Forget regular pencil cases, this
Not Your Usual Back-to-School Supplies List: Actually Useful Ideas from a Teacher
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Mommy Poppins Gift Guide for Birthdays and Holidays
Would you rather drink hot chocolate or chocolate milk? Photo by the author
100 Hardest 'Would You Rather' Questions for Clever Kids
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
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Back-to-School Guide 2023-24
Task-tackling service Taskrabbit is able to take on tons of back-to-school projects you may not have even considered outsourcing.
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Kids love these jokes that require audience participation. Photo by Jay Wood via Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
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Unicorn parties never go out of style! Photo by Malcolm Garrett/Pexels
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Toys make perfect first birthday gifts for budding toddlers! But which ones? We've got you covered.
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Get a sunscreen they won't mind slathering on! Babyganics Mineral Sunscreen Lotion image courtesy of the company
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We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
Skip the candy and the plastic that ends up in a landfill with these creative goody bag and party favor ideas. Photo courtesy of Hannah Rodrigo/Unsplash
Unique Goody Bag and Party Favor Ideas for Kids' Birthday Parties
Go ahead. Hand them the iPad; these websites for kids are fun and at least a little educational. Photo courtesy of Bigstock
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A cheap roll of tinfoil, an incline of some sort, and water is all you need for a tinfoil river. Photo by Ally Noel
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Preparing for Fatherhood: Parenting Tips From Our Favorite Dads
Barbie is the hit of the summer, but is this toy movie for kids? Photo courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures
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Join Dairy Queen's Blizzard Fan Club and enjoy a free birthday Blizzard! Photo courtesy of Sunny Daze and Dairy Queen
Birthday Freebies for Kids: 60 Places To Get Free Stuff on Your Birthday
All you need for Crazy Hair Day are some cupcake baking cups! Photo by the author
Easy School Spirit Week Ideas: Crazy Hair Day, Anything But a Backpack Day, and Beyond
Photo by Liz Baill
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Crafts & Games: 100s of Activities for Kids
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Happy Teacher Appreciation Week 2023: Teacher Appreciation Gifts They’ll Love
Sea otters really don't want to get lost! Photo courtesy Joe Robertson/CC BY 2.0
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These questions to ask grandparents help kids get to know their favorite people a little better.
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It's time to plan the ultimate Bluey birthday party!
Bluey Birthday Party Ideas: Bluey Birthday Cake, Games, and More
Adorable? Yes. Useful? No way. Babies don't need shoes.
Deinfluencing Your Baby Registry: Baby Products You Totally Don’t Need
Starface's star-shaped pimple patches make kids look and feel awesome while dealing with pimples.
Best Teen Skincare and Pimple Patches Kids Are Obsessed With—From a Teen!
Kudos diapers use four times more plant-based materials than competing brands. Photo courtesy of Shark Tank Products
Best Diaper Subscriptions in 2023: Amazon, Honest, and More
It's up to kids to save our planet, with a little guidance from us. Photo by Ron Lach from Pexels
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Earth Kids: Green Activities for the Planet
There are so many fun ways to reuse your Imperfect Foods boxes. Photo courtesy of Imperfect Foods
How To Get Free Stuff, Save Money, and Reduce Waste
Grab your list and head out for a scavenger hunt with the kids!
Indoor and Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids - Plus Cute Printables!
Walking, talking, grabbing, holding, smiling, laughing... it's all coming. But when? Photo by Tatiana Syrikova, via Pexels
Developmental Milestones for Babies in the First Year
One top tip is getting kids involved from the planning stage, and they'll want to help cook! Photo by Brooke Lark, via Pexels
Family Dinner Secrets from Savvy Parents: Weekly Menu Planners and Meal Planning Made Easy
Just one kid composting can save 400 pounds of food waste a year. So yes, one kid can make a difference! Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Climate Change: How One Kid (You) Can Take Action
When kids are bored, bored, bored, it's handy to have a whole list of fun things to do. Photo by Mommy Poppins
"I’m Bored, What Should I Do?" 100 Things To Do When Kids Are Bored
What kid doesn't love a game of pretend?
50 Snow Day Boredom Busters for Kids: Fun Indoor Activities
There's nothing like a delicious cup of hot chocolate on a cold day. Photo courtesy of Cotton Bro Studios
Hot Chocolate Recipes Kids Adore
Photo by Polina Tankilevitch via Pexels
Top Types of Parenting Styles from Gentle Parenting to Tiger Mom: Which Is Best?
Enjoy snow sports or stay cozy indoors with our Winter Activities Guide. Photo by Ally Noel
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Winter Activities Guide for Kids
Disney turns 100 and there will be celebrations from coast to coast. Photo courtesy of Disneyland
20 Family-Friendly Openings We're Looking Forward to in 2023
How about a birthday celebration at a local park for free! Photo by Antonius Ferret vis Pexels
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Free Activities, Events, Classes, and Camps for Kids
It's easier than you'd think to turn a simple paper lunch bag into a festive piñata!
How To Make a Piñata at Home: Easy Paper Bag Piñatas
Learn some random fun facts that will leave your kids laughing. Photo by Sara Marentette
75 Fun Facts For Kids That Will Blow Their Minds
Trader Joe's how do I love thee? Let me count the ways: for being inexpensive, gourmet and friendly.
The Best Trader Joe's Food for Families: 50 Favorite Products and Reader's Tips
Snuggle up with one of these beloved bedtime stories for kids.
