If you're looking for fun, educational programs for your toddler, look no further than Saratoga Springs. There is a wealth of activities geared specifically towards the preschool set. From the library to the museum and beyond, here are just a few of the great programs to explore with your little one. Science, dance, reading and more, there is something for every interest.

First, the Saratoga Springs Library has plenty of toddler activities to choose from. You can stop by their Rainbow Room, which is is stocked with puzzles, puppets, toys, and animal figures providing tons of opportunities for play as well as meeting new little friends. There is also a collection of board books and picture books easily accessible on kid-sized bookcases for them to explore. The Library offers Preschool and Toddler story times during the week. These interactive programs are designed to foster a love of stories, as well as encourage the development of pre-literacy skills through stories, rhymes and songs. In addition to these programs they also offer many parent/child workshops and a toddler/preschool story and music time as well.

The Children's Museum at Saratoga has programs all week long just for toddlers with fun in science, tumbling and more. Each week Tuesday for Tots is designed to help toddlers gain preschool readiness skills in a fun and social environment, and Alphabet Soup introduces a new letter each week. Silly Science explores the different ways science is all around us and Wiggle and Giggle is a time for children to explore the many different things that they can do with their bodies -- crawl through tunnels, walk the balance beam, roll bolls, toss bean bags, and make music with all kinds of instruments. This is also a great opportunity to meet new friends and get some exercise!

The Saratoga Regional YMCA has so many great programs for toddlers. Their tot playgroups for kids aged 1-2 years and 2-3 years brings together same-age children to focus on developing socialization and cooperation skills. It includes free play and fine and gross motor skill games and activities for children to enjoy. It's a great way for parents and children to meet new friends and interact in a safe and relaxed atmosphere. Grandparents, babysitters and nannies are welcome to participate. Their Short Sports program for kids aged 2-3 years has participants experience a variety of sport related games and activities in a small group setting in the gym. Micro Soccer is another great way to introduce little ones to sports in a fun, comfortable setting with kids their own age. For tiny dancers, Roc-N-Tots or Tiny Tutus are fantastic programs for toddlers to try out their very first dancing steps. 

For more information visit:
www.childrensmuseumatsaratoga.org
www.sspl.org
www.saratogaregionalymca.org

Do you have a tiny dancer in the family? Then head to Saratoga Springs this weekend to enjoy a great weekend of dancing, dipping and whirling with thousands of other spirited dancers! This is the 25th year that the Dance Flurry in the Spa City has delighted thousands in dance and music from all over the world. Starting on Friday, February 17th at 7pm and running through the weekend, this festival features many different styles of dance and draws a yearly attendance of over 5,000 participants. Dancers of all ages, all abilities and all styles of dance can participate in a variety of workshops and programs designed for all levels of experience, beginners to advanced.

Each year, this public event is sponsored by the Dance Flurry Organization, a nonprofit arts and educational organization that aims to promote and maintain international participatory music and dance events. Their philosophy is to present a high-quality, eclectic, feel-good festival of traditional social dance and music. The Flurry serves as a showcase for the wealth of talented dance leaders and musicians from our area, as well as a venue to further develop their skills in a festival atmosphere. In addition, the Dance Flurry Organization is very committed to "local talent" and they believe strongly that this is the backbone of the local dance community. They fill as many session slots as possible with local performers with most of the remaining slots assigned to regional performers, as well as bringing in a limited number of "special guest" performers from outside of our region.

The best part of this annual event is that it is for everyone! Whether you dance (at any level, or wish to learn) or just enjoy good music, concerts and performances, there's something for everyone at any age. There are beginner-oriented events, as well as intermediate and experienced dance and workshop sessions, as well as singing sessions, family events for all ages, and craft vendors. On Saturday and Sunday there will be storytelling, singing, games and dance events especially for families. When you check out their extensive events schedule you can see that events are coded as to the type of audience/participants and the skill level. Anything that is marked with an "[F]" is geared toward families and young children. A code with "[T]" is something geared specifically toward teens. A "Family" icon appears at the top of the paper schedule columns to show that there is at least one family event in that location.

