Insectropolis: Buggin' Out With Kids in New Jersey

Submitted by Stephanie Forton on

I used to run screaming when I came across bugs, spiders and bees. However, something recently happened that made me look at these creepy crawlies in a whole new way: my 7-year-old son became fascinated by them. He started spending hours hunting for ants in our backyard, digging for worms in our garden and researching different types of spiders on the Internet. Convinced he will one day be an award-winning entomologist, I set out to find ways to encourage his new hobby and discovered the perfect destination for bug lovin' NJ kids: Insectropolis in Toms River. This cozy museum is housed in an unassuming warehouse, and it's filled with insects and spiders from around the globe. If your child (or you!) is as obsessed with insects as mine, this bugseum makes for an awesome and relatively inexpensive outing for the entire family.

Make: A Straw Whistle in Three Steps

Submitted by Ally Noel on

Kids complaining that they're bored? With plastic drinking straws, tape and some scissors you can create a set of panpipes that will change their tune in no time at all. With your flute finished, you can play a song and lead a parade. If your children are old enough, you can even give them a physics lesson.

9 Yoga Studios in NYC with Parent-Child Classes

Submitted by Bethany Braun-Silva on

Mommy & Me yoga classes are a weekly date for my son and me. We have been going since he was about two years old and now, more than a year later, we are having as much fun as ever.

I have found that yoga is a great way to bond with your child while also getting a workout. When my son first started taking these classes, he loved being able to show off his downward dog or butterfly pose. Since then, he has gained great strength and flexibility, and even knows how take a deep breath as a means to calm himself—a technique we have used to stave off many a temper tantrum.

If you and your tot are looking to get your om on, here are our picks for Mommy & Me yoga programs in NYC.

Get an Inside Look at Yankee Stadium with a Fun Family Tour

Jody Mercier's picture Submitted by Jody Mercier on

In what now seems like a prior lifetime, I had a marginally profitable career as a sports writer and editor. Having kids may have changed my professional priorities, but my love of sports has endured and is something I share with my 9-year-old. So of course, when offered the chance to introduce him to my old world during a tour of Yankee Stadium, I jumped at it. The fact that he's an even bigger baseball and Yankees fan than I am was just icing on the cake (or maybe whipped cream on the sundae, in this case).

Weekday Event Picks for LA Kids: Free Movies, Music, & National Bike Week, May 11-15

Jacqueline Stansbury's picture Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on

These days there is a lot of pressure to drive less and bike, walk, or take public transportation. While I am all for the worthy principles behind this, as a mom, the thought of my kids pedaling through our crazy LA traffic is terrifying. However, sooner or later, bike they must. This week brings an opportunity to brush up on safety tips regarding pedestrian and bike awareness.

The LA Phil performs free downtown this week, Big Hero 6 screens for free in Pasadena, and Häagen-Dazs is giving away free cones if you are in the mood for ice cream. Parents still figuring out the school thing may want to check out the Kindergarten Admissions Panel at the Beverly Hills Public Library. All this, plus the following outings are favorites on our Event Calendar this week.

Weekday Event Picks for NJ Kids: Tea Party Bingo, Math Monsters, Shrek, May 11-15

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

Monsters, dragons and moths, oh my! Creatures of all kinds pop up in this week's picks. Freebies include Dragons Love Tacos Storytime, Moths of New Jersey and Tea Party Bingo. Crafts are in the spotlight with Awesome Animal Artists, MAM Park Bench and After-School Art Class. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more cool things to do with kids.

Weekday Picks for LI Kids: Ballet, Garden Club, Chocolate Pizza May 11-15

Submitted by Linda DiProperzio on

There is an interesting mix of educational and creative events happening across Long Island this week. From discovering the difference between the ACT and SAT and learning how to plant a garden, to making yummy chocolate treats and creating an airbrushed masterpiece, kids of all ages will find something to do. We've highlighted just a few of our favorite events for the week below. For even more things to do with the kids, be sure to take a look at our Event Calendar.

Weekday Picks for Connecticut Kids: Stories, Strolls, and Campfires May 11-15

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on

I write this post basking in the afterglow of a Mother's Day celebration that included handmade treasures from my kids, a delicious breakfast, and an ice-cold Diet Coke with a squeeze of lime, just the way I like it (they know me so well!). So I'm recharged and inspired to redouble my efforts to track down the most fun local activities for the coming week and beyond. We only highlight one event per day in this post, but there are many other suggestions in our Event Calendar. If you're still making decisions about summer, be sure to check out our Camp Guide for info on day and sleepaway camp options.

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