Several times a year I find myself outside on my tiny patio at all odd hours, staring up at the sky in hopes I will catch a glimpse of some spectacular astronomical happening in the skies over Westchester. There are meteor showers, comets, planet alignments, super moons, eclipses, oppositions and conjunctions--not to mention man-made events like shuttle launches and space station pass-overs.

Recently, a friend asked if I knew of any public spaces in the area where the skies are dark enough for stargazing--places that welcome families and amateur astronomers to observe the skies. Happily, there are several places in Westchester and the surrounding area where families can see and learn about the night sky and we've rounded them up for you.

Pack a thermos of hot chocolate, grab some warm blankets and check out these local astronomical viewing sites and activities--one might even say the views are out of this world!

If you live in one of the towns west of Boston and you have a creative kid, you’re in luck. In Arlington, Belmont, Watertown, Newton and Concord, I’ve found a veritable cornucopia of art and craft making classes for kids. Environmental arts? Check. Cartooning? Check. Zentangle? (What's that?) Yep, that one too, along with clay work, animation, drawing, painting, glass fusion, and fashion illustration.  

If all this sounds great, but you're looking for classes closer to the city, take a look at my posts highlighting arts and crafts classes in Boston and in Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline. 

With its rich farming history, Long Island is home to various animals that help tend to the land and produce food., while others animals are here seeking refuge, being rehabilitated from an injury. And we're lucky enough to view and encounter marine life at a local aquarium.

We've compiled a list of places on the East End of Long Island where you can learn about animals, experience hands-on encounters and even kiss a sea lion! In addition, visit some of these Family Friends Farms on Long Island, and for more ideas on how to spend your time in the area, check out our North Fork and Hamptons Guide as well.

The weeks of warm, lazy days are dwindling and before we know it, September and the start of school will be here. Rather than fret about the impending return of homework and schedules, I decided to come up with a list of both fun AND educational outings my family and I can take part in during these last few weeks of August. We’ll make some memories, get our brains back into learning mode and soak up what’s left of summer. Check out these ten great outings in NJ and for more end of summer fun, don't forget to check out our New Jersey Kids Summer Activities Guide.

Recently we rounded up a slew of outdoor fairs and fests in September. Below we're spotlighting the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, a Chinese tradition that's celebrated all over the city.

Basically a Chinese harvest festival, the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival marks the fall equinox. Traditionally, families go out to admire the big autumn moon, eat elaborate moon cakes and light pretty paper lanterns. There are a number of organized celebrations around the city.

Great, the big kids are all set for the school year, but what are you going to do with the little ones? Feeling like you need a little structure in your days with your bundle of joy and energy, but school is a long way off? We’ve rounded up a few nice playgroups for tiny tots. Read on for groups ranging from casual drop-in to structured, multiple-week commitments that get you out of the house and making new friends.

Want more? Check out Celeste's post for the 411 on Family Nurturing Center's free parent-child playgroups. And if you're looking for active indoor play to supplement your play group, take a look at my post highlighting drop-in indoor playspaces for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, too.