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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.
25 Back-to-School Tasks You Didn't Know You Could Pay Someone Else to Do
Kids love these jokes that require audience participation. Photo by Jay Wood via Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
25 Funny Knock Knock Jokes for Kids With Growing Funny Bones
Unicorn parties never go out of style! Photo by Malcolm Garrett/Pexels
100 Popular Kids' Birthday Party Themes for Every Age and Interest
Toys make perfect first birthday gifts for budding toddlers! But which ones? We've got you covered.
Best First Birthday Gifts: Toys and More for 1-Year-Olds
Get a sunscreen they won't mind slathering on! Babyganics Mineral Sunscreen Lotion image courtesy of the company
Reef-Safe Sunscreen for Kids: Protecting Their Skin and the Planet
Family Travel Guide
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
100 Great Websites for Kids
A cheap roll of tinfoil, an incline of some sort, and water is all you need for a tinfoil river. Photo by Ally Noel
27 Water Games for Kids To Play All Summer Long
Being a dad is one of the two best jobs on earth. Photo courtesy of the City of Fort Collins, Colorado
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
The Barbie Movie: Should You Bring Your Kids?
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
Kids can play these daily word games alone or with a friend. Photo by Sara Marentette
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Teachers have found inspiring ways to be there for our kids. Here are some ways to show our appreciation. Photo by Yan Krukov, Pexels
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
50 Fun Animal Facts For Kids You Won't Believe
These questions to ask grandparents help kids get to know their favorite people a little better.
101 Questions To Ask Grandparents About Their Lives
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
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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
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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
Best Children’s Theaters in the US: Why Bringing Young Kids to the Theater Is So Important
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.
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Homemade Strawberry Popsicles
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Need a kids' music playlist that will get you dancing, eating, and even learning state capitals? We found a playlist for every occasion.
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Have a Post-it party! Easy but fun games for toddlers can be made with household items.
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The Muppet Show never goes out of style. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprise, Inc.
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These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
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Laila's Lunchbos is a lovely introduction to a child's new country and Ramadan, the month of fasting.
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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.
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Milo Imagines the World, by Matt de la Peña was one of our favorite books of the year.
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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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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 Outdoor Play Plaza at Greensboro Children's Museum in North Carolina.
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Ride the San Diego Zoo Skyfari. Photo courtesy of Christina Simmons, for the San Diego Zoo.
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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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This Week: Macy's Santaland Opens, Cut Your Own Christmas Trees in NJ & LI, Holiday Illuminations, Thanksgiving Weekend Event Picks

11/27/14 - By Raven Snook

There's a lot going on this holiday weekend in NYC beyond Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our Thanksgiving and Holiday Guides are packed with plenty of ways to celebrate the season, including the best places to see Santa like Macy's Santaland, festive Christmas tree illuminations and the kickoff weekend for the jaw-dropping Dyker Lights displays in Dyker Heights.

There's lots of holiday fun in New Jersey, Westchester, Long Island and Connecticut, too. You can cut your own Christmas trees on LI and in NJ, take a train ride with Santa in NJ or gawk at amazing holiday displays in Philly.

If you happen to be traveling up I-95, our Connecticut site has a list of fun family pit stops if you need a break along the way. And if you're in the market for a virtual vacation, our Travel site has a slide show about the best family activities in Jamaica's Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week. We hope you and your family have a happy Thanksgiving!

We finished updating our Thanksgiving Fun Guide with a roundup of things to do on the holiday (besides the obvious), and a list of the top Black Friday deals in NYC

Santa flies into town on the heels of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. We've rounded up the best places to pose for pics with Kris Kringle, and we have an entire post about Macy's Santaland, which is quite different than in years past.

Our biweekly news post includes good news about Lasker Rink in Central Park, plus details about a new marine center coming to Brooklyn Bridge Park.

The big Rockefeller Tree Lighting takes place next week but we've got the scoop on less touristy (and a lot less crowded) holiday illuminations throughout the five boroughs.

This week's WeeWork activity is an easy-to-make Thanksgiving cookie recipe.

Best bets for the weekend include the awesome MTA Holiday Season Nostalgia Trains, Brooklyn Nets Kids' Day at Barclays Center, and lots of holiday shows and displays.

About the Author

Raven is a writer, editor, performer and mom, who was born and bred in NYC, just like her husband, her mother and now, her daughter. As a writer, she's contributed articles to New York Magazine, Time Out New York, The Village Voice, the New York Post, TV Guide, Better Homes and Gardens, iVillage, AOL TV and Moviefone, Parents.com, and worked as an in-house editor for ParentsConnect.com and TimeOutKids.com. As a performer, she's appeared on many downtown stages (sometimes even for pay!), a couple of obscure films and TV shows, and The Maury Povich Show as a female drag queen. She's also the founder of Hot Mama Burlesque, the world's only all-moms burlesque show. After being the NYC editor from March 2011-March 2015, she is now happy to just be a blogger as she pursues additional writing opportunities.

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