Confession time: Sometimes, I feel a little overwhelmed by just how many children's classes are available in New York City. Should we do gymnastics or ballet? Robotics or writing this semester? It can be hard to know which are worth the time and money. An inspiring instructor can shape a lifelong hobby or even a career, but if that first class isn't good, a kid can sometimes lost all interest in a subject.

We've put together a list of nine new spots around the city offering cool kids' classes; hopefully this list makes your choice a little more manageable! Your child can get a mental workout at one of the new maker spaces or work off any excess energy with more physical classes, like yoga or rock climbing. 

Remember, this is just a sampling of offerings in NYC. For more enrichment options, check out our Classes Guide or Directory of businesses for a more complete listing.

Does your preschooler dream of being a hockey star or Olympic figure skater? Or do you simply want to help your little one learn a new skill and take part in a fun winter activity? Either way, three- and four-year-olds are at a perfect age to learn to skate, and we're lucky to have access to lots of great public rinks in Boston. We've compiled a list of area ice skating schools that offer lessons especially for this age group. 

Nothing warms the body -- and raises the spirits -- like a rich, creamy mug of hot chocolate. Are you in search of the perfect artisan mug of cocoa for yourself? Or a place to take the kiddos for a hot chocolate treat on a cold day? When it comes to hot chocolate, these "hot" spots in Fairfield County have got you covered (and sprinkled with marshmallows too)! Make it a full day out with other stops at some of our favorite Fairfield family places. If you are interested in touring more local food and restaurant haunts good for the kids, check out 10 Food Trucks Your Kids will Love and Family-Friendly Brunch Places in Fairfield County too.

Selecting the best preschool for your child is no easy task. You can lose sleep over finding an environment that's just right for your little one. The questions are seemingly endless: Will the teachers prepare my child for the academic rigors that lie ahead? Will she be given the proper outlets to express her creativity and independence? Will his transition to preschool be smooth, and will he make friends? Will she nap and eat properly?

The process can be a bit less overwhelming if you first identify a school philosophy that you feel works best for your child, and go from there. To help you get started, we've laid out six of the most popular approaches, from co-ops and Montessori and Reggio Emilia to full immersion programs, along with some examples of New Jersey preschools that follow them. 

Chappaqua is a quaint hamlet located near the center of Westchester in the town of New Castle, just about 30 miles from Midtown Manhattan. Known for its charming neighborhoods, the village maintains a peaceful New England feel, with rolling hills and historic homes and barns.

Chappaqua offers a wealth of public parks, protected wetlands and wildlife sanctuaries with hiking trails, well-maintained playing fields, courts and other facilities for tennis, soccer and skating. It also boasts a walkable village featuring family-friendly restaurants, shops and a farmer’s market. There's no shortage of events or things to do here during the year, and we've gathered our top 30 things to do in Chappaqua with kids.

When I was in first grade a child was killed crossing Seventh Avenue on his way to school by a speeding truck. So, I remember my first protest well. Just a handful of us, moms and kids, walking in a tight circle with signs and chanting to demand a crossing guard. We got that crossing guard and a lesson was learned: Even as kids, we could have a voice and make a difference.

America has been on tenterhooks this election season. It has caused much "unfriending" and, perhaps, drawn even more stark lines between groups. On Saturday, however, I saw Facebook friends from all backgrounds coming together at the Women's Marches across the country and the world. I even saw some who voted for Trump, but wanted to stand for women's rights and also listen to the other side! But of everyone out there, the thing that struck me the most was seeing all the children.

We may never agree on any of the political issues facing this nation, but one thing I hope we can all agree on is that these children are amazing and are learning that you're never too young to enjoy this country's most important freedoms of speech and peaceful protest. Whatever "sides" they may choose to take, I hope this is just the beginning for our daughters (and our sons) to feel powerful, valuable, and able to take constructive action to raise their voices, not to yell and name call, but to try to improve the world for all of us together.

My oldest was born in January. That means that any dreams of a poolside party under the sun are, unfortunately, just dreams. Over the years we have become quite expert in the fine art of the indoor birthday party. Just because the weather may not be cooperative doesn't mean you can't have a ton of fun! There are gym parties, laser tag parties, and arts and crafts parties to name just a few. Here are some other options for indoor birthday super-fun. Be sure to check out our birthday party guide too, for just about every ounce of birthday fun imaginable. 

Once upon a time, the night sky told us everything we needed to know. The season of the year, the time, which direction we were facing. These days it's easy to go weeks or even months on end without really giving the night sky any notice. Our cities and towns are so brightly lit that it can be hard to see the stars even on a clear night.