The school year is upon us, which, for some, means normalcy is returning. For those who work late and need to extend school hours, or for kids interested in further pursuing their passion for science or the arts, after school programs are great. These programs are the perfect way to keep kids entertained in those late afternoon hours while continuing to further their education. Keep those brains working a little longer with some of these awesome programs.

There's a new game in town—actually, a whole slew of them—with the opening of Escape Virtuality in Chelsea, featuring two floors of immersive gaming and technology. Whether you're in the mood for classic, immersive VR games, have a taste for a wild ride, or want to tackle a brain-teasing escape room, grab your big kids and sense of adventure and give it a go. Read on for a look inside the new space and tips for what to expect (and play!) when you arrive.

The San Fernando Valley has a new indoor playspace, treating kids to a giant jungle gym, plenty of pretend play, climbing walls, and spontaneous dance parties on a hot or rainy day. My Lil' Town is a great addition to the family scene in Granada Hills (just next door to Northridge), but it's more than just an indoor playground; My Lil' Town is an inspiring space, with a creative design that has something for kids of all ages, from babies and toddlers to big kids.

Moody Gardens is pretty hard to miss, with its massive pyramids drawing the eye from quite a distance. But what is going on inside those mysterious pyramids? This Galveston attraction features a complex of museums, rides, and exhibits has enough to entertain kids of all ages!

From the many animals of the Aquarium and Rainforest Pyramids to its variety of swimming spots, Moody Gardens' many attractions can be overwhelming. Luckily, we've broken down the best things to see and do with kids.

For more things to do in Galveston, check out our guide to Galveston with kids.

No matter your political leanings, immigration is a hot topic of conversation these days, and New York has a rich and ongoing history as a gateway to our country. We've combed through our city's top museums and cultural institutions to pinpoint some of the most kid-friendly destinations for those curious about the immigrant experience, or looking to teach children about diversity and cultural acceptance.

Of course NYC often plays host to rotating art exhibits related to this theme, which you can always find in our event calendar. Read on for ten NYC spots where history leaps off the pages for interactive exploration.

There’s no shortage of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities for kids in the Boston area, from summer camps to robotics classes. While most of these programs are geared toward older kids and teens, children as young as 2 or 3 years old are at a perfect age to start learning the basics of the scientific method. We've rounded up a list of local programs that offer science or technology programs specifically for curious preschoolers.

Chelsea Piers Connecticut in Stamford is one of the best sports complexes in Fairfield County, and a family favorite for athletic classes for kids. This fall, the 465,000-square foot state-of-the-art facility is expanding its Ninja + Parkour program and adding Flag Football to its wide array of offerings, which already includes everything from dance classes, gymnastics for kids, and ice skating to youth basketball, soccer, swimming, and field hockey. The fall semester begins September 4, 2019, with programs available for children ages 3 months to 18 years.