The Second Avenue subway is New York City’s first new subway line in more than 50 years, and yes, we're excited about it! Many fun kid places on the far Upper East Side are often too much of a haul for little legs to travel from Lexington Avenue subway stops without the aid of strollers, carriers, and maybe an afternoon nap (for parent and baby!).

Thankfully, the Q has been extended along Second Avenue to 96th Street with this first phase of the subway expansion, giving us quicker access to many wonderful kid- and family-friendly hot spots highlighted for you here. Read on for eight of the best kid places nearby that you now have no excuse not to visit.

Montessori, Reggio Emilia, language immersion, public, and private—when it comes to choosing a preschool, parents have a lot of options. If you’re interested in a program that allows you to have a high level of participation in your child’s education, a cooperative preschool may be the right choice for you. Also known as a co-op, this type of preschool offers parents opportunities to assist in all aspects of running and managing the school, from serving as a board member to participating on school committees to helping regularly in the classroom. Co-ops abound in Boston; we've rounded up several worth exploring in the preschool-rich Metrowest suburbs, in particular.

Before you commit your kids to a traditional camp for the entire summer, you may want to explore some specialized programs. Learning to sail is a great way for children to become self-reliant, learn a life-long sport, and make lasting friendships and memories. Being able to pilot his or own craft will certainly earn your kids bragging rights, so set them on the right course with one of these full- or half-day programs.

For even more activities and classes this season, check out our Summer Camp Guide, and be sure to sign up for our newsletters. 

In classrooms throughout Philadelphia, children participate in Read Across America Day, an initiative that was started to instill and promote a love for reading. Every year, this event is held on March 2nd, the birthday of beloved children's author, Dr. Seuss.

Libraries, museums, and bookstores also spend time celebrating the delightfully zany books written by this great author. Books such as Green Eggs and  Ham, The Cat in the Hat, Hop on Pop, and my particular favorite, Oh, The Places You'll Go are held near and dear to many children and grown-ups alike. Certain venues throughout the area feature engaging and educational activities and even special guest appearances! We have rounded up some local events Philly families can enjoy together.

Even if you are not considering a post-election move north, Canada’s bilingual capital is a fine family vacation. Ottawa beckons with a full plate of both indoor and outdoor activities all year, so don’t dismiss a winter visit. Be sure to pack the long underwear because residents don’t let tundra-style weather keep them indoors.

As Canada’s capital, this city is a showplace for the country, so the feel is similar to Washington, D.C., with a fine array of national museums and cultural offerings to complement the active adventures. It’s urban, but the manageable size, expansive green spaces and excellent public transportation makes it easy to navigate. As the government seat, the dashing young Prime Minister has been spotted at local playgrounds with his kids and participating in the weekly free yoga class on Parliament’s lawn, so look forward to the possibility of excellent political eye-candy.

Ottawa is closer than you might think, a one hour flight or seven hour, 336-mile drive from New York City. Here’s our guide to the best family activities in town.

From The Cat in the Hat to The Lorax to Green Eggs and Ham, Dr. Seuss has touched the lives of so many through his whimsical rhyming children's books. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries and community centers bring kids and books together to celebrate Read Across America Day on Dr. Seuss's birthday, March 2nd. 

Sponsored by the National Education Association, this nationwide celebration of reading has helped to promote and foster a love of reading for nearly 20 years. Here's a a round up of Read Across America events happening across the state this week and be sure to check out The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield, slated to open this June. 

The Brooklyn-based Kiddie Science has had a roaming presence in NYC since 2013, inspiring children wherever it set up shop. But the nonprofit tot science program finally has a permanent home.

It recently opened a STEM classes and camp spot in Prospect Lefferts Gardens in a bright and renovated space that is welcoming to all ages. The location is a work in progress with plans for outdoor gardening in the small backyard and more active experiences such as yoga in the basement.

At a same sex camp fun is geared towards the particular gender. Boys can be boys and girls can be girls. Here's a hodge podge list of boys only summer camps in CT as well as some right over the border in Massachusetts. Some have long standing traditions and are close to 100 years old, others are newer and focused mainly on sport skills.