Preschool. Once upon a time, it was mostly a time for play dates, but today, childhood experts agree that attending a high-quality program prepares little ones socially and academically for the school years ahead. Deciding which preschool to choose can be tricky since programs can be customized, such as nature-based preschools, or those that offer a bilingual environment.

Below are 10 suggestions for preschools in the Hartford area; no doubt, we’ve missed some great ones, so feel free to share them with us in the Comments section. Our Preschool Guide also includes a few suggestions for those residing in Fairfield County.

With brains like sponges, preschoolers are the perfect age to begin learning a second language. Studies have shown that kids who learn a second language during the preschool years go on to speak more fluently than those who begin to learn at an older age. In addition, bi-lingual children tend to be more creative, have better critical thinking skills and a better understanding of humanity and culture.  One of the reasons young children learn a new language so easily is because they learn through exploration and play. By immersing them in one of these outstanding foreign language preschools, you will be giving them them a lifelong gift that will allow them to succeed in the global economy of tomorrow. If you're looking for some after school language programs for kids of all ages, check out these Language Classes for NJ Kids.

At the Mount Hope Estate and Winery just off the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Lancaster County, the King and Queen are eager to welcome guests to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. As summer turns to autumn, festivals abound. For an enjoyable day of low-tech amusements, it’s hard to beat this trip back in time.

Western Queens just gained a new indoor play space for kids with the opening of Sunnyside Plays in, of course, Sunnyside. My family was super excited to have a new indoor playground so close to our neighborhood. In fact, we were amazed when we saw our 7-month-old son start crawling there for the first time. We are already making memories.

The spacious location on 48th Avenue, which just opened this month, is close to Sunnyside Library and Lance Cpl. Thomas A. Noonan Playground. Sunnyside Plays, founded by local parents Ed Kim and Vanessa Quinn, is 1,700 square feet of open, rectangular floor space with 16-foot ceilings. LED track lighting and the studio's vibrant colors give it a refreshing artsy loft feel. Kim and Quinn have art backgrounds and use their knowledge to offer events and classes for kids and adults. 

Whether you have been able to whether the weather to stay in shape this summer or not, the cool crisp air of Fall is almost upon us. And with fall, comes many opportunities to get out and run! Which might be why Fall is one of the best seasons for family-friendly runs. These runs can not only encourage physical health awareness for you and your kids, but help you bond over a shared goal, and possibly learn about a cause or charity that may be a great learning experience for your kids. If you have fun on these runs, keep training for the later festive fall Turkey Trots and Santa Runs!

Life with a new baby can be hectic—between round-the-clock feedings and sleepless nights, it can be hard to fit in a shower. However, after those first few weeks, many new moms want to start exercising again. Several local fitness studios offer mom and baby workout classes so new moms can take care of themselves and keep their babies close at the same time. The classes run the gamut from pilates and barre to running and stroller sessions—mom and baby yoga classes are featured in another post.

Sending the kids back to school is akin to setting those New Year’s resolutions in January. It’s a clean slate and a period (however brief) of good intentions. Make the most of this optimism with these 10 smartphone and tablet apps to help you stay organized, help lend a hand with homework, and even help add some extra learning fun.  

We talked with teachers, principals and other educational experts about their favorite apps, and then we gave them a try to see how they worked. What follows is a list of our front runners, all designed to help you and your family get the school year off on the right foot. The best part? All of these apps are free. 

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