The recent wildfires tearing through Los Angeles have brought chaos, heartbreak, and destruction to our beloved city. Pacific Palisades and Altadena, both stunningly vibrant LA communities, have been wiped out. Families have lost their homes, children no longer have local schools to attend, and historical buildings have been reduced to rubble. This is not how we envisioned starting a new year. 

Amid the confusion and wreckage, we must look for the heroes. First Responders are working tirelessly to battle blazes and get Angelenos to safety. Firefighters are putting their lives on the line to save others and contain fires in poor air quality conditions.

Read on for the best ways to support these unsung heroes and where to contribute to organizations that are diligently helping displaced families. 

Free baby stuff can be a life saver for new moms and dads. After all, the cost of all those diapers, wipes, baby food, and other baby gear quickly adds up. But there are plenty of places that offer free baby stuff to offset the costs of newborn and infant care.

From baby registry welcome boxes to free baby samples to diaper rewards programs, there are many free items that new and expectant parents can get from companies. Plus, don't underestimate the generosity of friends, family, and neighbors.

Here are 27 places for new moms and dads to get free diapers, formula, toys, and more free baby stuff. Check out our Baby and Maternity Guide for more of the best baby gear, as well as our Guide to Free Activities, Events, Classes, and Camps for Kids for other ways to save. 

Eating out can be expensive, especially in NYC, and if you're on a budget, finding restaurants where kids eat free can be a lifesaver. Luckily, there is such a thing as a free lunch...if you know where kids eat free in NYC.

The good news is, with a little research (we've done it for you!), parents can suss out the local NYC restaurants where kids eat free. So, read on for a list of eateries—including local spots and larger chain restaurants—where you can feed those hungry mouths for the unbeatable price of $0 while you get a break from playing chef. We know what you'll be making tonight: reservations.

Find more money-saving tips for families in our Free Guide which has tons of free things to do in NYC with kids, including our top picks for birthday freebies for kids.

Skiing and snowboarding in Chicago can be a challenge because, well, the terrain in the Chicago area is mostly flat. But that doesn’t mean local kids are destined to grow up not knowing how to ski or shred. There are several slopes, hills, and even mountains within a two hour drive, where families can spend the day skiing or snowboarding together. All of them have a family-friendly atmosphere and ski (and snowboard) lessons for kids of all ages.

If you’re dying to get out of the house this winter and the kids are ready for a winter sport beyond ice skating in the city, check out this list of slopes within an easy drive from Chicago. Most of these winter sports havens make their own snow, so Chicagoans don’t have to wait for Mother Nature to cooperate to hit the slopes.

Snow tubing is one of our favorite winter activities, and New Jersey has several great slopes to choose from. 

No experience or equipment is necessary, and you can go snow tubing alone or in groups. Snow tubing is a lot like sledding, but easier. You can barrel down the snowy slopes at thrilling speeds without having to hike back up the hill.

Read on for a list of local ski resorts that offer snow tubing in New Jersey and in nearby Pennsylvania and New York. Most slopes are open from roughly mid-December through mid-March.

Find lots more active winter fun in our Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snow Sports Guide. 

Like many other New Yorkers, I’ve always viewed scaffolding is a nuisance, but the always enchanting Brooklyn Children's Museum has managed to change my perception of this omnipresent piece of city architecture with its magical, playful, new exhibit In the Works.

This one-of-a-kind installation—that mimics the ubiquitious sidewalk structures familiar to many a New Yorker—is a dream come true for little explorers, offering endless opportunities to climb, slide, crawl, and interact with the city in totally unexpected ways. Read on for our take on this fun, new exhibit that's a great way to beat the cold-weather blues, and find more indoor places to play in our NYC Kids Guide to Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and Fun Zones.

The Hudson Valley's sledding hills take on an aura of magic when the first blanket of snow covers the ground. What better way to enjoy it than by getting the kids out of the house for some fresh air and family fun at one of the many sledding hills in the Hudson Valley?

We have pulled together this list of the best sledding hills in the Hudson Valley, plus some tips on how to stay warm and dry and, of course, where to go for hot chocolate afterward.

If you're looking for more seasonal fun, we've got the skinny on winter hikes in the Hudson Valley, and outdoor ice skating region-wide.