All dance & workshop venues require a ticket to enter, however there are a few Festival areas open to the public free of charge. These are the Hilton Hotel Pavilion (presentations/scheduled jams), Hilton Hotel Gallery (vendors, jamming, food), and the Parting Glass Pub (concerts). Admission prices vary by day, time and age and to get a full list of prices check out their website.

Tickets are available as full weekend passes or day passes with special discounts for students, children, and seniors.

Click here for more information on tickets, scheduling, parking and more.

I know what you're thinking, "Why should I be thinking about summer camps in February?!". Well, even though it might still be winter and you've got snow on the mind the time to register for summer camps is now. Saratoga Springs has so many great camp options no matter what your kids are into, and these camps fill up fast so act quickly! Here are just a few of the fantastic options on offer for this summer here in Saratoga. Find what your child likes and register soon to guarantee a spot!

First, Saratoga Independent School has a summer program for kids aged 3-8. Children can select from seven different themed weeks of morning fun; while older kids ages 7-14 can explore technology, science or the arts. The themes and subjects change from year to year, but the exciting summer experience remains the same. Camp runs from 9:00 - noon and the cost is $130 per week (8:30 early drop off and 12:30 late pickup available).

Camp Northwoods over at Skidmore offers an exciting program of sports, cultural arts, nature study and relaxed play for children which draws on the rich and varied resources of Skidmore College and the surrounding area.  The camp's home base is Flastaff's Pavillion on the Skidmore College campus, but campers frequent the Williamson Sports Center, Schick Art Gallery, Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, and Zankel Music Center.  The daily enrichment activities led by the qualified staff are supplemented by weekly field trips to recreational and historical sites, and visits by special guests. Children entering grades 1-6* will also enjoy activities that include arts and crafts, ceramics, games, hiking, and daily swim time.  The goal of Camp Northwoods is to provide a variety of fun activities that happily challenge the imagination, intellect, and body.  *Campers must be 6 years old as of June 25, 2012. Call (518) 580-5590 for more information.

The Beagle School's summer programs run for ten consecutive weeks beginning the end of June. Class is held in the morning from 9:00 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. Parents may register their children for two, three or five mornings per week in any combination of weeks. Children may range in age from 2-1/2 to 5 years of age. The summer program focuses on socialization and having fun, with much of the program held outside in the schoolyard.This mixed age group is involved in walks to the park and library, crafts, painting, stories and dance. Each week is planned around a different theme. Applications are available in the spring.

Saratoga Children's Theater is producing two full-length  musicals for our their new TEEN TROUPE summer camp. 13 the Musical and The Music Man. For Juniors they will have High School Musical Jr. and Willie Wonka Jr. For Kids there will be Jungle Book Kids, Willie Wonka Kids and Winnie the Pooh Kids! Check out their website for more information at http://www.saratogachildrenstheatre.org/.

Chowderfest is one of Saratoga Springs most beloved annual events, the restaurants and shops go all out to make the best chowder to serve to eager Saratogians and this year will be no different! Chowderfest is also a great activity to do with the kids, but doing a little planning ahead will guarantee it will be a fun time for everyone. I'll give you some ideas of the best route to take when you have little ones in tow along with some alternative options for warming up and letting little ones have some fun in between your chowder sampling!

First let's go over the details. It goes from 11am to 4pm this Saturday, February 4th and here is how it works: Pick up a ballot form at any participating establishment, go around and taste different soups and chowders for $1 a cup (3oz. serving) and vote for your favorite! Complete your ballot form and pick up your official Chowderfest long-sleeve T-shirt for just $7! Ballot drop-offs and T-shirt locations will be at the Saratoga County Arts Center, the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center and Saratoga Springs City Center. The Winner Awards Ceremony will be in front of the Saratoga Springs City Center at 6:00 p.m. For a FULL LIST of Chowderfest Participants click here. And don't forget you can buy a handy dandy Chowderfest Chug too! The chugs are re-usable, environmentally friendly mug/lid/spoon combinations. They are available to purchase at Crafters Gallery, Impressions of Saratoga, The Local Pub & Teahouse and Just Plain Good for only $5 each!

