Ahh...spring break! No studying for spelling tests! No memorizing math facts! No recording required reading minutes! Spring break may even relieve you of carting the kids to and from sports practices and games, music lessons, and all the extracurriculars that fill our family calendars.

So what will we do with all of this free time?

We’ve rounded up fun spring break programs for kids around the Island sure to cure the inevitable “Mom, I’m bored!” that strikes soon after spring break begins. Nearly all of these programs allow you to sign up “a la carte” so if one day’s theme is of particular interest to your child, you can simply register for that day. The kids will be entertained for a few hours leaving you with some time for your own “required reading” or dare I say, spring cleaning. Spring break programs typically fill up fast so call and register when you get home from practice tonight...after homework!

One thing you can always count on in NYC? Even when a beloved spot closes something cool is opening somewhere else. Such is the case this week as 92YTribeca announces its demise while we have the scoop on a new kiddie gym in Harlem and a new children's boutique in Tribeca. Want more good news? How about FREE rides on Deno's Wonder Wheel in Coney Island, new attractions on Governors Island, an easy way to stock up on Girl Scout Cookies and a no-cost Broadway concert good for tweens and up.

Family travel has come a long way since my 70’s childhood. In those days, we kids were content to stay at an inexpensive motel and put coins into the bed’s magic fingers device.  For a quarter, the bed vibrated for a few minutes, which we found thoroughly entertaining. Today, the travel industry is courting families with hotel packages geared specifically to the interests of prized junior customers. If you’re looking to indulge your child with a family vacation that caters to their particular passion, there are a variety of options. Themes include American Girl, Lego, American History, Tintin, Broadway, a Barbie cruise and more.

It's one day until spring--huh?? The east coast has endured some crazy weather in recent weeks, so we wise and hardy NJ moms know there is no guarantee that warm weather will be here anytime soon. Luckily, New Jersey has plenty of fun and exciting indoor play spaces to take the kids. Pack a bag, put on your snow boots, and head out to try out some of these awesome places in Mercer and Somerset counties.

Our month-long focus on Forest Hills comes to a close with a look at our favorite places for kids to play and learn in the area, both indoors and out. Forest Park, which is the neighborhood's southern border, is the go-to green space and boasts playgrounds, ball fields and a historic carousel. But there are plenty of other places for kids to romp indoors as well as get creative, play sports, cook and so much more. Here are our top class and play spots for families in Forest Hills, Queens.

The spring holidays are upon us, and kids who were spoiled for choice at Christmastime are glutted once again, this time with opportunities to see the Easter Bunny and hunt for eggs. Families who were vying for equal menorah time back in December, however, may be having a tough time now finding fun family activities for Passover. Apart from coming up with unleavened baked goods, there are generally precious few activities to prepare us for one of the biggest holidays on the Jewish calendar. The good news is that there are a few - and we've found some fun ones!