Shopping for the perfect gift can be one of the most dreaded tasks to accomplish over the winter holidays, especially with the kids in tow. It doesn't have to be though. We've rounded up some of the top craft fairs, holiday markets, Christmas bazaars, and pop-up shops in the area. Some are only one day events while others are weeks long. In addition, many of these locations have activities to keep the kids occupied. An added bonus is that these venues feature one of a kind gifts, the kind you can't find at the mall. And, if you have some 'difficult to please' individuals on your shopping list like me, this gives you the chance to wow them with a great holiday find. Happy shopping!

Deep breath...downward dog...another deep breath...relaxation...ahhhhhh...Namaste. Now that you’ve found some peace and serenity, are you wondering where you can take your kids to find their Zen? Recent health studies show yoga for kids helps quiet voices, improves study habits and builds healthy body habits. Fortunately, there are plenty of places in Fairfield County with gurus ready to teach the art of yoga to every kid, from babies to teens. Looking for other after-school classes ideas? Check out our guide.

This year, take a fresh look at your hometown and the surrounding areas and take your kids to one (or a few) of these great events. Packed with history, Ansonia, also known as the "Copper City," has some great annual traditions and tasty destinations to check out. A true small-town in New Haven County, Ansonia loves football and claims the very first American bicycle, patented by Pierre Lallemont.

The annual holiday season fast approaches and everyone is getting busy making preparations for Thanksgiving.  Your family may be eating with relatives or dining alone, but at some point, kids want the turkey to make his grand appearance a lot faster than he usually can. Or the food has all been eaten and you're looking for something to do. Have fun at one of these great events/places on Thanksgiving weekend.

A giant panda has made himself at home at Westchester's Ridge Hill, which is once again teaming up with DreamWorks Animation to take families on an Adventure to Santa. The panda is none other than Po from DreamWorks' Kung Fu Panda, and he and his friends are part of a holiday attraction that takes kids on a journey to the North Pole to meet Santa.

This is Adventure to Santa's third year at Ridge Hill, though it's the first year that Po and the Kung Fu Panda gang are making an appearance (the two previous years featured Shrek). I recently made the hour-long journey from my home in New Jersey with my 4.5- and almost-2-year-old boys to check it out. 

We have some important tips to know before you go, especially if you're making the trip from NYC, upstate or New Jersey.

With the weather getting colder, it is getting harder to find outdoor activities in downtown Boston for kids. Luckily, the Rose Kennedy Greenway is continuing its "GreenPLAY" programs into the winter months, giving kids and their families some great excuses to get outside even when it's chilly. 

Whether you're a working parent or a busy stay-at-home mom and are looking for activities for the kids during winter break, there are tons of options across the city. We've rounded up some fun enrichment camps for kids of all ages with focuses ranging from sports to science.

There are so many wonderful opportunities around the holidays for children to consider people less fortunate than themselves by purchasing food and gifts for those in need.  However, it is often more difficult to find places for kids to volunteer their time. In Litchfield County, there are a number of ways for kids to be involved using their physical presence rather than purchased presents.

Retirement communities and nursing homes welcome children and families who wish to volunteer during the holidays.  Families can visit, bring cookies and sing carols room to room.  All that is needed to set up a visit is a call to the volunteer coordinator.  Here is a list of some of the communities that welcome volunteers now and throughout the year. We've also written about opportunities to volunteer in Hartford and Fairfield Counties.