Visiting a local play space or children's museum is a surefire bet for lonely winter days. But if you want to get all ages in on the action (parents, too), bowling is hard to beat. This great boredom-buster is loads of fun and no experience is necessary.

Long Island is loaded with family-friendly lanes, including some that offer bumper lanes, lighter balls for little hands, arcades, and family and teen nights. We've already updated our list of bowling alleys in Suffolk County, and now we're putting together a list of those in Nassau. One of the best things about bowling? It's often open on holidays when other fun and sport zones are closed.

The zoo is a great place for an animal lover, and cat cafes have popped up from Brooklyn to Manhattan... but what about dogs? Enter Frolic, a new spot brimming with dogs that is now open on the Upper East Side!

Frolic is a colorful, sunshine-filled space in Manhattan, easily accessible by the Second Avenue Subway. Owned by adjacent Biscuits & Bath (though independently run), their mission is simple: learn about dogs, and have fun while doing it!  

Spring has officially sprung! The air is fresh and clean, the sun is (sometimes) shining, and it's time to start polishing up those dress shoes and thinking about a nice Easter brunch. Better yet, brunch with the Easter Bunny himself. Of course, not all kids are thrilled when they finally meet a six-foot-tall rabbit. I've got my share of screaming-child-with-bunny photos stashed in the attic somewhere. But hey, those are cherished memories in their own way and great stories to tell their friends when they're teenagers. Meanwhile, if your kiddo is keen to shake a paw and eat a pancake or two, check out these Easter Bunny brunches and breakfasts around the state. And here's where to go for some Easter Egg Hunts.

Trumbull Mall was one of my first outings as a new mom, I remember finding the Family Lounge and feeling like Indiana Jones when he found the Lost Temple. This is one of the most family friendly malls I have ever been to - they have tons of kid-friendly dining options, family parking, and a playspace (not to mention a carousel!). So you can imagine my delight when I stumbled across the newly opened Kidz Club in Trumbull.

On the heels of its bankruptcy filing last year, Toys "R" Us says it will close more than 180 stores nationwide, according to court documents submitted this week by the retailer. The restructing includes the closure of the Babies "R" Us in New York City's Union Square, the Toys "R" Us in the company's hometown of Wayne, New Jersey, more locations in the NYC suburbs of Westchester and Long Island, and across the country, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Texas, and California.

We just love soccer camp.  Kids of all ages and skills can participate while getting lots of exercise and having loads of fun. Makes for some happy, tired kids and a happy, less tired Mom! Here are some soccer camps in Fairfield County, CT by town. And if you're in the area, we've also rounded up some soccer camps in Hartford County. And for loads more summer camp options in general, be sure to check out our CT Summer Camp Guide and our Summer Camp Directory.

The playground isn't always an option for keeping antsy little New Yorkers (and the grown-up variety) busy. When the weather turns and the stir-craziness sets in, it's time to search out indoor options that are not your apartment. 

After finding myself searching for indoor play options a few too many times, I'm offering my mom-tested picks for the top spots for the toddler-and-preschool set in Manhattan. None of these places—kid gyms, museums, and even atriums—require a membership, and all will help you, your little one, and, most importantly, your apartment survive a long, cold winter or rainy day.

Read on for a dozen of the best places to play with your preschooler in Manhattan, including FREE spots.