Deciding where to send your child to preschool isn’t easy, but selecting a specific type of school can really help narrow down your options. We have written about bilingual and language immersion preschools throughout the Boston area, and now we're focusing on Montessori preschools in the city so you can see which one seems like a good fit for your child.

The Montessori method was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori about 100 years ago. Most Montessori schools place children in mixed-age classrooms, allow students to self-direct their activities, allow large blocks of uninterrupted time to work, focus on discovery rather than instruction and use specialized materials. There are five preschools in Boston that use the Montessori philosophy to help children learn and grow:

I've paid my dues at New York City's playgrounds after a decade of parenting in this city. My family has visited our share of parks and even ranked our favorites, but we're always looking for our next big adventure. With kids ages 3, 7, and 10, it's no easy task to find a playground where all three are entertained, but our recent visit to the newly opened Gertrude Ederle Playground on West 59th Street was an all-around hit.

If your kids are fans of Pixar movies (and who isn't?), if they are into any element of STEAM (as in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), then there's a treat waiting for them at the California Science Center. The Science Behind Pixar takes a never-before-seen look at the artists, engineers, and computer scientists at Pixar, and how they use STEM concepts in the creation of Pixar films. Videos, interactive computer activities, and hands-on physical activities use characters, scenes, and elements from Pixar movies to explain concepts and challenges and explore solutions created by Pixar staff. Lighting Nemo under water, getting Merida's hair to bounce as she runs, putting the gleam on Lightning McQueen—it's all in the hands of our kids.

Which neighborhood is best for Halloween trick-or-treating in Connecticut? That's a tricky one! But we can certainly point you in some fun directions full of treats! Here's a list of our favorite trick-or-treating spots and weekend events so you'll know where to bring your kids this Halloween. Whether you are looking for a quaint Norman Rockwell experience or a ghoulish night, we have some options for you. If your area is not conducive to trick or treating, your kids still can enjoy a fun trick-or-treat experience at some of these trunk or treating events that begin the week prior to Halloween. Please feel free to add your favorite spots in the comments section below. For more seasonal fun, check out our jam-packed Halloween Guide. Many stores in local towns and villages will likely will be handing out candy in the afternoon on October 31, but as a general rule trick-or-treating starts at dusk.

If you are looking for a fresh cut pine tree Christmas outing that the kids won't forget, one of the following farms in Litchfield County is sure to fit the bill. Most of these farms have been run by the same families for generations and include perks such as a free cup of hot cocoa, a holiday decorations store and maybe even a tractor ride. Some may or may not take credit cards so be sure to have cash on hand. Weekenders will be thrilled with the low prices, typically $45 per tree. Check out these posts for Tree Farms in Hartford and Fairfield Counties also.

It might not feel like it now, but winter is on its way – and that means that you and the kids will soon be spending lots of time inside. The good news? You don't necessarily need to stay home. Battle boredom and fight off cabin fever with a visit to one of these 11 indoor hot spots in Essex County. To find even more indoor fun throughout New Jersey, check out our comprehensive guide to indoor playgrounds, kid gyms, sports centers, and fun zones.