Black History Month is a time to reflect on the contributions of African American culture to our society and show support for the Black community. One of the most impactful ways to show support is by patronizing Black-owned restaurants and Black-owned shops in Connecticut. With that in mind, we’re shining a light on institutions dedicated to preserving Black history, as well as local Black-owned businesses in Connecticut that cater to kids and families.

From bookstores and party entertainment to coffee and sweet treats, here are some Black-owned establishments to discover in the Nutmeg State if you haven’t done so already. For more family-friendly activities and events to celebrate Black History month browse our event calendar and the Best Things To Do in Connecticut in February with Kids. Check out 30+ Children's Books to Celebrate Black History Month for great reads that represent and affirm kids of color. If you'd like more stories like this sent straight to your inbox, sign up for newsletters.

In celebration of Black History Month, we've rounded up some Black-owned businesses in Chicago, including restaurants, shops, and boutiques. We’ve also included some information on local culture and history museums in Chicago to explore. With a city so rich in Black history, this list is just a sampling of the many great businesses throughout the city. 

And to celebrate Black History Month at home, check out this list of 30+ children's books.

Feeling hungry or thirsty? We've picked out ten family-friendly Black-owned restaurants near Houston where you and your kids can refuel—so check out these Black-owned restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries. Black History Month is also a great time to head out to some of the historic sites in the area that tell important stories from Black history, such as the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Emancipation Park, or the Houston Museum of African American Culture. Afterward, stop by one of our selections below and enjoy some delicious refreshments.

You and your family can contribute to the ongoing success of Houston's Black businesses by supporting Black-owned restaurants near Houston in February and throughout the year.  And if you're looking for ways to celebrate Black History Month from home, try these 30+ Children's books to celebrate Black History Month.

In-person performances are back and you don't need to dig into your 401(k) to give your kids a memorable live theater experience in NYC. This winter, there are lots of family-friendly productions that cost a sliver of what you'd pay to see one of our favorite Broadway productions.

There are wonderful winter theater options for kids of all ages from toddlers to teens, including shows aimed specifically at the preschool set (Sesame Street Live, Blippi: The Musical); stage adaptations of popular picture books (Rosie Revere, Engineer & Friends); and eye-popping spectacles for the whole family (the aerial arts-filled The Little Prince, Flip Circus). Bonus: Some of our winter theater picks are also being streamed to at-home audiences.

Best of all, most of these 15 family-friendly winter theater shows have tickets starting at $25 or less, so you can take the whole family for less than the price of one Broadway seat!

A visit to the movies is tempting in the cold of winter, but if you're not quite ready for the crowds at the local mega theater, now is the perfect time to rediscover the magic of the movies with a visit to one of the children's film festivals and independent theaters that call New York City home.

The midwinter season is home to a trio of indie film fests that cater to the kid-sized set, with the BAMkids Film Festival and FIAF's Animation First Fest taking to the screens in February, while the New York International Children's Film Festival brings back in-person programming in March. Read on for details on these children's film festivals, plus other local festivals and film series catering to kids.

Manhattan West is its own little town in the making. Sandwiched between the bustling streets surrounding Madison Square Garden and Penn Station, and the packed-with-amenities Hudson Yards, this new development has slowly been coming to life. Already, it boasts a destination-worthy food hall, themed retail, a bright public art installation, and one of NYC's newest outdoor ice skating rinks. Read on for fun eats, treats, and things to do at Manhattan West.

The temperature might be dropping, but New Jersey families can crank up the fun with an outdoor winter adventure! These 16 picks for outdoor fun feature plenty of destinations guaranteed to get you out and enjoying winter's chill.

So, bundle up and try a new outing, whether it's hitting a nearby ski slope, trekking along a family-friendly hiking trail, or visiting one of New Jersey's top zoos.

Sometimes we (gasp!) get sick—or get just plain exhausted. For those moments when Mom or Dad just needs to chill, here are 20 toddler games, toddler activities, and other minimal-effort activities for kids at home. No messy sensory bins here—the mantra of this post is to do less when you’ve got less to give.

Looking for more indoor activities for kids? We have lots of ideas—including science experiments, crafts, and more—in our Guide to Boredom Buster for Kids.