Birthdays are great when you're a kid. There's the endless countdown to the big day, and finally waking up to the much-anticipated morning. So what could possibly make all this even more exhilarating? How about a whole bunch of free stuff? If you know where to look, there are some pretty sweet freebies to be had on your kid's birthday (or on yours, for that matter) across Connecticut. A lot of these places are big companies that require sign-up to a club or mailing list, and many of them require a minimum age for membership, so parents may want to be the primary member and just hand off the goodies. Others, though, are smaller, local businesses that genuinely want to offer something lovely to the people who support them. Whether your little one might like a free birthday ice cream cone or a trip back in time, here are some fun free finds for the next birthday.

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It's no wonder Disneyland is nicknamed the Happiest Place on Earth; Main Street USA is crowded with costumed characters, light-up parades, and thrill-seeking rides, making this California landmark a must-see destination for tourists from all over the world. But while people flock to the Mouse House for its incomparable entertainment, many prefer to look outside the park for budget-friendly restaurants and variety in cuisine. Not that we have anything against character-shaped grilled cheese, pizza, and corn dogs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; it's just that dining outside the park before or after your adventure may be a calmer, cheaper, tastier way to go. Anaheim does have a lot more to it than just Disney, and these 8 kid-friendly eateries are just the beginning.

You can easily spot Upper East Siders and locals headed to East River Plaza on the bus and train. They have cumbersome foldable shopping trolleys, oversized backpacks, a child or two in tow, and a look of determination. However, experience has taught me that shopping can work up an appetite. When you are out and about in East Harlem with kids and hunger strikes, here are a few newer restaurant options to have in your back pocket. 

The Patriots are in the Super Bowl (again!) this Sunday, and if you have children, they're probably just as stoked as you to watch it. But while your toy-strewn living room might have sufficed for an early season matchup, it may not inspire the appropriate excitement now that the team is playing in the biggest game of the year, with a chance to make history. Then again, you don't want to take the kids to a crowded, testosterone- and beer-soaked bar, either. So, to kick off a fabulous February of fun events with kids, we've compiled a number of family-friendly venues around Boston where you can take the whole clan to cheer on the Pats with fellow fans.

With cold winter weather upon us, the New York City Administration for Children's Services is lending a helping hand to families, distributing free, wearable baby blankets at each of its 16 city locations in an effort to ensure the youngest New Yorkers are kept safe during the season's chill. Read on to learn more about the program and where you can pick up a free wearable sleeping blanket for your infant.

New York City is famous for its shopping options, and for good reason—but some stores are a cut above and worth the schlep, even with kids. If you've got a big birthday to celebrate with a gift, or just need an indoor diversion from a gloomy winter day, these retail spots are sure to put a smile on your face, whether you're just a lookie-loo or decide to splurge on a special treat. Find more local shopping ideas in our NYC Local Shopping Guide.

An entertainment Mecca for Manhattanites and tourists, Lincoln Square is a vibrant, bustling and sought-after community for families and professionals. It offers luxurious shopping, upscale dining and entertainment options, alongside top-notch family friendly amenities. Lincoln Square, the southern-most section of the Upper West Side, begins at Columbus Circle at 58th Street and continues north to West 70th Street. It’s bordered by Amsterdam Avenue on the west and Central Park, just blocks to the east!

Families who yearn to make Lincoln Square their home should check out the apartment rentals One Columbus Place. This family-friendly luxury building offers no fee apartments with select units offering up to 1.5 months rent free. The building offers a host of amenities such as an apple seeds® playroom, private outdoor spaces, and a wellness center with Peloton bikes. Read on for the 45 best reasons to make Lincoln Square your next stop for family fun and fabulousness.