NYC, it is a-changing. The end of the year marks the end of the line for two of our top indoor drop-in play spots: Brooklyn Heights restaurant/play space The Moxie Spot and Soho's beloved Scholastic Store. As if that didn't put enough of a damper on our holiday spirits, two of our favorite annual seasonal displays aren't lighting up this year.

But all of our news isn't depressing. On the bright side, a Brooklyn makerspace and a popular kids' yoga studio are both moving to spacious new digs, FREE wireless Internet hubs are coming to public libraries and McDonald's is actually serving something you'll want to give your kids: college scholarships!

'Tis the season to go shopping! The busiest shopping period of the year has arrived, and as much as you may want to dodge the malls, sometimes a holiday shopping trip is a necessary evil. And what’s even more stressful than fighting for parking, navigating crowds, and standing in mile-long lines? Doing it with the kids in tow. With the right planning, a trip to one of New Jersey’s 25+ malls can be a downright enjoyable experience during the holidays. We’ve rounded up some of New Jersey’s more child-friendly malls, which feature play areas, food courts, toy stores, events and interactive holiday displays, so bring the family for some fun, meltdown-free shopping.

The holiday season is a prime opportunity to teach your children about giving back, empathy and social responsibility. Donating and volunteering are great ways to show them that not everyone is as fortunate as they are.  And there are plenty of ways for Long Island families fulfill their give back goals.

And for more information about seasonal events on Long Island, check out our Holiday Fun Guide.

The true meaning of the holiday season is to give to those in need. Nothing warms your heart more than seeing a child open a doll or fire truck they have been dreaming about. Here are some events happening across Connecticut that will help teach your children about the importance of charity. 

With Christmas a mere three weeks away, it is hard to keep the greed in check. My children, who tend to be fairly reasonable beings eleven months of the year, are suddenly adding to their Christmas Wish Lists on a daily basis. “Maybe” and “We’ll see” have become my stock responses. Of course, our family talks about the spirit of the season, giving as opposed to receiving and thinking about those who are hungry or otherwise in need, but after a while, even these sentiments seem trite.

Time to re-set and make parenting about presence. A perfect place to start is in the Magic Forest, at its workshop on Mindful Parenting. Now that your parenting is centered, celebrate at SoCal Moms holiday party on the Pier, or check out our Holiday Fun Guide for other ways to enjoy the season.

The holiday season is upon us, and you may be wondering how you'll be able to afford to fulfill everyone's wishes. Our generous sponsors can help, with deals on everything from karate to cooking to swimming with an Olympian. We've even got discounts on classes for new and soon-to-be parents. Read on for all the bargain details; but don't delay, because when the holidays are gone, most of these discounts are, too!

The holiday season is upon us and you may be wondering how you'll be able to afford to fulfill everyone's wishes. Our generous sponsors can help with deals on everything from live theater to indoor entertainment so your brood can beat the winter blues in NYC and beyond. We've also got discounts on birthday parties and babysitting for when you're ready to take a break from it all. Read on for all the bargains, but don't delay as they may disappear faster than your holiday budget.

I have a confession to make: I suffer from art anxiety. Although I've managed a few Wee Work projects with my kids (I highly recommend the Sharpie tie dye t-shirts), when it's time for serious crafting, I look for resources out of the home. Luckily, this holiday season in Fairfield County, there are all kinds of crafting workshops that suit all ages and price points. Here are some of my favorites: