The kids are heading back to school on Monday, but there is plenty of only-in-New-York fun to be had before then. This weekend there are so many cool Purim events, like a Hamentaschen Workshop and Family Concert, plus you could use the weekend to go on a no-car ski-filled day trip. There's also what sounds like it will be an awesome Brooklyn Inventgenuity Festival (complete with Kids World Record Day, a major Washington's Birthday celebration, a free kid-friendly Magic Flute performance, Olympic medal making and games, plays, movies and more, and, of course, this weekend hosts the big Lunar New Year Celebrations in Manhattan and Queens. 
 

It may still be a bit chilly and windy, but Spring really is on its way. Lent always kind of marks the coming of better weather for me, but here in New York City there are three more holidays to ring in the upcoming season. You may know Purim--some people call it the Jewish Halloween--but what about celebrating Holi (Paghwah) or Norouz? Get ready for Purim Carnivals, Holi Parades, and a Norouz Family Day extravaganza--all in celebration of Spring and a wonderful way to celebrate the great diversity of our city.

Whereas folded paper origami is pretty much a household word nowadays with those delicate little animals and boats taking center stage at craft shows and kiddie cultural events, cut paper arts have never quite made it into the spotlight. Until now. For  luckily cut paper's the new star of the Museum of Art and Design's (MAD) latest show, Slash: Paper Under the Knife. 

With giant cardboard sculptures, intricate cut paper designs, amazing pop-ups, and other unique paper creations, both children and adults will marvel at the many ingenious paper works and wonder that something as simple as paper can be used in so many different ways to create such different works. It's a very cool show even for little kids so don't let the somewhat surgical and slightly ominous title dissuade you from taking your gang.

Read on for highlights of the show and activity ideas:
 

Being the cynical New Yorker that I am, I am not an immediate fan of all things Disney. But while the plastic-y toys and princess cartoons may leave me cold, I'm learning that there are some things that Disney does better than anyone else: creating magical experiences for kids and families.

A new generation of readers can now check out the historic St. Agnes Library branch on the Upper West Side and its brand new children's center. The building reopened earlier this month after a 2 year renovation project, and a day of community and children's activities is being held this Thursday, February 11, 2010 to celebrate.

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, which means six more weeks of winter. Luckly, we've lined up 13 of the best places to grab hot chocolate in Brooklyn, just in time for the cold, dark February weather. And if Phil is to be believed, you'll be enjoying a hot cup well into March.

See our posts on where to get a great cup of hot cocoa in Manhattan and Queens also.
 

[UPDATED: December 1, 2012]

Not too long ago we covered How to Choose and Use a Baby Carrier in New York City in our Baby Guide, but now that it’s cold outside, with more frosty weather to come, you'll want to learn how to keep warm and toasty while wearing a baby carrier (since that old maternity coat isn’t going to stretch around a sling for too much longer!).

As of 2011, Halo/Air has closed.

The sad fact is that NYC kids suffer from higher rates of asthma due to air pollution. A new spa in Chelsea now offers a natural remedy for asthma and respiratory discomfort by breathing in salty air. And their special kids room means it's fun too.