There are so many reasons to get kids enrolled in a cooking class.

Besides being a hidden-gem STEM activity with math and chemistry components, cooking classes and camps hone motor skills, build self esteem, teach important life skills, and make kids more willing to try new foods. (If they cook it, they are more likely to try it.) If you want to give your little chef more structured and professional instruction, a cooking class in the Philly area can be a great addition to your extracurricular lineup; some classes may even send kids home having already eaten dinner!

Read on for some Philly area cooking classes designed with kids in mind. And for more enrichment inspiration, be sure to visit our Philadelphia classes guide for kids

Gymnastics classes are the perfect kids' activity for building confidence, flexibility, and strength. It’s also a great activity for all ages, from toddlers through teens. And, many New Jersey gyms have both traditional gymnastics programs and competitive teams, plus extra offerings like ninja, tumbling (great for cheerleaders and dancers), and open play.

So, whatever your kid's speed, we've compiled this list of more than a dozen great gymnastics programs throughout New Jersey. 

For even more options, check out our directory of classes and listings. Check our NJ Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for kids of all ages and interests.

While New York City might not be the epicenter of adventure parks, there are plenty of zip lines near NYC for families to visit. From indoor adventure parks to exhilarating alpine treetop ropes courses and zip lines, explore what NYC and its surroundings have to offer from a new perspective.

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.

Parents and kids can have a great time at these Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Miami restaurants, where kids are free to play while parents dine.

Planning a toddler or preschooler’s birthday party in the Bay Area? You’ve got options, almost too many. Whether your little one loves animals, art, bounce houses, or just needs space to run wild, there’s a party venue that can match their energy (and your planning style). From creative museums to indoor play zones, the Bay Area has plenty of places that know how to throw a party for the under-five crowd.

We’ve rounded up some of the best birthday party spots across San Francisco, the East Bay, North Bay, and South Bay/Peninsula. Each one is age-appropriate, parent-tested, and offers enough structure to keep the chaos fun. Consider this your go-to when you (or another mom friend) starts asking, “Where should I throw a birthday party for a three-year-old?”. 

Celebrate the big day at these birthday party spots in the East Bay, or these top indoor birthday party places in San Francisco for kids. If you've got little ones and teens, here are the best teen birthday party ideas in San Francisco. 

See what Family Connection Week at Miraval is all about!

Orlando birthday party rentals, like bounce houses and jump houses, enhance a child's big day with bigger-than-life entertainment. These inflatable castles bring a birthday party to the next level with hours of backyard fun. And most of these Orlando bounce house companies set up and break down the giant structures, as well as teach party hosts the safest, best ways to properly bounce around! Take a look at these awesome Orlando bounce house rental companies for your next birthday party!