Call me crazy but I love having loads of children playing games outside while roaming our property. Bouncy houses, petting zoos and old fashioned games like potato sack races and tug of war are always a big birthday party hit. Even though I've been known to have an outdoor party even when it's freezing outside (we have a bonfire!) it might not be for everyone. In those instances, indoor entertainment will keep you sane and the kids happy. We've listed some great resources for hosting a birthday party at home in the Litchfield County area. We've also included some of our favorite bakery and catering suggestions in order to make the planning process that much easier for you! For even more great party ideas check out our Party Guide.

Bird or dinosaur? Your kid may ask that question a lot after visiting Dinosaurs Among Us, the new exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History, opening Monday, March 21, on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

The whole premise behind the new exhibit is that dinosaurs never really left. Instead, we can see their “evolutionary legacy” on display in the behaviors and anatomy of thousands of modern-day birds. Think of your annual turkey wishbone, birds' scaly feet with elongated toes, the aggressive, beast-like piercing call of certain species like the peacock and, of course, their egg-filled nests.

The exhibit is made up of dozens of fossils, full-scale dinosaur and bird casts, as well as display cases of eggs and nests, feathers (everywhere) and other elements to help visitors compare today's bird species with their extinct relatives, like a side-by-side display of the three-toed foot of an emu and the similar, but larger, three-toed foot of a Struthiominus altus that lived 78 million years ago in North America.

Whether it’s the middle of winter or the hottest day of summer, it’s always swimming lesson season at the pools around NYC, including the family-packed borough of Brooklyn.

Brooklyn has several indoor pool options for water babies, toddlers and kids. Swimming classes at these Brooklyn locations can introduce your youngest to the water with a parent-child class or teach more advanced swimming techniques to kids who already know the ropes. Many offer private instruction, too, if the group class or schedule doesn't work for your family. So pack the towels (and swim diapers) and let's hit the pool!

Whether it's Park Slope, Williamsburg, the Upper West Side or Tribeca, we all identify with the unique NYC neighborhoods we call home.

New York City is comprised of numerous diverse neighborhoods each with its own characteristic buildings, vibe and mix of people. A new exhibit called Our City at the Brooklyn Children's Museum features six contemporary artists examining different aspects of neighborhoods and life in New York City.  

Check our NYC Museum Guide for more current art exhibits and tips like FREE times to visit or how to score discounts.

Getting back into shape after having a baby can be daunting. But we know exercise gives us more energy, encourages a positive body image, and just seems to make us feel better. Don't know where to start? A postnatal exercise class geared toward new moms is a great way to get motivated, meet other new moms, and learn what exercises will help you look like your old self (or better).

We've rounded up 10 postnatal exercise classes in New York City that address the needs of your new body. Many are baby friendly and some offer free or discounted trial classes. As with any new exercise program, check with your doctor for the go-ahead.

Check our NYC Baby Guide from Pregnancy to Preschool for more new mom city info, or find more classes in our Classes Guide and Directory Listings.

This year, the festive holiday of Purim begins in the evening of Wednesday, March 23rd, and ends in the evening of Thursday, March 24th. Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia who escaped the wrath of Prime Minister Haman. The holiday honors a brave Queen named Esther, her defiant but dedicated cousin Mordechai, and King Ahasuerus, who protected the Jewish people from Haman. A Purim custom is for children (and adults!) to dress up and disguise themselves—an allusion to the fact that the miracle of Purim was disguised in natural garments.  Below is a list of Purim events in New Jersey the whole family can attend. Have fun dressing up and don't forget to pick up some hamantaschen!

For parents’ of kids with special-needs, sometimes it helps to know you’re not alone and to talk to someone else who gets it. But finding support from parents who know what you’re going through can fall to the bottom of a long to-do list. We’ve gathered some of the best support resources—both online and in-person—for parents of New York City kids with special needs.

Flashing lights, energizing music, giggles galore, and beloved characters that defy generational boundaries – this pretty much sums up the Sesame Street Live! Let’s Dance show, a high-energy experience that has children and adults alike dancing in their seats.