While I miss the days of my son's impromptu tea parties, these days his (and our) tea party tastes are far more grown-up. Forget make-believe beverages and fake cakes—we're now in the market for three-tiered trays of pastries and little sandwiches with the crusts cut off (because why not?). Lucky for us, we have many options in and around Los Angeles for pretending we're in an episode of The Crown or Downton Abbey. So here's a toast (with pinkies raised) to the best afternoon tea spots in the Southland.

We’re pretty sure kids will spend more time out of school during January than in it, but we can all agree that taking a day out of respect for Martin Luther King, Jr., is more than worth doing.

MLK Day will be held on January 15, 2018. To help you plan your Monday off from school, we’ve gathered a list of kid-friendly ideas. Whether you’re seeking to honor King and his legacy, or you’re just looking forward to spending the day as a family, we have plenty of suggestions.

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Summer camps bring to mind images of wilderness exploration, sitting by the campfire roasting marshmallows, being outside in the sun, and just enjoying nature. Many of us grew up experiencing such moments in our back yards, and today you can help to create the same memories for your children by sending them to one of these great Hartford County nature-themed camps. Also, be sure to check out our CT Summer Camp Guide and our Summer Camp Directory.

The holiday season is so festive and fun that it’s easy to get some serious post-holiday blues. Add to that the fact that winter is just gearing up here in Boston, and you (and the kids) could be going stir crazy in no time. However, just because the holidays are over and the weather is frightful doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Here are 10 kid-friendly festivals that will have you beating the post-holiday blues in no time and keep the fun rolling all the way until spring!

Not having been a math/science kind of girl myself, it came as quite a surprise when I heard from my middle child’s teacher that math and science are her strengths. No doubt in reaction to the ensuing blank stare he received from me, he gently suggested that perhaps I look into some summer programs for her where she could develop her interest in STEM subjects. Phew. I’m not sure who is more relieved that her math and science tutelage will not be left to me this summer – her teacher or myself. Or possibly my child! For loads more info on great summer camps here in Connecticut check out our CT Summer Camp Guide  and our post on STEM Camps in Hartford and New Haven Counties too.

In November 2017 the Wiess Energy Hall reopened its doors after undergoing a massive renovation. The previous version of the exhibit covered 8,500 square feet and was home to several classic attractions, like the popular Geovater and the Energy Jukebox. The new and improved exhibit, however, is more than triple in size, and now spans 30,000 square feet of interactive, hands-on learning and fun. Over the holidays we got a chance to check it out, and it did not disappoint.