A child’s early years go by fast, and should be filled with adventure, exploration, and joy. Nature-based preschools are a great option for parents interested in offering their children a learning environment without walls. Below are 10 preschool recommendations that allow children to learn and explore outdoors, warmed by sunshine, and stimulated by the natural world around them. Also, the Montessori  curriculum typically incorporates nature as well and we've listed some Montessori preschools here.

Going to your local playground is the perfect activity for free summer fun. But sometimes you're away from home and in need of a jungle gym for the kids to play on. Luckily there are several really special playgrounds in Boston that are just waiting for you to explore. No matter what neighborhood you're in, chances are there's a great playground nearby. Here are seven of the best in Boston.

My husband, who prides himself on his gift-giving, had quite a surprise for me this Mother's Day. While I had plans to meet close friends in Battery Park City, those plans were derailed when he made our family of five—toddler included—follow him to a bar in Midtown. My mood went from perplexed to pleasantly surprised when I learned the reason: He had booked a scavenger hunt for the day.

From beaches to amusements to water parks, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventure in New Jersey this summer. If you’re looking for something new and different to spice up your summer bucket list, you’re in luck. New and improved outdoor experiences are popping up throughout the state. Check out these five fun newcomers to the New Jersey summer scene.

For most Angelenos, the stretch of Melrose Avenue between Fairfax and La Brea evokes images of uber hip twenty-somethings being punctured by tattoo needles and pierced through any number of body parts—not necessarily a destination for tots. But an afternoon meandering Melrose with kids in mind can be both family friendly and super cool. Why not revisit one of the streets of your youth with your youths in tow, and up the style factor of your LA brood? For more ideas in the neighborhood check out 25 Things To Do in Hollywood with Kids.

NY Kids Club will open three new enrichment centers and three more of its accredited NY Preschools in January 2017, bringing to 15 the number of locations across NYC. These new tot learning spots will be situated in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Dumbo and Cobble Hill, as well as Greenwich Village in Manhattan. Each will be equipped with state-of-the-art gymnasiums for ongoing enrichment classes and open play for members, as well as classroom space for the preschoolers.

The Dumbo location at 135 Plymouth Street in Brooklyn will house five classrooms contained within an 8,400-square-foot floor plan, while the two-story Cobble Hill location at 299 Court Street comes in at 6,000-square-feet with five classrooms. Greenwich Village's 11 Fifth Avenue location will be cozier at less than half that size and three classrooms. 

The Coop in Bay Ridge goes beyond high chairs and French fries to deliver a truly kid-friendly cafe that families adore. This cozy cafe has a bar-like vibe and friendly staff, delectable food and drinks, and plenty of space to sit back and relax. What really sets it apart from other cafes, though, is the kid-friendly play area in the back. The Coop welcomes parents to relax and dine while their children play in a safe and fun space—all within arm's reach. Peace for the parents, fun and games for the kids.

It's that time of year again, Kidchella is back at Smith Memorial Playground! A kiddie play on Coachella, this 3 night concert series is fun for the whole family. Featuring live music from 2 bands each night in the lovely Smith Memorial Playground, kids will enjoy the music and will love to run and play. The weather is beautiful, so get out there and dance.