Though castles and palaces are typically found abroad, Westchester and the Hudson Valley boast their fair share of grand estates that are open to the public and worth touring. Not coincidentally, many of these are peppered along the Hudson River, affording the original homeowners glorious views, river access and, eventually, nearby train transportation to Manhattan. It’s no wonder that tours of the homes of America’s aristocracy made Mommy Poppins’ list of 100 things to do in New York with kids.

Previously, we gave you a broad overview of a half-dozen of these stately local mansions, all but one of which I've brought my kids to without hesitation. The one I had shied away from was Kykuit, former home of the Rockefeller family, owing to the comparatively pricey admission and longer tour duration. I recently took my tweens, however, and I’m pleased to encourage other families to plan a visit. Though our particular tour guide unfortunately made no effort to tailor his narrative to the younger set, my kids happily gawked at the grandeur they wished was theirs.

Looking for more day-trip inspiration? Consult our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook.

We all know the adage that tells us to dance like there's nobody watching. One of the (many) amazing things about kids is their propensity to do just that. If you've got a tiny mover and shaker on your hands, why not harness that unabashed creativity and sign them up for some dance classes. And if they have siblings who'd rather do anything but dance, not to worry. We've got them covered, too in our Classes and Activities Guide.

Early exposure to a foreign language can be a rewarding and fun experience for a young child. New Jersey offers many programs representing a wide variety of languages and cultures. Read on for our picks of the best options available—from Mommy & Me programs for the little ones to group or private lessons for older children. And for more great class options, visit our guide to Classes and Enrichment Programs for New Jersey Kids.

I can hardly believe it, but my oldest child is starting middle school this fall.  How has this happened?  Now, my daughter is super excited, but I’m a little nervous – middle schoolers, as we all know, can be a tough crowd. Especially to those of us who were lucky enough to be sporting Coke bottle glasses, braces, and orthopedic shoes (thanks, Mom…)

The good news is that, while middle school is undoubtedly full of the same angst ridden pre-teens and bullies as it was 20 years ago, parents and teachers are much more aware of the social dynamic amongst the students.  In fact, Fairfield County has mandated a great deal of anti-bullying initiatives within the public schools.

Like many other parents, I want to make sure that my child is neither being bullied, nor bullying anyone else.  To that end, I’ve been looking into local Fairfield County classes, workshops, and programs that might provide some positive messaging and friendship navigation assistance to pre teens and teenagers.  Check out the ones I've found, or take a look at our complete guide to classes in Connecticut.

From beach-front plays areas to boundless playscapes accessible to all abilities, New London County is home to some amazing playgrounds and many are opened year-round. So pack sunblock on a summer day or an extra sweater for those chilly days, and soak up their giggles as they burn off energy and make new friends. 

Disneyland is, without a doubt, Anaheim's most popular tourist attraction. But to avoid the crowds (and prices) at the Mouse House, in-the-know locals often prefer to visit the smaller, less crowded theme park mere miles away: Adventure City is a park aimed at the youngest riders, with height requirements and thrill levels that heavily favor the preschool set.

Hot summer days often have us running toward refreshing bodies of water, and if the ocean is out of reach, for outdoor water fun in the Hartford area, not only are there many splash parks and public pools in the area, but you can also get in touch with nature and take a refreshing dip in one of the local lakes, ponds, or rivers. Grab towels, pack the sunblock and water goggles, (don't forget the kids!) and have a fantastic day.

What would happen if you took every slip-n-slide in your neighborhood and attached them together?

Seeking to answer that age-old childhood question, Sack Lunch Productions is bringing its massive inflatable slip -n-slide here to the Hudson Valley for one day only.

We have everything you need to know about this crazy summer event. Looking for more ways to spend your summer? Consult our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook.