Where to Donate Kids' Clothes, Toys, and Gear Across NYC

Alina Adams's picture Submitted by Alina Adams on

With two adults and three kids in my family's typically small NYC apartment, the holiday season stresses me out. Not because of all the things I need to do, but because of all the extra "stuff" that I know is about to flood our home. That's why this is my favorite time of year to donate my kids' gently (or sometimes never!) used clothes, toys, books, and other items so we can free up some space, support worthy charities, and get the whole family in a giving mindset.

We've gathered details on several organizations where you can donate quality used items during the holidays and beyond. Be sure to contact the charities directly to confirm what they accept and how best to drop off. 

7 Places to Have Afternoon Tea with Long Island Kids

Felissa Allard's picture Submitted by Felissa Allard on

When the weather is cold, enjoying a warm cup of tea with your favorite little person is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

From sampling a variety of tea flavors to tasting yummy miniature sandwiches and scones, these Long Island tea rooms offer a warm welcome in an elegant setting just in time for Hot Tea Month in January.

For more delicious fun with your little ones, check out our list of the best Long Island brunch destinations for families, or treat yourself to our roundup of the Island's most decadent dessert spots. 

Weekend Fun: Shopkins Live, Cookie Crawl, Kwanzaa Festival

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

Christmas is less than two weeks away! Take a break from the mad rush of holiday preparation, and take in some light and sweet holiday fun. Brilliant holiday displays continue to shine throughout New Jersey, including Jenkinson's Sea of Lights, Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights, and Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show.

Bring the family, and a sweet tooth, to tasty festivities like the Fourth Annual Hot Chocolate Hike Weekend, Holiday Cookie Crawl, and Grain House Cookie and Kindness Brunch. Still hungry? Load up on breakfast fare with St. Nick over the weekend at Santa brunches. 

Relax at warm, indoor events including Winter Traditions: Storytime and Craft, Storytime with Mrs. Claus, Shopkins Live at UCPAC, and Kwanzaa Family Festival. There are plenty of holiday shows and Nutcracker performances taking place over the weekend, too.

Find even more weekend options in our Holiday Guide, including 50+ Awesome Santa Activities in New Jersey and 30 Christmas and Holiday Events for NJ Babies and Toddlers. And look to our December GoList and event calendar for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.

Don't Miss PA Ballet's The Nutcracker this Holiday Season

Submitted by Erin Ryan on

This classic Christmas ballet returns to Philadelphia for another season of holiday pageantry. Since 1968 the Pennsylvania Ballet has been performing The Nutcracker, drawing countless families and performing arts fans. If you have the chance to see this year's show, you won't be disappointed. The sights and sounds of the dazzling dancers, eye-catching costumes, vivid sets, and phenomenal orchestral performance will make you eager to take your seat again after intermission. Having been there, we're here to tell you all about it. Keep reading for more a sneak peek of this ballet performance.

Best Toy Stores in NYC: 13 Family Favorites and Destination Toy Shops

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on

Whether your toy shopping trip is a winter day activity, a pre-birthday party stop, a bit of Santa research, or a special family outing, NYC's toy store options do not disappoint. From painstakingly curated indie experiences to unforgettable big-brand toy extravaganzas, we’ve rounded up over a dozen of our favorite go-to toy stores across New York City, where you’re sure to find the perfect item for your little one or the winning gift for a birthday party. 

There Are Fairies Living in this Orange County Park—And Kids Are on their Trail

Submitted by Dana Zepeda on

There's a small park in Orange County with a big secret: fairies. Loads of them. The Oso Creek Trail in Mission Viejo, aka The Oso Creek Fairy Trail, offers a delightful way for young kids to explore nature and reinforce a belief in magic. The picturesque hiking trail is one of the most popular destinations in south Orange County thanks to countless "fairy sightings" reported by families with small kids.

12 Inexpensive Winter Weekend Getaways for NYC Area Families

Allison Tibaldi's picture Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on

It’s getting cold outside, but falling temperatures don’t necessarily translate to falling prices when it comes to family vacations. Luckily, we’ve rounded up a dozen well-priced family getaways that are all either driving distance or a short nonstop flight from New York City. Whether you’re in the mood for New England seaside charm, an urban weekend in New Orleans, Carolina comfort, or tropical heat, we’ve got plenty of budget-friendly suggestions for a quick winter weekend away with the kids.

25 Things to Do with Houston Kids Over Christmas Break

Carrie Taylor's picture Submitted by Carrie Taylor on

As parents, it's safe to say that we all have the best intentions of organizing the most creative, Pinterest-worthy crafts and activities for our kids during school breaks. Making those activities come to fruition, however, isn't always as easily executed. This winter break, instead of setting lofty goals that never get met, fall back on our holiday guide for events and things to do during the season, and read our other posts for fun things to do on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. Below, you'll find 25 things to do you and the kids will love and that, more importantly, get you out of the house!

Kids Can Ski Free and More Great Deals at Pennsylvania’s Top Ski Resorts

Submitted by Christine Mooney on

Snow sports are a great way to get outdoors with the whole family in the winter, and you don’t need to drop a bundle flying out west to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Pennsylvania is home to 21 great ski resorts from the Poconos to the Alleghenies, perfect for a day trip or a weeklong family ski vacation.

Best of all, with great deals, programs to help first timers learn to ski, and free skiing for 4th and 5th graders, PA skiing can be as affordable as it is fun. Read on to find out about all the ski and snowboard offers at Pennsylvania resorts perfect for any age or ability, and with great amenities and activities off the slopes too.

6 Easy Winter Day Trips for Boston Families

Kelley Heyworth's picture Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on

Ah, winter—the season of cozy togetherness, indoor fun, and, yes, the need to escape the house (at any cost). While a trip to a local museum or play place often fits the bill, sometimes, we all feel the need to stretch our horizons beyond the I-495 corridor. There's plenty of nearby skiing and indoor water park action to be had, of course, but in the event you're looking for something mellower (and, let's face it, cheaper), we have some ideas for you. Here are five day trips that allow you to wake up and fall asleep in your own beds, while packing in lots of beyond-Boston fun in between.

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