Financial District

We love taking the kids to NYC's world-class museums at any time of year. But in the dead of winter, a trip to explore awesome and often interactive installations makes for a cool (yet warm) family outing.

We found a dozen fun exhibits that are worth checking out this season. From hands-on action at the Brooklyn Children's Museum's Big Adventure and Tony Hawk's Rad Science at the New York Hall of Science, to playable video games at the Museum of the Moving Image's Spacewar!, to an indoor tropical paradise at the New York Botanical Garden, to funky contemporary art at the Guggenheim's Gutai retrospective, here are the best museum exhibits for families this winter.

Yesterday we shared festive ways to celebrate Christmas Eve with kids in New York City. But with tragic events like Hurricane Sandy and Sandy Hook Elementary School still fresh on our minds, many families may be looking for ways to remember those who were hurt or lost while praying for peace on earth and good will toward men.

While lots of NYC churches host kid-friendly religious services and pageants during the afternoon on December 24, you could also consider attending an authentic midnight mass with your family. In addition to the traditional Christmas Eve liturgy and caroling, these services will inevitably touch on recent events and hopefully provide tidings of comfort along with the joy of the season.

We've found five Manhattan churches that welcome visitors to midnight mass with kids in tow—yes, even babies and toddlers (we're sure; we checked!). You don't need to be a regular parishioner to attend and they're not as jam-packed as St. Patrick's Cathedral, although arriving early is still recommended. However you decide to spend Christmas Eve, we hope you find happiness and solace in the company of family and friends.

Holiday Portrait Hurricane Sandy Fundraiser Sunday, December 2 at J&R Jr.
Limited space available. Reserve your portrait session now!

Mommy Poppins is hosting a special holiday event that we hope will add some holiday cheer, make your life a little easier and give to those who need it most this year.

Our Holiday Portrait Hurricane Sandy Fundraiser will help you check one of the toughest seasonal tasks off your list: holiday cards. You'll get cool portraits, discounted holiday cards and gift shopping, fun holiday activities all in one—and 100% of the proceeds go to Hurricane Sandy relief. That's a true win-win-win. Read on for all the details about our Holiday Portrait Hurricane Sandy Fundraiser.