One sure sign that winter is on its way out is when summer camps start hosting open houses. We've put together a list of more than a dozen upcoming events from our sponsors, including options for day and commuter camps, and even a weekday sleepaway camp. 

This is just the beginning. Whether you're looking for a STEM camp, preschool camp, art camp, or beyond, you can find many more New Jersey summer camps in our camp guide and full directory of listings. 

Happy hunting!

We all know that reading to our children is important. For starters, fostering a love for reading enhances basic speech and communication skills, stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. Knowledge is power and books offer plenty of it. And where better to find books but the library. We have rounded up a list of the some of the best story time programs for your budding bookworms at local libraries throughout Fairfield County.

Rock 'Em Not Sock ’Em caught my eye not only because it’s the first rock climbing gym I had seen on Staten Island, but because of its unique anti-bullying message. 

As a mother of two active boys, I am always looking for something to keep them off electronics and active. During the summer, I can find plenty of fun, affordable things to do. However, during winter or on days when the weather is poor, it’s good to have a few different places the whole family can enjoy.

Hands-on art is almost always fun for families, but BAMkids' interactive high-tech playground Teknopolis is truly mind-blowing. At this multifloor installation, which is on view through March 12, school-age kids (and their parents) can enjoy augmented-reality storytelling, virtual-reality simulations, motion-capture dancing, and other cutting-edge technological experiences that you might already know a bit about.

But what really makes Teknopolis special is its immersive first-floor gallery, a darkened room featuring 10 interactive stations, where visitors can manipulate a variety of digital landscapes via touch, movement, and even breath. Just like Alice stepped through the looking glass, you'll feel as if you've slipped through a screen into a shimmering world of black and white, where everything reacts to your presence. It's totally trippy and completely unforgettable.

But before you run off to buy tickets, we have some tips to share, including don't-miss highlights, appropriate ages, and, most importantly, how to get in since it is sold out. (Don't worry—there's a way.)

Life in the "People’s Republic" is great for many reasons—which is why we pay through the nose to live like sardines. While Cambridge is an excellent locale for all ages and sexes, it’s especially special for families. It’s got outdoor activities, delicious food, a vibrant arts scene, and world-class museums. The best part for moms is that there is always something to do, any time of year.

Installing a new infant car seat can be confusing. There are a lot of rules when it comes to car seat safety, and sometimes it can seem overwhelming. Is it in tight enough? Is it straight enough? Are the straps set correctly? Only about 5% of parents get it right on their own- and about half of the 95% who did it wrong have older kids and have done it before. Sometimes, just having a second pair of eyes looking at your baby's seat can alleviate all your concerns. Car seat safety checks are a great (and free) resource for parents. It never hurts to get checked out. That's why we've compiled a list of places in the area who offer free car seat safety inspections regularly, so you can have a little peace of mind. We recommend calling ahead of time as most are by appointment only.

I don't know about you guys, but this girl is all about second-hand shopping, especially for kids. Let's face it, kids outgrow their stuff pretty darn fast. Between everyday wear and tear and growth spurts, I am forever playing catchup with my kids' closets. It seems like those pants I just bought my son are now high-waters and those rain boots from the last rain are now too small.

For many, consignment stores offer not only a great place to shop but also a place to make a little extra cash. Fairfield County has some pretty great options for buying and selling your children's clothing, shoes, toys and gear. And, for more kid consignment, check out what Hartford and New Haven counties have to offer. 

Cat cafes are big in Japan, and it only makes sense that they're catching on in New York City, as well. After all, cats are the ideal apartment pet, and in a big, sometimes anonymous city, it can be comforting to spend some time with feline companions. If your kid is cat-crazy, but you can't commit to ownership, cat cafes may be the ideal solution.

And even if you already own a feline or two, cat cafes are still a fun place to explore your inner cat lady (or cat man). It's a great option for a family winter outing, especially for mature kids, tweens, and even teens, and we've got the scoop on three cat cafes that call the Big Apple home.

Really crazy for cats? Check out the upcoming Cat Camp, an adoption and conference about all things feline happening this March in Chelsea. You might even get to meet the internet famous Lil Bub.