3 Cool Candy Shops for Westchester Families

Kids love candy (and so do their parents). Though we usually try to keep candy to a minimum, we know it's fun to indulge in sinfully delightful sweets. And if you're going to indulge, might as well make an experience out of it. While little ones may be content with a packaged treat in the checkout aisle, why not go big at one of Westchester's local sweet shops?

We've mentioned several of Westchester's awesome ice cream shops, however, maybe a good old fashioned candy shop is more your speed. If you're looking for a candy fix while you're out and about checking out the fun family events in Westchester, be sure to check out one of these local sweet shops that go above and beyond to satisfy any sweet tooth!

Resources for NYC Dads: Meet-ups, Listservs & Support Groups for Fathers

We don't want to say that dads are the new moms because that sounds like some line you'd see in the ads for that awful new Fox sitcom. But fathers certainly are everywhere you look these days, beaming at ballet class, wiping boogers at the playground, and not just on weekends, either. New York City is definitely a hands-on dad kind of town every day of the week.

But just like moms, dads need support, too, whether just to hang with their peers or something more formal. Here are some great resources for New York City fathers of all stripes.

NYC Gyms with Childcare: Where to Work Out With Kids in Tow

As the New Year approached, a number of our readers emailed us asking if we knew of any New York City gyms with childcare. With a gym seemingly on every corner in Manhattan, it's no surprise that a bunch of them do offer childcare services.

So whenever you resolve to get in shape (January or otherwise), don't sweat it. Here's a list of NYC gyms that allow parents to work out without shelling out big bucks for a private babysitter.

Free and Discounted Admission to Boston Attractions: Check Out These Public Library Passes

Boston is home to several great museums, the New England Aquarium, and Zoo New England, providing educational and entertaining experiences for families with children of all ages, but the price of admission can be discouraging. Fortunately, most of the area public libraries have agreements with the museums and other attractions that allow library patrons to check out passes for free or discounted tickets.

Rainbow Loom Craze: NYC Classes, Meet-ups, Parties & the Best Online Tutorials

My kids used to pick pennies up off the ground. These days I catch them trying to grab those small colorful Rainbow Loom rubber bands that seem to be scattered all over the place: sidewalks, school hallways (except where they're banned) and living room floors. It's a fad of course (remember Silly Bandz?) but one I can get behind. Crafting those intricate bracelets, necklaces and rings is fun and even challenging (have you tried some of those stitches?), and kids are even becoming entrepreneurs by selling their Rainbow Loom creations. Plus this hot hobby crosses the gender line: lots of boys are as into it as girls. (Heck, it was invented by a dad!)

While children as young as 5 seem to be able to master simple stitches as quickly as they do new apps on your smartphone, more complicated creations often require hours of experimentation or watching YouTube tutorials. So it's no wonder that local craft shops are capitalizing on the craze by offering Rainbow Loom classes, meet-ups and even birthday parties. Even if your kid can figure it all out on their own, it's a fun way to turn the obsession into a social outing.

NYC Baby Gear Rentals: Strollers, Car Seats, Cribs

New York City families with babies or toddlers usually have a crib, a changing table and a stroller or two crammed into their apartments. However, if you're visiting NYC with an infant in tow, there's no way you're going to be able to pack all of that stuff in your luggage. Sure, you can try to skip the usual amenities and just co-sleep, change the baby on the bed and wear a sling when running around town. But it would certainly be a lot easier on your body if you could just rent a crib, changing table and stroller—after all, vacation is supposed to be relaxing, right?

After receiving several emails from our NYC Kids Visitors Guide readers asking where they could rent baby gear, we decided to look into it. Turns out there are a number of companies that rent strollers, cribs and other baby equipment in New York City. They even deliver everything to you. So natives, the next time your sister-in-law swings into town asking to borrow your baby wheels, you know where to send her.

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