Some states are defined by their skyscrapers and sprawling metropolises, but Connecticut is distinguished from its 169 towns that dot the countryside, hills, and coastline.  While you may come here to shop, enjoy a cup of coffee at a local cafe, or cruise the countryside - there is a lot of history hiding behind those white picket fences.

As soon as the weather turned warm, I couldn’t wait to get outside with my son. And while we love going to the park or playground by ourselves to swing or play with toys, it’s extra fun when a friend or two can join us. So when I started hearing about outdoor playgroups, an increasingly popular alternative to meet-ups in houses and rec centers, I knew we had to check them out. We’ve mostly been going to the Growing Center (see below) because we live in Somerville, but all of the groups look like really fun (not to mention no-cost) ways to soak up the sunshine and fresh air while meeting new friends.

Let’s face it. Traffic on Long Island is no picnic. In fact, sometimes the thought of taking a day trip to another part of this beautiful island makes us cringe when we think of the hours on the road and the challenge of keeping the kids in the backseat entertained.

But there is a another way to get from here to there…the LIRR! Taking the train is a convenient, fun way for families to get around the Island without the hassle of driving. From beach communities to charming downtowns to family-friendly museums, there are plenty of LIRR stops where families can hop off and explore the area for the day.

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite family day trips reachable via the LIRR, highlighting the best attractions and sights in the area. All aboard!

Let’s face it, a day at the Adventure Aquarium can work up an appetite, especially if your experience is anything like mine: Frantically chasing my child through dimly lit exhibits to make sure he doesn't get away from me in his excitement. While there is plenty to eat at aquarium's newly remodeled Marketplace, an all-new eco-friendly dining experience with a focus on locally-sourced, seasonal options for the entire family. But if you want to explore more options, you’re in luck - there are a handful of local options within walking distance of the aquarium.

When it comes to beach getaways, we regularly pack up and head down to nearby favorites like Surfside and Galveston Island, sometimes for a day trip, other times for a longer weekend stay. However, it rarely feels like an actual vacation because it's so close to home and so easy to do. So when we're in the mood for a longer family-friendly beach vacation, our destination is always the same: Port Aransas. Clocking in at almost four hours away, it's far enough from home to truly feel like we're getting out of town and packed with plenty of coastal town charm and activities that appeal to all family members.

I’m no mathematician, but 3 little girls x2 weeks of summer camp x3 weeks of swimming lessons x3 new bathing suits = a whole lot of money.  So I’m on the hunt for summer activities that won’t (further) break the bank.  Happily, there are lots of options here in Fairfield County for summer fun that aren't prohibitively expensive! And, here's a list of 100 free things to do across the state this summer. 

Kids thrive on cool. And let's face it, "cool" and "learning" don't often go together. During the summer lull, this is even tougher to come by. And while fun on occasion, there are only so many times you can go to the library, a book store, or a museum. And if you have a tween like I do, you know that trying to pull your youngster from a favorite electronic or video game console is like trying to pull a cat off its scratching post. So, "cool"  definitely has to accompany any instructional activity, particularly when school's out.

With this in mind, here are five top programs in the Greater Philly area that'll keep your youngsters entertained and intellectually stimulated.

In the heart of Texas, you’ll find a waterpark like none other. Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort at New Braunfels was designed by a family for families and around the beautiful Comal River. Instead of vistas filled with brightly-colored plastic and umbrellas, this waterpark embraces its natural surroundings, and it’s why you need to add this park to your family travel bucket list.