Free and Cheap Summer Camps Around Houston

It's hard to believe it, but it is already time to start making summer plans for your little ones, and one thing every kid looks forward to in the summer is going to camp! Summer camp is a chance for kids to have fun while learning new skills and making memories with new friends. From overnight campsoutdoor campsscience campsdance camps, arts camps, and music and theater camps, Houston has so many different types of summer camps, including the following camps that won't break the budget.

To find a summer camp that your little one and your wallet will love, check out this list of inexpensive or cheaper Houston summer camps that we've rounded up, all of which cost around $100 - $150. Also, keep in mind that many camps offer early bird (get on it now!), multi-week, and sibling discounts, as well as discounts for members, and some even offer scholarships. And for more summer and vacation camp ideas, check out our comprehensive camp guide and full directory of camp listings.

New PlaySpace Exhibit at the Boston Children's Museum

The "tree fort" is a gathering place for curious kids.

What could make the world-class Boston Children's Museum an even more amazing place to visit with kids? What about a sparkling new PlaySpace specially designed for toddlers? This freshly remodeled, state-of-the-art permanent exhibit is designed for children 3 and under to play, socialize and build skills.

We recently checked out the new PlaySpace and found it makes a Children's Museum visit even more special for small children and their caregivers. Here's our take on what to do with kids at the PlaySpace!

Indoor Swimming Pools around Hartford with Day Passes and Drop-in Family Swim Times

Photo courtesy of Cornerstone Aquatic Center

It may be cold outside, but it's always swimming season at these Hartford-area indoor pools. Whether your child is clamoring to splash around or still learning to swim, these pools welcome families with day pass options and drop-in family swim hours.

After you go for a dip, make sure to check out our entire list of things to do indoors in Connecticut. After your swim, spend the day doing one or more of our 45 favorite things to do with kids in Hartford.

Master Obstacles at Real Life Ninja Academy

The Real Life Ninja Academy isn't a gym, and it isn't an obstacle course facility. It's a fully instructional Real Life Ninja Warrior training gym for kids and adults.

At Real Life Ninja Academy in Freeport, swinging from the ceiling and climbing walls is very much encouraged. Co-owned by 'American Ninja Warrior' Champion Drew Drechsel, the course mimics the television show's obstacles, including two warped walls and the red, horn-blaring finish buttons.

For more active fun on Long Island, check out our guide to play gyms and sports centers.

Summer Art Camps for Philly Area Kids

Summer will be here before we know it, and many parents are starting to think about camps. If you have a budding young artist in your family, there is no shortage of camp options available for you in the Philadelphia area. From museums and neighborhood art leagues to paint-your-own ceramic studios, we have assembled a list to fit all levels of artistic ability. So, if your children have created enough crafts at home and are ready for a new learning experience, read on for our ideas.

Be sure to browse our Camp Directory for even more ideas!

The Slime Factory at Menlo Park Mall Is Messy Fun for NJ Kids

The Slime Factory experience includes time to play in a giant vat of green slime!

Got slime-obsessed kids at home? Love a good DIY arts and crafts project? If so, run don't walk to Menlo Park Mall in Edison, where New Jersey's first (and the nation's third) The Slime Factory, Powered by Maddie Rae recently opened. 

Maddie Rae is probably a familiar name to slime fans. The 14-year-old Instagram celebrity and entrepreneur from Connecticut has a propriety line of Slime Glue sold nationwide. Her products are used at The Slime Factory "lab," where slime lovers can enjoy a unique sensory experience and make-and-take their very own gooey creations. After hearing lots of great things about The Slime Factory, my daughter and I recently scheduled a visit to see what all the buzz was about.

Top Things to Do at Hudson Yards With NYC Kids

Midtown West's Hudson Yards neighborhood offers tons of new places to snap a photo, play, shop, and eat.

Hudson Yards, the new towering development on Midtown Manhattan's far west side, is a new neighborhood that seemingly sprang to life overnight, bringing with it places to play, eat, and explore. The Vessel and The Edge have become top NYC attractions, while the area offers parks, culture and great eats too. Whether you view Hudson Yards as a tourist trap, a marvel of urban planning and engineering, or somewhere in the middle, we've rounded up the top 10 fun things to do in this new neighborhood with kids.

Disneyland Prices Go Up, But SoCal Residents Can Still Get Their Deal—For Now

Photo Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort

Everyone's talking about the new prices at Disneyland. It's understandable; the new 2020 Disneyland ticket prices released today reflect an increase of 3% to 13%, depending on the ticket or pass type. Annual passholders are bound to do some hard thinking about whether the Mouse House remains an affordable annual expense. More than a few people probably woke up this morning and kicked themselves that they didn't buy tickets yesterday. But here's the good news: if you're a SoCal resident, you can still get a great Disneyland deal at yesterday's price—if you act fast.

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