Coming soon... Beginning next January, NYC families will be able to apply to kindergarten online through a new tool called Kindergarten Connect. That means one virtual form will allow parents to apply to multiple school simultaneously. So you trade waiting on line for going online (though you'll still want to go on those oh-so-important in-person tours).

After seven years of bureaucratic delays, the New York City Economic Development Corporation finally has the clearance to begin building a pedestrian bridge between the South Bronx and Randall’s Island. Residents of the Bronx have been clamoring for a connector to the activity-filled isle for a while—let's hope the actual construction doesn't take another seven years.

South Street Seaport's impending makeover has begun with last week's closing of the 28-year-old Pier 17 mall. What will replace it? Why a sparkly new glass mall with overpriced upscale shops instead of overpriced low-rent tourist traps. Maybe we're just not good with change because we're slightly sorry to see the old mall go though we do dig the plan for expanded outdoor space for concerts and other entertainment. In the meantime, other parts of the Seaport remain open and there's even a brand-new no-cost weekend family entertainment series called KidAround!

Welcome back! Upper East Side families are celebrating the reopening of the East 96th Street Library after eight months of renovations. Though the improvements, like new heating and cooling units, may not be obvious to the eye, but drop in with your tot in the dead of winter and you'll appreciate that new boiler.

Due to popular demand the Bronx Zoo's outdoor Dinosar Safari will continue to transport visitors back to prehistoric times through Sunday, November 3. The extension means it will coincide with annual Halloween extravaganza Boo at the Zoo, which runs weekends October 5 through November 3.

From the "I wish I had thought of this" department Here's an idea that sounds like a winner: Pleygo, a Lego rental service that allows you to borrow one new-to-you set per month. There are three membership tiers and a wide variety of sets to put on your wish list. Shipping is free, there is no charge for lost pieces, and every set is cleaned and sanitized before it goes back out. Become a member now and get your first month at no cost and you can even send in your kid's no longer wanted sets for credit. Imagine, a world where your closets aren't overflowing with dusty Lego boxes! Update: Pleygo has been rebranded as Pley but still rents Lego sets!

She's got gadgets and gizmos aplenty Everyone's favorite Disney mermaid, Ariel, is getting a high-tech interactive makeover. When The Little Mermaid is rereleased to select theaters this Friday, you can sing along, play games and enjoy a few surprises by downloading the free Second Screen Live App to your iPad to use during the screening. I realize that on the one hand this encourages more bad move theater behavior not to mention additional screen time. But I admit to being intrigued, too. My eight-year-old daughter and I are attending a preview on Thursday. We'll let you know if we enjoy ourselves or feel like poor unfortunate souls.

We're No. 1! We're No. 1! We don't need to tell you that NYC is an awesome place to raise kids—that's what our entire site is about. But there are downsides, too. According to a recent USDA study, New York City is the worst place to have a baby based on the numbers, like financial burden, the number of ob/gyns per population, commute time and the number of playgrounds. Why do we do it? Because we know that world-class museums, incredible restaurants, cultural diversity and enriching things to do are priceless. We can't imagine living anywhere else.