School Break Camps in NYC: Winter and Spring Break Camps to Keep Kids Busy on Days Off

Submitted by Diana Kim on

SKATEYOGI camps are designed for students ages 5-14 of all skill levels. Photo courtesy of SKATEYOGI

Finding great school break camps in NYC to keep kids busy during spring break and other NYC school vacations is a breeze thanks to these local school break camps. If kids need something to do, these NYC winter and spring break camps offer activities ranging from STEM to sports, visual arts, performing arts, cooking, and more. Many offer programming during week-long breaks and single days off. We have found school break camps in Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island, and we're sharing them all below.

Be sure to check out our NYC Kids Guide to Camps for more options for school holidays and all summer long, and find more top NYC spring and winter break camps in our camp directory.

32 Things To Do on a Rainy Day Indoors in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on

Kids can climb the walls at the Cliffs in Valhalla. Photo courtesy of the Cliffs

This list of indoor activities in Westchester and the Hudson Valley keeps kids active and engaged for those times when Mother Nature shuts down your favorite local playground. 

We've listed our 32 top indoor activities below, though we've got countless more picks on our list of the best indoor play spaces in Westchester and in our Guide to Museums for Westchester and Hudson Valley families.

Freebie Alerts: Free Museum Passes and More Money-Saving Perks at Your Long Island Library

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on

Kids can take flight at the Cradle of Aviation Museum for free. Photo by Kristen Markel

Freebie alert: Long Island library cards unlock tons of no-cost benefits in addition to access to book collections, interactive play spaces, and classes. The list of very cool, very FREE library perks on Long Island for the whole family varies by location and is a huge benefit that not everyone knows about. 

Read on to uncover museums from Nassau County to the East End that participate in the free pass program at local libraries. Long Island library cards also grant access to other freebies that we've listed below, like discounted tickets to kid-friendly venues and shows. 

For even more FREE fun, check out our picks for Long Island Libraries with great play spaces and children's rooms and our ultimate guide to FREE Things To Do with Kids on Long Island.

Best Winter Birthday Ideas for Kids in New Jersey

Submitted by Catherine Kennedy on

Freehold's iPlay America is an indoor venue that was designed to mimic a boardwalk at the Jersey Shore.

New Jersey offers a variety of unforgettable kids' party venues for the winter season, no matter if you’re craving cozy indoor adventures or are excited to brave the elements. 

From Jersey City to Montclair to Belmar, we’ve curated a collection of exciting spots across New Jersey to make your kid's winter birthday celebration one to remember! Read on for our picks, and for even more party help, check out our mega-list of 100 Popular Kids’ Birthday Party Themes for Every Age and Interest.

Free Preschool Passes at Central Florida and Orlando Attractions

Submitted by Charlotte B on

Preschoolers explore the wonders of the seas at SeaWorld Orlando.

Three Central Florida attractions are offering FREE preschool passes for Florida residents during the calendar year. Preschoolers in Orlando can meet Elmo and his friends, enjoy animal interactions, and explore space at these fun Orlando attractions with these free preschool cards. But hurry, Florida residents have a limited time to take advantage of these great offers. Read on for all the details!

Giant Pandas Return to the National Zoo!

Submitted by Stephanie Shipman on

Bao Li can't wait to meet your family! Photo credit: Roshan Patel/Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

DC is celebrating its two new residents: giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao! The pandas have been in DC since October, but they debut to the public today, Friday, January 24, 2025. Read all about them in our previous panda post. 

Giant pandas have made their home at the National Zoo since 1972, when China gifted two pandas to the US as a gesture of goodwill. But after pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Xiao Qi Ji returned to China in November 2023, there was an empty space at the zoo—and in DC families' hearts.

Guests can visit the pandas at the National Zoo starting today, and several local businesses have their own unique ways to celebrate the panda-monium. Check them out below and tag us on Instagram at @mommypoppinsdc if you participate in any!

Best Kids Indoor Playgrounds & Play Spaces in Philadelphia

Submitted by Liz Baill on

Kids can zoom down the slide and, of course, launch scarves at Kith + Kin. Photo courtesy of Kith + Kin

When the temperatures outside keep active children inside, it's important to have a handy list of the best indoor activities for kids in Philadelphia. We've got you covered! Here's our list of the best indoor playgrounds near Philadelphia. We've also included the best kids indoor playgrounds in the Philly suburbs for kids to let off steam. From the most energetic trampoline parks to the calming nooks of Montessori-style hang-outs, Philly's got something for every family.

Need more ideas for great times indoors? Be sure and check out Free Indoor Play Spaces for Philly Kids and our complete Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones Guide. And if going out isn't in the cards today, check out come of our favorite indoor play ideas.

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