Westchester is known as New York City’s backyard for good reason--the county boasts about 18,000 acres of parkland and more than 50 natural recreation areas. So if your kid is looking for a summer camp experience that will immerse him in the natural world, Westchester has more options than you can shake a stick at!  

We continue to add to our Summer Camp Guide with a look at four nature-themed camp options in Westchester. These programs offer young naturalists summer days spent studying, exploring and appreciating nature--interacting with animals, hiking and communing with natural world around them. Looking for more camp options? Check out our new Westchester Camp Directory, full of traditional and specialty camp options for kids of all ages, stages and interests. 

As we head into the second month of winter, parents across the state are looking for some indoor action that will keep the kids both happy and warm. While it can be fun to try something new each week, some of us like the comfort of returning to a familiar spot where we know our kids will have a blast. Many places offer family memberships that will keep your entertainment costs down while giving you a break from wondering how on earth you're going to entertain the children. 

We've rounded up the best deals at 13 indoor destinations, and we've even done the math—so you know exactly how many visits it will take for your investment to pay off.

Whether you've heard about it or not, there's no denying it sounds intriguing: Thai rolled ice cream (also known as smash ice cream). The name itself describes it pretty well, but the process is just as fun to watch as the ice cream is to eat. Just watching videos of it is pretty mesmerizing. Liquid ice cream is poured onto a cold metal sheet and then expertly shaped and formed into a perfect rolled cylinder about the size of a roll of quarters. It resembles something like a Swedish roll, but it's made entirely of delicious, sweet ice cream. You can make it even more unique and yummy by adding mix-ins and toppings. We've rounded up some great places in the city to try this delectable new phenomenon! It's the perfect way to celebrate or to finish out a fun day of adventures.

Being a mom and a friend can sometimes feel like mutually exclusive concepts, from navigating around naptimes to finding a babysitter (make sure to check out these parent's night out options). It can be helpful to have some mom friends who understand what you are going through, but it is also challenging - you have to put yourself out there and be willing to talk to new people before setting up that first (play) date (perhaps at one of these museums, restaurants or indoor playspaces). Here are 10 ways to meet other moms in the Bayou City, so get out there! Your new mom clique could be just one library story time away.

*NOTE: This play space is now closed*

What do a carousel, laser tag arena, and a roller coaster have in common? You can find them all INSIDE at @Play Amusements in Farmingdale. This new space feels more like an indoor amusement park than most of the play spaces and bounce spots found on Long Island.

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.