Recently, my daughter invited a friend home from school, and, as this new friend stepped inside our house and looked around appraisingly, she asked, "Is this the whole house?" 

So yes, our house might best be described as cozy. Though I think it suits our family perfectly, once you throw in some out of town guests and a stuffed bird or two, it starts to feel very crowded very quickly. Happily, there are many places close by in Fairfield County where the kids can get their sillies out while grown ups can chat or snap pictures or generally be thankful for one another's company whether at a road race, a turkey waddle, or a free family movie.

These are some of the ideas we've collected for Thanksgiving weekend. For more inspiration, check out the event calendar and Holiday Fun Guide, which we continue to update each day.

One of the scariest things about Halloween is the potential for sugar overdose, especially since few children left to their own devises are able to resist an all-candy binge. No, we’re not suggesting that you say “Boo” to the sweet stuff. After all, we enjoy it even as adults, whether it’s chocolaty, gooey, or nutty. But, most of us understand moderation a little bit better than we did in elementary school, and know that a sugar crash can leave us feeling terrible. So what to do with all the sweet quests? Here are nine suggestions for ensuring bright smiles and feel-good tummies.

If you can't make it to Disney, then fear not - Disney comes to you. Every holiday season Disney on Ice makes a stop by Houston with one of its signature shows, and this year it's bringing "Dare to Dream" to the NRG Stadium.

Choosing your kid's pediatrician may seem like just one more "before baby" chore to soon-to-be parents running down a checklist that includes everything from assembling the crib to finding childcare. But actually, this single decision is going to impact your family more than you might think.

Of course, you need to ensure a doctor is licensed, and ideally, certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, accepts your insurance, and works with a top-rated hospital in case of emergencies, but beyond those practicalities, there are a few things that make for standout pediatricians. The best pediatricians (IMHO) treat the whole family, especially new parents. They ask mom if she's getting enough sleep and offer breastfeeding and other postpartum support. The can offer discipline suggestions and address behavior issues as kids grow up. 

But don't just take my word for it. We asked our amazing group of second-time parents at Mommy Poppins with kids ranging from newborns to teens on what to ask when interviewing a new doctor for your children and what to look for when choosing that very first pediatrician for your brand-new baby. Read on for our 13 top questions to consider before choosing your next doctor.

Find more top tips in our Baby and Pregnancy Guide for New Parents.

Winter months can be tough on the whole family. When it's too cold and blustery to play outside, what do you do? Local playgroups are a great way to get everyone out of the house. Kids will love making new friends and playing with new toys, and you'll love staying warm and chatting with other adults. A playgroup can be an essential part of any stay-at-home parents life year-round, so check out these great places and see if there's one near you.

On a recent rainy Monday I wondered – as most parents do on cold, wet days at home with their kids – “What are we going to do today?” Of course, a visit to my daughter’s favorite playground was out of the question. Then I remembered hearing about Catch Air, a new indoor play space that had recently opened in Paramus. I loaded my rain-slickered preschooler into the car and we headed up the Garden State Parkway. “Where are we going?,” she asked. Turns out, we were headed on an aquatic adventure.

Although you may have decided to give out non-edible treats this Halloween, chances are your neighbors are still handing out the sweet stuff. When your kids come home from trick-or-treating with all that loot and start sorting through it, the sheer volume may make you freak out (even more than the pint-sized grim reaper at your door did).

What are you going to do with all that candy? You could let the kids eat most of it in one sitting and get sick, or you might be tempted to dump it in the trash. There's no need to take drastic measures! I recommend giving your kids the opportunity to pick out a few of their favorite pieces and then make the rest disappear like magic. Read on for a few neat tricks. 

With just a few weeks until the election and politics all over the news, voter fatigue may have started to set in. It’s at this point many of us are thinking, “I can’t wait until this election is over.” I’m definitely there. But it’s important to remember what’s at the core of all this political ping pong (or maybe dodge ball): our vote. Whether you look at selecting our country’s leaders as a right, privilege, duty, or obligation, it is an opportunity to have our voices heard. It is also a teachable moment for our kids. For tips and resources for teaching your kids (even the youngest of the crew) about citizenship and the importance of being informed and involved, read on. We have a rundown of ideas, interactive websites, books, and crafts for you to share with toddlers to teens.