Change is right around the corner at Bellaire's Nature Discovery Center, and we had the chance to take a sneak peek at everything the newly transformed center will have to offer. I remember my first visit to the Nature Discovery Center very clearly - it was like unearthing a hidden gem; it was (and is!) a small patch of nature inside the concrete jungle known as Houston. Under the name of the Gateway Project, the center has received a facelift in almost every area, from new education resources to added nature trails. 

If you have a houseful of theme-park thrill-seekers—or if you are one yourself—we've got good news: With summer on the horizon, amusement parks along the East Coast have big plans in the works.

We've rounded up 10 new attractions scheduled to debut in 2017. Read on for details, including locations, opening dates, and height requirements, and start plotting your summer travels today.

“Solving growth spurts. Saving budgets.” Um, you can say that again!

Head to upcoming Just Between Friends’ award-winning children’s and maternity consignment sale in Glen Mills and your wallet will definitely thank you. Stocked with 160,000 new and gently-loved items, shoppers can expect to find tons of toys, books, shoes, games, baby gear, outdoor equipment, clothes (baby to teen!), and more at 50-90% off retail prices. Considering how quickly our little ones grow and how badly we want to give ‘em the best of the best, this much-loved sale is a budget-watching mama’s dream come true. Oh, and if you’re looking to make a little cash you can register to consign at the event too. Out with the old, in with the new-to-you.

Getting a picture taken with the Easter Bunny is a major rite of passage for many kids. Make the tradition even more special this year when you take your child to a breakfast or brunch where the famous rabbit will be milling about—for photo ops or just some shy gawking. Whether you’re looking for a fun pre-holiday activity or want to find a kid-friendly spot to eat for the big day, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to make reservations (many of these events fill up quickly); and take lots of pictures.

Regardless of whether this movie gets raves or pans, if you have a princess-obsessed child in your home chances are you're seeing this movie in the theater—probably opening weekend. So let me get right to the good news: my 11-year-old daughter and I, both fans of the 1991 animated original, quite enjoyed Disney's live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast. It is, perhaps, overly faithful to the source material. But hey, if it ain't broke, right?

There really was no reason for Disney to reinvent this classic, since the sight of Hermione—er, Belle in her frilly yellow dress will probably catapult this movie to the top of the box office. However, this isn't a soulless brand-expanding cash grab, either. For all of its familiarity, Beauty and the Beast is lovely to look at and listen to, with a smattering of new songs and a fairly subtle injection of progressive politics.

Is it good for preschoolers? Is it worth splurging for IMAX? Be our guest and read on for our honest opinions.

Cinépolis, the Latin American movie theater chain, debuts one of its most family-friendly features in Southern California this weekend—but when we say feature, we're not talking movies. The cinema giant has had big success with its innovative movie theater playgrounds for antsy kids south of the border, and two of its US locations are poised to let local kids give it a try. Thinking of seeing Beauty and the Beast this weekend? Why not see it where little ones can romp if the action feels slow, scary, or otherwise less appealing than a giant slide?

Got a little prince or princess in need of some pampering? Glitter & Glam, a kids' salon that opened in the Paramus Park mall late last year, serves up a posh but affordable splurge for New Jersey families.

The new kids’ spa offers manicures and pedicures, hair styling, makeup (or face painting), facials for tweens, and of course, birthday party packages. The interior is all glammed up in princess pink, with touches of tulle and glitter everywhere.

New York City might get all the credit for the best and biggest bookstores, libraries, literary events, and authors, but Westchester is also full of great places to visit and things to do for those who love all things literary. So put your book down for just a minute and check out these 10 family-friendly ideas for book lovers.

Have a budding writer in the family? Check out our list of creative writing classes for Westchester kids.Or sign up for our newsletters to receive more suggestions right in your inbox.