SoHo

Recently, all the news about high-stakes testing and changes to the Common Core Standards has made me feel like NYC public schools are moving even further away from arts and creative learning and turning into what my father called "conformity factories." Luckily in New York City, innovative, cutting-edge learning is just a subway ride away.

Right now, one of the coolest things to do with NYC kids is to visit a makerspace where they can get hands-on experience with 3D printing, video game design, animation, Arduino electronics, digital music and more. Makerspaces are popping up all over NYC. Some allow you to drop in and try out avant-garde technology, others offer workshops, classes or summer camp programs designed specifically for kids.

Our kids are living in an age when they have the tools to bring their ideas to life like never before. My daughter created the necklace shown in our gallery at a local makerspace in under an hour, no major investment or factory needed. She has since started a blog for her jewelry designs and even has her own Etsy store.

Who knows what kinds of creativity and innovation this new technology will lead to? Today's young inventors will certainly lead the way. In the meantime, 3D printing is like having a factory at your fingertips, conformity be gone.

I'm sure this list will change as the makerspace movement continues to grow, but here are some of the coolest maker programs for kids in NYC right now.

With the cold weather upon us, taking the kids to the movies is very tempting, but the usual family film options...not so much. They're expensive (especially those 3-D releases), and winter is the traditional dumping ground for duds. In fact this year, nothing much is coming out until March when Oz The Great and Powerful finally arrives, and even that won't be good for tots.

Luckily, you don't have to resort to the regular box office choices in New York City. Winter brings a bunch of cool film festivals aimed specifically at children. No Alvin and the Chipmunks sequels on these lineups. The New York International Children's Film Festival and BAMkids offer international indies, while Film Forum Jr. and Family Films at Lincoln Center screen cool classics. Plus, the ticket prices are a lot less—one series is actually free.

Even though we're still sad that long-time Cobble Hill favorite Big Movies for Little Kids is no longer showing movies on a regular basis, other family film series have popped up in its place. In fact, this year there are more than ever. Here are eight series where you and your kids can rediscover the magic of movies.

Our NYC Shopping Local Gift Guide is chock-full of great places to find cool kids' items, from seasonal pop-up shops to holiday markets to year-round family favorites. But in addition to hitting your usual go-to shops, why not try something new?

We've found seven new toy stores that opened in Manhattan and Brooklyn over the past year, many specializing in handcrafted, eco-friendly playthings that you won't find in the big chains. Bonus: Some of these shops also offer classes, sing-alongs and special events for kids, so you may find yourself hitting these spots long after the holidays are over.