Let's start off at last year's winner, The Parting Glass. It is best to hit up this favorite early because it does tend to get MOBBED, and they'll be having Irish Celtic Session and Irish Stepdancers from 12-3 pm. But this one is a good starting point, you can pick up your ballot, try your chowder (they are serving Shrimp & crab chowder with Bailey's Irish Cream crouton topped with Jameson candied lobster) and then head across the street and try Scallions. Head to Tiznow next and then you can walk down the block for the first kids break at the Saratoga Springs Public Library where they will be having Saturday Family Story Time from 11:30-12 for children ages 2-5. with a parent or caregiver. No registration is necessary for Story Time, you can drop in, warm up and get in a good kids book, all for free! Even if you don't make it to the Library in time for Story Time it will still be a great warm up spot, head down to the children's room and let them play and explore while you all get nice and toasty warm again.

Walk up Caroline Street and you can try Dango's, Sperry's and Gaffney's (getting full yet?) as you head up to Broadway. You can warm up at Piper Boutique where the Police Benevolent Association will be serving free hot chocolate and coffee in front of from 11 am-4 pm. While you're there, try the Farm to Table chowder they are serving up.

Next head over to Flores Fine Art Gallery for some Kids Dessert Chowder served up by the Children's Museum at Saratoga! From there head over to the City Center where Saratoga Hospital will be serving their hearty vegetable clam chowder which will be gluten and dairy free (Four Seasons will also have a vegan and gluten free chowder as well)!

Also this year, Radio Disney will be at Chowderfest! Head over to the Saratogian's parking lot to rock out to the sounds of Disney from 2-3:30 pm. From there you can head to the Children's Museum at Saratoga and let the kids run around and expend some of those chowder calories and warm up cold little hands. From there drop your ballot off to cast your votes and pick up your t-shirts at the Saratoga County Arts Center, the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center or Saratoga Springs City Center. You can try the chowder at Hattie's and Irish Times (always favorites of mine) and the dessert "Phish Chowder" at Ben & Jerry's as one last hurrah before you head home. And don't forget about all of the other fantastic local spots to try chowders in between as well if you're still hungry! Also, stop by Impressions on Broadway any time between 12 pm to 5 pm to get your free official printed Chowderfest Photocard!

If you're going to be bringing your four legged family member downtown for Chowderfest there are some fun activities for them as well (or if you just have some dog loving little ones)! Coming back for the fourth year in a row will be the "Dog Chow Down"! Starting at 1pm at the Saratoga Downtowner Motel, a contest between the stores participating in making dog chowder will compete! The Chow Down will feature Mayor Scott Johnson, his wife Julie and their dog Biff. Sloppy Kisses, Dawgdom and Impressions of Saratoga will battle head to head in the chow down! Plus, kids are welcome at the Doggiebooth set up at Dawgdom from Heather Bohm-Tallman Photography. Get a great picture of your doggie from 11 am-4 pm with no sitting fee!  Print proceeds will go to benefit a local not-for-profit animal organization.

Another great family activity going on that day will be the WinterFest Cardboard & Duct Tape Sled Races At Prestwick Chase, 100 Saratoga Blvd, Saratoga Springs from noon-3pm. The races will be held on the front lawns of Prestwick Chase and there is no charge for admission and no entry fees for sled contestants, so you can take a break from the chowder tasting to check this out too!

Finally, on Sunday if you need to work off some of that chowder before watching the Super Bowl you can take part in the 13th Annual Saratoga SPA Winterfest 5KM Snowshoe Race at Saratoga Spa State Park! That's right, a snowshoe RACE! Click here for details and the application. There will be a limited supply of Dion snowshoes available for $5 rental fee. Email laura@saratogastryders.org to reserve a pair or phone Jeff Clark at 518-581-7550.

