Throwing a big kid’s birthday party in the winter months has been tough these past couple of years. Nothing guarantees a sad birthday tween more than a cold, masked, socially distanced, and minimally attended birthday party. While there are some cool big kid birthday party venues in New York City, most people still aren't comfortable celebrating indoors. But, armed with a little creativity and a can-do attitude, we've found eight DIY—or do-it-with-a-little-help—ideas for outdoor birthday parties that ensure your next big kid celebration ends in some wide birthday smiles!

Find more all-ages ideas to celebrate in our Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned living here, it’s that there’s no shortage of amazing things to do and see in Westchester. From kid-friendly museums and outdoor spaces to annual events that are on every family’s must-do list, it’s easy to keep little ones engaged, and to have a blast while doing it.

So whether you’re visiting family and friends, are thinking of moving to the area, or simply want to play tourist in your own backyard, read on for are some of the top attractions for families in Westchester.

Looking for even more things to do? Check out our Guide to Westchester, see what’s happening in our events calendar, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter.

High School students who step up really stand out in the college admissions process, and summer internships in Los Angeles for teens provide a way for kids to showcase their drive and get them working in their chosen field. Universities want more than impressive GPAs and SAT scores; they want well-rounded, engaged, passionate students. When your child has a hands-on internship experience, it leads to a leg up on the competition, and also gets them excited about the future—and it gets them out of the house for the summer! Whether your teen is looking for some real-world experience in the entertainment industry, has a head for business and can't wait to start crunching numbers, or loves working with kids, a wide range of professional opportunities are just a few clicks away.

Find more teen-friendly things to do with this list of 20 Things To Do with Tweens and Teens in Los Angeles They'll Actually Enjoy and in our Los Angeles Activity Guide for Tweens and Teens.

Need a cool activity that combines teamwork, family bonding, and problem-solving skills all in one? A Philly escape room can tick off every box on your list. For a fun and rewarding challenge that channels your inner Sherlock Holmes, these escape rooms near Philadelphia make the perfect outing for a kids’ birthday party or indoor activity.

Many of Philly’s escape rooms have rotating themes, so we recommend checking the websites before arrival to see what’s being offered at any given time. Most escape rooms cater to older children, so if you're bringing little ones, be prepared to help them out. For more great places to have a blast inside, browse our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces and Fun Zones for Philly Kids.

After you’ve selected a birthday party location, booked an entertainer, and sent out invitations for your child’s birthday party, it’s time for the yummy part – picking out a birthday cake! No longer limited to round and rectangular shapes, today's birthday cakes can be tiered like wedding cakes or sculpted into baseball bats, cars, purses, and more.  

Look to our list to take the guesswork out of your sugary search. We’ve got everything covered, from a traditional sheet cakes to a custom birthday cake, throughout metro Atlanta. If you don’t want to slice into a beautifully decorated cake, consider cupcakes, cake pops, or cookies that many of these bakeries also prepare. 

Don't fret if your preteen's birthday has rolled around and you realize he or she has outgrown the bouncy house circuit. There are plenty of party options on Long Island specifically for this age group. Discerning tweens know what they like, so we've rounded up a list of awesome party spots that will impress this picky crowd.

From zip lines to fashion shows, these tween birthday bash ideas at cool Long Island spots fit the bill for that special day. Call the venues for the most up-to-date pricing information.

Got a not-so-little kid? You'll want to take a look at our guide to tween and teen fun on Long Island for exciting things to do. And for more birthday party ideas, check out our Long Island party guide.

If you haven't been to Greenville, SC, think of it as a place where quaint Southern charm meets family-friendly fun. Greenville's fabulous walkable downtown area is anchored by Falls Park on the Reedy with gorgeous waterfalls, a cool suspension bridge, and sprawling grassy areas for running and picnicking. Add to that yummy Southern fare, plenty of kid-approved activities, and mild weather, and you've got yourself an easy, memorable family vacay.

Read on for our list of 25 fun things to do in Greenville, SC with kids, including family-friendly hotels and restaurants in Greenville. For more family vacation ideas from Florida to California and beyond, check out our Family Travel Guide.

When you're looking for the best hot chocolate in Boston, whether it's to warm up after swooshing down the local sledding hill or just hoping to satisfy your seasonal sweet tooth, you don't just want a boring powdered mix. You want the good stuff. The great stuff. Hot chocolate bombs and melted chocolate with local, organic milk. Luckily, we know exactly where to find the best hot chocolate in Boston. The stuff worth indulging in.

So, gather the family, pull off those mittens, and sip on some sweetness at one of these places—from Boston to the North Shore—serving up the season's most delectable drink. If you need something sweet to go with that drink, check out our favorite Boston-Area Donut Shops. Or, if a nor'easter is hitting and you can't leave the house, get our Easy, 5-Step Recipe for Hot Chocolate Bombs to make at home.