I tried every meal kit, and it wasn't at all what I expected.

I am a meal planning fanatic (yes, spreadsheets and all). So I was curious to try out the new trend of meal kit delivery services to see if they really make family dinnertime with kids easier. And because I’m completely compulsive, I signed up for every single meal kit option out there, so that my family ate only meal kits for five weeks. Want to know how it went? 

After cooking dozens of meal kits, here’s my obsessive, totally non-sponsored rundown of the best and worst. If I didn’t answer your question here, feel free to check out my meal kit review videos on Facebook and leave a question there. 

The word is that if you want to visit the popular national parks like Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon you have to plan a year in advance because the accommodations get booked up.

When we decided to take a last minute cross country drive last summer, I thought we might have to skip Yellowstone. In a panic, I started looking into how to get accommodations about a week before our arrival. Sure enough, all the rooms were booked for the two nights we wanted to stay in the park. But, in the end, it all worked out and we had an amazing stay. It was definitely worth it. Read on for my best tips for booking last minute accommodations at Yellowstone and other national parks.

Middletown was once a historic port town and industrial center but has now become a hopping and eclectic place to bring your family for food and entertainment. Moms and Dads love Middletown for its simultaneous city/town feel and the variety of options available for entertainment such as KidCity and Middletown Roller Rink.  You don't have to go far in in this town to find a great cultural restaurant, something to do with the kids, or places to shop and play.

After spending a pretty penny on vacation destinations, summer camps, and amusement park passes, parents might be interested in enjoying some free activities this summer. Whether you are looking to relax at the movies, dance to live music, or take in a ballet performance, we have you covered. Not only do we have a list of free things to do in the Central Connecticut area, but plenty of fun and free events in the Hartford area will keep money in your pocket and your family busy in the months to come. Check out our suggestions below.

Here's your insider's go-to list with day activities for the entire family to do in (and nearby) Litchfield County this summer. For all sorts of fun check out our CT Summer Fun Guide.

1. Spend the day rafting down the scenic Housatonic River with Clarke Outdoor River Guides.
2. Go on a drive-through safari where you may drive your vehicle through a 50 acre fenced in exotic wildlife park at Action Wildlife. Keep an eye out for zebras and buffalos.
3. Go on horseback trail ride or pony ride at Lee’s Riding Stables in Litchfield.
4. Race go-karts and play phazerball at the family entertainment center R&B Sportsworld in Winsted.

It’s coming, it’s coming, it’s coming... Mother’s Day! The one day a year when children are required by law, tradition, expectation, whatever, to treat us moms like queens. And just in case the kids haven’t been preparing for the big day with the same fervor that you have, we’ve compiled a list of activities in Fairfield County that will make Mother’s Day 2017 one to remember!

History museums can be dry toast for kids—or a favorite destination, if there’s a good interactive component.  The Fairfield Museum and History Center may not be big on square footage dedicated to kids, but it tells Fairfield’s history with cool artifacts, dress up, and climb-on displays that kids adore.  After the kids fall in love with this little gem of a museum, check out the other popular museums for kids in Connecticut and other fun neighborhood activities in Fairfield.

While there are plenty of great cooking classes for kids in New York City, the League of Kitchens offers a special experience in which the learning goes beyond culinary education.

These classes, aimed at ages 13 and older, teach teens how to cook. But perhaps more importantly, young people discover other cultures by taking classes in the homes of immigrants. It's a genius idea, even in this diverse city, where we often don't take advantage of chances to learn from our neighbors.