After spending some time snowed in, it’s safe to say both kids and parents alike are ready to get out of the house! Bundle up the troops and take part in some of the great events NJ has to offer this weekend as we bid farewell to January and welcome the month of February. Think we’ll have 6 more weeks of winter? Check out the Watershed Reserve’s Groundhog Day Celebration or head to the Groundhog Prediction Party at the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts. For more outdoor adventure spend a Winter’s Day on the Farm at Fosterfields or grab your snow boots for a guided family walk at Tenafly Nature Center. And for some indoor fun, the whole gang will enjoy a fun-loving performance of Sister Act at the Mayo Performing Arts Center or take your little truck-lovers to the Monster Jam Truck Show at the IZOD Center. For even more weekend fun, check out the full list of weekend activities in our Event Calendar.

My kids are gamers. I'll admit it, they cherish every second they can get on their Xbox, computer or iPad. Like most moms, I try to limit their screen time, but I've also come to realize that gaming is a big part of how they socialize with their friends. Recent studies have even shown that moderate gaming leads to improved performance in perception, attention and cognition. During these cold winter months, it's nice to find an indoor space where my kids and their friends can get together and play (that isn't my house). We've put together a list of New Jersey gaming lounges where kids can gather to mine, race and battle. For more great opportunities for gamers and tech savvy kids, check out our post on STEM classes in New Jersey, where your kids can learn to program and design their own games.

There is something incredibly New England about skating on a frozen pond. And refreshing. And exhilarating. And magical. Yet, important questions always lurk in the back of our minds. Who has checked the thickness of the ice? Is the surface free of debris? Ultimately, is it safe? Luckily, at Winding Trails in Farmington, 6 miles from Hartford, you can have the best of both worlds: an old-fashioned pond skate in a setting that is well-maintained and tested for safety.The pond is open daily for skating once staff has determined that the ice is at least 6 inches thick (skating itself is unsupervised), and the ice is resurfaced on a regular basis. While you’re there, scope out the gigantic hill (on our sledding hills worth driving to list) and trails for snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing for your next winter escapade.

There truly are hundreds of things to do in the L.A. Basin, and many of our neighborhoods have at least 25 reasons to visit. Studio City, named for the business that makes our locale a world renowned destination, is one of those places. This particular section of the San Fernando Valley, still technically part of the City of Los Angeles, was created by the Central Motion Picture District in 1927 - and has a lot more kid entertainment than you might think. 

When you have little kids, it can be hard to know what the next few days are going to be like, not to mention the next few weeks. So if you are looking to spend some special time with your little one, but aren't looking to sign-up for a regularly-scheduled Mommy and Me class, you're in luck. There are a few drop-in Mommy and Me classes available across Long Island. And for other enrichment programs in our area, be sure to take a look at our Long Island Classes Guide.

Now that January is coming to a close, are you still feeling the post-holiday strain on your budget? Luckily, most of this week’s activity picks are free! Don’t miss the free fun at library programs, including Family Fun Night in Berkeley Heights, Fit4Kids puppet show in Chatham and Girls Who Code in Newark. Explore other free activities at Barnes and Noble and Thompson Park Creative Arts Center. Plus, enjoy low-budget active time at All About Fun and Fort Monmouth Recreation Center. And don’t forget to check out our event calendar for even more weekday and weekend events.

There are plenty of indoor activities to keep you and your kids warm during the winter months. This week alone, you can learn about the ocean, practice healthy cooking skills, find out how your child's eating habits are affecting him at school, and enjoy the ballet that inspired Disney's Frozen.

Of course, this list is just our top picks--be sure to check out our Long Island Events Calendar regularly as it is always being updated. And to receive this post right into your inbox, sign up for our newsletter, which is now going out twice a week (Mondays and Thursdays).

We've rounded up something fun to do across the state each day. Although we only highlight one activity per day in this post, you can find plenty of other options in our Event Calendar. This week you can go to the planetarium, hang out with your American Girl Doll, take a free Broadway dance class and more. With the snow that fell this weekend, make sure to check out our Winter Fun Guide for more ideas. Have fun! Editor's Note: With the blizzard coming across the state, some of these events may be canceled or postponed. Always call the venue first to confirm. Stay warm and safe!

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