For anyone who has spent time in Harvard Square over the last few months, it has been hard to miss the activity going on at 1 JFK Street. Large, colorful pictures of Curious George lifting up a curtain and peeking out the store window should have been enough to pique any child’s - or adult's - curiosity.

We were definitely curious to know what was behind the curtain, and were lucky enough to have a behind-the-scenes tour of the store. We also met with Adam Hirsch, who, with his wife, Jamie, is responsible for all the activity. Even though the grand opening was still three weeks away at the time of our tour, it was clear that the World’s Only Curious George Store, Harvard Square is going to be an exciting place for children, one that both local families and out-of-towners will want to visit frequently.

Have you ever noticed (of course you have) how vibrantly and easily children move? Throughout their active days they run and glide and bend and fall - all with such freedom and grace (and, unlike us, they're not stiff the next day). Many of us creaky parents (me) seek yoga to settle our minds and loosen our shoulders. It's high time we invited our wee Gumbys to try it, too. Kids may not have our low back pain, but they will no doubt appreciate the other benefits this gentle practice offers. You're never too young (or too supple) to start yoga. Read on for places that will most definitely delight our little yogi-kids.

Flowering trees, babbling brooks, and baby animals, Oh My! Are you up for some free outdoor fun with your NJ kids? Located in scenic Allamuchy right off Route 80, Stephens State Park is a hidden gem in Warren County.  About an hour's drive from most NJ locations, it is toddler/kid friendly and offers nature fun for everyone. There are six miles of marked trails ready for walking, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Bring your jogging stroller, butterfly nets, and baby backpacks!

It's back to school this week and ironically, we have no school news this time around. Instead, we've got the scoop on new zoo animals, including one seriously coo-worthy giraffe, free comic books, toy recycling and more. Plus one scary article that struck fear into my heart about 10-year-olds and puberty, two things that definitely should not go together.

Over the past several weeks, Mommy Poppins has delved into the mysterious and at times overwhelming world of public school choices available to families who reside within the boundaries of LAUSD (the Los Angeles Unified School District). We've sung the praises of great neighborhood schools, given an overview of options if the assigned neighborhood school is not a great fit for your family, and taken a closer look at the history, philosophy, and reality of independent public charter schools. Today we look at the attraction of the magnet programs, and what you need to know to get your child into one.

Last week we told you about 13 wonderful kids' shows playing in NYC this spring. Today we're sharing the best kids' bands rocking out on city stages this season.

My four-year-old daughter and I love seeing live concerts, and some of our favorite family bands are playing over the next few months, like the Deedle Deedle Dees and Alastair Moock. I'm especially excited to introduce my kid to a few groups she hasn't heard yet, like Bing Bang Boom and the Bari Koral Family Rock Band, at the annual Kindiefest concert. Here are 13 NYC kids' concerts to put in your calendar, including FREE shows from Hot Peas N' Butter, Elizabeth Mitchell and The Rockdoves.

I really enjoy spring cooking. It beats spring cleaning, and the fresh flavors of ramps, asparagus, tiny potatoes and tangy rhubarb offer a nice light palate after the heavy, robust dishes that dominate winter. New Jersey has hundreds of Farmers' Markets offering everything from honey to local crafts, and loads of veggies and fruit. Now if your kids are anything like mine, the beauty of a local farmer's market is as much about the cookie selection as it is about the 'what's this' when examining the kohlrabi. These mixed feelings extend to dinners during which they laboriously extract every speck of green from their plates, but the following recipes for homemade pizzas, simple chicken dishes, and salads often help temper the finicky-ness. Of course, there's always the option of putting them to bed and making your own beautiful dinner, eaten in peace, with no dropped forks or ketchup. Now, that's a blissful spring meal!

As we continue featuring some of our favorite Long Island towns to visit, this month we're spotlighting Cold Spring Harbor. Located on the North Shore, just across the Suffolk border, CSH is about as charming and delightful as any small town can be. Don't be fooled by its size, though; this town, famous for its rich whaling past, has an equally rich present. With its diversity of shops, magnificent coastline and world-class science exhibits, there's more than enough here to keep an inquisitive family busy for days. We've got you covered with all the best ways to take it all in for a fantastic spring outing.