It's a new year, which means some parents are (gulp!) starting to plan a second round of virtual birthday parties for kids. By now, our little humans are experts at all things screen time and know a thing or two about virtual bonding. With a little creativity, online shopping, and maybe some help from digital party entertainers, parents can make magical birthday memories for kids that will last a lifetime. We've pulled together our favorites from the creative solutions we've found for socially distant celebrations.

Making kids feel special on their birthday isn’t only about big parties and lots of presents, of course; it’s also about enjoying a day together and reminding them just how important they are. Check out our list of 30+ Free Ways to Celebrate Your Kid's Birthday at Home for even more ways to spend the special day. 

Visit Poppins@Home for fun virtual learning and party planning options with skilled virtual educators and performers. Our Stay-at-Home Guide also has hundreds of ideas for keeping kids busy and happy at home.

It's not only safer to eat outside these days; it's more fun, too! As indoor dining in Connecticut remains limited, some restaurants have winterized their patios and deck spaces to include not only tents and heaters, but creative structures like igloos, greenhouses, and more. Because some of the best memories are still made around a dining table, consider the following family-friendly outdoor restaurants for a fun winter night out. Big appetites and cozy blankets are encouraged!

Make an afternoon of it by pairing a visit to one of these outdoor restaurants with a winter day trip to a local park or farm. Our Connecticut Winter Fun Guide includes more ideas for keeping kids safe, warm, and entertained in the coming months.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is peaceful for New York City kids, but it sure isn't boring, with music, storytelling, and volunteer activities all focused on sharing Dr. King's life and legacy with kids. Enjoy a Community Day event in Brooklyn, a family poetry workshop, BAM's FREE online Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, and more.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which falls on Monday, January 18, 2021, is also a National Day of Service, and citizens are encouraged to help out in their communities. To that end, we've included a list of family-friendly volunteering opportunities that provide wonderful ways to honor Dr. King's work. You can find even more things to do on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in our Event Calendar.

La Cañada Flintridge​'s Descanso Gardens stands out as one of the best botanical gardens in LA, and in a city renowned for natural beauty, that's really saying something. Sure the paved and unpaved trails for little wanderers to explore and 150 acres that bloom continuously in winter, spring, summer, and fall contribute to making it great. But what makes it extra magical are the millions of hidden treasures for kids of all ages to discover, as well as the seasonal events and unique programming throughout the year.

Discover what makes Descanso Gardens such a special place for kids—and get some insider tips to making the most of every visit.

What's new at the Santa Barbara Zoo? Families across the city have missed everything about our local zoos with closures this winter (especially Zoo Lights at the LA Zoo). That’s why the news that in the summer of 2021 something new and special is coming to the Santa Barbara Zoo is so very welcome. They’re roaring back, bigger and better than ever before, giving LA kids and families yet another reason to visit the zoo … a trip to the Outback of Australia, with no passport required, just a simple zip up the 101.

Mitigation efforts to fight COVID-19 were put into place throughout Pennsylvania in mid-December, closing indoor locations including museums. Most of those restrictions now have been lifted and our favorite spots are beginning to reopen.

Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has rounded up some locations that are open or plan to open soon. Because restrictions and policies change quickly, be sure to check directly with each venue before visiting. Guests still must wear masks and maintain social distancing at all locations. Many offer timed tickets that must be purchased in advance. So find your masks, grab some hand sanitizer, and explore our list.

Snow in Texas? Say it ain't so! While us Houstonians are used to mild winters that rival most other states autumn season, there are places in Texas that actually do get a little dusting of snow during the colder months. If your winter bucket list includes seeing snow within our great state, then rest assured that you can make it happen! All it takes is a little weekend road trip spent driving to higher elevation and the right timing and your kids can indulge in snowball fights and snow angels during the day and hot chocolate by the fire at night. 

Where in Texas, you might ask? We've rounded up 6 areas of the state that offer the perfect little snow-filled weekend getaway.