In my world, summer generally means a visit to Grammy and Papa's rustic, woodsy Colorado cabin. While I love raising my kids in NYC, with all of the museums, parks and culture it has to offer, I also enjoy escaping from the urban jungle so we can explore the great outdoors.

One fun and educational way to do that is the national Junior Rangers Program, which we discovered last summer in Colorado. My kids received different activity books—geared toward their respective ages—to read and complete with the promise that, once they were done, they could meet with a Park Ranger, discuss what they'd learned and be sworn in as Junior Rangers complete with badges.

Although my children became Junior Rangers far from the Big Apple in Rocky Mountain National Park, NYC kids can do it at 10 sites right here in and around Manhattan.

Here's a list of some of our favorite summer camps in the Litchfield County area. Performing arts, fine art, equestrian, woodland survival, nature, and just every day fun camps are included. These are camps that our children or their friends have done so we can vouch for their quality. For more options check out our Summer Camp Guide.

Kids are innate animal lovers—we bet all parents go through that phase when they're convinced their child is going to grow up to be a veterinarian. But in wintertime when all living things in New York City seem to be hibernating, it's tough to indulge kids' craving for creatures beyond the ever-present subway rats. And who wants to pet one of those?! That's why we rounded up the best places to get up close and personal with animals in cozy, indoor environments. Here's where you can hang with cool cats, beautiful birds and butterflies, and even "adopt" a critter without ever having to take it home.

This post is sponsored by Play Fair.

Imagine a place where all the world's toy makers get together to show off the brand new, not-on-the-shelves-yet toys they've invented to wow children of all ages. Sounds like heaven for kids, doesn't it? That's what Toy Fair is, but until now it's always been a strictly business, adults-only event. Well, all that's about to change with Play Fair, an awesome, two day toy fair especially for kids and families. On February 13 and 14, at the Javits Center, families can check out all the latest games and toys, plus tons of live entertainment and some special appearances. Toy Fair may just be the closest thing to a Willie Wonka world for toy-loving kids.

Did the recent snow days bring on cabin fever in your home? Get ready for more time off in February. Most New Jersey schools are closed for President’s Day, some longer- even the whole week! We’ve already brought you drop-off options for February break. Now we’ve gathered even more activities to keep the little ones busy, and your own sanity in check, on these wintery days off from school.

Preschool favorite Peppa Pig is making her U.S. theatrical debut in life-size puppet form as Peppa Pig’s Big Splash tours the country, hitting 90 cities, including Downtown LA this month. Our NYC Editor caught the show in New Jersey and offers us a sneak preview:

If you have a preschooler or toddler at home, you likely know all about Peppa Pig, her snorting family and their love of muddy puddles. The British-accented pink pig plays on Nick Jr., and ahem, YouTube, on a loop in many a tot’s house, entertaining kids with simple graphics and wholesome themes. You can expect the same from the musical Big Splash, including plenty of Daddy Pig antics, games involving brother George and sightings of Peppa’s friendly pals: Pedro Pony, Danny Dog and Suzy Sheep. 

February is a busy month with President's Day, Valentine's Day, and Black History Month, but one sometimes overlooked holiday is the Lunar New Year. There are, of course, world famous events in NYC including the Chinatown Parade and Festival on February 14th (a great excuse to trek into the city), but there are many celebrations all over Connecticut continuing throughout the month as we welcome the Year of the Monkey!

The short, dark days of winter are over but long, sunny days are still ahead of us. February seems like a wedge between winter and spring: stores are already tempting us with swimsuits and garden gear yet the weather still beckons us to either bundle up or head indoors. Luckily, Westchester families have some new options to get them in a warm weather mindset.