Cold weather and the ongoing pandemic have created the perfect storm for parents and caregivers who wish kids had more opportunities to burn off some energy and hang out with their pals. Even if you've put together your own quaran-team—a small group or homeschool pod who agree to only socialize with each other to minimize the risk of exposure—you may be looking for new places to chill. Fortunately, play spaces throughout New Jersey cater to pods and offer reservations for private play in safe and sanitized environments.

If you're hoping to host a play date outside your home, the following play spaces are ready to accommodate your pod. Many facilities require that you sign waivers in advance, so visit the website and complete the forms before arrival.

Find more fun places to play in our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces.

Looking for something FREE to do to entertain the kids? If you live in the suburbs, go to your local library and check out passes for you and your family to visit a number of great nearby museums, zoos, and gardens.

Each library has different policies for passes so be sure to call or check in at your local branch before reserving. Given the current COVID-19 situation, some venues may not be open so it is important to check with your local branch for availability. The list below may contain museums that are currently closed or do not have passes to offer at this time. To search for the most accurate options and what's obtainable, use the keywords "Museum Pass" in your library's catalog search. 

You'll only be able to check out passes in your county and with your library card. In general, passes are reserved in advance and both picked up and returned to the original location. Passes must be returned when due to avoid a late fee. Some libraries have checkout restrictions based on the township in which you live. Scroll down to your county to see what great passes you can find.

This winter, especially, families are looking—desperately—for outings that are safe and fun. Boston's Esplanade Association has answered the call with an event that's those both things, as well as inspring and—wait for it—free. Conceived to "cut through the darkness of the winter months," Hatched: Breaking Through the Silence is a free nightly light and music show at the Hatch Shell outdoor ampitheater that runs from January 22nd to February 21st, 2021. Read on for the scoop on what this creative, first-time-ever Hatch Shell light show is all about and how and when to go experience it with your family. We're adding it to our list of best things to do with Boston kids this winter.

When the flakes fly, Long Islanders might long for a chance to break out their skis, and while you can find plenty of family-friendly downhill slopes nearby if you want to ski locally, cross-country skiing is your only bet. Luckily, there are several awesome cross-country skiing spots on Long Island offering terrific trails whether you're skiing with young kids or other beginners or have more experienced Nordic skiers in your crew. As a bonus, most of these spots also allow snowshoeing on their trails too.

Many of our local state parks, county parks, and golf courses open bright and early after a snowfall so cross-country skiers can hit the fresh powder. Just be sure to call in advance to make sure the venue is open, and there is enough snow for winter activities.

For more cold-weather fun, check out our Skiing, Snowboarding & Snow Sports Guide.

Games that are both fun and make your child think are a win-win for everyone. From infants and toddlers to tweens and teens (and even adults) puzzle games and jigsaw puzzles are awesome ways to keep kids happily occupied, get their brains working, and keep their eyes away from TV and computer screens.

With the pandemic and the colder weather keeping many families playing indoors, we thought it was the perfect time to round up some of the best brain teasers and puzzles for kids. We’ve included some of the latest and most popular puzzle games, but we didn’t forget the tried and true.

Need more creative ideas to keep your brood entertained indoors? Check out our Boredom Busters and At-Home guides, not to mention our roundup of the best-ever board games.

From Houston, you can drive just a few hours outside of the city and find yourself surrounded by the majestic landscape and pristine fields of wildflowers in the Texas Hill Country. This beautiful scenery combined with lakes, rivers, campsites, and historic towns makes a quick getaway completely worth the time and energy. While you're in the Hill Country, taking some time to visit some of Texas' phenomenal wineries is almost a rite of passage on any weekend getaway... even with kids in tow!

The Texas wine scene has exploded in popularity in recent years and sampling some of the delicious wines made right in our own state is a must. These family-friendly Hill Country wineries and vineyards are a fantastic choice for your next family trip—and all of the locations below are taking precautions for COVID-19.

One of my favorite places to visit with my family in the Hudson Valley is the Olana State Historic Site. It encapsulates what's so great about the area—natural beauty, history, and amazing art, design, and architecture. With breathtaking views of the Hudson River, it's a great destination for the whole family, offering sights and activities for kids as well as their parents.

We've visited Olana in the summer and winter and enjoyed ourselves equally on each visit. Whether you're taking a day trip or spending a long weekend upstate, make sure to have Olana on your list. You can find plenty more getaway inspiration in our Day Trips and Getaways Guide.

Too cold or wet to get energy out on the playground? Might as well jump! Luckily for families with active kids, Connecticut boasts a growing number of trampoline parks, from Fairfield County to Hartford and beyond. Along with dozens of flat and angled tramps to practice high bounces and tricks, many of these trampoline parks have basketball hoops, dodge ball courts, climbing walls, and more.

For more fun indoor play ideas check out our Connecticut Indoor Play Guide.