Things To Do in Westchester this Weekend: Maple Sugaring, African Drumming, Mummenschanz

Submitted by Susan Miele on

Learn the process of maple sugaring at the Rye Nature Center's sugarhouse. Photo courtesy of the center

Both Winter Break and February wrap up with a weekend that might not offer large-scale events, but good things come in small packages (and our top picks are generally easy on the wallet). 

A predominant offering is maple sugaring, as peak season runs from mid-February through mid-March. For added fun, Maple Sugar Tours kick off on Saturday with assorted extra activities beyond the tapping experience. Catch a show about predators as part of the Saturday Morning Family Series or see the surreal antics of MUMMENSCHANZ. Black History Month is being recognized with assorted programming, including an African Dance and Drum Performance. Looking for a new sport? Give rugby a shot at a FREE clinic.

Read on for more options to choose from and find yet more on our Event Calendar. If you haven't done so already, sign up for our newsletters to stay in the know.

Things To Do on Long Island This Weekend with Kids: Mardi Gras, Puppet Theater & STEM Activities

Jaime Sumersille's picture Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Sundays at the Nassau County Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Celebrate Mardi Gras Day with the Long Island Children's Museum, learn about the holiday's traditions, and create and design your own Mardi Gras mask.  

Meet the creators of SnappyXO at the Long Island Explorium.

Join the Long Island Puppet Theater in this all ages classic fairy tale puppet show and follow Prince Marino on his journey across the sea to find his one true love, The Little Mermaid.

Check our February GoList and events calendar for even more inspiration. Our Winter Fun Guide will keep you tuned in all season long.

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Things to Do in Chicago This Weekend: Polar Days, Orchids

Submitted by MommyPoppins on

The Chicago Architecture Center hosts Engineering Fest, featuring exhibits and interactive workshops for the whole family! Photo courtesy of the center

This weekend's best activities for Chicago families are all about appreciating nature and the great outdoors. Polar Adventure Days on Northerly Island this Saturday means plenty of FREE outdoor winter action, including snowshoeing, hot cocoa, and live animals in their winter habitats. Or duck into a lush, fragrant greenhouse for a welcome taste of the tropics at the Chicago Botanic Garden's gorgeous Orchid Show. Then, skate with Princess Anna and Queen Elsa all weekend at Rocket Skate in Bolingbrook.

STEM-loving kids will find exciting things to build and make at the Chicago Architecture Center's Engineering Fest. And Black History Month celebrations continue this weekend with underground railroad hikes and performances at Washington Park. Music lovers shouldn't miss The Music of the Beatles for Kids in Elmhurst.

For even more winter family fun in Chicago, don't forget our roundup of 50+ Free Things to Do With Kids This Winter and our helpful "winter bucket list" of 50 must-do winter activities in Chicago. The event calendar is full of fun ideas, too.

Things to Do in Philly This Weekend: Maple Syrup, Mardi Gras, Performances February 22-23

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on

Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

Philly families can be assured that plenty of fun awaits this February weekend. Children and grown ups alike can enjoy maple sugaring events, concerts, theater performances, and museum experiences all of which can be found in our event calendar.

Incorporate a maple sugaring activity in your weekend plans. See how maple candy is made at Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center, discover how Native Americans harvested maple sugar from trees at Norristown Farm Park, or eat delicious pancakes and maple syrup at Churchville Nature Center. The celebration continues with Fat Tuesday festivities with some help from the Mummers at the annual Mummers Mardi Gras Festival which features children's activities, photo booths, and live performances.

Speaking of performances, many shows are on stage throughout the Delaware Valley. Grab tickets to see Shen Yun at the Merriam Theater, Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical at the Delaware Children's Theatre, or The Princess and the Pea at The Media Theatre. Still looking for more? Rock out during Kids Rock Philly at World Cafe Live, listen to the Music of Queen for Kids at The Ardmore Music Hall, or dance along with Irish music by Next Generation of Irish Performers at the Garden State Discover Museum.

Find the perfect activities for your family by filtering the events calendar by location, ages, and tags.

27 Great Spring Break Camps for NYC Kids

Stephanie Ogozalek's picture Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on

Get in the game at Asphalt Green Spring Break Camp. Learn new skills, the value of teamwork, and the power of play.

School holidays seem to pile up this time of the year. You've just gotten February break sorted out, and it's already time to plan for spring break. Public school kids are off from Thursday, April 9 through Friday, April 17, 2020.

Whether your kid wants to spend their break dabbling in the arts, honing sports skills, is obsessed with all things STEM, or all of the above, New York City seemingly has a camp for every interest. We've rounded up more than two dozen NYC camps across the five boroughs. All are open for spring break and many other school holidays.

Be sure to check out our Summer Camp Guide if you're already deep into planning for summer's much longer school break!

Lactation Rooms for Long Island Moms and Babes on the Go

Molly England's picture Submitted by Molly England on

Here are the best lactation stations and private and semi-private rooms for moms and babies to feel safe and secure while nursing, pumping, and feeding on Long Island. Photo by Mommy Poppins

Feeding our babies, toddlers and kids is one of the most important jobs we have as parents. Whether we provide nutrition to our babies from the breast or bottle, it’s important to have a peaceful place to feed our little ones. Nursing in public is no longer taboo, thanks to legislation that backs up moms’ rights and pioneering celebrities and moms alike. While moms should feel comfortable and supported wherever they are, some prefer privacy to nurse or may need to pump in private while at work or out and about. Babies can get distracted too, so it’s helpful to know where moms can go for the perfect spot to feed babies and toddlers without distraction. Mommy Poppins rounded up all the best lactation stations and private and semi-private rooms for moms and babies to feel safe and secure while nursing, pumping and feeding. 

Baby-friendly spaces are always a comfortable option for moms to breastfeed or bottle feed their children because when we’re in the company of other moms who can relate to one another—there’s unity and solidarity. Check out these Long Island Cafes with Kids' Play Spaces, Long Island Attractions Free for Toddlers and Babies Under 2 and Top Mommy-and-Me Baby Classes on Long Island for a ton of great outings and activities for moms and kids.

Things To Do in NJ this Weekend: Very Hungry Caterpillar, Kids Expo, Maple Sugaring

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

The Very Hungry Caterpillar comes to SOPAC on Sunday. Photo courtesy of SOPAC

It's time to party on this last full weekend of February. Enjoy carnival games and inflatables at the Free Kids Expo, get dolled up for a Queen Elsa Tea Party, and honor Washington's Birthday at Historic New Bridge Landing. Plus, celebrate favorite literary characters at a production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favourites and at a Green Eggs & Ham storytime event .

Nature activities are in the spotlight this weekend, with Maple Sugaring Demonstrations, Read & Explore: Fur, Feathers & Fluff, and Who's Been Here.

Find even more weekend options in our Winter Guide, including 30+ Drop-In Play Spaces for NJ Kids That Cost $15 or Less. And look to our February GoList and event calendar for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.

Survival: The Exhibition Brings Real-World Lessons to City Kids

Submitted by Elena M on

Survival: The Exhibition teaches kids hands-on skills to overcome real-world emergencies.

If you've lived in the urban jungle long enough, it's easy to wonder whether you'd know what to do if you got lost in a forest. Could you find your way to safety if you got swept away by a river's current? What would you pack if you only had a few minutes to evacuate when a disaster strikes? Answers to these questions and more can be learned with a visit to Survival: The Exhibition, a new exhibit at the New York Hall of Science.

Read on for all the details and how to score tickets to the timed-entry exhibit, which not only teaches life lessons but also builds STEM skills and even includes a ropes course and zip line.

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