Tell people you're planning a trip to Death Valley with kids, and you're likely to get a response that implies either admiration or an assumption that you're crazy. Or both. That's OK; Death Valley may not be the most obvious choice for a family vacation, but that is definitely part of the appeal. It's a valley full of "I've never seen that before!" with a hint of Old West ghost town.

Local libraries are a key part of the parenting experience, and most of us are aware of the goings-on at our nearest branch—from toddler storytimes, to homework help, to family movie nights. Some savvy parents are even on top of the many extra perks that come with a library card. But what about venturing beyond the local branch? With so many libraries in the greater Los Angeles area, some are really exceptional and merit a visit even if they're not your local. The 10 SoCal libraries below all boast something extra that makes them worth a drive, from giant dinosaurs to water features to a crawl through the Berlin Wall.

Summer is nearly upon us and that means it’s time to plan birthday parties for kids born when school is out. I have a summer baby, so I’ve thought a lot about where to have a party when the weather is nice and everyone’s on vacation. We've shared ideas for outdoor options where you can plan a free, spontaneous celebration, but we discovered several more venues—some indoors, some out—that specialize in summery kids' parties. Here are six of our favorite warm-weather birthday bash spots around Boston.

If you think you have to head all the way to the Jersey Shore for a boardwalk, think again. This one is just over the bridge, a few blocks south of Penn's Landing, and is perfect for family fun. With the weather warming up, Spruce Street Harbor Park kicks off its season on Friday, May 11th. From games to food to a stroll on the boardwalk, read on to plan your visit to this great pop-up park.

There is just something about summertime that feels different, even when you're all grown up. Maybe it's because school is out and kids are running around everywhere enjoying their newfound freedom, or maybe it's because the days are longer, which means there are more hours to fill with activities. On those days not spent at pool parties, water parks, and camp, Houston's many festivals will help you plan even more exciting family adventures! Choose from festivals celebrating Houston's diversity to music and food.

Show your mama some love this Mother's Day with the best freebies (or deeply discounted options) rounded up by the Mommy Poppins Philadelphia crew. After all, Philly moms do so much for their families. They chauffeur the kids to music lessons, art classes, and swim practices. They pack healthy lunches, shop for clothes, help with homework, and even plan family vacations. Make Mom and your budget happy with our top picks, and check out our events calendar for more Mother's Day weekend ideas.

Mom. Mommy. Mama. Mother. Her Royal and Omnipotent Shoe Finder Supreme. No matter what you call her, mom is a pretty special lady and she deserves to be celebrated. Whether that means pulling out all the stops for a truly indulgent brunch or spending a day doing stuff the whole family loves (because I'll be honest, my kids don't love brunch that much...) Mother's Day is a moment for moms, ALL MOMS, everywhere to take a little bow for the incredibly hard work we do all year (yep, I said it. We work hard and it's ok to crow about it a little sometimes). In honor of Mother's Day, here are some things moms can do FOR FREE with (or sometimes without...) the family.

Mothers should be appreciated every day of the year (of course), but it doesn’t hurt to have one special day to remind everyone just how wonderful you are. Round up your crew for a celebratory outing on Sunday, May 13, with one of these 25 fun activities that are perfect for the entire family. 

Whether you want to wine and dine at great brunch spots in northern NJ or down the shore, sip tea with your littles, enjoy a scenic stroll in nature, or go for a free spin on amusement rides, we’ve got you covered with the best NJ Mother’s Day events happening this year. Check them out below and find your Mom Day match!

For even more fun events, visit our Spring Fun Guide and May Go List. Happy Mother’s Day,  NJ moms!