Parties center around food anyway, so why not let the kids cook and bake?! The birthday boy or girl with their posse of sous chefs will get their hands in the mix, cooking up all flavors of fun. Some options are solely for sweet tooths, others provide full-course meals. All of them take the mess off your hands, whether it's held in your home or on site in Fairfield County.  Best of all, this kind of party suits any age -- everyone's gotta eat! For even more fun party ideas check out our Party Guide!

We love checking out NYC's newest and coolest indoor play areas, so we couldn't wait to drop in to the recently opened Giocare Play Spot in South Park Slope, Brooklyn. Catering to infants, toddlers and preschoolers, Giocare offers drop-in play sessions, classes, storytimes and more.

We've got the scoop on Giocare and everything you need to know before you go—just in time for an NYC winter when we're all looking for new boredom-busting play ideas.

An acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, STEM refers to the increased focus on these subjects in school.  Beginning as early as kindergarten, kids are using technology in their classrooms and learning new ways to solve problems.  If your son or daughter enjoys math and science, they would probably love an extracurricular activity that incorporates STEM in fun and creative ways.  Check out some of the great places in central New Jersey that offer classes on robotics, computers and science.  For days when you are home with your budding engineer, check out our list of great toys that teach STEM skills through play.

It’s the middle of January and the nearly snowless winter continues, making some of us a bit unhappy. But not to worry – even without sledding or outdoor ice skating, there’s plenty to cheer us up. This weekend, your family can put on dancing shoes and enjoy Free Dance Classes, or, to keep up with the musical theme, dance in your seat during a reggae children’s musical production of Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds.

The historically-minded can enjoy a free visit to the Yale Peabody Museum for its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Legacy of Environmental and Social Justice event. A special theatrical performance, the “Struggle for Freedom: The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.,” will take place at Silas Bronson Library in Waterbury, and a free showing of "Our Friend Martin", an animated adventure inspired by Dr. King, will entertain children at the Stanley-Whitman House in Farmington.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2016 Celebrations are taking place across the state, so be sure to check our Events Calendar. To keep up with the latest family-friendly events and activities, be sure to also sign up for our newsletters, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. 
 

Newton, bordering Boston to the west, has long enjoyed a reputation as a family-friendly place with its excellent school system and standing as one of the safest U.S. cities to live in. Many of Newton's attractions cater to children, whether plans involve running around the many playgrounds in the city, enjoying the services of the Newton Free Library, or learning to swim at charming Crystal Lake. Below are 25 family fun ideas for Newton residents and visitors alike.

Mount Peter may not be largest mountain in New York, but it could be the best for beginners. 

We’ve reviewed tips for skiing and snowboarding with children in the past, and now we want to shine a light on one mountain that takes very seriously its job of making skiing fun. Located in Warwick, N.Y., in Orange County—about a 1-hour drive from the George Washington Bridge—Mount Peter is a very small hill that’s perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to ski or snowboard. We have visited the mountain many times over the past few years, so read on for what you need to know. 

Don’t let the mid-January blues get you down! Take a break from the day to day rush with a hands-on and educational outing such as the Maple Sugaring Demo at Great Swamp, the Family Art Adventure at the Montclair Art Museum or Crafts with Critters at the Cape May Zoo. For some great entertainment, little guys will love Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live! and older kiddos will enjoy a performance of STOMP. And for a dose of both history and the fine arts, take the whole family to MLK Celebration: Embodying the Dream at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Whatever you decide to do this weekend, we hope you enjoy it with family and friends. For additional activity options, check out our Event Calendar.

Are you hankering for a day off? (Okay, rhetorical question.) How about a day on? That's right, a day on: a day in service to your neighborhood and community. We agree, it's an appealing idea. And the good news is that not only is the third Monday of January a federal holiday with parades (and more parades) honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.; it's also a recognized day of service, a day to honor Dr. King's teachings and good work by volunteering. Opportunities abound, so why not consider joining the effort? The kids are invited, too.