If your familiarity with puppetry begins and ends with Elmo, Kermit the Frog or Pinocchio, get ready for a much wider world of “performing objects” at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at UConn.

If you have an aspiring thespian in the house, sign them up for one of the best acting classes in Connecticut. It could be a fun way to inspire their creativity and hone their skills. The following list of places in the Hartford area should be able to guide you in the right direction. For more fun after school classes, check out our After School Classes Guide.

Summer wouldn't be summer without popsicles, splashpads and FREE concerts! Many of these concerts aren't aimed directly at kids but don't be afraid to bring your children, as it's a great opportunity to expose them to all different kinds of music. Whether you bring the whole family or make it a date night, grab your dancing shoes or just grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy some blues, jazz, bluegrass, rock 'n roll, or pop music! (But if movies are more your speed, check out our roundup of free and cheap summer movies.)

The past few years have been rough on circus lovers. After flying high since 1977, NYC's homegrown troupe, Big Apple Circus, announced last summer that it was folding up its tent and selling off its assets due to financial woes. And just last month, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey took its final bow after 146 years.

But this news should turn your sad clown frown upside down: Big Apple Circus is set to return this fall under new management, with a spectacle-studded show under the big top at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park. And longtime fans should be particularly thrilled to hear that the company's veteran comic star, Grandma, who bid Big Apple adieu in 2012, is rejoining the circus. We've got the scoop on what to expect when you take a bite out of this overhauled Big Apple.

While you wait for the new show to debut, stay busy with our Summer Fun Guide.

What's summer without a good festival? And what's LA without at least 25 of them? We've pulled together 25 of the best summer festivals in Los Angeles and Orange County, from June through September. Whether it's celebrating community or something more specific—like salsa or lobster!—fairs and festivals are an essential part of a Southern California summer. Here's our guide to help your family make summer plans to bond over fried food, carnival rides, art, boats, and lots of outdoor music. 

Just in time for summer vacation and exciting road trips, the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum opened a few days ago, attracting more than 2,000 visitors to Springfield—the hometown of Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, the beloved author whose books and characters are synonymous with childhood. The museum incorporates many neighborhood elements that inspired Geisel and infused his tales, and that’s not surprising since Springfield is rich in culture and history. This summer, consider a trip to the World of Seuss, as well as the other museums and attractions that make this city a super destination for families. 

We know. We know. Sometimes, taking the kids to the beach requires military precision. Between the packing and prepping, the sandy feet on blanket dilemma or stepping on slimy things in the water—there’s a lot to consider when you’ve got littles in tow. That carefree bikini and tanning oil approach to the beach may be a thing of the past, but we’ve got you covered for some easy peasy beach fun, with the kiddos.

For a day filled with saltwater swimming, sand castle sculpting, and treasure hunting, head to Silver Sands State Park in Milford for some low key (and hopefully stress-free) family fun. And for more of our favorite beaches, check out our picks for 5 Beach Trips Near Fairfield County or our top 10 Fun Beach Day Trips to enjoy in CT this summer.

Soak, slide, repeat. When the heat is on in the summer, you want refreshing water blasting from all sides in a variety of ways. With new slides and a major renovation, Knott’s Soak City is now open for the 2017 season, and as longtime season pass holders we were excited to check out all of the changes—including seven brand new water slides.