Dinosaurs—the word alone conjures up powerful images and a sense of mystery. Most children go through a dinosaur-loving period, often fueled by cartoons and movies. If your kids are enjoying such a phase now, they have embarked upon an exciting adventure, and there are many engaging destinations in Connecticut where they can pursue their Jurassic Park-like quest, whether your family enjoys science museums, amusement parks, or artistic expressions. And remember to check our Event Calendar regularly for special dinosaur-themed activities, like this week's Dino Days at Stepping Stones Children's Museum.

Here’s hoping for a wonderful June weekend filled with sun and clear skies! There are lots of ways to enjoy the outdoors in New Jersey this Saturday and Sunday: Sample delicious cannoli at the annual Italian-American Festival in North Wildwood, savor sweet fruit at the Whitesbog Blueberry Festival or build a whimsical garden house during Fairy Day at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum. For some fun hands-on learning, experience a day of Spectacular Science at the Garden State Discovery Museum or roll up your sleeves and get digging at the Community Fossil Hunt at Poricy Park.

Whatever you decide to do this weekend, we hope you enjoy it with family and friends. For even more activity options, check out our Event Calendar and our Summer Fun Guide.

Nothing, just nothing, is better than having your little one’s birthday party in your own home.  But love them as I do, home-based birthday parties can be a real headache.  Herding my own three kids is hard enough – the thought of adding ten more is nearly more than I can handle!  Fortunately, there's a simple solution: host the party at home, but outsource the entertainment. The best of both worlds! Below are several outfits that will come to your Fairfield County home and put on a birthday party – money well spent! For more party ideas check out our Party Guide!

Memorial Day may have marked the unofficial start of summer, but East Enders know the season doesn’t really begin until the end of the school year, which is this week! As students start their break on the North and South Forks, abundant summertime activities for kids take over. This weekend alone, you can treat your family to a car show, nature walks and a magic spectacle.

And for more fun in the area, check out our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

If you have a Lego lover at home, you won't want to miss Brick Fest Live!, an unofficial Lego fan celebration taking place at Queens' New York Hall of Science this week. This touring Lego experience offers hands-on fun for all ages and skill levels, from casual builders to die-hard fanatics, including a Lego video game arcade, multiple building areas, a racetrack for Lego cars and amazing plastic brick creations, including some that glow in the dark!

My 10-year-old son and I just got back from Brick Fest Live!, and if you've got a Lego-obsessed kid like mine, this is a must-do event. Bonus: It's FREE with regular museum admission!

Nothing sparks my kids' (or my!) curiosity quite like a trip to a museum. Thankfully, Fairfield County, Connecticut is filled with fascinating cultural institutions where my family can learn about science, space, nature and history. But did you know that many of these museums offer fun and enriching children's birthday party packages, too? Here are seven spots where your child can celebrate the big day among dinosaurs, farm animals, trains and even armored tanks!

It's official: the calendar says summer, even if my kids still have one more week of school. Once classes are out, they'll be looking for some fun entertainment, and we've got news of a lot of freebies! From a free museum festival to no-cost swimming lessons, complimentary circus performances and a school's out celebration at Luna Park, there are plenty of activities to banish summer boredom without emptying your pocketbook. And if you've got a wee one in Brooklyn, we have big news about a new public pre-K set to open.

When you think about the East End of Long Island, the first word that comes to mind usually isn't "cheap." So how can parents amuse their kids in the Hamptons and North Fork without inflicting too much pain on their wallets? Believe it or not, there are plenty of creative ways to stretch a dollar in this region. Activities like ferry rides, nature junkets and railroad excursions offer maximum entertainment value at limited expense.

Here are some innovative ideas for super-low-cost family outings on the East End. And for more things to do in the area, check out our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.