Bluey Birthday Party Ideas: Bluey Birthday Cake, Games, and More

It's time to plan the ultimate Bluey birthday party!

"What’s up, party people?!" Let’s throw a Bluey Birthday Party! “For real life!" If you're not totally confused by those quotes, then you're familiar with Bluey, the wildly popular Disney Plus cartoon about an Australian dog family of four. The show, which focuses on oldest daughter Bluey's incredible imagination, explores ways to be creative with play. Bluey is fun, silly, and kind to her family and friends, and the many memorable phrases and games in the episodes make for a ton of fun Bluey birthday party ideas.

Here is your guide to planning the ultimate Bluey birthday party, including ideas for decorations, food, a Bluey birthday cake and dessert, and fun games. For more kids' birthday party ideas, check out our list of outdoor birthday party ideas and our tips for planning a kids' birthday party at home. "Hooray!" And for gift suggestions for your little Bluey fan, check out the Mommy Poppins Gift Guide for Birthdays and Holidays.

Disneyland for Halloween: Oogie Boogie Bash, Trick-or-Treating, and More Magic at Halloween Time

Mickey is home! Trick-or-treat, Mickey.

It's a tough call which kids love more, Disneyland or Halloween—so giving them Halloween and Disneyland together is the ultimate parenting slam dunk. With anything Disney, of course, getting the most out of the experience takes some planning ahead. What's right for your family? Halloween Time in Disneyland, the super-popular Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure, or a combination of the two? Since the Oogie Boogie nighttime extravaganza sells out months in advance, if you're reading this in September your decision is partially made up—though it's never too early to start a plan for next year!

Read on to find out everything that is special about a trip to Disneyland Resort at Halloween time, and all the ways that Halloween makes the happiest place on Earth even happier.

Best Ice Cream in Connecticut: Ice Cream Parlors and Ice Cream Shops Kids Adore

Connecticut's Ice Cream Parlors are sure to put a smile on your face! Photo courtesy of Big Dipper

The best ice cream in Connecticut is found all over the state, in fun ice cream parlors and adorable shops. Whatever the season, ice cream is a treat that kids adore. Here’s a list of the tastiest ice cream places in Connecticut, open year round to keep ice cream nights a tradition. Hard ice cream, soft serve, sundaes, shakes, floats–the options are endless for satisfying a sweet tooth. Read on for our picks of the best ice cream in Connecticut This ice cream tour will have kids asking to go back all the time!

Free in September: Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids

Free September activities will have your kids dancing in the streets of Boston. Photo courtesy of Riverfest

With so many activities free in September, families can keep an eye on their budgets and still find plenty of things to do in Boston with kids. This month, Museum Day lets visitors get free admission to participating locations all over Massachusetts. Curious kids can touch a truck or even explore a plane. And September in Boston has free fairs and festivals all month long, including Riverfest in Somerville, the South Boston Street Festival, and the Boston Local Food Festival. Given all these free things to do in Boston in September, there's every reason to get out and have fun with the family! So read on for our picks for the top things to do in Boston with kids that are free in September.

Visiting Long Island's Vanderbilt Museum with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go

The whale shark suspended from the ceiling in the Vanderbilt Museum's Habitat Wing is an imposing sight.

The Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium is one of Long Island’s top family-friendly attractions. With year-round appeal, the vast and welcoming Vanderbilt grounds and views, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and an expansive mansion and museum provide hours of fun and entertainment for children and families. This Suffolk county museum transports visitors back in time. As you walk the cobblestone drive, visions of the Astors and Vanderbilts will come to mind. Gilded Age watchers will love this place. 

Need more ideas for cultural activities or day trips on Long Island? Mommy Poppins has got you covered. Check out our Museums and Art Guide for Long Island Kids and find day-trip inspiration in our Day Trips Guide for Long Island families.

Art of Problem Solving’s Math and English Enrichment Program Teaches Thinking, Not Memorization

AoPS Academy students collaborate with other outstanding peers, working with the same student cohort throughout the year.

Art of Problem Solving offers math and language arts enrichment for advanced learners from grades 2-12 in the Bay Area.

A generation ago, many occupations required people to repeatedly solve routine problems–but, now, most of those jobs are performed by computers! To set today’s students up for success, they need to learn critical problem-solving skills, and the earlier the better. Understanding how to tackle difficult problems–not just replicas of ones they've already seen–teaches kids how to learn, and prepares them for the challenges of top-tier colleges and competitive careers.

That’s the focus of Art of Problem Solving (AoPS). At AoPS Academy, an in-person after-school, weekend, and summer academic program geared toward advanced learners, students build a problem solving skill set to prepare them for many of life's challenges. The program combines a rigorous curriculum, expert instruction, and community to create a one-of-a-kind enrichment experience at 13 locations across the country, including 3 in the Bay Area: Pleasanton, Santa Clara, and a brand new campus in Fremont.

21 Teen Birthday Party Ideas in DC: Cool Party Places for Teens

A Bowlero birthday party is both festive and fun.

Let’s face it: planning a birthday party for the teen crowd can be tough. Gone are the days when a piñata and a cake were instant crowd pleasers. If your tween or teen is looking for a high-energy adventure or a thrill-seeking event to celebrate their birthday, look no further than these teen birthday party ideas in DC.

From well-themed escape rooms where costumes are encouraged to one-stop sport centers that pack in all the activities under one roof, we found 20 of the best teen birthday party ideas in DC for your next event. For more family fun that won't bring on the eye rolls, check our our list of 12 fun things to do with teens and tweens near DC.

Top Kids Resale and Consignment Shops in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Blackbird Attic carries a wide variety of curated consignment finds for all ages. Photo courtesy of Blackbird Attic

Here’s the thing about kids: They need a lot of stuff. From strollers and scooters to winter coats and summer dresses–not to mention the things they use only once or twice. (We’re looking at you, Halloween costumes!)

That’s where consignment shops can come in handy. Consignment shops typically sell "gently used," name-brand items at a fraction of their original prices. There are many consignment shops throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley, from stores that are open every day to pop-up sales. And, on the flip side, if you find yourself with lots of baby gear to unload, consigning–often by appointment, sometimes as walk-ins–can also be an option.

Looking for more ways to shop Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Check out our Stores and Sevices Guide. And for other thrifty activity ideas, be sure to bookmark our Free Fun Things to Do With Westchester Kids Guide

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