School Break Camps: Winter and Spring Break Camps to Keep New Jersey Kids Busy on Days Off

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

Genius Gems offers camps centered around hands-on STEM projects, like 3D printing. Photo courtesy of Genius Gems

Spring break camps and winter break camps are the perfect time for hard-working students to enjoy a screen-free, school-free day–or even a week of fun. If you're searching for structured activities to keep the kids active and engaged over the break, look no further than these school break camps. 

We've rounded up options throughout New Jersey, ranging from action-packed camps that let the kids burn energy to those that foster creative hobbies, like sewing. Parents may opt for full- or half-days and enroll kids for individual days or all week.

Don't wait too long to book upcoming break camp spots; spaces tend to have limited enrollment and book up quickly. While camp is on the brain, start making your summer plans. We've got tons of resources in our Camp Guide and Camp Directory.

Best Sledding Spots Near Philadelphia for Kids

Submitted by Lindsay Li on

Kids enjoy sledding on a hill off Kelly Drive. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation

Get ready for a snow day with our list of the best sledding hills near Philly.

When the forecast calls for snow, Philly parents ought to be prepared. Not just with the milk, bread, and toilet paper, but with the best spots to take the kiddos sledding on a snow day. Sledding is one of our favorite winter activities, so we're breaking down all the best sledding hills near Philly (not just by their cool factor, but also by age group), so you know exactly where you should head when we get a decent coating.

For more amazing ways to enjoy the snow with your family, check out the best places to go Snow Tubing near Philadelphia and Family-Friendly Skiing and Snowboarding near Philly.

NYC Restaurants with Free Meal Deals for Families

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on

Get the classic kid's Burgers and Fries for free on Mondays at The Hop Shoppe.

Dining out doesn't come cheap, especially in NYC—unless you happen to be a child who can take advantage of these kids eat free deals. For NYC kids, there really is such a thing as a free lunch...if you know where to go. At these local eateries, you can feed those hungry mouths for the unbeatable price of $0, while you get a break from playing chef. We know what you'll be making tonight: reservations.

Find all our top picks for family-friendly eats in our NYC Kids' Restaurant Guide.

Free Stuff For Kids in the Mail: Free Books, Magazines, Toys, and More

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program mails one free, high-quality book per month to children ages 0-5! Photo courtesy of the Dollywood Foundation

In today's digital age, kids are often missing out on the joy of running to the mailbox and finding something addressed to them—a letter from a pen pal, a card from Grandma, etc. But there are many companies and organizations that will send your child free stuff in the mail just by signing up online. Whether it's free books or magazines, free stickers or toys, or free beauty samples for teens, your child will relish the surprise of receiving an envelope or a package with their name on it.

Check out this list of 24 organizations and companies that will send your child free stuff in the mail. For more freebies near you, visit your city's Guide to Free Things To Do with Kids. And, our massive list of birthday freebies for kids includes everything from free food at restaurants to free perks at stores.

Immersive Slime Experience Sloomoo Institute Now Open in Houston

Submitted by Elizabeth R on

Sloomoo is inside of a colorful warehouse that's sectioned off into different sensory-slime experiences. Photo by Nan Ross

Sloomoo, billed as the “World’s #1 Slime Experience,” recently opened a new location in Houston–and you'll want to check it out if you have a kid that likes slime. The Marq-E Entertainment Center opening follows popular Sloomoo locations in New York, Atlanta, and Chicago. 

We recently had a chance to visit, and it was a big hit with our kids. We all loved playing with different textures of slime, and the kids enjoyed making personalized slime to bring home. 

Read on to get the scoop on this awesome new experience. Check out our Indoor Fun Guide for Houston Kids to find more fun places to play indoors. 

Free STEM Summer Camp from Girls Who Code Opens Registration 2024

Tara D's picture Submitted by Tara D on

High school girls (and non-binary kids) interested in computer science are encouraged to apply. Photo courtesy Girls Who Code

Looking for more than mindless hanging out and screen time for your teenage daughter this summer? Girls Who Code, a nonprofit that aims to increase the number of women in computer science fields, is once again offering its FREE summer immersion program for girls and non-binary kids entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school. The 2- or 6-week STEM summer camp is completely virtual again this year, and accepting applications now.

Keep reading to find out who is eligible, how to apply, and when these Girls Who Code STEM summer programs are happening in 2024. Hurry, because the early application period for this FREE summer program is already open.

Find more STEM activities in our Science and Tech Guide for Kids, or check out more summer programs for teens and kids in our Camp Guide. You can also find free coding for kids websites and apps.

50 Environmental Activities Kids Can Do at Home

Submitted by Amelia Eigerman on

Gardening with your kids is rewarding, results in stuff to eat, and is also great for the planet!

Climate change is going to continue to dominate conversations as our kids grow up. It can be scary and overwhelming to think about how the world will change due to the environmental crisis. Taking action can really help kids feel more in control and like a part of the environment around them.

From recycled crafts to eco-friendly swaps and more, we’ve gathered fun, educational, and impactful environmental activities that you can do at home.

For more green news and activities, check out our Earth Kids Guide to Green Activities for the Planet, and subscribe to our free Earth Kids newsletter to never miss an article.

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