One of my favorite ways to exercise and stay healthy, especially while pregnant, has been yoga. I have experienced the benefits of yoga practice first hand and couldn't wait to start my own children out with a love for yoga and all that it has to offer. When I first started practicing yoga there were very few studios that offered kids yoga as well, but more and more, yoga is becoming recognized as an extremely beneficial exercise for kids, not just for adults.

University of Michigan pediatrician Dolores Mendelow says yoga, if done properly, is a suitable alternative to tumbling and team sports for getting stressed-out, sedentary children socializing, exercising and building discipline. A preliminary study of pediatric health benefits of yoga, published in 2008, finds motor skills and concentration improvements, on top of better posture and breathing. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, kids need at least 60 minutes of exercise each day to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, according to a study conducted by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which examined the effects of physical activity in children and adolescents, strenuous forms of exercise pose an adverse threat to pubertal and physiologic growth in children. A low-intensity exercise such as yoga works well to ensure kids obtain an adequate amount of exercise without overextending the body. I like to include yoga in my children's exercise routines in addition to their other activities and I've seen the benefits in those activities as well, be it increased balance in snowboarding or more stamina in soccer or riding.

Yoga can also help maintain a healthy weight for children. Concentrated moves and poses make yoga seem like an unlikely way to lose weight, but according to a Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center study, people who regularly practice yoga have fewer chances of gaining weight and are more likely to lose weight. Yoga can help kids become accustomed to "fullness" signals, which can help them establish healthy eating habits while improving their flexibility, brain function, respiratory and cardiovascular system. Furthermore, yoga allows asthmatic children to maintain a healthy lifestyle without fear of a high-intensity exercise induced asthma attack, says Washington University Physicians Pediatrician, Dr. Leonard Bacharier.

Stress is also a major issues for kids since school is becoming more stressful for many students, and not just college or high school, even elementary school has become stressful. With standardized testing and increased amounts of homework, younger students are experiencing higher stress levels at an alarming rate. Just like adults, children face stressful situations that can strongly affect their mental and physical health. According to the University of Indiana's Sound Medicine, children who practice yoga often experience healthier sleep patterns, which allows them to relax more than children who don't practice yoga. This helps yoga inclined children to keep their stress levels low and remain focused in school. Yoga can also help prevent depression in children as well. According to Psychiatrist and Medical Director of HealthyPlace.com, Harry Croft, MD, nearly two percent of pre-teen school age children suffer from clinical depression and that figure rises to five percent as children reach adolescence. The Journal of Affective Disorders completed a study, which examined the effects of yoga for depression, and discovered that depression and anxiety scores decreased for participants by more than half. Yoga is not only an exercise that proves beneficial for children's physical health, but it demonstrates low-risk, high yield benefits for their mental and overall health as well.

For children with ADHD, practicing yoga can be beneficial as well. A study conducted by the Journal of Attention Disorders examined ADHD children and adolescents for 20 one-hour weekly yoga sessions that involved respiratory, postural, relaxation and concentration training. The results found that ADHD children who practice yoga are much more likely to remain focused and are less hyperactive, which in turned reduced the amount of emotional outbursts and oppositional behavior exhibited. Yoga is also a fun exercise because there is zero competition, everyone has a different practice and everyone is urged to go at their own pace no matter what the person next to them is doing. Invariably each student finds at least one pose that is their "favorite" and that they feel they do best. Besides all of these amazing health benefits kids yoga is also a lot of fun. The classes are structured around learning a lot of new poses using music, games, yoga "plays" that they perform and partner exercises.

Here in Saratoga Springs there are a lot of different options if you want to get your little one into yoga. The National Museum of Dance has a Yoga & Creative Movement for Kids class that includes a series of yoga poses geared for children such as the Cobra, Lion and Flamingo to promote strength, flexibility, focus and creativity. This class will bring fun, laughter and the pure joy of movement to young children. For more information call Sue at 584-2225 x3009. This class will run from February 7th through March 27th on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10:30am.

