I always enjoyed live theatrical performances as a child and am so grateful my parents took the time to take me to various productions—from the circus to community theater. Now, as an adult and a mom, I’m excited to share the power of performance with my daughter—seeing family-friendly shows is a great way for loved ones to bond over the arts. Here’s a list of March 2014 live shows the family can appreciate and enjoy these next few weeks.

You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy Purim. Often called the Jewish Halloween, Purim is a super-fun holiday when kids can do some of their favorite things, like dress up, play games and eat treats.

Inspired by the great biblical tale of Queen Esther, who saved the Jews from annihilation by standing up to her husband's evil adviser Haman, Purim is celebrated by reading the Megillah (Esther's story), noshing on hamantaschen (triangular fruit-filled pastries meant to represent Haman's ears—gruesome but tasty) and rejoicing in a carnival-style atmosphere.

This year, Purim officially begins on the evening of Saturday, March 15 and ends at sundown the next day, but Jewish cultural institutions are marking the holiday both this weekend and next. So get your Halloween costumes out of the back of your closet and get ready to make some noise: Here are the top 10 Purim celebrations for New York City families.

Our second set of winter deals includes cool indoor fun for kids like The Greatest Pirate Story Never Told! and Scooby-Doo Live. We've also got discounts on family photo sessions, coding summer camp, fencing classes and more. Don't wait to take advantage of these great bargains. Deals this good will be gone before spring arrives.

When a Jewish teenager turns 12 or 13, they’ll sometimes have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. (‘Bar’ for a Jewish boy; ‘Bat’ for a Jewish girl). A Bar or Bat Mitzvah marks the transition from child to one who makes more mature, adult-like decisions.  Thus, in Jewish tradition, a boy or girl who becomes a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is now morally and ethically responsible for his or her decisions and actions. Sometimes, a celebratory party will follow the ceremony and that party is also called a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Five top-notch New Jersey event planners and party experts weigh in on new trends in Bar/Bat Mitzvahs…and ways to keep the whole family stress-free during this exciting time. And for more party ideas and tips, check out our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide.

We wrap up our month-long focus on the Rivertowns with a look at the best places to play in the charming cluster of villages along the Hudson River. So far this month, we've highlighted our favorite coffee shops and eateries in the area. Now it's time for some adventures along the Hudson.

The Rivertowns have beautiful libraries (many with play areas), riverside parks, and nature preserves. For kids eager for structured play, there are classes in art, yoga, gymnastics, and more. Kids can even learn a little history while they play on the grounds at the former home of Washington Irving. Read on for our top picks for places to play in the Rivertowns. 

So, because Connecticut hasn’t been cold enough for our liking this winter (?!?@?!?@?!?), my husband and I thought we’d head to the balmy Canadian border for our kids’ February school break. Despite the chilly temperatures, we had a great time skiing in northern Vermont. The highlight of our trip?  Undoubtedly the full family snowboarding lesson we took with our ever-patient instructor Ian. In addition to being a snowboard instructor in the winter, Ian helps run a summer adventure park in the summertime. His stories of zip lining above the trees for more than 500 yards at a time got us thinking…why not plan a day trip to a nearby aerial adventure park to try this Spring?

As both a mom and a teacher, I truly believe it is just about impossible to overstate the importance and creativity of Dr. Seuss’ amazing books for children. Every year, in early March, schools, libraries, books stores, families and artists of all stripes come together to celebrate Dr Seuss’ Birthday and the National Education Association’s Read Across America Day. This year Dr. Seuss’ birthday falls on Sunday, March 2, and many venues in Westchester County--including several of our recently featured Rivertowns--will be celebrating in his honor. Fry up a batch of “Green Eggs and Ham” and then head out to one of these Seusstastic celebrations! Some programs require advance registration or have residency restrictions so be sure to check in advance!

My family and I recently spent a great afternoon at the Silverball Museum Arcade.  Located on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park, New Jersey, it is home to 200 pinball machines and arcade games. No problem if you or your kid becomes addicted to the flashing lights and the sound of the ricocheting metal ball, because unlimited play is included with your admission.  No quarters are needed at this hands-on museum. You can try as many of the machines as you like, as many times as you like.