30 Best Bedtime Stories for Kids, Including Free Bedtime Stories Online
Screen time doesn't have to be a solo activity with these fun, free online games for kids to play with friends.
20 Free Online Games For Kids to Play Together
Take a spin around the lazy river at Mandalay Bay.
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Las Vegas, Nevada: 50 Awesome Things To Do in Vegas with Kids
SingleCare offers major savings on more than 10,000 prescription drugs through its free app.
This App Offers Up to 80% Off the Whole Family’s Prescription Meds–Here’s My SingleCare Review
The outdoors are a natural playground for curious kids.
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Top Outdoor Activities for Kids
Remember getting your first Cabbage Patch Kid? Photo by Charlotte B
100 Classic Toys for Kids: Favorite Classic Toys, Retro Toys, and Vintage Toys
Photo by Leah Kelley via Pexels
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The Ultimate Road Trip Guide for Families
Are you brave enough for some of these spooky ghost stories?
21 Kid-Friendly Ghost Stories and Spooky Stories for Kids
A perfectly packed lunchbox helps kick the school blues. Photo courtesy of www.YumboxLunch.com
100 School Lunch Ideas for Kids: Back-to-School Lunches Kids Will Actually Eat
Jump rope solo, skip with siblings, or round up the whole gang for double dutch.
40 Classic Outdoor Games for Kids: Backyard Games, Playground Games, and More
Revel in the dirty hands! Outdoor activities help kids sleep better and jumpstarts their imaginations.
30 Outdoor Activities in Nature for Kids for Hands-on Outdoor Learning
Rent a gorgeous backyard pool like this for your family for an hour or a day. Photo courtesy of Swimply
Resort Passes and Daily Pool Rentals Near You: Family Resort Daycations for Everyone
Alphabet Soup. Photo courtesy of foodwithfeeling
100 Top Easy Recipes for Kids: Kid-Friendly Recipes for Every Meal
Gather 'round the campfire and sing some fun songs. Photo courtesy of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
21 Classic and Funny Campfire Songs for Any Camping Trip
These funny jokes for kids will have them laughing in no time!
40 Jokes for Kids That Will Keep the Whole Family in Giggles
Timber Ridge Lodge in Geneva, Wisconsin features both an indoor water park and outdoor pools.
Best Family Resorts with Water Parks: All-Inclusive Family Resorts and More
Kids can give parents tickets if they forget to turn off the water to soap hands or brush teeth!
17 Tricks For How Kids Can Conserve Water: Make Water Conservation Fun
Things like having a children's museum with a view like this make it easy to leave your heart in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of the Bay Area Discovery Museum
Mommy Poppins Launches in Miami and the San Francisco Bay Area
A zip line and more await at Portland's Eagle's Nest Treehouse. Photo courtesy of julian@hipcamp
12 Family-Friendly Tree House Rentals to Delight Their Imaginations
Did you know a pillow fight is a great way to get proprioceptive input? Photo by Mommy Poppins
99 Sensory Activities for Toddlers, Infants, and Kids of All Ages
Find a bare patch of soil to place your seed bomb. Spread them far and wide! Photo by the author
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How to Make Wildflower Seed Bombs: An Earth-Friendly Craft for Kids
The Outdoor Play Plaza at Greensboro Children's Museum in North Carolina.
The Best Children’s Museums in the US: Museums Worth Planning a Vacation Around
Enjoy stunning views of the Thames River.
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London With Kids: 60+ Best Things To Do in London on a UK Family Vacation
How does your garden grow? Photo by Filip Urban, Unsplash
Create a Pollinator Garden in Your Home or Apartment: Planting a Butterfly Garden or Bee Garden with Kids
Taco Tuesday makes meal planning easy and dinner kid-pleasing.
Taco Tuesday: The Only 5 Taco Recipes You’ll Ever Need
Enjoy the clear turquoise waters of Turks and Caicos.
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Why Ocean Club Resort Turks and Caicos Is Tops on Our Family Vacation List
Watch as kids become entranced by a live show. Photo by Alexis Buatti Ramos, courtesy of the New Victory Theater
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Our guide to living a more earth-friendly life.
Celebrate Earth Day! 25 Tips for Living More Sustainably Every Day
Sometimes #momlife just makes you laugh.
25 Best Mom Jokes and Funny #momlife Memes
Plan the perfect at-home kids' birthday party with these ideas and tips. Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels
How to Plan a Kids' Birthday Party At Home
A water park, beach activities, and more await at Coconut Bay's all-inclusive resort in St. Lucia.
21 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the US, Caribbean, and Mexico for Kids
We found plenty of things to do in Paris to fill our days and nights!
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50 Fun Things To Do in Paris with Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
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Children are natural advocates for the planet and our actions truly can make a difference.
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Abracadabra! These videos teach kids how to do magic at home! Photo by Amina Filkins/Pexels
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Try wrapping your tongue around a few of these tantalizing twisters! Photo courtesy of Saeed Karimi via Unsplash
Tons of Totally Terrific Tongue Twisters for Kids, Tweens, and Teens
Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.
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25 Preschool Science Experiments: Simple Science for Toddlers through Kindergarten Kids
Science experiments and STEM activities for kids entrance children with their
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Guide to Science Experiments for Kids and Fun STEM Activities
The outdoors are a natural playground for curious kids.
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Even the pickiest toddler will want to literally eat a rainbow.
12 Healthy Snacks for Kids That Are Works of Art
Homemade Strawberry Popsicles
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Easy Recipes for Kids
