There are so many wonderful opportunities around the holidays for children to consider people less fortunate than themselves by purchasing food and gifts for those in need.  However, it is often more difficult to find places for kids to volunteer their time. In Litchfield County, there are a number of ways for kids to be involved using their physical presence rather than purchased presents.

Retirement communities and nursing homes welcome children and families who wish to volunteer during the holidays.  Families can visit, bring cookies and sing carols room to room.  All that is needed to set up a visit is a call to the volunteer coordinator.  Here is a list of some of the communities that welcome volunteers now and throughout the year. We've also written about opportunities to volunteer in Hartford and Fairfield Counties.

Whether or not your child grows up working for Pixar, stop-motion animation is a fun way for kids to explore their creativity while actively using technology. We've gathered five classes in Westchester that teach kids of all ages how to create short stop-motion animation films.

Looking for more ways to occupy the kiddos? Consult our Classes Guide and check out our Event Calendar. 

Whether your child is lagging in a certain subject or just looking to get a boost, tutoring might be the way to go. The good news is that there are plenty of options available in Northern New Jersey. So sharpen your pencils and get ready to take some notes while you check out our list of local tutors. For more ideas, you can also explore some after-school programs throughout the state. 

As much as we love sledding, skiing, or playing in the snow with our kids, sometimes we just need a day off from slushy, mushy adventures, soggy mittens, and snow pants. Mommy Poppins has researched some great places to have some fun inside during those long winter months, especially with children ages 10 and up. Also check out our Indoor Play Guide for younger kids in Hartford County.

Here are some other suggestions for indoor activities and great places to have winter birthday parties in Hartford County. 

Traveling with babies and toddlers can be as stressful as it gets. There are tantrums and tears, and most of us are not our best selves when paying an overweight luggage fee for a suitcase full of baby items or building a tower of pillows while praying our child won't roll off a guest bed.

Now there’s an app that can help families traveling to New York City with all that gear, and let locals make a little extra money. GoBaby is a peer-to-peer marketplace such as Airbnb, but for baby and toddler equipment. Remember that pack-and-play you shoved in the back of the closet just in case you need it? With this crowd-sourcing app, rent it out when you aren’t using it. And tourists? No need to pack all that baby stuff!

How’s this wish list for a kids' recreational class: great instructors, top-notch facilities, supportive staff, and diverse offerings for kids of all ages and abilities. When husband-and-wife duo Jonathan and Shannon Schafer decided to create the 37,800-square-foot Schafer Sports Center, these items were among their “must-haves."

My family recently visited the Schafer Sports Center in Ewing Township to check out their offerings, and it didn’t disappoint. There's something for everyone at this immaculate facility.

With the holidays upon us, the NYC shopping season is in full swing. If your travels take you to one of the city's top shopping meccas, Soho, you're bound to need a break and a bite to eat. Like the neighborhood residents, the food options are diverse, offering everything from pizza to rice pudding and crepes to the ever-popular Cronut. It's also home to three of our favorite cups of hot chocolate in Manhattan.

So whether you're searching for a sit-down meal or just a sweet treat, here are the most kid-friendly dining spots in Soho and its surrounding areas. Don't forget, you can find more great NYC eats in our Kid Restaurant Guide.