There's nothing like a winter day in LA, when you can see the snowy mountaintops from the traffic on the Santa Monica Freeway. It makes you want to grab a sled and head for the hills. This season brings back another way to get up there and enjoy the snow: Skypark at Santa's Village in Lake Arrowhead. Christmases may come and go, but Santa's sleigh bells keep on ringing year-round at this 230-acre, holiday-themed amusement park, which recently reopened its doors after nearly 20 years. And don't let the name fool you; while Christmas is a wonderful time of year to visit, outdoor adventures from ziplining to archery make Skypark worth the drive at any time of year.

All elementary schoolers learn about the first Thanksgiving and early Native American and colonial life. But did you know that Boston kids are less than an hour away from a living museum where this era is reenacted almost everyday? Plimoth Plantation, located 2.5 miles north of modern-day Plymouth, is a wonderful place to visit anytime, but is particularly special during November and December when seasonal presentations and historic feasts bring the first holidays to life. Bundle up and make plans for a cozy, fascinating day on this bustling property; whether they share a meal with a "pilgrim" or play a traditional game with a member of the Wampanoag Nation, your kids will definitely leave Plimoth with a taste of how their New England forebears lived.

I don’t know about you, but lately my mind has been racing - my lists have been growing lists and my “to dos”  have been expanding at a remarkable pace. So, when I had the opportunity to Explore Silence with Grace Farms Foundation’s Arts Initiative, I jumped at the chance. 

My daughter and I have been to Grace Farms several times since its opening in 2015. When I try to explain my experience there to people, I frequently find myself at a loss for words. Grace Farms is a completely unique experience nestled in backcountry Fairfield County, and to understand this facility, you truly have to “experience” it.  

As the holidays approach each year, three things are always on my list: burn off the extra calories we consume during holiday feasts, find festive and fun activities the whole family will enjoy, and get the kids involved in giving back. I’ve finally figured out how to do all three at the same time: run together in a race.

These local turkey trots, jingle bell runs, and other holiday-themed races are kid-friendly (a few are also dog-friendly), festive, and even downright silly. They’re also for a good cause—so round up the family, sport your most cheerful running attire, and go for it!

Whether your family is inspired by the amazing winners of our Boston Kids Who Really Rock contest or you've just been thinking about teaching your kids ways to be kind, you can start pumping the positive vibes of kindness right now. And you don't have to do it alone. There are a slew of organizations -- local, national and international -- that can help plant the seed that will grow your child into a pint-sized philanthropist. All it really takes is one small act of kindness, of which there are many to choose. Read on to discover how these organizations are hoping to change the world one act of kindness at a time, and how you can get started. 

One of the best things about living in Connecticut is the small-town feel our communities work so hard to capture. This sentiment can especially be felt around the holidays when people come together. So even if you don't live in these towns in Hartford County, you are welcome and encouraged to celebrate the season at these events.  Check out our Holiday Guide and our list of Holiday Light Shows for even more tips on fun ways to celebrate the season.

Zip. Zilch. Zero. That’s exactly how much money you’ll shell out to keep your kids entertained this month if you stick to the list we've put together here.

From library events that target infants as well as tweens and teens to arts and crafts workshops and fall events, there is something fun and, yes, FREE, to do with your children all month long.

There's something special about that moment when children approach Santa Claus with their wish lists in hand at Christmastime. Nervousness, excitement, awe (and sometimes tears!) cover their faces as they wait to tell the big guy how good they've been all year. Families can avoid the long lines at the mall and extend the magical moment a little longer by attending one of many breakfasts with Santa all over the Delaware Valley.

Kids have a chance to enjoy breakfast, brunch, or lunch as Ol' St. Nick mingles with guests at venues like restaurants, zoos, and even boats! Some events include a professional photo with Santa, while at others, families are welcome to bring their own cameras. Get ready to chow down and make some special holiday memories at one of the many Santa events we've rounded up. Many of these sell out early, so reservations are often recommended.