Two weeks ago, I went to sign my son up for the same summer camp he did last year, but was shocked to find out it was already full. I am usually a good planner, but some of the most popular and inexpensive camps are in such high demand. Don't let my mistake happen to you! Check out our comprehensive CT Summer Camp Guide and start scheduling your summer. 

As we crawl on our hands and knees towards Spring (or maybe that's just me), we need some seriously fun stuff to distract us from the cold and wet, and there's a bunch of events in NJ that fit the bill. A Kids' Film Festival in honor of the Oscars, perhaps, or a favorite MP NJ activity, Maple Sugaring, or the exciting new exhibits at our beloved Liberty Science Center--all seriously fun. Read on for our top picks and find a listing of all NJ activities in our Event Calendar.

We continue our month-long focus on adjoining Brooklyn neighborhoods Fort Greene and Clinton Hill with a look at our top spots for kids' classes and indoor play. One of the busiest and biggest romping spots in the area is the beautiful Ft Greene Park, which offers playgrounds, ball courts, and lots of open lawns, hills and a huge set of stairs to explore. But there are plenty of places for kids to play and get creative indoors, too.

True to the artistic spirit of the neighborhood, many programs are focused on movement, music and art, while the drop-in tot spots are great places for the younger set to work on their budding social and motor skills. There are also spots that accommodate the whole family with Mommy & Me sessions, play groups and all-ages swim times.

There's big school-related news over this school break, namely the end of the month-long school bus strike—even if you already heard about it we think it's worth repeating. Plus, it's almost time to start applying to public school pre-K, a cool new museum grows in Brooklyn, a popular drop-in play space drastically raises its prices and a hot air balloon lands in Central Park.

Every year around this time, the annual summer camp panic sets in for parents. We suffer from a particularly acute case of it here in NYC, due to the overwhelming number of summer day camps available. It's difficult to know where to send your child for the best summer experience, especially when there are new programs popping up every year.

To help you make an informed choice about the new camps on the block, we've rounded up the most innovative and enriching summer programs set to debut this summer. Some are brand-new, others are places we love that are significantly expanding their already awesome offerings. At these notable new camps, kids can learn about animals, create cool contraptions, study STEM concepts, hone their artistic skills, design bridges and playgrounds, and tackle a ton of other projects. And the options run the gamut from preschoolers to teens.

Be sure to check out our Summer Camp Guide for info on lots of other programs in NYC, commuter camps and sleepaway options.

Every year when he was growing up, my husband’s dad would take him to the USS Constitution on his half birthday.  They would tour the ship and then conclude the outing with lunch at The 99 restaurant.  Although they haven’t been back in years, they still speak fondly of those trips.  It’s a wonderful place to bring kids, but everyone knows even the distraction of a big ship won’t quell hungry bellies.  Below is a list of restaurants near and around Old Ironsides that are kid-friendly and parent approved. 

A cup of molten chocolatey goodness is the best way to thaw out on a cold day—in fact, it's one of the best things about winter. Below is a list of our favorite kid-friendly places that offer a variety of unique hot chocolates (habanero? hazelnut?) for the whole family. Enjoy—and stay warm-ish!



As I tunneled out of my driveway yesterday, snow shovel in one hand and hot coffee in the other, my neighbor called over to ask if I had signed up for summer camp yet.  I dropped my coffee, swore (only a little swear, really), and realized that, despite the snow and ice, summer is coming!  This year, I am determined to sign up for camps early to take advantage of the early registration discounts.  The Mommy Poppins CT Summer Camp Guide has tons of great camps listed. Here are some others that we are also considering: