How do we love LA? Help us count the ways! We know that Los Angeles is the best place to raise kids, but even the best has its best. So we're counting on you, our Mommy Poppins readers and the most savvy parents we know, to help us pick the Best of LA. The best play spaces? We've got 'em. Family restaurants? We've got those, too. Swim classes, dance classes, and baby 'n' me? The greatest ones are all in sunny SoCal, along with the coolest theaters, museums, kindie bands, camps—heck, even our dentists are the best. But only you can tell us which is the best of the best, so we're asking you to vote for your favorites in all of these categories and more.

Of course, we know you're busy parents, so we've got some fantastic prizes lined up to thank you for sharing your expertise: how does a free bowling party at Lucky Strike sound? Or what about a family glamping trip at El Capitan Canyon? Or a year's worth of STEM activities delivered to your door? Or an Ojai Getaway? Give us 5 minutes and your expert opinions, then let us know which prize you'd prefer—it's a win-win for everyone!

Start voting now!

Live animal exhibits always get a spot on my family's New York City summer bucket list, so there was no way we would miss the new reptile exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History.

The museum often features exhibits with small live animals like frogs and spiders, and of course it's popular but seasonal live butterfly atrium. This year, the museum is upping the wow factor with a live crocodile and alligator exhibit, Crocs: Ancient Predators in a Modern World. That's right, live crocodiles! We've got the details on the museum's newest exhibit, opening this Memorial Day weekend.

Quick, hit the brakes—there's a three-day weekend just ahead! Memorial Day, the holiday generally considered the first harbinger of summer, is on the horizon, and the forecast is for one of those LA Story, 70s-and-sunny weekends. There's only one problem: you were so busy looking for summer camps that you forgot to book a campsite or a beach getaway, right? No worries—when your kids ask why you're not going anywhere this weekend, just tell them you're staying in town to catch some of the great Memorial Day festivals and parades that only happen once a year.

Many running races have a kid component, but it can feel like an afterthought, especially if your child really loves to run. And finding a triathlon for multi-sport kids can be even harder. The key is finding a race that’s both light-hearted and serious so that your child can compete and feel great after crossing the finish line. Race season is upon us, and we’ve found eight upcoming Boston-area events that are perfect for kids who love to swim, bike or run:

The Jersey Shore is the quintessential summer getaway for Philly residents- especially families. It's not too far, it's got great beaches and fun amusements for the kids. But you may be wondering what to do with your younger kids on your family vacation. Toddlers can be tricky to entertain, but the Jersey Shore has plenty. We've rounded up some great activities that little tykes will love. Whether you're visiting for a weekend, or you're there for a whole week, you'll find plenty of kid-friendly fun on this list.

It's the unofficial start of summer so beaches are beckoning, carnivals are calling, and outdoor parks are just begging to be explored. However, Memorial Day is also the day in which we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and there are many parades, tributes, and ceremonies held in their honor across Eastern Connecticut. Enjoy our fair state and usher in the warmer months and brighter days ahead.

It’s almost here… summer vacation. Teens are getting psyched for the long school-free months that await them, and parents are wondering, what should we do?? The beach or the lake, video games or the skate park? NJ teens have so many opportunities for summer fun; more than just lazy days basking in the sun and chilling out at the mall! Check out the variety of camps and classes that would suit even the pickiest teen.

For many of us, Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to summer. It's the weekend we finally uncover our grills for backyard barbecues and make trips to the Cape. However, Memorial Day is at its core a day to honor and remember women and men who lost their lives in military service to our country. To mark the holiday, many families attend their local town parades and memorial services (the one in Chatham is quite a beautiful, moving event). We've rounded up some other family-friendly (and mostly free) events happening in and around Boston during Memorial Day weekend.