The Saratoga Regional YMCA also offers a kids yoga class called Yoga Kidz for 5-12 year olds that fosters cooperation and compassion and encourages self-esteem and body awareness with a physical activity that is noncompetitive. Check out their website at www.ymcasaratoga.org for more information.

One Yoga Saratoga has a great kids yoga class on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30 for kids aged 4-9 that uses music and games to help kids explore all that yoga has to offer. The bonus for this class is that there is also a corresponding adults yoga class running at the same time in the Hot Yoga studio next door, so you can drop your little one off for some yoga and get in a great yoga workout of your own at the same time, no babysitter needed! For more information on this class call them at 518-581-YOGA.

It's finally starting to feel like winter around here! With the temperatures dropping that means it is prime time for some great local winter activities. Something that is great to try with kids is snowshoeing and right here in Saratoga we have some great snowshoeing trails at saratoga spa state park Snowshoeing is fun and easy for people of all ages, not to mention great exercise, and the state park has 12 miles of trails. You can pick up a free Park trail map at the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center. They also have snowshoe rentals in a variety of styles and in ALL sizes available at the Park Office for $5 per half day and $10 per day per person. Contact Saratoga Spa State Park at 518-584-2200 for more information. Another place to stomp around in the snow is Saratoga Battlefield. The Battlefield Tour Road and grounds are open to pedestrian use every day during daylight hours. Enjoy over 7 miles of hiking trails open to winter hiking, and when the snow flies, to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Trail map available at the Visitor Center. 9 am - 5 pm. Call 518-664-9821 for more information.

If you want to give cross country skiing a try you can also bundle the kids up and head over to the State Park where skiing along the golf courses offers practice for beginners and good downhill terrain is found by skiing into the valley carved by the sparkling Geyser Brook. Pick up a free Park trail map for cross country skiing as well at the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center to plan a fun cross country skiing outing.

Another great winter time activity to enjoy in the State Park is ice skating. Outdoor recreational skating takes place on the Victoria Mall, near the Victoria Pool Complex. Get some skates on and take in the beautiful scenery while you skate around the rink. If hockey is more up your little one's alley you can check that out on a second rink near the warming hut, which is available for your comfort to defrost chilly noses and toes.

Let's not forget about everyone's favorite winter activity, sledding! Whether you're choosing a traditional sled or an inflatable tube or any of the fun options in between there are plenty of areas to hit the hills for some sledding fun. Along with our other winter activities, there are plenty of great hills for sledding right there in the State Park. You can even combine your snowshoe or cross country skiing day whttp://www.saratoga.com/winter/ith a little sledding, or top off a day on the ice rink skating with a few runs down the hill. Find a great round-up of where to get the best sledding action in Saratoga Springs. So get bundled up, pick your activity of choice and head out to get some great exercise and enjoy the great outdoors this winter in Saratoga with the kids!

One of the great programs we are lucky to have in Saratoga Springs is the Saratoga Reads! program which is geared toward building a stronger sense of community through reading. The goal of this community group is to invite the Saratoga community to read a great book and to engage in activities and conversations inspired by this shared experience. Now in its eighth year, Saratoga Reads! is happy to say that their initial vision has become a reality, that members of the Saratoga community now collaborate to create and share in a collective conversation and activities  including a wide range of age groups and different areas of interest. Saratoga Reads! focuses its yearly activity on a single book which is chosen by the community through an initial nomination process and final election. The book selection process is an invitation to the greater Saratoga public to suggest a suitable book. Their selection advisory committee then carefully reviews the nominated books to present a ballot to the community for a public vote during October and the winning title is announced in early November. Once the year's winning book is announced the community can look forward to local, engaging activities to begin to celebrate the book and its themes. Throughout the winter and spring activities for readers of all ages and levels are planned by Saratoga Reads! and their community partners, plus all events are free of charge. This year the community has spoken and the winning title for adult readers is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, a story about a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her slave ancestors, yet had her cells--taken without her knowledge--become one of the most important tools in medicine.

