50 Environmental Activities Kids Can Do at Home

Gardening with your kids is rewarding, results in stuff to eat, and is also great for the planet!

Climate change is going to continue to dominate conversations as our kids grow up. It can be scary and overwhelming to think about how the world will change due to the environmental crisis. Taking action can really help kids feel more in control and like a part of the environment around them.

From recycled crafts to eco-friendly swaps and more, we’ve gathered fun, educational, and impactful environmental activities that you can do at home.

For more green news and activities, check out our Earth Kids Guide to Green Activities for the Planet, and subscribe to our free Earth Kids newsletter to never miss an article.

Best Play Cafes in Brooklyn and Queens for Kids and Families

At Good Day Play Cafe, parents and caregivers can sit back in the cafe at still keep an eye on their kiddos in the play space. Photo by Louise Trapasso

Playtime and snack time seemingly go hand-in-hand at these kid-friendly play cafes, which give parents a moment to enjoy a cup of joe—and more—while little ones let loose. These play cafes in Brooklyn and Queens offer welcoming environments, great food, and a caffeine jolt, as well as dedicated, safe play areas for your kids. Several of them are play spaces first, and cafes second.

So turn your meal into a play date with a friend, or sit back and relax while your little one explores. Either way, you and your kids are sure to have a good time.

Check out our NYC Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide for more great family-friendly eateries, or our Play Spaces Guide for more romper rooms.

Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining

The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.

Many New Jersey restaurants offer themed and interactive dining experiences for the entire family, from knights and horses to model trains. So if you're looking for some fun along with your food, read on for more than a dozen restaurants in New Jersey that will make your next family meal a bit more magical.

Check out our Family-Friendly New Jersey Restaurant Guide for more ideas for kid-friendly restaurants, including places where kids eat free and more.

25 Must-Try Paczki Places for Chicago Kids

Paczki photo by Maureen Wilkey for Mommy Poppins

Know where to find the best packzi in Chicago? We do!

Some cities celebrate Mardi Gras, but here in Chicago, we celebrate Paczki Day! If you're new in town, Chicago is rich in Polish heritage, and in Poland, this day is celebrated with donut-like pastries filled with delectable jams, custards, or creams. More traditional fillings include prunes or poppy seeds, but some Chicago bakeries have upped their baking game by filling their paczki with more off-the-wall items like Oreos, S'mores, and even Dorito dust.

Whether for breakfast or a treat, your family can find a favorite paczki spot from our list of bakeries!

Be sure to check out our Chicago kid-friendly restaurant guide or our ultimate list of Chicago restaurants where kids eat for free if you need other places to grab a bite! 

iFly Indoor Skydiving Opens in Long Island City, Queens

iFly's new Queens location lets kids as young as age 3 take flight in its indoor skydiving tunnel.

Experience the sensation of indoor skydiving at iFly Long Island City. The popular adventure spot has opened its first indoor skydiving location in NYC and invites visitors to gear up for some high-flying family fun.

Read on for all the need-to-know info before you book your own indoor skydiving adventure, and find more action-packed outings, like the best extreme sports outings in NYC for kids, in our NYC Kids' Guide to Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones.

Best Places for Kids' Haircuts in Atlanta from Baby Haircuts to Cool Teen Salons

The Little Bluejay has some super cool rides for your kid to enjoy while getting a haircut. Photo by Emily Baas

Getting a first haircut is a monumental experience -- you don’t want just anyone cutting those precious locks of hair! And going forward, you need a good salon for kids haircuts to keep children calm, happy, and looking stylish. Many of these Atlanta salons offer fun toys, movies, and other distractions so your kids won’t want to leave.

For parents of younger kids, we've also got the skinny on the Best Baby Stores in Atlanta and the Best Atlanta Playgrounds for Toddlers.

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