Both Nassau and Suffolk counties have some great libraries. Long Island also has some pretty amazing bookstores. Several years ago, I fell in love with Books of Wonder in NYC, a truly amazing place to while away a few hours with a kid. Now, every time I explore a new town, I look for an independent bookstore to duck into and enjoy. Despite the movement toward digital books and educational apps, the look and feel of a beautifully illustrated book has not yet been replaced and there are some fantastic indies, as well as chains, on Long Island that specialize in providing this experience.   

Two years ago when my son was about to start kindergarten we started a family tradition.  The week before school starts has been declared "kids choice week"  in our house.  Every year for the entire last week of summer vacation and  before we're back at the bus stop each morning, I don't plan a single thing to do.  The kids are in charge.  Each day they get to choose something they'd like to do before saying goodbye to summer.  One thing that always seems to make their request list is mini golf.  They love it, even if they do speed through the course at record speed (and cheat like crazy too).  If your kids are big fans of the game we've got a list of Places to Play Mini Golf in Fairfield County for you.

Bring out your child's inner speed demon at Pole Position Raceway in Jersey City, New Jersey. Pole Position packs a wallop of exhilarating fun in an awesome setting for kids and parents. Authenticity, acceleration and safety are the core values of this family-owned and inspired indoor electric go-karting experience. Easily accessible from Manhattan, Pole Position offers more than just racing!

If your family is in the mood to try a new sport, why not opt for horseback riding? From Monmouth County to Sussex County, New Jersey’s vast farmland hosts a variety of riding stables and private horseback riding lessons for the entire family to enjoy, and summer riding camps for the kids. There's even a number of therapeutic riding centers in our fair state. So, get out and giddy up!

For my first-born's first birthday, I threw a big party, complete with color coordinated plates and linens, and topped off by an extravagantly expensive custom cake.  The birthday girl had no interest in the beautifully wrapped presents, feared the balloons, and promptly threw up said custom cake on her hand-smocked dress.  Lesson learned! For more great party ideas check out our Connecticut Party Guide!

While mandatory kindergarten for New York City five-year-olds doesn't go into effect until 2013, the Department of Education's sweeping Special Education Reform starts this fall. Come September, public schools will be required to integrate most students with special education needs into their general-education classrooms. (Kids with severe challenges may still be taught separately, although the details on what constitutes "severe" are still unclear.)

Even the DOE has admitted the transition may be a difficult one, which has many parents concerned. In order to allay fears, the DOE has set up a hotline to answer questions.

So we’ve covered museums and outdoor birthday party sites in the Hartford County area. But where can you celebrate a birthday for your little one who is an aspiring Picasso? These creative locations will be sure to delight your budding artist allowing them to discover and nurture their inner imaginative abilities.