This post has been updated. You can find the new information here. A great way to get a feel for a camp is to visit it in person. Whether you're thining about day camp here in NYC or in the country, or especially sleep away camp, there's no better way to check it out than to meet the people see the facilities first-hand. Many camps will let you visit any time, but some have special open house dates where you can get a our and maybe even try out some of the activities for yourself. We've collected a bunch of upcoming open house dates, but if you don't see the camp you're interested in listed here, just give them a call and ask when you can visit.

Check out our Camp Guide for more ideas on cool summer camps around NYC.

With a Bang! and a Grrrr! kids will love to ring in (and gong in) the Year of the Tiger on Chinese Lunar New Year, February 14th, 2010. Whether you cheer on lion dancers, follow the dragon in the parade, or go out for yummy dumplings (or make them in a fun workshop), we’ve got the goods on all that’s happening and where to find it to celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year in New York City.

Hamburger phones, Bacon Chocolate, Fish Eye Cameras, and all things cool. That is what’s on the menu at this kitchy boutique in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Started by two Chicago natives with a flare (literally) for unusual products and a love of Fred Astaire, Fred Flare is worth the trip for whenever you are stumped for a gift for kids or grown-ups alike. You are sure to find something unique and fun here.

Here is a great new way to spice up your kid-friendly music collection, without spending loads of money or time. Pandora internet radio has finally added children's music to its free online music offerings. So stop playing that same old version of Old McDonald and log on to get the living room dance party started.

Naira recently moved to Queens with her new baby and the challenges of being a first time mother plus not knowing anybody are proving to be more daunting than she anticipated. She emailed looking for help figuring out how to meet other new mothers in her area of Queens.

The NYC public school landscape is ever shifting like the sands of the Sahara. We try to keep on top of it. Here's the latest news about kindergarten admissions, new schools, an investigation into toxins in some schools, and how having recess before lunch could be better for kids:

With winter break still a few weeks away, and cold, wind and snow in the forecast, you and the family might be looking for a cure for those mid-winter blues. (And since City Bakery's Hot Chocolate festival doesn't start until Monday, we've got plenty to keep the blues away until then.) This weekend you can take the kids to special for-families Haiti Relief Benefit Concerts, go on a marine watch, learn how to swim or the secrets of snow globes, plus catch a free screening of Charlotte's Web, ice skate with the King of Pop and enjoy some free winter festivals and ethnic concerts.

Oh and don't forget to enter our contest to win a free iPod Touch (see details in the left sidebar on our homepage).

Earlier this week we posted about some very high tech ways to make cool Valentines Day Cards, On the other end of the spectrum, this post shares how you can use your computer to find pretty, free, vintage Valentines Day clip art that you and you kid can use to make beautiful home made Valentines Day Cards with nothing more than red or pink construction paper, a paper doily, a glue stick.

Did you know that you can get free clip art in your inbox every week?