OUR KIDS ARE AMAZING－especially compared with everybody else’s (who seem to cry all the time). How do you show your love for your kids this holiday season? With toys that are smooth and colorful, interactive and exciting. And with ones that have educational value－because you are the boss.

Long Island’s hiking trails (路线) offer an escape for family time. It’s a relaxing thing to do in the stressful time, so open your senses.

Many guided trails are run in Hamptons, some suitable for kids. Behind the South Fork Natural History Museum is a small field with butterflies and birds flying about. Upon arrival, check out the posted map that shows the trails through the fields with a connection that goes all the way to Sag Harbor.

Half the park is woodland that includes nature walks and a greenhouse. You’ll see lots of wildlife from foxes to birds, a delight for kids. Pick up a map on the website and enjoy the historic Gold Coast property. Walkers can select from different paths, covering about six miles in total, as well as all different lengths to accommodate different ages and abilities.

A pleasant short hike right in Southampton Village. The trail begins near the intersection of Wickapogue Road and Narrow Lane and heads through a wooded area with a river. Dress properly, for it could be a little muddy. The trail features hedges (树篱) along one side and plantings along the other. It reaches the site where the first settlers spent their first winter about 1640. This trail takes about one hour.

This family-friendly place is an easy walk with the trail a mile long. It’s a very peaceful location to see wildlife and birds. The trail is flat and pushchair-friendly. You’ll also find Downs River, with chairs along the way to rest. Home to the defence works of the Corchaug Indians, the preserve is on the National Park Register of Historic Places and is considered ancient land.

Best Cookbooks for Kids for 2019

Best Overall: Cooking Class: 57 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Make (and Eat !)

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With the help of this best-selling cookbook, your kids will become masters in the kitchen! Cooking Class:57 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Make （and Eat! ） is ideal for children aged 6 to 12, as it includes detailed explanations of basic cooking techniques, plus more than 50 kid-friendly recipes. This award-winning cookbook is a comprehensive guide for cooking novices, explaining skills and recipes in kid-friendly language.

Best for Learning Basics: Better Homes and Gardens New. Junior Cookbook

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If you want to teach your kids cooking terms, tools and techniques, you need the Better Homes and Gardens New Junior Cookbook. This 128-page cookbook has more than 65 kid-friendly recipes, and it's perfect for introducing kids aged 5 to 12 to the wonderful world of cooking. It includes a detailed section on cooking terms, kitchen safety, tools （including pictures）, and healthy cooking. It also addresses how to measure ingredients and how to read recipes.

Best Classic: Betty Crocker^’s Cook book for Boys and Girls

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The first edition of this classic kids' cookbook was published more than 60 years ago, and the Betty Crocker's Cookbook for Boys and Girls is still a favorite for kids and adults alike. The recipes are ideal for children aged 8 to 12. This cookbook is an authentic reproduction of the original 1957 edition, which many baby boomers learned from themselves! Many older buyers write that they had the same cookbook growing up and love sharing the classic recipes with the next generation.

Best Vegetarian: The Help Yourself Cookbook for Kids

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This vegan cookbook is best for children aged 6 to 12, and its aim is to teach kids about healthy eating by involving them in the cooking process. The book features 60 plant-based recipes for you to make with your family, including meals, snacks, drinks and desserts.