We're always on the lookout for cool public art installations since they're usually offbeat and always FREE. And the minute we read about Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi's brand-new Discovering Columbus installation—which is, essentially, a modern American living room built around the 13-foot marble statue of Christopher Columbus in Columbus Circle—we knew we had to get it on your radar.

Unlike most public art displays, Discovering Columbus isn't the kind of thing you can just walk up to and look at. Since it's 60 feet in the air, there are many stairs involved. Plus, due to all the (we suspect justified) hype, visitors must download no-cost timed tickets in advance. (We already have ours!)

The Upper East Side is super family-friendly, so it's no surprise that many of its restaurants are accustomed to accommodating kids. But while you may salivate at the thought of a seven-course tasting menu that costs half your weekly paycheck, chances are the only dish your children will really appreciate is dessert.

So why not just get right to it? Whether you are looking for a spot for a special treat or a sweet place for a birthday party, these five iconic Upper East Side eateries are famous for their sweet snacks and indulgent desserts (although most of them serve lunch and dinner, too, if you're into that sort of thing). In addition to a sugar high, each one also serves up a quintessential New York experience kids will never forget. 

When we wrote about our favorite things to do and places to go in Harlem, we skipped the Maysles Cinema. Even though we love this independent theater—which was founded by legendary documentary maker Albert "Grey Gardens" Maysles and shows films from around the world— it never screened movies for kids. But that's about to change.

Beginning Sunday, September 30, Maysles Cinema is debuting a pair of film clubs for kids: a drop-in one for children ages 3 to 7 and their caregivers, and a drop-off semester-long class for ages 7 to 11. For children weaned on Disney and Pixar flicks, these movies should be an eye-opening and mind-broadening experience, akin to the New York International Children's Film Festival or BAMkids Film Fest.

The problem with giving various groups a designated month—Black History Month, Women's History Month, Gay Pride Month, etc.—is that after 30 or so days the topic is unceremoniously dropped and not mentioned until the next year. Well, we're not going to fall into that trap. While National Hispanic Heritage Month officially runs from September 15 to October 15, there are lots of ways to celebrate Hispanic culture all year round in New York City. (Not surprising since, according to the most recent census report, more than 2 million people of Hispanic descent live in the Big Apple!) Here are some of our favorite places to explore and learn about Latino culture with kids in NYC during National Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond.

As a mom who started letting her own nine-year-old son take the city bus home by himself in fourth grade (and received quite a bit of flack for it from other parents), I've been a longtime fan of Lenore Skenazy, the blogger behind Free Range Kids who gained notoriety for doing the same. For years, Skenazy has encouraged NYC parents to let their kids get out and run around by themselves—and now she's suggesting parents pay for the privilege.

This week, Skenazy launched a series of unsupervised playdates for kids. For $350, she won't watch your kids as they romp around Ancient Playground in Central Park one Wednesday a week after school through November 7. How's that for a bargain? Can you hear the outraged cries from where you are?

With a son who is totally into ballet, it wasn't long before his little sister wanted lessons, too. While I try to be fair when it comes to extracurricular activities for my kids, enrolling in multiple classes really adds up, especially with dance, which can quickly go from once a week to twice a week to oh my God, we're living in the studio!

As a result, I'm always on the hunt for the most reasonably priced dance classes in New York City. And today, I'm sharing what I've found with all of you.

For several consecutive years, almost 50 percent of children in certain NYC neighborhoods have managed to score in the top 10 percent on the Gifted & Talented test. In an attempt to level the playing field, the Department of Education has announced that it's replacing one section of the exam—the Bracken School Readiness Assessment, which tests kids on their knowledge of colors, numbers and shapes—with the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test, which covers visual reasoning skills and abstract logic. The DOE claims this change will make the G&T test more difficult to prep for but is that actually the case?

While mandatory kindergarten for New York City five-year-olds doesn't go into effect until 2013, the Department of Education's sweeping Special Education Reform starts this fall. Come September, public schools will be required to integrate most students with special education needs into their general-education classrooms. (Kids with severe challenges may still be taught separately, although the details on what constitutes "severe" are still unclear.)

Even the DOE has admitted the transition may be a difficult one, which has many parents concerned. In order to allay fears, the DOE has set up a hotline to answer questions.