If you're a US citizen and a stay-at-home parent, you've probably experienced jury duty panic. We may like to imagine the day when we'll serve on a jury and become one of those all-important dozen people who hold together the fabric of our justice system, scrutinizing the facts and determining whether the glove fits, but our imaginations don't quite stretch to how we will do that and keep our kids fed, cared for, and driven to school at the same time. So how do we plan for the challenges of jury duty?

Past Manchester, heading into the Quiet Corner, Moms and Dads can find the bustling minitropolis of Vernon. There are many family friendly things to do in this town, especially for your pre-teens and teens. While you're in th area, make sure to check out some of our favorite road trips in the Quiet Corner and these other small Connecticut towns.

Sweet news: a host of new sweet spots have opened in Westchester recently, and we’ve rounded them up below. (We also conducted a few taste tests—strictly in the interest of research, of course.)

Our list includes several new ice-cream parlors, three spots for trendy Thai rolled ice cream, and a few eateries offering acai bowls, juices, and smoothies. There’s also new fro-yo, as well as a new bakery that hosts classes and parties.

Read on to get the skinny on these dessert destinations—and be sure you’re signed up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook to stay in the know about news (and more) of interest to Westchester families!

We're well into playground season now, and New York City parents are steeling themselves to endure hearing the Mister Softee theme playing on a loop until September. While there's nothing wrong with grabbing a cone from your friendly neighborhood ice cream truck, I admit that I prefer play spots that have really fantastic ice cream vendors nearby. Cold and sweet, a few scoops of mint chocolate chip or strawberry (my flavors of choice) make sticking out the sticky New York City weather that much more manageable. And my kids don't mind eating it either.

Here are some of my favorite spots to grab a scoop, plus fun places to play before or after.

Soon enough summer will be in our rearview and fall will be upon us. So soak up all the warm weather while you can and enjoy the many family-friendly activities the Delaware Riverfront has to offer!

One of Canada’s most ethnically diverse and densely populated cities, Vancouver, British Columbia is the crown jewel of the country's West Coast.

Less than an hour by car from the border with the United States, Vancouver is the gateway to the Pacific Rim and draws visitors from all over the world. It’s not just the city’s location that makes people flock there, but also the stunning backdrop of mountains, temperate weather, and world-class parks and amenities.

With the ocean and mountains within a short drive, Vancouver is a veritable outdoor playground. This cosmopolitan city is waiting for your next adventure. With a favorable exchange rate in Canadian dollars, free public parks, and an easy-to-navigate public transportation system, Vancouver offers great value and seemingly endless and unforgettable experiences.

As a parent, finding just the right balance of learning and play feels like the ultimate win. Kids love to explore new places and learn new things, and the added benefit of gaining some educational insight during a family outing is truly awesome. That's why we've rounded up some of our favorite spots for learning where families can spend the day discovering new ideas and concepts with little learners or explore subjects like history and science with older kids. These destinations are not only fun, but can provide children of all ages with tons of knowledge.

Chances are, you've hit one of our glorious local beaches this summer to jump the waves and build sandcastles. But have you gone tide pooling yet? Kids love exploring these tiny ecosystems, usually created by outgoing tides, where they can discover crabs, sea stars, and more marine life. Bring a bucket and your curiosity, and consider a stop at a North Shore seafood shack on the way home. (Your shellfish discoveries might lead to some interesting discussions about the menu.)