Need a kids' music playlist that will get you dancing, eating, and even learning state capitals? We found a playlist for every occasion.
22 Free Kids' Music Playlists for Breakfast through Bedtime
Have a Post-it party! Easy but fun games for toddlers can be made with household items.
Easy Toddler Games: 20 Ways to Entertain Toddlers When You’re Too Sick to Play
The Muppet Show never goes out of style. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprise, Inc.
100 Best Kids' TV Shows of All Time
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Laila's Lunchbos is a lovely introduction to a child's new country and Ramadan, the month of fasting.
21 Kids' Books About Racism, By Age
Photo courtesy of Language Workshop for Children
10 Online Language Classes and Clubs for Kids
It's so important for kids to see themselves on the pages of books.
30+ Children's Books to Celebrate Black History Month
Milo Imagines the World, by Matt de la Peña was one of our favorite books of the year.
The Very Best of 2021 for Kids and Families: The Books, Movies, Shows, and More Our Kids Adored
Try a little freeze dancing, robot style! Photo courtesy of Pavel Danilyuk via Pexels
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The internet is full of coding programs for kids, but which are the best? We tested them all. Photo courtesy of Kodable
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Long car rides don't have to be boring!
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Kids gobble up broccoli when it's smothered in cheese sauce. Photo courtesy of butterwithasideofbread.com
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Find a new favorite children's book with these reading lists.
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Best Kids' Books: A Guide to Great Reads
Selfies are fun, but make sure kids know how to be cell phone safe and smart. Photo courtesy of Kampus Productions, Pexels
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Mexican Instant Pot Quinoa warms on a chilly night.
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The best gift on Grandparents' Day is just more time with grandkids! Photo by Rodnae Productions, Pexels.
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Make the day special by letting your kid call the shots!
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The Outdoor Play Plaza at Greensboro Children's Museum in North Carolina.
The Best Children’s Museums in the US: Museums Worth Planning a Vacation Around
Ride the San Diego Zoo Skyfari. Photo courtesy of Christina Simmons, for the San Diego Zoo.
The Best Zoos in the US: Take Your Kids on a Family Animal Adventure
Find the best baby gear, parenting hacks, and kid items.
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Find a new children's book to read today. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Canoe or swim in the many lakes and rivers in the Poconos. Photo courtesy of Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
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Walk the rocks at Fort Williams for views of Portland Head Light and the waves.
50 Things To Do in Portland, Maine, with Kids
The Water's Edge Resort and Spa in Connecticut offers the beach and so much more. Photo courtesy the resort
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Prepare yourself for the awesomeness of Baha Mar. Photo courtesy the resort
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With Bestow, get a personalized term life insurance quote—no medical exam required—in as little as five minutes.
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The Saguaro in Palm Springs, California, beckons families with its pool and more.
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Seattle is the city of the Space Needle, Puget Sound, miles of green, and loads of family-friendly fun.
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Families can get their groove on with these easy TikTok dances.
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Playing card games is not only fun, social, and educational; it gets kids off screens!
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River Falls Water Park at Orlando World Center Marriott opened in March 2022, just in time for guests to cool off this summer! Photo by Jackie Jones
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Keep babies occupied with highchair activities at their own baby activity center.
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Climb to the highest point in Tennessee at Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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Meet and help feed the gorgeous Caribbean flamingos at Discovery Cove. Photo courtesy Discovery Cove.
100 Best Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Before They Grow Up (Other than Theme Parks)
Dessert charcutterie boards, like this S'mores Board, delight kids and parents alike.
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Build trains, cars, houses, and creatures with cardboard boxes!
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50 Genius Things to Do with Cardboard Boxes, Plus More Cardboard Crafts and Activities for Kids
A water park, beach activities, and more await at Coconut Bay's all-inclusive resort in St. Lucia.
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Sleep in a spaceship at the Area 55 Futuro House. Photo courtesy of Airbnb
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Use recyclables and household objects to build a better bridge.
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Climb Monument Mountain for panoramic views of the Berkshires. Photo courtesy of Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
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The Saguaro in Palm Springs, California, beckons families with its pool and more.
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Family-Friendly Resorts & Hotels
Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ
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Visit LACMA's Levitated Mass. Photo by Joey Zanetti
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The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
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Welcome to Our New Site: Mommy Poppins Travel!

