Nestled on a quiet cozy street on the Upper West Side, Metropolitan Montessori School just might be the program you didn’t know you were looking for. Not only is it Manhattan’s only Montessori school for kids ages two years and eight months up to twelve years old, but it's dedicated to diversity in all its forms — from race and religion to family structure and sexuality — and it recently welcomed a new Head of School, Racheal Adriko, whose passion for education is contagious. If you're currently applying to preschool or private school in NYC, MMS's individualized learning approach, small class sizes, commitment to sustainability, and record for prepping grads for top-notch schools (Horace Mann, Riverdale, and Brearley have been the most popular since 2000) will also easily earn it a spot on your list.

As the mother of two New York City tots myself, I was looking forward to having an opportunity to connect with Racheal and hear more about Metropolitan Montessori School, and I found myself listening to her inspiring personal story with my mouth wide open. Read on to learn more about Racheal and everything MMS has to offer.

If you’re looking for a unique indoor experience for your kids on a chilly or rainy day, head to the new CAMP store in Brooklyn, scheduled to open on December 1 2019. Unlike many other indoor play spaces in NYC, CAMP is a network of stores with rotating themed experiences. CAMP at City Point in Downtown Brooklyn will boast all of the same imaginative fun as the original Fifth Avenue location, including a cafe, a theater, interactive play stations, and of course, a super-cool toy store. 

Ever find yourself feverishly working your way through your babysitter Rolodex to find that not even one is available? Whether it's a last-minute work commitment, a random appointment, or a spontaneous date night after one of "those" weeks, a great Boston-area caregiver is available. From drop-in childcare to drop-off gym parties, these sitter services will save the day (or night)!

Don't have somewhere you have to be but need a moment to yourself? Check out these Boston area gyms that offer childcare while you break a sweat!

Hauntingly close to Halloween, El Día de los Muertos – the Day of the Dead – is a magical holiday that's also a living history lesson, demonstrating the tendency of conquerors to absorb indigenous customs into their own. Christian Europeans arrived in Mexico already fans of All Hallows Eve (modern-day Halloween), only to stumble upon an ancient tradition celebrated by the Aztecs on November 2, with a spookily similar theme. Day of the Dead is a time when the door between worlds is meant to open so that celebrants can honor departed loved ones and hopefully lure them back for a visit.

Any parent knows that taking the kids to the zoo is a win. Burning up energy outside, seeing favorite and exotic animals up close, and maybe picking up a souvenir on the way out is a recipe for a great day. The DC Zoo, officially known as Smithsonian’s National Zoo, is no exception and a must-visit for families, whether they’re local or just visiting the nation’s capitol. And the best part is, it's one of the many free things to do in DC!

Read on for everything you need to know before you visit the National Zoo, including our top tips for making the most out of your visit. If you're looking for more free things to do in DC, check out our list of free museums in DC to visit with kids.

Your little baby is turning into a big kid! Whether it's his first birthday or her fourth, you know you want to do something extra special to commemorate this milestone in both of your lives. Planning birthday parties can be tough. You have to consider who to invite, what should the "theme" be, how do you make a cake shaped like their favorite character, and more importantly...do you have enough time to pull it off?

With all the other things you're balancing as a momma, it's nice to know that birthday parties can be a cakewalk if you leave it to the pros. Here is our list of the best places to celebrate your little one's special day!