Finding appropriate recreation programs for your special needs child can be extremely challenging. Far in the future are the days when my children will understand which direction to run the bases, why the referee’s blowing that darn whistle and why kids are wearing different-colored uniforms.  And the days when my children will understand, accept and implement the idea of taking turns and sharing a ball with 20 other children without having a complete meltdown seem even farther away.  Don’t get me wrong, I am all for the “least restrictive environment” when it comes to educating our children.  But how can most special needs children be held accountable to the strict rules and regulations of a rigid sports program without becoming agitated with the whole process? Well, with the increase in available special needs recreation programs throughout New Jersey – programs that are appropriate for my children - I can finally be a “Sports Mom”!

 Overlooking West Point, Constitution Island and the Hudson River, Boscobel House and Gardens is a wonderful place to step back in time and take a break from our modern rush-around world. Originally built in Montrose, N.Y., and moved to its current location in Garrison in the 1950s, Boscobel House dates back to the early 1800s.

Throughout the year Boscobel hosts a variety of family-friendly events, in addition to the tours, picnicking, hiking and sight seeing opportunities that are available April through December. We have what you need to know about visiting these immaculately restored grounds, which reflect the grandeur of when it was home to one of Westchester’s wealthiest women. 

Outsiders might see New York City as just a "concrete jungle," but New Yorkers know its nearly 2,000 parks offer some of our best urban-living perks. For families, the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation runs a ton of free kid activities and programs, helping us get the most out of our parks year-round. Of course, you have to know when and how to score these freebies!

At Mommy Poppins we've tried out a number of these programs and now we're sharing a few of our favorites with you, including all the details on what's coming up this fall and when to register, from kid swim lessons and archery to the balance beam act you see in the photo above. The catch? Availability is limited and participants are selected through a lottery. Read on for details on how to claim your spot.

Cincinnati, Ohio hits the highbrow and lowbrow sweet spot for families. It may be referred to as the Queen City, but there are no regal airs in this utterly unpretentious town.

Proud of its working-class roots, Cincinnati forges into the 21st century with plenty of innovations. Its compact core makes it ideal for walking and an eagerly anticipated new streetcar route opens in September, connecting its diverse outlying neighborhoods with the vibrant downtown. Nature lovers can bask in Cincinnati's leafy parks just minutes from the city center. Pro sports are a big deal, with baseball’s Reds and football’s Bengals leading the charge, but families with an interest in history and the arts have also come to the right place.

To help families get the most out a visit to Ohio's Queen City, we've pulled together a carefully curated list of things to see and experience with kids. For more stateside family vacation ideas, be sure to check out our United States Family Travel Guide.

Kids love horses, and working with these gentle giants can be a great way to help your kiddos find confidence they never knew they had. Connecticut boasts a lively horseback riding scene across the entire state. This summer, why not find a camp to make their equestrian dreams come true right here in New Haven County.

Ice Age: Collision Course is the fifth epic adventure for Scrat and friends. This time their pursuit of the elusive acorn leads the heros on a cosmic attempt to save the universe. You can bet the film is full of fun and laughs for the entire family, but what about the science? None other than Neil deGrasse Tyson, America’s favorite astrophysicist and the voice behind the film’s character Neil deBuck Weasel, has taken the time to vet the science behind the cosmic epic.

Don't know how to fill long summer days? Head out to South Windsor and you'll likely run out of daylight. Once a tract of land occupied by Podunk Indians, and later a farming and ship building town that supplied volunteers during the American Revolution, today this community boasts vibrant restaurants, recreation areas, shopping plazas, and enough attractions to keep children entertained. Located about 10 miles northeast of Hartford, the town makes for a great in-state day trip. 

It’s Back-to-School time! (I know, I’m just as bummed as the kids). A new year, a new teacher and a new curriculum sometimes results in the same academic struggles. Whether your child needs extra help in Reading, Math or Science, investing in a tutor can’t hurt. Tutors help inspire and encourage students, giving them that extra push they need to become head of the class—or close to it. Here is a comprehensive list of NJ-based tutoring centers ready to help guide your child.