3/15/12 - By Anna Fader

MommyPoppins has been sharing our expertise on the best things to do in the New York City area since January of 2007. We currently have destination sites for NYC, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, Boston and Los Angeles. Each one brings the unique Mommy Poppins take on exploring their area with kids.

Now we're taking the special Mommy Poppins stripe of coverage global and expanding our travel coverage to bring you family vacation information from wherever our own travels bring us. Just like all our other Mommy Poppins coverage, all our reviews will be written by moms (or dads) who have been-there, done-that and can share down to earth family travel advice. Our mission is to help you discover exceptional experiences and magical vacation memories.

Please help us get started by taking our quick reader survey and tell us what you hope to see on this site. Read on to find out more about our launch. 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

At the time of this writing I have not publicly launched Mommy Poppins Travel site, although it is live behind the scenes [go to travel.mommypoppins.com to see it in preview]. We have already moved tons of great family travel information over from its old home in the Mommy Poppins Travel Guide (which will live on as a NYC Day Trips and Weekend Getaways Guide). Over the next days and weeks I will be starting to add new content to this new Mommy Poppins Travel site, including our adventures in Jamaica and the south of France, as well as Disney Cruises and and many more great family destinations closer to home.

I'm so excited about this latest addition to the Mommy Poppins family. We already have over 1000 subscribers to the Travel email list even though we haven't even announced it yet. If you are getting this message in your in box it's because you are one of our early subscribers and I wanted to give you a special welcome and heads up on the launching of the site, as well as let you know that you will start getting weekly emails with all the latest travel posts as we get the site set up.

Thanks for signing up. Please bear with me as I work out the kinks. I'm looking forward to sharing the journey ahead.

About the Author

Anna Fader

Founder & CEO of Mommy Poppins
Anna was born in Park Slope, spent her early years in the West Village. By the time she graduated high school, she had lived in 4 of the 5 boroughs. Growing up in NYC in the '70s meant the streets were her playgrounds. Museums and avant garde music venues were the kid-friendly activities. And living downtown taught her the importance of creating community for families in NYC.

Now, raising her own two children in the city, she tries to create the same sense of magic and community she felt growing up, despite today's more commercialized version of kid-friendly New York.

She started Mommy Poppins in 2007 to share a more artsy, educational, uncommercial, community-oriented vision of raising kids in New York City. Today Mommy Poppins is relied on by millions of families as the authority on the best things to do with kids beyond New York City: from Boston to Philly, Los Angeles, Houston and travel guides for dozens more cities and destinations.

Recent Articles By Anna Fader:
Read more articles by Anna Fader.