If you have a thrill-seeker on your hands, Long Island boasts many birthday party options of active and adventurous kiddos! Zip line your way to an unforgettable birthday party adventure with these cool party venues, from ropes courses to climbing walls, and both indoor and outdoor options.

Don't forget to peruse our Long Island Party Guide It offers plenty more options for putting together a great party for your child.

Even the Jetsons didn’t have baby gear like this. 

CES, the largest technology trade show in the U.S., was held last month in Las Vegas, and there was a ton of futuristic baby gear on display. All of it is meant to make the lives of parents easier, but that doesn’t mean some of it isn’t a little … unusual. 

Whether these gadgets will ultimately be practical remains to be seen (and some of it might have you longing for the days of the Flintstones instead). Be sure to sign up for our newsletters to stay in the know! 

February isn't (or it shouldn't be, anyway) all about conversation hearts and carnations for Valentine's Day - it is a month when we celebrate something much more important, Black History Month. This is a time when we can teach our kids about the richness of African American culture as well as the obstacles many have overcome throughout the years as well as celebrate numerous successes and advancements in civil rights. Here are nine ways you can celebrate and teach your kids about these historical achievements at home and around Houston.

For many of us, when we think February we think hearts. Candy hearts and valentines, puppy love, and boxes of chocolate. But February is heart month for another reason too. Nearly one in 100 babies are born with congenital heart defects. That adds up to about 40,000 births a year. There are a number of different kinds of defects ranging from mild to severe and in some cases, babies and children who require invasive treatments in order to survive. Our family became one of many living with a congenital heart defect after the birth of my son. Despite inevitable setbacks along the way, thanks to advances in medicine today he is a strong and thriving little boy.

February is Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about congenital heart defects and to continue the important work being done to further understand what causes them and how better to treat them. You can get involved in many ways, whether by donating to an organization that supports research or kids facing tough battles, or participating in one of the many heart events around the state.

Though you can’t invite a real T. rex to your child's birthday party, you can certainly find places in New Jersey to host a dino-mite party with a prehistoric vibe. Here's a roundup of venues offering parties that are literally out of this world—or at least out of this time period! Some will even bring the party to you! Oh, and don’t forget to check out our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide, which is chock-full of birthday inspiration.

A party's not a party without music, right? New Jersey is home to many professional DJs who bring rhythm and fun to any birthday celebration, whether in your home or at another venue. Best of all, these DJs are more than just music-makers: they'll set the mood, entertain the kids with face painting, games, balloons, and other surprises, and make sure even the shyest child is having a great time. For more party inspiration, be sure to check out our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide.

Whether your little one's first year flew by or felt like an eternity of sleepless nights, a first birthday is a cause for celebration. So go all out and book that cake smash photo shoot or keep it low key with a few close friends and family members. Just like the first time you held your baby, a first birthday party should be a joyous occasion, filled with games, goodies, music, and age-appropriate fun.

While planning can seem daunting, it doesn't have to be. Across Long Island, there are several venues that can make your child's first birthday an occasion to be remembered, providing everything from staff to food, so you can spend time with your family and friends. Our birthday spot picks makes it easy for you and fun for your guests. 

For more birthday party planinginspiration, check out our Birthday Party Guide for Long Island Kids.

You know what else a birthday needs? Gifts! Get tried-and-tested favorite gift suggestions the Best First Birthday Gifts, and more in our Guide to Top Toys and Gear for Kids.

Whether it's a night at the museum or just an afternoon, New Jersey venues can host one heck of a birthday party. Whether your child is a science fan, a train lover, a budding artist or just simply bug-crazed, New Jersey's excellent museums offer a variety options for some really exciting and celebratory shindigs.

For even more ideas, check out our phenomenal New Jersey Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide!