When kids live far away from their friends or cousins, FaceTime, Zoom, and other video-chat tools are a great way for them to stay connected. But sometimes they end up awkwardly staring at the screen, wondering what to talk about. That's when they can play some fun and free online games for kids. These games make it easy for kids to play some of their favorite board games and video games together even when they're not gathered around the same table or screen.

We've found the best free online games for kids who want to meet up virtually and play games even when they're miles apart. These free online games for kids don't require subscriptions, payment, or downloads; just click the link and you're good to go. Pair the game with a Zoom call and a bowl of popcorn and kids will feel like they're in the same room!

Looking for more online fun? Check out 7 games like Wordle for kids and so much more in our Virtual and Online Guide for Family Fun.

The last thing busy parents need at the beginning of the school year is another item on their to-do list, but that doesn’t mean children’s health and safety concerns should take a back seat.

Art of Problem Solving offers math and language arts enrichment for advanced learners from grades 2-12 in Irvine, Orange County.

A generation ago, many occupations required people to repeatedly solve routine problems–but, now, most of those jobs are performed by computers! To set today’s students up for success, they need to learn critical problem-solving skills, and the earlier the better. Understanding how to tackle difficult problems–not just replicas of ones they've already seen–teaches kids how to learn, and prepares them for the challenges of top-tier colleges and competitive careers.

That’s the focus of Art of Problem Solving (AoPS). At AoPS Academy, an in-person after-school, weekend, and summer academic program geared toward advanced learners, students build a problem solving skill set to prepare them for many of life's challenges. With 13 locations nationwide, including a brand new campus in Irvine, California, AoPS combines a rigorous curriculum, expert instruction, and community to create a one-of-a-kind enrichment experience.

Meal planning night after night for family dinner is, frankly, the worst. Maybe you're that rare meal magician whose kitchen is stocked with everything you need to whip up a healthy meal that your entire family will enjoy. But probably you're a mere mortal: the kind of parent who struggles at the very thought of coming up with one meal, let alone an entire weekly menu plan. I mean, ugh—why are these little humans always so hungry?!? We asked readers how they tackled the monumental task of meal planning family dinners everyone will eat, week after week. These tried and true tips from seasoned parents are amazing and help answer the never-ending question of what’s for dinner.

After you read these tips, peruse our 100 Top Easy Recipes for Kids and other kid-pleasing fare in our Guide to the Best Recipes for Kids.

While New York City might not be the epicenter of adventure parks, there are plenty of zip lines near NYC for families to visit. We're particularly fond of the Bronx Zoo's Treetop Adventure Course and a seriously high-flying outdoor zip line in Queens. Meanwhile, there are dozens more ropes courses and zip lines near NYC worth exploring.

So, read on for our top picks for ropes courses and zip lines near NYC, and pencil in a visit before the school year takes over. Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Outdoor Adventures for more fun ways to entertain active kids.

It’s no secret that kids grow up fast. And with all that growing, it can start to feel like their closets are just revolving doors of clothing. You know what I mean—as soon as you buy the new shoes and clothes and get their closets organized, they grow right out of them and you have to start over again from scratch. This seemingly endless cycle can cost a small fortune and create boxes and boxes of clutter.

These kids consignment shops near Houston are a great solution to the problem! Many of these consignment shops in Houston offer mostly children's items. Save your money and make some, too, as you recycle your children’s gently used hand-me-downs and baby gear, upgrade their wardrobes, and clear out your attic. If you like the idea of consignment, but prefer to do it online, check out our guide to online consignment shops.

Becoming a bat or bar mitzvah is a huge accomplishment for any Jewish child and her or his parents. These kids spend years studying, practicing, and nervously preparing for the big day, around their 13th birthday, where they then officially become adults and take on the large responsbility of leading a congregation. So it only makes sense to throw these kids a mega awesome bar mitzvah in Orlando!

Though it may be a bit daunting to find the "perfect" bar mitzvah spot in Orlando, we're here to help! Central Florida has wonderful spots for bar mitzvahs, parents just need to ask themselves a few questions during the planning stages: Is the crowd big or small? What theme is my child thinking? Will the food be kosher or non-kosher? Do we prefer a traditional setting? Answering these questions will definitely help you narrow the search and find the perfect venue for your little mensch!

Let's raise a glass to these chic places for bar mitzvahs in Orlando that will satisfy parents AND teens. L'chayim!