One of the best places to let kids show off their creativity is in the kitchen. And if you happen to have a future Top Chef on your hands, you can celebrate his or her love of cooking and baking with a birthday party at one of these Long Island locations. From tossing dough for a personal pizza to piping icing on fresh-out-of-the-oven cookies, these party places can teach your little one (and pals) some valuable kitchen skills, while also giving them something super yummy to enjoy during the party or at home.

And for more birthday party ideas, check out our Long Island Party Guide.

Shopping for children's clothes can be so much fun--it's hard to resist little tutus, sailor suits, and appliqued tops for 2-year-olds. However, if you're looking to buy brand-names clothes or toys, but don't want to pay full price, consider purchasing items on consignment. See below for consignment shops in South Jersey that sell and buy children's consignment items and don't forget to check out our posts on consignment shops in Northern and Central NJ and Philadephia.

Have you ever tasted a potato chip, hot off the factory line? If the answer is no, the free tour of the Herr's Snack Factory in Nottingham, PA must be included on your Philly Bucket List.

We welcome guest contributor Cyndi Reitmeyer, BostonTechMom blogger, who tells us about a gem of a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) opportunity for middle schoolers. 

If you have a 7th or 8th grade child and live in the greater Boston area, then I want to make you aware of a one-weekend program called Spark, hosted by MIT’s Educational Studies Program (ESP). For a small flat fee, your child can take a wide variety of really unique classes in STEM subjects, taught on MIT’s campus by MIT students and community members. 

If you have a child born in 2011 listen up! The NYC Department of Education just released info about how to apply to free pre-k for fall 2015, and there are some really promising changes. For the first time, there will be one application for pre-k programs in both public schools and community-based early education centers, which means less paperwork and (hopefully) less confusion. Even better, schools chancellor Carmen Fariña has promised that there will be a seat for every age-eligible child.

Of course, you'll still want to do your research before you hand in that application. Here's everything you need to know about applying to free pre-k this fall.

This week kicks off with President’s Day. How are you going to keep the little ones busy on their day off from school? Check out the many opportunities for a Monday fun day, including the busy, and free, Family Day at State Theatre and Trailside’s Fantasy, Illusion and Magic Show. Celebrate another festive day, Chinese New Year, at Reeves-Reed Arboretum. Plus, take advantage of opportunities for grown-up time while the kids are entertained at Hip Mom Hangout or Small Factory’s Kids' Night Out. And don’t forget to check out our event calendar for even more President’s Day, weekday and weekend events.

Somehow it just seems appropriate to celebrate Presidents Day at a Presidential Library, which is probably why the Library and Museum that honors Ronald Reagan’s presidency has been hosting a free party on this day for the past 23 years. Hot dogs, apple pie, and jelly beans are part of the free festivities; think about springing for a museum ticket, too, though. It is kind of cool to walk through an Air Force One. Meanwhile, head to the Farmers Market and feel like you are at Mardi Gras in New Orleans. End the week dining with your partner, but don’t worry about babysitting; Olive Garden and My Gym have it covered.