For many of us, when we think February we think hearts. Candy hearts and valentines, puppy love, and boxes of chocolate. But February is heart month for another reason too. Nearly one in 100 babies are born with congenital heart defects. That adds up to about 40,000 births a year. There are a number of different kinds of defects ranging from mild to severe and in some cases, babies and children who require invasive treatments in order to survive. Our family became one of many living with a congenital heart defect after the birth of my son. Despite inevitable setbacks along the way, thanks to advances in medicine today he is a strong and thriving little boy.

February is Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about congenital heart defects and to continue the important work being done to further understand what causes them and how better to treat them. You can get involved in many ways, whether by donating to an organization that supports research or kids facing tough battles, or participating in one of the many heart events around the state.

Though you can’t invite a real T. rex to your child's birthday party, you can certainly find places in New Jersey to host a dino-mite party with a prehistoric vibe. Here's a roundup of venues offering parties that are literally out of this world—or at least out of this time period! Some will even bring the party to you! Oh, and don’t forget to check out our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide, which is chock-full of birthday inspiration.

A party's not a party without music, right? New Jersey is home to many professional DJs who bring rhythm and fun to any birthday celebration, whether in your home or at another venue. Best of all, these DJs are more than just music-makers: they'll set the mood, entertain the kids with face painting, games, balloons, and other surprises, and make sure even the shyest child is having a great time. For more party inspiration, be sure to check out our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide.

Whether your little one's first year flew by or felt like an eternity of sleepless nights, a first birthday is a cause for celebration. So go all out and book that cake smash photo shoot or keep it low key with a few close friends and family members. Just like the first time you held your baby, a first birthday party should be a joyous occasion, filled with games, goodies, music, and age-appropriate fun.

While planning can seem daunting, it doesn't have to be. Across Long Island, there are several venues that can make your child's first birthday an occasion to be remembered, providing everything from staff to food, so you can spend time with your family and friends. Our birthday spot picks makes it easy for you and fun for your guests. 

For more birthday party planinginspiration, check out our Birthday Party Guide for Long Island Kids.

You know what else a birthday needs? Gifts! Get tried-and-tested favorite gift suggestions the Best First Birthday Gifts, and more in our Guide to Top Toys and Gear for Kids.

Whether it's a night at the museum or just an afternoon, New Jersey venues can host one heck of a birthday party. Whether your child is a science fan, a train lover, a budding artist or just simply bug-crazed, New Jersey's excellent museums offer a variety options for some really exciting and celebratory shindigs.

For even more ideas, check out our phenomenal New Jersey Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide!

Philadelphia is a city that is so rich in history, a New York Times columnist once complained there was too much historical significance here. But as the birthplace of the nation, we are proud to be the site of so many important events, places, and, of course, people. During Black History Month we set time aside to specifically focus on the major accomplishments, roles, and experiences of African-Americans. From the rich US history to several museums that feature arts and artifacts from Africa, there are many ways to gain a deeper understanding of Black History just by tapping into some of the many offerings in Philadelphia. Here is our roundup of some of the best for younger children, but this is just a small sampling of the rich Black history programming and events available throughout the city in the month of February. Check our events calendar for even more fun and educational activities.

Parents looking for places for kids to burn off steam or learn a new sport will be happy to know Westchester has two new businesses on the way: SwimLabs Westchester in Elmsford and Kids in Sports in Scarsdale. Both are franchises of larger chains, and both intend to provide families with new ways to stay active. 

Looking for more places kids can have fun? Check out our Sports Centers, Gyms & Fun Zones Guide and sign up for our newsletters! 

Of all the cool things you can do in NYC, surfing is probably not the first one that comes to mind. But that's what we love about living in New York: It seems like you can do just about everything in some nook or cranny of the five boroughs, including catch a wave.

New York City actually offers 14 miles of beach, more than many more obvious beach destinations, and a population of surfers to rival any of them. While surfing is still illegal at most NYC beaches, thanks to an overturned law in 2005, Rockaway Beach has become the surfing mecca of the city.

Read on to find out where kids can take surfing lessons, rent equipment or sign up for surfing camp, plus learn the ever important Surfer's Code, without having to leave the five boroughs.