Philly Fringe Festival returns every year in September. With tons of independent productions exploding with talent and unique ideas, it's such a wonderful time to check out theatre, dance performances, and more in Philadelphia. If you have kids, it can be quite the challenge to find the right Fringe show. Many shows in the festival feature adult themes and content, and ocassionally even nudity, so just how do you navigate this amazing festival with children? Don't worry, we've made it easy by rounding up tons of great Fringe shows that are safe to bring the kiddos to. So get ready to see some spectacular shows like nothing you've ever seen before.

There's something about fall that lends itself to haunted happenings. Maybe it's the first chill in the air or the rustle of dying leaves that stir up the spirit of the season. If your family is looking for some spooky (or not so spooky) fun in the Hartford Area, we have rounded the seasons best bets for kids of all ages. Read on and read carefully as some of these are really not intended for the smaller set. 

Fall is definitely my favorite time of the year! How can you not love all the perks that come with this great season? Things like cool evening breezes, beautiful leaves changing colors, hiking to enjoy the amazing New England scenery, sipping pumpkin coffee and apple cider….and of course apple picking! Going to a local orchard to pick the seasons fruit is such a fun tradition to start with your family. In New England there are so many apple orchards to choose from that it can be overwhelming. In the Hartford area, conveniently located right in Southington, is a family-owned spot called Karabin Farms. I took my daughter and we had a lovely time.

Bonjour! Buongiorno! Guten Morgen! It’s no secret that speaking a second language provides lifelong benefits. Before we know it, today's preschoolers will be college students studying abroad and embarking on careers in a global economy. Until then, they can sharpen their minds, enhance their memory and critical thinking skills. Below are a handful of preschools in the Connecticut that immerse young students in a second language. Also, check out some tips for how to choose the right preschool for your child. 

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Houston-area communities need a lot of help. Baby items are some of the most needed items in every community right now, and several drop-off locations for these supplies have been set up around the greater Houston area. See the list below for where to go and what to take. We recommend calling the venue before showing up for the most up-to-date items needed because needs change frequently.

We’ve toured all kinds of farms: alpaca farms, berry farms, orchards, we’ve even dug up our own potatoes in a community garden. So, it only seemed appropriate that one of our last summer adventures would be to head out to Hummock Island Oyster Farm in Westport. 

Every year, I get a certain catalog in the mail filled with all kinds of wonderful Halloween costumes. It arrives in late August/Early September and promptly ends up in “the pile.”  By time I get around to actually look through it, I realize that most of the costumes are out of stock and/or rush shipping is our only option of getting it to us on time to wear it to one of five bazillion Halloween Events that seems to have popped up on my calendar. Or maybe your child wants a truly uniquely creative costume that seems to only exist in the land of pure imagination. If you - like me -have found yourself in this predicament then, here's the rundown on where to snag Halloween costumes in Fairfield County.

As schools across the country cut recess in favor of test prep, and kids spend more time indoors staring at screens, there is a growing movement to reacquaint children with nature, free play, and the joy of exploring the great outdoors. Modeled after the forest kindergartens that have long been popular in Germany and Scandinavia, nature-based preschools, kindergartens, and other outdoor programs for young children are popping up all over the U.S., including New Jersey.

In these programs, children examine flora and fauna, climb trees, make art, splash in streams, play with mud, count sticks, sing, listen to stories, and more. Proponents of outdoor learning point to its many benefits, saying it can improve cognitive function and physical health, boost confidence and empathy, and even counter symptoms of ADHD. 

The Garden State offers a variety of options, from preschool programs that take place entirely outdoors to more traditional schools that place a premium on spending time outside. There are even parent-and-child classes, so grown-ups can get in on the fun, too. All promote child-led, unstructured play as a means to spark curiosity and foster learning and a love of nature. 

To find more opportunities for outdoor learning and exploration, check out NJ's great nature centers, and for a comprehensive selection of classes of all kinds, take a look at our guide to Classes and Enrichment Programs for NJ Kids.