American Museum of Natural History: Ultimate Guide to Visiting NYC's AMNH with Kids

AMNH's dinosaurs are a must-see exhibit during your visit.

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the foremost natural history museums in the world and is certainly one of our top 100 things to do in NYC. There's so much to see at AMNH you can't cover it all in one day, especially with kids in tow. Luckily, we've been there a bazillion times and are happy to share everything you need to know to plan a visit to AMNH.  

Here's your insider's guide to our top things to see and tips for navigating The American Museum of Natural History with kids. Find more must-visit museums in our Guide to Family-Friendly Museums in NYC.

12 Great Sledding Hills Worth Driving to Around Boston

Get your snow pants on and head to the best sledding hills in and around Boston for winter fun!

Picking the" best" sledding hills is dicey business. Like sports teams and pizza places, most people are partial to the sledding hills they grew up with. Crossing town lines to sled seems ludicrous, even treasonous, to some. Yes, a big part of the fun of sledding is running into (sometimes literally) the neighbors you haven't seen since the end of Daylight Saving Time. And yet, we still think it's a blast to throw the saucer or tube in the back of the car and scout out some fresh terrain—sledding tourism, if you will. Luckily, because we live in a manageable-sized city, it's reasonable to hill-hop when sled-worthy days are plentiful. Here are sledding hills we think are worth driving to. Bundle up and head for these sledding spots this winter!

For some serious downhill fun, see our guide to the Best Snow Tubing Near Boston for Families. And check out our Winter Activities Guide for Boston Kids and find more snow-filled excitement.

Museum Memberships in NYC That Are Totally Worth It for Winter

NYSCI has plenty of engaging exhibits for all ages making it a perfect place to play on a cold winter's day. Photo via Facebook/courtesy of the venue

Museum memberships can be a boon when it comes to saving money in NYC. And, after visiting NYC's top play spaces, favorite children's museums from Brooklyn to Queens, and other local fun zones, we've rounded up a handful of membership deals at popular kid-centric destinations we think are worth the investment for these cold winter months. These places keep your kids entertained and active while getting you out of the house—and the weather. Some even offer short-term museum memberships, so you only have to pay until spring arrives.

In the dead of winter, it can be daunting to schlep somewhere new every weekend, so a membership to one (or two) of your favorite kid destinations makes sense. We've already done the math so you'll know exactly how many visits it takes until these investments pay off—and whether or not the "deal" works for your family. If the math doesn't work out for you, consider buying one of the play spaces' bulk passes instead, which usually knocks a few bucks off the daily drop-in price. Looking for more options? Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Indoor Activities, which has more parent-tested destinations like our favorite local stores where kids can play for FREE.

101 Questions To Ask Grandparents About Their Lives

These questions to ask grandparents help kids get to know their favorite people a little better.

These questions to ask grandparents are a great way for kids to spend time with their grandparents and get to know them better. Kids love asking questions! "Why...?" "How...?" "When...?" Rather than answering a few dozen rounds of why they have to take a bath, channel their curiosity toward getting to know some of their favorite people a little better.

As the chief present-giver, cuddler, and child spoiler in the family, grandparents can play a huge and fun role in kids' lives. But they're also people in their own right, with fascinating stories and histories. Their history is directly related to the lives of the grandkids. These questions for grandparents will help kids get to know these favorite people a little better. One great question to start with is about the names your kids call their grandparents. Do they know why they call them this?

For more fun with grandparents check out this list of 50 Fun Activities for Grandparents To Do with Kids and 10 Activities to do with Grandparents on Zoom.

Mini Snowmobiles, Winter Ziplines, and More Snow Adventures for Kids

What is this crazy kid doing in the snow? Ziplining, of course! Photo courtesy of Alpine Adventures NH via Facebook

Celebrate the beauty of each and every one of the four seasons - yes, even the bone-chilling cold of winter - with fun snow adventures for kids that go beyond skiing and snowboarding! One of the best ways to deal with the frosty weather is to find exciting ways to get outside and enjoy the winter wonderland of fun. Although some families love to spend the winter months zipping down the slopes, there are a ton of ways to have fun without ever strapping on a pair of skis. 

There are popular winter activities like tubing and skating, but we have found a bunch more ways to get your winter thrills. From snowmobile tours to tobogganing tracks here are some of the most thrilling ways to enjoy the bitter cold of winter. 

10 Best Kid-Friendly Coffee Shops in New Jersey

No matter which of Hidden Grounds locations you visit, expect to find a comfy, cozy vibe.

Looking for coffee shops in New Jersey where both you and your kid will enjoy yourselves? Read on for our top picks. 

Coffee shops often conjure up fond memories of listening to music, having great conversations, and sipping soothing, steamy beverages. It might seem daunting to bring little ones to this kind of venue, but we've found 10 family-friendly coffeehouses where you can totally kick back and relax with the kids. 

Some have fun children's programs, and most serve non-caffeinated drinks like steamers (steamed milk with flavored syrups), hot chocolate, frozen drinks, and more. Since coffee shops often have limited seating, pick an off-peak time, pack up a few favorite books, and get ready to settle in for some cozy family time.

If you prefer a spot of tea, check out our post on where to enjoy high tea in New Jersey with kids, and bookmark our New Jersey Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide for tons of great places to dine with your family. 

Where to Donate Clothes, Toys, and More in NYC

Goodwill accepts clean, gently used adult and children's clothing and household items. Photo courtesy of the Goodwill

The end of the holiday season always has me looking for places to donate clothes, toys, and other goods in NYC. 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.

While you may have donated to Toys for Tots before the holidays, local charities can use your support all year round. We've gathered details on several organizations where you can donate clothes in NYC. Be sure to contact the charities directly to confirm what they accept and how best to drop off.

Where to Go Seal Watching on Long Island

Long Island's coastal waters are a favorite hangout for harbor seals, starting around November and lasting until May. Photo by Xylia Serafy

Winter is prime seal-watching season on Long Island, which makes it an exciting time for nature lovers. We're lucky enough to live in a place where we can catch glimpses of cute and friendly harbor and gray seals. 

So, bundle up, grab your binoculars and embark on an outdoor adventure: We've rounded up the best places to spot seals on Long Island.

While you're at it, bookmark our Winter Fun Guide for more seasonal entertainment ideas, or check out our Outdoor Activities Guide for Families on Long Island for more al fresco adventures.

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