For many kids, summer camp can be more than just a good time—it can actually be a life-changing experience. The right camp can give kids the chance to explore their interests while also discovering new ones, as well as build life skills and boost self-esteem. More importantly, children need to be in a place where they’re inspired to take risks without fear of failure. In fact, research shows kids who are exposed to that kind of environment are happier, more creative, and more confident when faced with life’s challenges.

Our sponsor Galileo Camps is an imagination-sparking program for kids in pre-K through 8^th grade with the motto “fear goes on holiday.” I can’t stress enough how much I love that. I think many parents see that shift in our kids, from fearless toddlers to less self-assured students who are afraid to take a chance because they don’t want to make a mistake (at least I’ve seen it with my own son). Inspired by the Institute of Design at Stanford, Galileo Camps spark campers’ imaginations and literally change their way of learning. And luckily for Los Angeles residents, four new Galileo locations (Brentwood, Manhattan Beach, West LA, and Culver City) are opening up on the beachy side of town for summer 2015.

Mommy Poppins is hiring! We have a few positions listed on our Jobs Page, including our call for new NYC editors.

Is it your dream job to get paid to run around the city with your children, checking out the coolest things going on? Are you an excellent writer, great researcher and brilliant editor who wants to work in an environment that is supportive of parents? Do you love organizing information, engaging on social media and connecting with the community?

Mommy Poppins is hiring new editors for our NYC site. We’re looking for amazing writers and editors with at least two years editorial experience who are passionate about living in NYC with kids, and are seeking a telecommuting-friendly, full- or part-time position with flexible hours, a competitive salary and benefits.

Sometimes that which is old becomes new again. While our kids certainly have their own video games, there does seem to be a certain fascination with the games that started it all: Pac Man, Donkey Kong, Frogger, and - my favorite - the super old school pinball. Books like Ready Player One by Ernest Cline riff on the quaintness of 80s gaming. In Pasadena, it is now possible to do a little time travel and experience the arcade of yesteryear at Neon Retro Arcade. We went to check it out on opening weekend.

We're always writing about how important it is for kids to learn to code. That's because most of the jobs our children will one day apply for will require basic coding skills. Even if your kids don't dream of becoming the next Bill Gates, computer programming can still teach them critical thinking, logic, creativity and patience. Plus, they can learn to make their own websites and video games, which is pretty cool.

In January, we highlighted the village of Cold Spring including the area's top attractions and some suggestions on where to eat. Now we'll wrap up our tour of this cozy village with a look at the best places for kids young and old to play and learn.

Whether you're looking for quiet indoor activities or death-defying outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone--most within easy walking distance of the village's MTA station. 

February kicks off with plenty of indoor fun to keep everyone warm and busy. Get a head start on Valentine’s Day with Valentine’s Storytime at Fire Me Up! Studio and free Valentine Card-Making at Pottery Barn Kids. Explore child-friendly museum activities at The New Jersey State Museum’s Hands-on Fun and The Hoboken Historical Museum’s Uptown Storytime. More snow in the forecast? Keep this list of snow day activities handy. And don’t forget to check out our event calendar for even more weekday and weekend events.

Start and end this week in contemplation of the universe. Monday it’s Family Astronomy night at the Memorial Branch Public Library, and on Friday Jupiter gets as close to Earth as it’s going to get. Meanwhile the people in the frozen yogurt business must have a case of brain freeze, because National Frozen Yogurt Day is apparently celebrated twice this week - and when we say celebrate, we mean free fro-yo!