Youth sports are a go in Connecticut this spring, which means kids across the state are oiling up their baseball mitts and dusting off their lacrosse cleats. But while parents are ready to snag their favorite spot on the bleachers, they also know that the return of sports means the return of—yes, you guessed it—sports-related injuries.

Bumps and bruises and aches and pains are certainly par for the course in youth athletics, but knowing when to worry—or when to call the pediatrician on speed dial—isn't always so clear. So, we connected with pediatric orthopedic and sports medicine specialist Mark A. Rieger, MD and the experts at Connecticut Children's to learn more about some of the most common youth sports injuries and what to look out for on and off the field.

The Bronx’s famed Arthur Avenue probably needs no introduction. Often dubbed NYC’s “real” Little Italy, this area in the Belmont section of NYC’s northernmost borough has been known for its Italian heritage dating back to the 1850s. The neighborhood has been featured in many films and TV shows—most notably, A Bronx Tale, Robert DeNiro’s directorial debut starring DeNiro, Chazz Palminteri, and Lillo Brancato.

In many ways, Arthur Avenue remains the same as it has for decades—distinct Italian bakeries, delis, restaurants, and markets—and in other ways, it has evolved in the way many NYC neighborhoods do. Mexican eateries like Estrellita Pablana and Rancho Estella on 187th dot the area, while Mexican specialty store Panderia Lucero offers fresh-baked sweet breads, Mexican candy, piñatas, and more.

Arthur Avenue's location, conveniently close to the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden, makes it a fun stop en route to the attractions, though it's a worthy destination in its own right. Now is a great time to visit—the city is starting to thaw, and spring excitement is in the air, so read on for nine things to do in the Bronx's Little Italy with kids.

April Fools Day is around the corner, and if you’re like me, you relish the opportunity to play a fun April Fools prank on your kids. Food pranks are a great choice because kids can be so fickle with their food, and these pranks offer a great opportunity to break out of habits or try something a bit more playful in an area where they may feel stress or hesitation. So get your grocery list together, set aside about the same amount of prep time as you would for a simple recipe, and let’s food prank your kids!

Want more silly and super easy April Fools Day jokes to play on kids? We've got 17 truly simple prank ideas that will leave little ones laughing (and check out these favorite kid jokes that will keep them giggling all day long).

How does a lower school balance kids' natural tendency to question and explore everything with intentional academic learning? BASIS Independent Schools believes it's cracked the code with an Early Learning Program that gives gifted and talented students in PreK and Kindergarten an advanced curriculum that empowers independent thinking while serving up interactive hands-on courses in literacy, Mandarin, STEM, performing arts, and music—just to name a few.

Here in NYC, BASIS Independent Schools offers its comprehensive Early Learning Program at its Brooklyn and Manhattan locations. And because of rapidly growing demand for the popular secular private school, fall of 2021 will mark its first year at a brand new PreK–grade 2 campus for BASIS Independent Brooklyn in Downtown Brooklyn at City Point—while their Red Hook campus remains home to grades 3–12 students. BASIS Independent Manhattan students in PreK–grade 5 remain at the school's much-loved Upper West Side location—while their grades 6–12 campus expands to a stunning Chelsea location this fall.

Who knew there was an ultra-easy overnight camping option for Houston families inside the loop? The Nature Discovery Center in Bellaire has launched Campfire Nights—a way to experience the great outdoors without leaving the city. Gather a group of no more than 10 people for an evening of staff-led outdoor activities that include night hiking, animal encounters, and plenty of s'mores. Stay for the overnight package, and you can cozy up in sleeping bags and tents right on the lawn, waking up to donuts and coffee waiting in the morning.