Mission San Juan Capistrano: Family Day Trip & 4th Grade Project

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A mere hour and a half south of Los Angeles, en route to San Diego, Mission San Juan Capistrano is 7th of the state's 21 missions and often referred to as the Jewel of the Missions. People throughout the world know it as the place that the swallows return to every year, and parents of fourth graders (the California missions year) come to know it as a great family outing to support school projects. The buildings and gardens are particularly lovely and well restored, and the admission fee includes an audio tour: one for adults and another called “Saved by the Mission Bell" geared specifically for fourth graders. In fact, San Juan Capistrano has enough entertainment for kids of all ages to make it a solid LA kids bucket list item.

Weekend Fun For NJ Kids March 21-22: Spring Campfire, Frozen Ball & More!

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Spring is officially here! Those days we've been dreaming of, filled with fresh flowers, afternoons at the playground, and sunshine are just around the corner! Lot of fun happenings in NJ this weekend: Celebrate Easter a tad early with an Easter Bunny Breakfast at Imagine That! Children’s Museum, dress up in your Anna & Elsa best for the Frozen Ball at Liberty Hall or take in a playful performance of Skippyjon Jones at Paper Mill Playhouse. And if you’re itching to get outdoors, check out the Earthcache Discovery Trail event at Liberty State Park, gather round a Spring Campfire at Tenafly Nature Center or head to Maple Sugar Sunday at the Miller-Cory House. For even more weekend fun, check out the full list of weekend activities in our Event Calendar.

Bunny & Chick Photo Shoots at Big Apple Portraits: Springtime & Easter Photos

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Can parents ever have too many photos of their kids? While we’re all snapping away daily on our smartphones, there’s something truly special about professional photos. Whether it’s capturing a specific event or shooting some candid shots, an experienced photographer can take pictures that will be treasured for years to come.

One of my absolute favorite studios is our sponsor, Big Apple Portraits. Located on the Upper West Side, Big Apple creates such unique photos that Mommy Poppins has even hosted reader events with the studio, such as the Santa Claus Real Beard pics and Baby Chick photos. And it's clear from the number of reader emails we still receive asking for more of these fun, experimental shoots that we aren't the only fans of Big Apple's work.

Lifeboat at The Wallis: A Moving Tale for Tweens, Teens, & Parents

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If there's a fault to be found with Catherine Wheel's production of Lifeboat at the Wallis, it's only in how short the run is; seeing this moving and remarkable show requires making plans quickly, as it's only in town through Sunday. I'm beyond glad that I made the drive to Beverly Hills on a Friday night with my 11-year-old (not something I say lightly), because it's so rare for us to see a play together that inspires thought-provoking conversation all the way home. Lifeboat's true tale of two teenage girls who become lifelong friends after surviving a shipwreck together strikes a balance between exposing young audiences to some harsh reality while leaving room for moments of great joy.

Growing Celery and 10 Other Kitchen Scraps You Can Plant

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Instead of tossing out vegetable scraps, re-grow them into new plants. It's so much fun to watch your garbage grow into brand new plants that you can eat again. Celery is a super easy one to grow in the kitchen. We'll tell you how in three easy steps, plus 10 other vegetables you can grow from kitchen scraps. Turn your scraps into your next snack!

Weekday Event Picks for LA Kids: Return of the Swallows & St. Pat March 16-20

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While our parched region may be praying for more rain, it is pretty apparent that spring has sprung. The asparagus spears are tender; wildflowers bloom, St. Paddy’s Day is here, and Easter is on its way. Celebrate the season of life with egg hunting and nest building in San Juan Capistrano, where the cyclical return of the swallows (who build their nests in the building’s eaves) on St. Joseph’s Day is an annual miracle – and something to experience at least once. Then clean out your closet for SoCal’s largest consignment sale. 

Weekday Event Picks for NJ Kids March 16-20: Mini Music Mondays & More!

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

Spring is in the air. Who’s doing the happy dance? Dance and sing at fun musical events this week, including Mini Music Mondays at Maxwell’s and The Imagination Movers: Meet the Movers Tour. Let the creative juices flow at Marlboro Public Library’s Marble Painting, Crafty Kids Workshops and Think & Eat Green St. Patty’s Day Cooking Class. And don’t forget to check out our event calendar for even more weekday and weekend events.

Weekday Picks for LI Kids: St. Patrick's Day Fun, Art, Cooking & More March 16-20

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It's the last official week of winter and we have high hopes that the rest of this month is going to be fun for the whole family. This week, celebrate St. Patrick's Day with some kid-friendly events--hopefully, the luck o' the Irish will be with you! Kids can also get artistic, show off their talents and whip up a few yummy treats.

And keep in mind that this list is just our top picks--be sure to check out our Long Island Events Calendar regularly as it is always being updated. And to receive this post right into your inbox, sign up for our newsletter, which is now going out twice a week (Mondays and Thursdays).

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