coding and programming concepts. And they do it through interactive games and cool challenges. In-person coding classes provide an alternative to these great online coding courses. The best coding classes encourage teamwork in a social setting. After learning about these cool coding clubs and classes, you'll agree; not all screen time is created equal!

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