Let’s face it. In Connecticut, we don’t always love the snow. It may look beautiful from inside of our homes, but then we have to shovel it, plow it, and salt it. We have to craft it into snowmen and mold it into igloos. And, when it melts, ugh. When it melts into that dirty and dingy film alongside the road, winter can seem grey, lifeless and, well, boring. To help shake those winter blues, try heading outside and check out some of these pretty fantastic outdoor winter programs in Fairfield County with your kiddos. For more winter fun, check out our guide for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Fairfield County and our winter fun guide.

If you're a first-time mom, childbirth can be scary. Heck, let's face it, if you've already done it before, it's still a little scary. Childbirth classes are essential for any pregnant woman and her partner. Seriously, I cannot stress just how important these classes are for anyone who is expecting. If it's been a while since you've had your first baby (or babies), you may even want to refresh. Maybe you're trying something new this time around- whether it's a VBAC or unmedicated birth, or you just want to make sure you know what you're doing, a birthing class can help with that. The most important things that birth classes will help you with are pain management, knowing the signs of labor, understanding the labor process, and knowing your rights so you can be in control of your birth. We've rounded up a few great places (other than hospitals) that offer birthing classes in the area. Also included in this list are breastfeeding classes, as those are essential for any new mom who plans to breastfeed.

Schlepping through the long, cold months of winter in our fair city can feel daunting. While there are loads of indoor things to do to keep the kiddos occupied, winter in my family means museums (many of them free!). Not surprisingly, we found a number of terrific current or upcoming exhibits this season that are absolutely worth a look. Journey to Cuba and Japan without hopping a flight, experience an immersive camping adventure—indoors(!), learn all there is to know about the artistry of Taylor Swift, and so much more.

Read on for highlights of our top picks for museum outings with kids of all ages during the city's coldest months.

The beginning of a new year is always a popular time to make healthy lifestyle changes and start a new fitness plan, but getting fit as a parent can bring many challenges. It can be hard to make yourself a priority, and it is often difficult to figure our how to keep your children occupied while you work out. Fortunately, there are quite a few options for gyms and yoga classes with childcare in and around Houston. For some workouts you can do with your children check out Houston's rock-climbing gyms and baby yoga classes. 

Winter days can leave families in need of fun indoor activities. We worked with Sylvan Learning, a leader in STEM education for kids, to develop ideas for a “boredom buster” jar full of STEM activities. Each fun project is super simple and includes concrete STEM educational tips to bring the learning home. That’s what we love about Sylvan EDGE programs; the educators at Sylvan Learning always make sure that the kids go home understanding important STEM concepts while having fun doing it.

To make your STEM activities boredom busters jar just print out the downloadable sheets, cut out the activity cards, fold and place in a jar or bowl. Any time the kids get restless or need a screen time break, just pull an activity out for some at-home fun. Note: Some of these activities do take some preparation, so make sure to gather your materials—including freezing your colored ice sculpture shapes—in advance so you are ready to go when boredom calls...or whines, as the case may be.

If you have a child who loves to sing or play an instrument--or simply wants to spend the summer exploring the wonderful world of music--then one of these camps might be the perfect place for him or her to spend the summer. Beginners and more advanced musicians can expand their talents in a fun and nurturing environment, and some camps even have special performances where campers can show off their new skills. Be sure to contact the camps directly for open house dates and tuition info.

If you have a child with special needs, sometimes the average day-to-day can be challenging, let alone finding ways to get out of the house. Finding classes, activities, and programs may seem daunting. That's why we've created a list of local favorites. This is divided into programs that focus exclusively on special needs kids and places that have created specific days and times for children who might not be comfortable visiting otherwise.

It may seem like your kids were just off from school, but Monday, January 16 schools are once again closed in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Don't worry, there are plenty of things to keep your little ones happy, smiling, and warm all day long. 

And if the weather has turned icy, that doesn't mean you have to put a freeze on the fun. From spa days for kids to open play all over Long Island, kids have plenty of choices 

Don't forget to check out our January GoList and our full Event Calendar for the month. Plus, check out our guide to FREE events this winter all over Long Island, and the Best Indoor Play Spaces in Suffolk and our Indoor Play Area Family Guide.