Part of the program is the list of Junior Companion Titles that allow readers of all ages to participate in this community-wide project along with their parents. Saratoga Reads! will also offer special programs for young readers based on this year's complementary junior discussion book, Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science by John Fleischman. The nonfiction book tells the story of a railroad construction foreman who survived for 11 years after a 13-pound iron rod shot through his brain in a rock-blasting accident in 1848. Scientists and doctors were baffled by Gage's miraculous recovery and by the severe personality changes he experienced, making the case a textbook study of brain science.

Phineas Gage will serve as the basis for two special evening discussions at the Saratoga Springs Public Library on Thursday, Feb. 2nd and Thursday, Feb. 9th. Designed for kids in grades 4-6, the sessions will be led by student mentors from Skidmore College and Saratoga Springs High School under the direction of Skidmore Professor of English Catherine Golden. Plus as a new program for kids this year, Saratoga Reads! is creating book bags for children and families that will contain two children's books related to The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. The family book bags are suitable for children ages 3-12, and will include an activity sheet. They will be handing out ten bags at the Higher Grounds Caffe (at Saratoga Springs Public Library) on a first come/first served basis at 10am on Thursday, January 19th. The bags are meant to be passed along and shared with other local families so everyone can take part in this great program! All books will be coded with a Book Crossing number so that experiences can be shared online. Book Crossing is a great networking site that has an online archival and tracking system that allows members to connect with other readers, journal and review literature and trade and follow their books, what they call "reading and releasing". Users are able to tag and track their individual books by marking them with BCIDs (BookCrossing Identity Numbers). Each BCID is unique to each book - once it's registered on the site, the book can then be followed and journaled forever. BookCrossing is free to join and free to play. So head over to the library on January 19th, get your book bag and get started!

For more information about Saratoga Reads! and the programs they are offering this year check out their website at http://www.saratogareads.org/.

We might not have a lot of snow on the ground in Saratoga Springs right at the moment, but that doesn't mean that there isn't great skiing and snowboarding and even tubing not far away! If you have little ones who are itching to start playing in some snow, you have a couple options for how to get there.

This Friday, the Snow Train rolled into the station in Saratoga Springs. The Gore Mountain Snow Train (the same one that brought everyone the Polar Express magic this holiday season) made its first run this past Friday, Dec. 30th, and will continue every weekend throughout the end of March. The one-way and round-trip excursions will be the first train service to North Creek in 70 years since the first snow train brought skiers to North Creek in 1934. This is a great option for families who want to head up to Gore for a day of skiing without having to make the drive. Just grab your gear, get suited up and go! Besides having the pleasure of not having to drive or park you can enjoy the ride up with your family, plus the snow train lets you check all your gear before you get on. You can even enjoy breakfast or dinner while you travel. It's a two hour ride, and while you and your family chat or play games you can enjoy the beautiful scenic views and when you arrive you get onto the free shuttle that takes you to Gore where all of your gear will be waiting for you, so no lugging skis or snowboards in between the train and the shuttle! You can choose between the coach or dome seating for your Snow Train ride. Coach seating is nice and comfortable with the dome seating offering a little more room and wraparound windows to take in even more of the pretty winter scenery flashing by. Bring a book for the ride back because chances are you're going to have some little ones snoozing after a day on the slopes! When planning your trip up to Gore, keep in mind that trips will be made each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, plus there will be two Mondays -- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 16) and Presidents Day (Feb. 20) to take advantage of the days off from school and hop on the snow train!

The snow train departs Saratoga Springs at 7 a.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through the end of March. It arrives in North Creek at 9:20 a.m. and leaves to return to Saratoga Springs at 4:30 p.m. those days.

Round-trip tickets in coach cost $30, with seats in dome cars going for $55. Lift ticket packages begin at $70 for coach and $87 for dome - which is a 30 percent savings over the individual retail cost. Two complimentary drink tickets are also provided to package holders 21 and over so you can undwind after your day of skiing with a cocktail on your way back. If you're planning on heading up to Gore a bunch this season, the Snow Train is also offering a 2011/2012 "Haul Pass," which includes five round-trip rides on the snow train in coach seating for $99 - a 66 percent discount. Lift ticket must be purchased separately. 

