In our house, birthdays start out with cupcakes (or cake!) for breakfast.  It's our perfect family tradition that ensures that the best part of the birthday celebration doesn't get upstaged by a full belly! 

But hey, cupcakes aren't just for (birthday) breakfast anymore! They are the perfect-sized treat that have earned their own specialized bakeries and even food trucks. So whether you need cupcakes for a special occasion, or you are are just plain hankering for a cake-fix, try one of these local bakeries in Fairfield County for delicious cakes or cupcakes.

For birthday party ideas, make sure to check out our Party Guide. 

My kids love art (and walking) so what could be better than a stroll this summer down Main Street in Stratford to check out the 20 lighthouse sculptures in the "Stratford Light the Way" art exhibit? This is Stratford's second street art exhibit, following on its popular "Share a Chair" art benches in 2015. This summer, Main Street in Stratford is dotted with six foot tall fiberglass lighthouses, designed and painted by local artists. Those who love art, lighthouses, and strolling down Main Street will be pleased!

Kids love boat rides! And what better than a free ride (plus day trip) across Long Island Sound to the adorable village of Port Jefferson? Here’s what you need to know when taking the 17 nautical mile hop to Port Jefferson for a day trip, via the ferry.

Once you’ve gotten your feet wet with a trip on the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Ferry, maybe you can try out other day trips across the Sound to Long Island with the kids!

I've been to Boothe Memorial Park in Stratford a few times, and only one word comes to mind to explain it: quirky.  If you're interested in Americana, it's here. Architecture, here.  Railroads, here.  Genealogy?  Yep, it's here.  There's even an observatory on the grounds.  Oh, and a chicken house.  And a HAM radio club.  I'll stop there for now.  And while the 32-acre property is inundated with curiosity-filled buildings, there is also LOTS of room for young ones to roam.  Massive grassy hills shaded by 100-year-old oaks practically beg for someone to roll down them. 

Bridgeport might not pop up on your bucket list of day trips to take from Long Island with the kids. But with an easy ferry connection from Port Jefferson, minor-league baseball and hockey games, children’s theater, and more, Long Island families are increasingly making a day of it in Connecticut's largest city.

Here’s what you need to know when taking the 17-nautical-mile hop to Bridgeport for a day trip via the ferry. Who knows—it might inspire you to try other great summer day trips from Long Island. And while waiting for the ferry, why not check out our guide to Port Jefferson Village, including a list of our favorite things to do when visiting the village from Connecticut.

History museums can be dry toast for kids—or a favorite destination, if there’s a good interactive component.  The Fairfield Museum and History Center may not be big on square footage dedicated to kids, but it tells Fairfield’s history with cool artifacts, dress up, and climb-on displays that kids adore.  After the kids fall in love with this little gem of a museum, check out the other popular museums for kids in Connecticut and other fun neighborhood activities in Fairfield.

Sometimes you just need to get out of the house and spend some time with cows. So we hit the road and headed to Litchfield County and Arethusa Farm. The historic Connecticut dairy farm is open for tours from the end of March through October. I admit it: we can't get enough of farm visits. From checking out the baby animals and berry picking to corn mazes and Christmas tree farms, it feels great to enjoy fresh country air.

If your kids -- like mine -- love playing their musical instrument, there is no better place to encourage their blossoming musical skills than to have them audition for a place in their community youth music ensemble.

Fortunately for us, Connecticut is rife with well-organized youth symphonies and orchestral groups. Most cater to ages 10 and up; all are audition-based, highly skilled at developing musical skills and encourage a welcoming atmosphere. In addition to the list of Connecticut's community youth orchestras below, you might also be interested in summer music camp! Check out Art & Music Camps in New Haven and Classical Music Camps in Fairfield County.