Submitted by Jessica Laird on
From not being invited to the birthday party to getting called hurtful names, hearing that your child feels like they don't fit in can nearly break a parent's heart. But, as we grownups know, the things that make children different are also the things that make them special—and finding ways to celebrate that uniqueness is key to their confidence.
Submitted by Susan Miele on
So much fun, both indoors and outdoors, awaits Westchester and Hudson Valley families this winter weekend! Our February GoList heralded several of our faves, and below are some more to choose from.
One of the headliners is the annual Hudson River Eaglefest, a multi-site event that celebrates the eagle’s return to Westchester, with viewing points up and down the river plus various attractions. It’s also time to celebrate the Year of the Rat, and we’ve identified several ways to do so, including the annual Chinese New Year Festival at Purchase College and the Lunar New Year Festival at the Hudson River Museum. For those looking to embrace the season, get outdoors for Winter on the Farm, replete with a pancake brunch, or take advantage of maple-sugaring season at Tappin' the Maple Trees.
We love how many of our top picks this weekend are FREE! Be sure to consult our Event Calendar for tons of activities every single day. If you haven't done so already, sign up for our newsletters to stay in the know!
Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on
Midwinter recess always seems to be the black-sheep break: It sneaks up on you, and you have no idea how to handle it once it arrives. Here are our top budget-friendly Midwinter Break camps, and good news for procrastinators: They still have openings. If you need more options, check with local museums, play spaces, and after-school centers as many offer coverage.
If you're able to take a few days off and spend quality time with the kids, be sure to check out our list of 35 Fun Things To Do Over Midwinter Break.
Submitted by Dore Duhaime on
Hoboken families have a new, FREE play space to enjoy with toddlers, kids, and teens, courtesy of the city's public library. The "Toybrary" features Legos, puzzles, cars, and instruments for little ones to explore, while caregivers can pull up a chair and talk with neighbors. After school most weekdays, the inviting space is reserved for teens to hang out and do homework or play video games together.
Submitted by Roberta B on
When the sun shines in balmy Los Angeles, when the temperatures in the Valley hit triple digits, when the bad weather on the news is all happening somewhere else – it makes a person want to go ice skating, doesn’t it? We may not have frozen ponds and Jack Frost nipping at our noses, but truth be told Southern California has some of the best ice rinks (including outdoor rinks!) and best skating instructors in the nation. It may sound crazy, but think about it – if you’re a famous skater who's spent your life shivering in the trail of a Zamboni, wouldn't you choose the California sunshine? Follow in the skate steps of local Olympic kids Michelle Kwan and Evan Lysacek and chill with some ice skating lessons at the best of LA’s figure skating classes.
Submitted by MommyPoppins on
February fun is just getting started for Chicagoland kids. This weekend, continue to celebrate Black History Month with a girl-powered musical experience, ring in the Chinese New Year - the Year of the Rat - in Wrigleyville, and enjoy a Beatles tribute concert aimed at kids.
The Greatest Story Never Told is also running through this month, full of silly improv fun. For something a little on the sweeter side, the Morton Arboretum hosts Chocolate Weekend with plenty of samples and chocolates just in time for Valentine's Day (or a snack). And speaking of Valentine's Day, this weekend you'll find lots of themed fun, including chances for kids to make special Valentine's gifts at jewelry-making and crafting workshops.
For more winter fun ideas, check out our (updated) list of FREE Things to Do in Chicago This Winter, and our ultimate winter fun bucket list of Things to Do Indoors With Chicago Kids. Our event calendar is updating every day, too.
Submitted by Laurie Rein on
Love is in the air this pre-Valentine's Day weekend in New Jersey. Celebrate with a craft at the New Jersey State Museum, a family night out at Jenkinson's, cookie decorating at a hotel, and a scrumptious Chocolate Family Fun Day at the Morris Museum.
If you love animals, have fur-friendly fun at the Super Pet Expo or learn about winter animals at Read & Explore: Animal Tracks. Treat your Valentines to the theater this weekend with mr. RAY, Dino-Light, and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert. And there's more cause for celebration at Newark Museum's Black History Month.
Find even more weekend options in our Winter Guide, including Family-Friendly Skiing and Snowboarding Spots Around NJ. And look to our February GoList and event calendar for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.
Submitted by Ashley Jones on
My family has been visiting Longhorn Cavern State Park for as long as I can remember. Situated on top of a scenic hillside smack dab in the middle of the Texas Hill Country, the park and its namesake cavern are a must-see for families who love experiencing all that nature has to offer. The state park is about four-and-a-half hours from Houston, but just over an hour from Austin, where families can enjoy plenty of kid-friendly activities if you wanted to make a weekend trip to enjoy all that the area has to offer. Although exploring the stunning cavern is the main draw to the park, it is a great place to hike, picnic, and just enjoy being in the great outdoors with family.