Another option for skiing and snowboarding fun is West Mountain, and they also offer tubing! Just a quick trip up the Northway to Exit 18 and then only a few miles from there, West Mountain has so much to offer to families. We started taking our four year old son last year for snowboarding, and the beginner mountain is perfect for little ones just starting out. We even had our two year old try it out with us on some beginner skis. They offer group and private lessons which are great because you can watch a bit then hit the slopes for a little kid free skiing or snowboarding time while they learn. Downhill skiing and snowboarding lessons are available for all ages and abilities at their nationally certified school. Their instructors have taught generations of local residents and winter vacationers how to enjoy winter sports and if you have a little one who isn't sure if they want to ski or snowboard, equipment for lessons for both is available onsite at their rental shop.

They also offer tubing which is fun for the whole family, and tubing only passes are available. With 6 tubing chutes, four 700' chutes and two 1000' chutes, it is tons of fun for kids and adults alike and there is no need for any special equipment or experience. West Mountain is one of the few ski resorts in the state to offer tubing, and all you have to do is get bundled up and head to the mountain the try it out!

When it's time to warm up they have two options, a restaurant and a cafeteria style lodge with communal tables where you can get pizza and hot dogs and hamburgers. There is a little arcade type room next to the cafeteria too so you can warm up and the kids can play a game or two while hands defrost.

In addition to the fun in the snow, West Mountain also has some fun entertainment lined up this season as well as some opportunities to watch some ski racing as well, they have their full line up on their website.

For skiing and snowboarding, youth tickets (starting at 7 years old) are between $36 and $41 for half and full day and adults are between $47 and $52 for weekend and holiday days. You can also get cheaper lift ticket prices if you are only going to hit the lower learning mountain area with the kids. They also offer night skiing and weekday tickets which are cheaper as well, check their website for full pricing details, including pricing for tubing and the operating hours.

Sometimes the idea of a week long school break can strike fear in the hearts of parents. You don't want them sitting in from of the television all week but aren't really sure what there is to do since your child is usually in school! Here in Saratoga Springs there are plenty of activities and events to offer that will keep your kids happy and active all week.

First you can check out the Children's Museum, a Mamatoga favorite. They have a full roster of great events this week starting with Live Animal Presentation: Reptiles on Monday from 10-11am.  Join in the fun and meet some scaly special guests in the Pet Vet exhibit where kids will learn more about caring for these unusual pets from their owner, Children's Museum educator Lindsay. All week the museum will have special activities and will also be open every day during the week for fun drop in play.

Another great option for school break activities is Saratoga Arts. For nearly 15 years, Saratoga Arts has been dedicated to offering quality fine art and fine craft classes, taught by regional artists, to students of all ages and artistic levels. Founded in 1986 by and for artists and audiences, Saratoga Arts is a non-profit arts service organization dedicated to developing and promoting a thriving year-round cultural environment in Saratoga-area communities.The Arts Center, located at the corner of Broadway and Spring Street in Saratoga Springs welcomes viewers to art exhibits, teaches students of all ages and skill levels in a wide variety of art classes and workshops, holds performances of all types, and puts together many programs that bring the arts to the Saratoga area. Directed by a professional staff and volunteers and supported by the community, Saratoga Arts enriches the lives of Saratogians. When regional schools are on break, Saratoga Arts offers full-week programs in both theater and visual arts for children ages 5-14. In addition to the classes they will be offering this week they also have information on their February break schedule, check out more here.

