“I betcha’ goin’ fishin’ all the time, baby goin’ fishing’ too …”

With much respect to Taj Mahal, taking kids fishing can be an, ahem, interesting experience if they lack the needed patience. Fishing derbies, however, can be an ideal initiation to the sport. 
At a kids' fishing derby, lakes or ponds are typically stocked with easily caught fish, increasing the chances your son or daughter will have success. We’ve gathered details about some upcoming fishing derbies in Westchester and the surrounding Lower Hudson Valley — all of which are FREE!  

Looking for more tips for fishing with kids in Westchester? We’ve got you covered. If you’ve slacked on getting a license, you can also take advantage of one of New York State’s Free Fishing Days.  

I have to admit, I have never been the kind of girl to grab a bottle of tanning oil and head off to the beach to bake for hours at a time. Don’t misunderstand me; I love the beach! But after 15 minutes of sunbathing, I start getting antsy. Not surprisingly, my kids are the same when it comes to beach habits. So when we head out on a beach adventure, I always look for beaches that offer more than just sunbathing. Below are a few of our favorites. They all work as day trips from Fairfield County. Then for more beach fun, check out 10 more Fun Beach Day Trips.

My 10-year-old daughter must have sensed my trepidation on the way to the Angry Birds Movie screening, because she said, "Don't worry, Mom. Maybe it will be a pleasant surprise, like The LEGO Movie." She knows I'm not big on movies based on brands. LEGO was an exception because it wasn't locked in to a specific story line. But thanks to the ubiquitous game, Angry Birds has a set premise: the birds are angry, and the pigs are villains. In the eponymous film we find out why. And, while it doesn't always soar, it's definitely not for the birds, either.

That's good news for parents, since every child between the ages of 2 and 12 seems set on flying directly to the theater to catch this animated adventure on opening day. But before you go, you probably have some pressing questions—especially what exactly earns the flick a PG rating, and whether it's worth the extra splurge to see it in 3D. We watched the film with eagles eyes and have the answers.

For the brave among us (read: young), Memorial Day weekend means time to hit the beach or pool. For the rest of us, it means the start of summer and all the seasonal activities that come with warm weather. Backyard barbecues. Street fairs and festivals. Farmer's markets. Outdoor concerts. New animals to see at the zoo. And of course, vacations to look forward to. Whether you're ready for swimsuits and sandals or still wearing long sleeves and sneakers, our Calendar of Events includes something for everyone.

When planning a family vacation, it can be difficult to conjure up the right mix of relaxation and entertainment—especially when young children are involved. We spent a week in York Beach, Maine, with our 9-year-old and 4-year-old sons and felt it had nailed just the precise formula we were looking for. We’ve even vowed to return this year.

York, an area that includes York Village, York Beach, York Harbor and Cape Neddick, is located on the southern tip of the Maine coastline. It is supremely family friendly, and we’ve rounded up some of the highlights for a visit.

Choosing a preschool can be really hard, especially with your first kid. When you're new to the parenting game, and you haven't quite made a lot of parent friends, it can be quite an overwhelming task. We get it; the struggle is real. That's why we've created our Preschool Directory page. Featuring great schools from all around the Delaware Valley, our directory offers an excellent starting point for parents who want to begin their search for the perfect preschool. All kids are different and all preschools are different, too. For some, choosing a preschool can start before the baby even arrives! Honestly, the admissions process alone can be daunting and confusing. With our new directory, you can see schools in your area all in one convenient place, so you can check out websites, make phone calls and ask friends about the schools you're really interested in. 

Are you tired of browsing impersonal children's book sections online? Do you wish you could have a more engaging experience looking for books for your child? Enter Stories Bookshop and Storytelling Lab, a new children’s bookstore scheduled to open in late May in Park Slope, Brooklyn. It will also offer kid events, workshops and classes, including storytimes, sing-alongs and illustration and writing classes.

We got a sneak peek and were totally charmed by this indie newcomer to NYC's kid lit scene opened by Brooklyn parents.

It can be a challenge to find new and exciting places to hold your child's birthday party. So break the birthday party mold and check out these out of the box places and spaces to keep kiddies energized and entertained. Guests will be wowed and your birthday boy/girl will be uber grateful. And for more ideas, check out our Long Island Party Guide.