If you're looking to make your child's next party extra special, consider hiring a company or individual to provide fun entertainment that will be sure to put a smile on the face of the birthday boy or girl (and all of the guests). There are a wide variety of entertainers to choose from on Long Island, including characters, magicians, animal handlers and more.

For more inspiration, be sure to check out our LI Party Guide.

Before the advent of the e-mail lists, websites, apps, perk programs and loyalty cards, a kid’s best bet for a free birthday treat was a white candle in a scoop of ice cream and an embarrassing rendition of “Happy Birthday” sung by waiters and waitresses who had planned on making it big on Broadway.

Luckily, young people today have a lot more options available to them. From toys, desserts and cupcakes to entire breakfasts, lunches and dinners, there is a FREEbie just waiting out there for kids of every age (HINT: Grown-ups can sign up for the majority of these programs too!). Read on to learn where to score FREE birthday meals, gifts and more while you're out and about in Westchester. Speaking of free, don't forget to sign up for our FREE newsletter to have our latest news, reviews and tips delivered right to your inbox! 

How green is your family? In honor of Earth Day on April 22, there are lots of fun events in the Hartford area where families can celebrate the environment and learn how to be more ecologically responsible. Of course, you don’t need to attend a special event to help take care of the planet—just grab some gloves and go pick up trash at a local park, plant seeds, or repurpose natural materials in creative ways. But celebrating the Earth alongside other eco-conscious families is an engaging way to teach kids about respecting Mother Nature.

With Earth Day fast approaching, it’s the perfect weekend to get outside to honor our planet and the environment. Weekend Earth Day festivities include the Hunterdon County Earth Day Celebration, the Cape May Earth Day Celebration and a Party for the Planet. While you’re outdoors, feel some flower power at the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, Daffodil Day and the Earth Day Wildflower Ramble. You can also get into the spirit of street fair season in Tenafly and Millburn. For even more weekend fun, check out our Event Calendar.

Whether you moved out here, leaving a trail of envious family and friends who all imagine your life as an endless stream of Brangelina sightings and half-caf chai lattes, or you're one of those rare local novelties, the born-and-bred Angeleno who remembers what this place was like before the rest of us arrived—here you are raising your children in Southern California. Anyone can tell you SoCal is inherently pleasant (and a dry heat), but raising kids in the LA area goes way beyond pleasant. In so many ways, LA is the BEST place to raise (or be) kids! Here are 25 reasons that your children are lucky to be growing up the Angeleno way.

Lots to tell you about this week, as there are a few openings, closings and relocations of favorite places like the Brooklyn Robot Foundry in Tribeca. We've also got news of a FREE summer prep camp for the Specialized High School Admissions Test. Plus, details on how kids can register for Asphalt Green's FREE Big Swim meet and the possible return of the Muppets to the small screen. Get all the scoop, below!

These days, there are almost countless ways to celebrate your child's birthday. But for kids who love animals, creating a party centered around their favorite furry friend or curious creature will make their day extra special.

Animal birthday bashes are both fun and educational. Check out all the ways you can celebrate your kid's animal interests at these fun party venues.