Great Birthday Parties for Crafty NJ Kids

Submitted by Tracy B on

As my daughter’s 6th birthday approaches, I am scrambling to find an entertaining and unique party location. My house is small, so a home party is not an option (plus the mess and clean up. Ugh!). A party that would involve the 3 F’s, food, favors and fun, seems like the perfect formula for NJ kids and their party-planning moms. How about a make-your-own-craft party? New Jersey has a variety of studios that offer make-and-take crafts for your little Picasso. Aspiring painters, potters, glassmakers, and jewelers can satisfy their creative side. The best part is that the finished masterpiece becomes your built-in favor! Check out some of our favorite New Jersey arts'n'crafts studios. And for even more fab ideas, check out our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide.

Clever Glove Bunny Puppet Kids Craft

Anna Fader's picture Submitted by Anna Fader on

The first time I saw this neat little trick was on a stalled subway. A woman turned her gloves into a bunny to entertain her toddler. I couldn't believe I'd never seen this clever idea before and learned how to do it myself. Check out how to make this cute puppet and keep this trick up your sleeve for spontaneous play time any time. 

Boston April Vacation Week Camps 2014 - Part II

Tara D's picture Submitted by Tara D on

If you’re still trying to figure out what to do with the kids during April Vacation Week, take a look at these terrific workshops and camps. They provide fun opportunities for kids who enjoy arts & crafts, writing, theater, and history. If your child is more outdoorsy, check out my first roundup of 2014 April Vacation Week camps, highlighting programs that get kids outdoors and exploring nature. 

10 Fun Ethnic Food Experiences for NYC Kids

Anna Fader's picture Submitted by Anna Fader on

One of the most wonderful things about NYC is our incredible ethnic diversity. Exploring different neighborhoods and sampling their delicious ethnic foods is a must, whether you live in NYC or are just visiting. Eating in an ethnic restaurant is about more than just the food, it’s a cultural experience that gives your kids a (literal) taste of life in another land.

Coming up with a comprehensive list of every cuisine available in NYC would be overwhelming—where would you even start? Instead, I've compiled a list of my top ten ethnic food experiences for NYC kids to try before they grow up. Put these kid-friendly restaurants on your must-do bucket list, and share your own favorites in the comments.

News: Snag Free Sweets on Thursday, New Coney Island Roller Coaster, the Brooklyn Children's Museum Annex Is Coming to Dumbo

Alina Adams's picture Submitted by Alina Adams on

NYC kids, prepare to be blinded by science (and art, too) as Brooklyn debuts two STEAM (that's STEM with an A for Art) programs, along with a brand-new Coney Island thrill ride that's sure to get your hearts pounding. Plus, find out where to pick up FREE treats this Thursday in honor of Macaron Day, two of our favorite Queens ice cream spots close, a book swap no kid-lit lover will want to miss, and a notable new children's book by an iconic rock star.

Successful Road Trips With Kids

Submitted by Katie McKnight on

Spring is coming!  Spring is coming!  SPRING IS COMING!!!! 

It's that time of year...time to get out and about!  Because both of my parents were teachers, my childhood years were full of road trips.  Many were the times that we packed up – two parents, 3 children, and an incessantly panting dog – and headed west to Colorado, and a few times, even all the way to CA.  These trips were both horrible and wonderful at the same time.  Horrible in that they involved hours of fighting with my two brothers, the inevitable boredom of the Kansas highway, and occasionally a very gaseous dog.  Wonderful in that we saw every nook and cranny of this country, felt insignificant in the shadow of the Rockies, and marveled at the sheer awesomeness of Crater Lake.

What I did learn in my many family road voyages were the essential ingredients of every road trip. Because, really, whats the point of heading to a great destination if getting there makes everyone cranky and irritbable? As spring approaches (I promise…it’s coming!), we will be getting ready for some of our favorite local day trips (Connecticut College lacrosse game, Old Saybrook, Mystic Seaport, Kent Falls), keeping these essentials in mind:

Easy 'Dirt Dessert' Recipe

Stephanie Ogozalek's picture Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on

Dirt Dessert, a layered treat made with crushed cookies, chocolate pudding, and a gummy worm, is a long-time favorite of my 9-year-old son. For the past 6 years, we have made these adorable goodies instead of cupcakes to share with his class during his in-school birthday party and they are always a big hit. These simple-to-make parfaits replicate the different layers of soil found in a backyard garden and are a fun way to usher in spring or just add a little excitement to your after-dinner sweet. That is, of course, if you can keep the kids away from them until after dinner, these confections are pretty tasty—especially for a dessert called dirt!

10 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Southbury, Connecticut

Submitted by Sherry Pardy on

When my husband announced our family's plan to relocate from Southeastern Connecticut (city, seaside life), to the Western end of the state (suburbs and very inland), I felt very unsure how we'd fare.  Where would we live?  What would we do for fun?  How would I ever live without seeing the ocean out my front window?  We ultimately settled on Southbury in western New Haven, and what a fabulous decision we made.  Since our move, we've often said we hardly need to leave town to do anything!  There's so many super cool, fun things to do with the whole family!

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