Multiple Choice.  Your child: A) confuses all sources of light with limelight, B) is woefully shy, but shocked everyone (not least of all, you) with his breakout performance at last year's Christmas pageant, or C) doesn't enjoy physical/mental activity of the sporting sort.  If you chose A, B or C, drama lessons might be the plot twist your child's after-school routine needs!  Actually, an expert in Parents magazine this month explains any kid can benefit from a little drama, saying "one landmark study found children involved in the arts for nine hours a week are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement."  That's the sort of return on results you want before investing in another extracurricular activity. We've researched the group classes, but many of the studios in Fairfield County also offer private lessons for those super-dedicated to their craft! Check out our Classes and Activities Guide for even more after school fun!

“What would you do with kids in Silicon Valley?,” people asked me when they heard we were planning on spending a few weeks there this summer. Sure, the nerd capitol of America doesn’t sound that thrilling at first. But just as we have to thank the geeks and nerds for bringing us great stuff like the smart phone, the internet and Pokemon Go!, having all those squares concentrated in one place means San Jose, Palo Alto, and the surrounding towns are jam-packed with some pretty awesome stuff for those of us who appreciate the geekier side of life.

Whether your family members are true technology buffs or just love a good science museum, there’s loads of fun from Santa Cruz to Palo Alto to get your geek on. Here are the top things to do in Silicon Valley for science and technology-loving kids:

Cape Cod is a classic summer destination for Boston families, but getting there can mean hours spent in the car. Not so if you head to Provincetown at the very end of the Cape—taking the fast ferry from Boston will have you there in no time. And once you’re back on dry land, there’s so much to do, from beaches and biking to kid-friendly restaurants. Here are our 25 top picks for family activities in P-Town.

A new indoor play space is about to open in Philadelphia! Fishtown is now home to PlayArts, an exciting new space that combines art and creativity, all while teaching children independence through trust. Read on for a full review (and check out other reviews of awesome spaces in Philadelphia).

OK. Maybe your grade-schooler has already figured out 'The Costume' for this year's Halloween. But just in case they need a little help or you are looking for something cute or special for your baby's first Halloween or your toddler's first 'real' trick-or-treat, we did a little research. Read on to see what the newest, most popular, unique or 'old favorite' costumes are for this Halloween season.

Preschool. Once upon a time, it was mostly a time for play dates, but today, childhood experts agree that attending a high-quality program prepares little ones socially and academically for the school years ahead. Deciding which preschool to choose can be tricky since programs can be customized, such as nature-based preschools, or those that offer a bilingual environment.

Below are 10 suggestions for preschools in the Hartford area; no doubt, we’ve missed some great ones, so feel free to share them with us in the Comments section. Our Preschool Guide also includes a few suggestions for those residing in Fairfield County.

With brains like sponges, preschoolers are the perfect age to begin learning a second language. Studies have shown that kids who learn a second language during the preschool years go on to speak more fluently than those who begin to learn at an older age. In addition, bi-lingual children tend to be more creative, have better critical thinking skills and a better understanding of humanity and culture.  One of the reasons young children learn a new language so easily is because they learn through exploration and play. By immersing them in one of these outstanding foreign language preschools, you will be giving them them a lifelong gift that will allow them to succeed in the global economy of tomorrow. If you're looking for some after school language programs for kids of all ages, check out these Language Classes for NJ Kids.

At the Mount Hope Estate and Winery just off the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Lancaster County, the King and Queen are eager to welcome guests to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. As summer turns to autumn, festivals abound. For an enjoyable day of low-tech amusements, it’s hard to beat this trip back in time.