Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids

Best Cheap Places to Eat in NYC for Kids & Families (Under $10!) — Recs From Locals

Kristy Etheridge — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 13:16:43 +0000

Eating out can be a fun family experience, but it can also become stressful—and expensive—quickly. That’s why we surveyed local parents to find the most delicious and affordable restaurants in NYC.

This list includes some popular spots and a few hidden gems. Each restaurant offers kid-approved meals for less than $10—plus reasonable, appetizing options for hard-working parents ready to let someone else be the short-order cook for a night. Bonus: Many of these restaurants offer FREE kids’ meals with a paying adult.

For more advice from frugal NYC locals, check out our list of free and cheap activities and tips for saving money across the city.

Cheap Party Rental Spots in Houston Great for Kid Birthday Parties

Ashley Jones — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 03:27:54 +0000

Where to find cheap party rentals for kids' birthdays in Houston.

Cool Things To Do on February Winter Break in Connecticut

Jennifer Coe — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 02:39:00 +0000

Find kid-friendly activities for enriching fun over February winter break!

Cheap Party Rental Spots in Chicago Great For Kid Birthday Parties

Lauren Hill — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 21:25:41 +0000

Their big day doesn't have to break the bank.

Fun Bounce Houses and Other Birthday Party Rentals in Atlanta

Rebecca Ruffin Leffler — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 17:27:26 +0000

Throw an epic birthday party for your child when you rent a bounce house or inflatable water slide in Atlanta. Birthday party inflatables provide nonstop fun, physical exercise, and can easily tie into your party theme. Better yet, many of these Atlanta bounce house companies provide delivery, setup, and take-down of all the equipment! You can also elevate your party with a popcorn machine, cotton candy machine, and other concessions.

And don't think your teen has outgrown bounce houses for a birthday party; inflatables now include obstacle courses and sports interactives such as axe throwing, jousting, climbing walls, and more. We’ve listed even more Atlanta rental companies, offering everything from outdoor movie screens, concessions, silent discos, and karaoke to gaming trucks, laser tag equipment, and petting zoos. Take a look now!

Cheap Party Rental Spots in Orlando Great for Kid Birthday Parties

Paula Andrea Morales — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 17:09:38 +0000

Birthday party fun comes around every year, and you want to make sure your child makes lasting, happy memories. But what happens when sticking to a birthday party budget? Fortunately, there are many cheap party rentals in Orlando that are super cute, creative, and memorable. Whether you are planning an Orlando birthday party for your toddler or tween, you don't have to break the bank! Read on -- we're sharing our parent-tested picks that truly deliver on budget-friendly birthday party ideas in Orlando.

Cheap Party Rental Spots in Los Angeles Great for Kid Birthday Parties

Melissa Heckscher — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 16:11:47 +0000

When we were kids, birthday parties meant our parents claimed a picnic table in a park, had us pin a tail on a donkey, passed out goodies and cake, and called it a day. These days, it can be hard not to fall into the habit of planning an elaborate party for your kid, complete with a theme, balloon arches, top-notch entertainment, and custom cakes. And it probably comes as no surprise that here in Los Angeles, finding cheap party rental spots can be a challenge, with private venues often averaging $700 to $1,800 per event—yikes!

But you don’t have to break the bank just because your kid is a year older. I asked some friends for their best budget-friendly birthday party ideas (even in LA), and they did not disappoint.

Best Things to Do in Roanoke, VA with Kids: A Family-Friendly Roanoke Itinerary

Jackie Jones — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:46:00 +0000

Set in the Blue Ridge range of the Appalachian Mountains, the southwest Virginia city of Roanoke is woodsy and outdoorsy—a major departure from the political hustle and bustle of the Washington, DC suburbs. Roanoke is affectionately known as Star City because of the giant neon star that sits atop one of its peaks (the largest man-made star in the world, FYI).

But that's not the only thing that shines in Roanoke. The city boasts cool museums for families, killer restaurants, and plenty of outside play activities. Our family had a blast exploring Roanoke, VA!

Here are our 21 favorite things to do in Roanoke with kids, including where to eat and where to stay. Check out our Ultimate Virginia bucket list for more fun ideas throughout the state, as well as our Family Travel Guide for more cool cities to visit.

Visiting Hammond Castle Museum With Kids

Lauren Saunders — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 13:21:04 +0000

Find family fun at Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester!

26 Cool Things To Do on February's Winter Break in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Susan Miele — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 12:34:52 +0000

We've rounded up more than two dozen fun things to do with Westchester and Hudson Valley kids during February winter break, so there's no need to worry about keeping the kids busy during a midwinter staycation.

These picks for Presidents Day week include in-person events, outdoor activities, and fun anytime excursions. We've also got an entire post dedicated to February's top to-dos, and our Family Activity Calendar is constantly updated.