Exploring what they have to offer at the Go! World Awareness Museum in Glens Falls is a great way to spend a school vacation day (or even two). The mission of the World Awareness Children's Museum is to inspire curiosity and foster understanding and appreciation of worldwide cultural diversity. This week they will be offering their European Holiday Traditions Series where they will explore the traditions of different European countries including Germany, Poland, Lithuana and Romania. For example, the European Holiday Traditions: Romania program will have participants make a hedgehog bauble, listen to Romanian stories and enjoy Romanian sweets led by special guest hosts. In addition, the museum offers onsite interactive multi-cultural exhibition space to explore individually or with a prearranged group tour led by the Museum educator,The International Youth Art Exchange with its collection of 6000+ pieces of art from more than 70 countries and extensive collection of authentic artifacts and educational objects as well as educational outreach programs to regional schools and groups. The museum is located at 89 Warren St. in Glens Falls, NY and you can visit their website here.

If we do get some snow this week, check out the Beginning Snowshoeing class at the Saratoga Spa State Park from 11-12:30pm on Thursday. Snowshoeing is amazing exercise, and with this class you and your kids can participate together! Participants will practice putting on the snowshoes before learning how to walk on a short, flat loop around the park. This program costs $5 per person with snowshoe rental. Contact them at (518) 584-2000 Ext. 116 to register and keep in mind that this program will be cancelled if there is no snow! But, snow or no snow, you can head to the State Park on the first day of the new year for their First Day Hike from 11am to 1pm to get a jump start on those healthy New Year's Resolutions! Bring along some hiking shoes or snowshoes depending on weather (snowshoes also available for rent) and a water bottle and be prepared to work up a little sweat while you take in all the beauty of our gorgeous local park in the winter.

So whether your school break is a snowy one or not, you'll be covered on activities to keep young minds and bodies active and entertained! Check out Mamatoga.com for more information in our School Break Survival Guide which will also have ideas on crafts and kid friendly recipes to try out at home.

There are plenty of places to visit with your children on day trip up to Saratoga Springs. Last week, I reviewed the Children's Museum at Saratoga, and today I'd like to tell everyone about Creative Sparks, a paint and create your own piece of pottery studio, located at 42 Phila Street. The last time I was there, they had a 4 year old birthday party going on- you really are never too young to express your inner artist. However, the space is large enough to host a birthday party and for individuals come in and create their own ceramic pieces. There are two separate sections at Creative Sparks - to the left houses the ceramic pieces you choose to paint, as well as about four or five tables to sit at and create. The area to the back of the studio has enough for two long tables that seat about 8 children each, a sink, and the drying station. This is all next to the two large kilns that are used for firing the pottery. The store also offers wooden pieces to mosaic. Some of the pieces include a $15 plaque, $40-$55 small and large frames and a $65 lazy susan. The price includes the mosaic tiles and studio fee. I love this idea and thought it would be a great theme for a girl's night out.

Creative Sparks offers studio time to work on your creations at your own leisure. The price is $6 for 10 years of age and under, and $8 for over 10, which includes the firing of two pieces. The pieces themselves are an additional charge and range from $5 to $85. They have just about anything you could think of; plates, candle holders, figurines, holiday items, mugs, bowls, pitchers, and the list goes on. When you are there, you can ask for help from any one of the assistants. I found this very useful with my children, as they were much more attentive listening to a "professional" than me. . The instructor takes time to explain the process, and how it is best to paint the piece with two coats. They can even use a blow dryer to set the first coat of paint. After the painting is completed, the instructor will add details to their work of art with a black marker. This basically highlights the details and looks very pretty when all is completed. Once the painting is finished, they have to put it back in the kiln for the paint to set, therefore, you cannot take your creation home with you. They are usually ready in about a week, and the end result truly is a work of art!

They also sell many completed pieces which are beautiful additions to your home or kitchen. One of the things I loved was the plate idea for birthdays, weddings, showers, or just about any celebration. You can buy a pre-decorated plate with a special pen for your guests to sign on your special day. Then you put it in the oven and it is a lasting memory for years to come. You must check out this place for yourself to see all of the amazing things to do and to buy. I guarantee, you will not leave empty handed, and who knows, it may even awaken the artist within!

One important note is that all the ceramics are safe to eat off of and are microwave and dishwasher safe.