If you have a child with special needs, sometimes the average day-to-day can be challenging, let alone finding ways to get out of the house. Finding classes, activities, and programs may seem daunting. That's why we've created a list of local favorites. This is divided into programs that focus exclusively on special needs kids and places that have created specific days and times for children who might not be comfortable visiting otherwise.

It may seem like your kids were just off from school, but Monday, January 16 schools are once again closed in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Don't worry, there are plenty of things to keep your little ones happy, smiling, and warm all day long. 

And if the weather has turned icy, that doesn't mean you have to put a freeze on the fun. From spa days for kids to open play all over Long Island, kids have plenty of choices 

Don't forget to check out our January GoList and our full Event Calendar for the month. Plus, check out our guide to FREE events this winter all over Long Island, and the Best Indoor Play Spaces in Suffolk and our Indoor Play Area Family Guide. 

There's so much fun new stuff going on in New York City every day that it can be hard to keep up—and it looks like 2017 will be no exception. Luckily for you, it's our job to stay on top of this when it comes to kid and family events. We've rounded up all the top annual family festivals, plus the really cool new things coming to NYC this year, including a miniature model city, mummies, big shows, new art, and a virtual aquarium coming to Times Square.

We just took a look at the best openings of 2016 for NYC kids, including dozens of new indoor play spaces, plus cool playgrounds and cultural spots. But I have a feeling that this year might just top last!

Read on for all our best picks for NYC kids in 2017, and let us know via our Facebook page if you have more suggestions. And don't forget, you can always check our Event Calendar for upcoming events and activities and our monthly GoLists.

Going out to eat should not be stressful, but when someone in your family has a food sensitivity or even worse, allergy, it can feel like more of a chore than a pleasant experience.
This list includes places to grab food in Connecticut that are both kid and allergy friendly. We’ve also made special note of those that are 100% gluten-free or have a dedicated fryer to prevent cross-contamination. With a little planning, you should be able to find a restaurant that everyone in your family can enjoy! Note: always speak up about your allergies right away to make sure an establishment can cater to your needs.

Hitting one of NYC's cornucopia of candy shops is nice, but being able to make your own treats is seriously sweet. A do-it-yourself chocolate workshop is a creative hands-on way to satisfy your kid's sweet tooth.

I enjoy sharing culinary experiences with my 10-year-old son, but since he's a bit picky, it can be hard to talk him into cooking or going on a food crawl. However, when sweets are involved that gets his attention, and I suspect your kids' too?

Check out these five NYC spots below where making chocolate is always on the menu.

Sometimes the best kids birthday parties (and most budget friendly) are the ones you plan yourself! It's time to step out of the party package!

In your search for a place to host 15 or so rowdy kids for your DIY birthday party, you do not have to break the bank. The creative host has many options in Fairfield County (indoors and out!) to build their own cheap and totally awesome party.

Here are our budget-friendly party venues. For more great birthday ideas, check out our Connecticut Birthday Guide.

In Los Angeles there is pressure to find the best of everything, and finding the best preschool for your little heir is no exception. Some parents jump on this task intimidatingly early, doing research and attending open houses even while Junior is still in utero. And there are so many choices: Play-based or academically focused? Montessori, Waldorf, full-time, part-time, cooperative, parochial, or secular? Media-free or media-intensive? A philosophy of "let children be children" or "teach them everything as soon as possible"? Perhaps we want our kids to learn to use their words in more than one language, to preserve their midday nap, or to spend most of their day playing outdoors in nature.

How do we love Connecticut? Help us count the ways! We know that Connecticut is one of the best places to raise kids, but even the best has its best. So we're counting on you, our Mommy Poppins readers and the most savvy parents we know, to help us pick Connecticut's BESTIES. The best play spaces? Connecticut's got 'em. Family restaurants? We've got those, too. Swim classes, dance classes, and baby 'n' me, along with the coolest theaters, museums, camps—heck, even our dentists are the best. But only you can tell us which is the best of the best, so we're asking you to help us show our best local businesses the love and vote for your favorites in all of these categories and more.