As school starts up again across the country, tweens and teens are beginning the arduous adventure that is middle school. And thanks to pretty much all of pop culture—and many adults who have gone through the middle school years and lived to tell the tale—kids go into middle school fearing the worst. You know—classmates are terrible. School is terrible. Everything is terrible.

We're here to assure you—and your anxious middle schooler—that middle school can, in fact, be the best. Many teachers say middle school kids are their favorite age to teach. That's because they're learning to think critically, joke cleverly, and care deeply. They're growing, learning, and finding their spark. In other words, middle schoolers are becoming themselves.

Read on for middle school tips for parents that will help you encourage, inspire, and celebrate your kids. You'll learn how to make middle school better for your children so they'll become happy and thriving in middle school.

Our 2025-2026 Back-to-School Guide has even more advice on how to make this the best school year yet, including our list of the best school supplies (from a veteran teacher).

Queens residents have a new public space for their enjoyment with the reopening of Rainey Park in Astoria. After extensive renovations, Rainey Park boasts new playground equipment, fitness areas, spray showers, a new greenway, and increased access for those with disabilities. Read on to find out all you need to know about this new park.

Find more places to play in our NYC Kids' Guide to Parks and Playgrounds and the our list of the best things to do in Queens.

When nearly 1 million NYC public school students head back to class in September, they’ll be entering a no-phone zone.

A new state law in New York bans students from using cell phones and all personal internet-enabled devices during the school day. The law goes into effect at the start of the 2025-26 school year, which kicks off Thursday, September 4, for public school kids.

Read on to find out what the ban might look like at your school, and check out our list of 57 screen-free activities for all ages.

Find the best places for apple picking (and more) near Boston!

It's the season for apple picking (and more family fun) throughout Connecticut.

Your 3rd Spot (Y3S) in West Midtown has 100+ games and experiences plus yummy food and a fun outdoor play area. Why the name? Here is how they explain it: If home is your first spot and work is your second spot, then this colorful entertainment venue where families can connect is Your 3rd Spot! Y3S is part of the dining and retail district, The Works, and offers 27,000 square feet(!) of fun, including arcade games, corn hole, bowling, ping pong, curling...and that's just inside. Outside guests enjoy lawn games, porch swings, and firepits. Top it all off with a large dining room offering shareable bites, creative cocktails, and a kid-approved menu. 

Y3S is 21+  during the weekdays and after 6pm on weekends. On weekends before 6pm, it's all about family fun —kids and parents have the run of the place, enjoying games, food, and fun. Read on for more info on how to have an awesome family day at Y3S!

Apple picking near Los Angeles? Your Northwest/Midwest/East Coast friends might scoff, but absolutely! While it may not feel like fall in Los Angeles, where autumn temps can still tip into triple digits—there is a fabulous apple-picking day trip from Los Angeles.

Oak Glen is a little mile-high town that is spitting distance from the pools in Palm Springs, but where the mountains get snow in the winter and the crisp air produces incredible apples. It’s perfect for a Los Angeles apple-picking adventure. And when your bag runneth over, check out these tempting apple recipes! 

For more fall festivities, see where to find fall foliage near Los Angeles, get gourds at the best pumpkin patches near LA, and discover more seasonal adventures in our Fall Fun Guide for Los Angeles and OC Kids. 

If you think your baby's first year is going to be nothing but naps, diapers, and spit up, think again. There are tons of things to do with a baby in DFW, making it hard to know where to start, so we've put together what we call our "baby bucket list" for the metroplex, and it's got everything from splash pads to hands-on playtime. storytime, and even a Mommy & Me class. The best part? Almost every activity is free for your baby! The only thing stopping you from doing it all is getting all your gear in the car before nap time hits.