On the hunt for that perfect piñata for your kids' birthday party? If you've checked the local chain stores, you've probably found the same designs, the same small sizes and large prices, and the same styrofoam construction. If you're looking for something simple and traditional, check the neighborhood Mexican markets first. But if your need is for a black horse or a taxi cab or a specific character for a child's birthday party; for a one-of-a-kind custom piece for a themed event; for a larger piñata that won't open on the fourth whack of the stick, or for a traditional large Mexican star for Cinco de Mayo—then you need to go to one of these independent party stores that specializes in traditional papier maché piñatas.

We continue our month-long focus on New Rochelle with a look at places to play and learn in the area. New Rochelle has lots of options for kids and families including rock climbing and other indoor play spaces, beautiful parks and libraries with fantastic children's programming, cultural events and more. You'll also find bowling, mini golf, an arcade and a go-kart speedway--all under one roof! Read on for our top picks for places to play with kids in New Rochelle.

We like telling you about our favorite towns and all the fun things to do in them, towns like Montclair, Hoboken, and Long Branch. Today, it's Bloomfield, NJ and as the 18th largest township in New Jersey, Bloomfield is a growing, suburban community with plenty of history and even a moment of "Sopranos" celebrity. With its tree lined neighborhoods and historic district, it is less than a half hour from New York City and worth the trip. Here's 15 fun, family-friendly things to do in Bloomfield, NJ.

There's certainly no shortage of indoor play places in Nassau County, so a new one really needs to do something to set itself apart from the pack. Bounce! Trampoline Sports (310 Michael Road, Syosset; 516-762-1300) manages to do just that by not only wowing kids with an array of trampoline-based activities, but giving adults the chance to join in on the fun, too.

In most places, the YMCA is a pretty straightforward concept.  It’s an affordable place for the family to get fit and stay fit, to introduce sports to your kids, and perhaps most beautiful of all, members with young children can take advantage of free childcare during workouts (except Stamford).  As with many things, though, Fairfield County is a little different.  There are towns where it’s simple — Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan, Westport-Weston, and Wilton all operate as independent entities, where members join and generally only EVER go to that particular Y.  (More about reciprocity agreements later).  However, there are at least 11 other YMCAs across the county that act more like conglomerates — and members are encouraged to take advantage of different amenities at different locations.  Problem is, who has the time to figure out what is where, digging around in several different YMCA websites?  Mommy Poppins, that’s who.  Here’s the rundown on what each Y offers, in one place -- incidentally, a great launching pad for your comparison shopping of gymnastics classes and swimming lessons.

We’re very lucky to have a huge variety of museums in the Hartford County area from science to art to hands on children’s museums and more. What makes us even luckier is that many of them offer free admission! So take a look at this list and make plans to check one out soon. For more information on Connecticut Museums check out our Kid Friendly Museum Guide.

When you live somewhere for over 20 years, it can be easy to lose appreciation for your surroundings. We recently met up with a group of 8th graders from Richmond, VA, who were on a school trip to the Concord area and asked for their impressions as they visited historic sites in town.

Seeing the world from a 12 year old’s eyes can be enlightening!

Plus, we liked their itinerary - it was a good mixture of indoor and outdoor activities and covered many of the key sights for visitors trying to make the most of two days in town. Looking for more things to do in the area? Please see our 20 Things to do in Concord post.