Winter drags on, our kids reacclimate to their school schedules, and we all patiently wait for the groundhog to prognosticate. For Hudson Valley parents, this can be a sleepy time where an exciting weekend might involve more junk food and TV than usual. And wine.

Below are some ideas for the family that resists hibernation in order to venture out into our gorgeous corner of the world and see the Valley in all of its icy splendor. For even more winter excursions, check out our Westchester and Hudson Valley Winter Vacation Guide and Ultimate Winter Bucket List.

If your kids are constantly asking to try the latest food they’ve seen on TikTok, you’re not alone. Luckily for us, Long Island families don’t have to look far to join the fun. New York’s food scene is especially good at turning internet obsessions into real-life treats, making it easy to plan a day of tasting adventures that feel like a scavenger hunt your teens would actually approve of.

From Swedish candies and Dubai chocolates to ooey-gooey cheesy treats and over-the-top milkshakes, these viral bites are everywhere, and they're worth the hype. We’ve rounded up our tried-and-tested guide to the viral foods actually worth seeking out, including where to find them, which ones kids genuinely love, and which trends you can skip without guilt. And yes, we fully consulted our kiddos, who take this job very seriously.

For even more food-focused family fun, be sure to check out our Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide and must-visit sweet spots for your next Long Island confectionery adventure.

Celebrating your child’s birthday is more than just cakes and gifts. It’s a time to celebrate their growth and accomplishments, and to show them how special they are.

That’s why, whatever our budget, I celebrate my kids' birthdays in a way that is unique to them and their interests. But let’s face it, parents, we don’t want a boring party. We want to create a core-memory-caliber fun!  

If you’re a parent in the Hoboken/Jersey City area, read on for the best kids' birthday party venues. These spots cater to a wide variety of ages and interests. 

Check out our comprehensive Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NJ and Indoor Birthday Party Spots with Mega Playgrounds in NJ for even more insight and inspiration. 

Let’s be honest: Entertaining kids at home in NYC can feel harder than it should be. Apartments are small, cabin fever is real, and sometimes you need to get out of the house without committing to a full-day outing or spending a ton of money. The good news? The family-friendly enclave of Park Slope, Brooklyn is home to plenty of indoor places to play for children.

We've created a curated mix of kids' Park Slope play spaces that local parents actually rely on: drop-in playrooms, libraries, bookstores, creative spaces, and low-key indoor activity centers that make kids feel welcome. Some are perfect for toddlers just learning to explore, others are better for preschoolers and older kids who need to burn energy or engage their imaginations. A few are even FREE, which always earns bonus points. Whether you’re squeezing in an hour between naps, dodging bad weather, or just looking for fresh kids' activities indoors in Park Slope, these are the spots worth knowing about and returning to again and again.

Read on for our top indoor places to play in Park Slope and find all our favorite neighborhood haunts on this list of the 50 best things to do in Park Slope, Brooklyn with kids.

If you’re searching for family-friendly things to do in and near King of Prussia, PA, you’re in luck. This popular Montgomery County destination isn’t just home to shopping. It’s packed with kids’ activities, indoor attractions, and outdoor adventures for every age.

Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, school break activity, or rainy-day fun, here are the best things to do with kids in King of Prussia. 

Winter can be a magical season with holiday activities, frost-dusted landscapes, snowy activities, and relaxing fireside with a cup of hot cocoa. Families seeking a winter getaway with kids that's relatively close to NYC have lots of options. We've rounded up the 14 best winter retreats and resorts that are 4 hours or less from Midtown Manhattan by car.

For each winter getaway, we've highlighted why families love to go during the winter, kid-friendly amenities, and types of winter activities each resort or destination offers. From ski resorts in the Hudson Valley to all-inclusive winter resorts in the Poconos, you're sure to find the perfect winter getaway for your family.

If you're looking specifically for ski resorts near NYC, check out our guide to the best family-friendly ski areas near NYC and our comprehensive Guide to Skiing and Snow Sports, which offers more options in the tri-state area, New England, and even California. And, don't forget to check our Guide to Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for all the information, tips, and advice you need when it's time to plan your family's next trip—no matter the season.

I got to take a sneak peek at the new Elephant Valley at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and I can sum it up in one word: WOW. I took my daughter with me to check it out, as she adores animals but has refused to visit zoos since she was a little girl. She hates seeing animals locked up in small enclosures. I do too. But, in keeping with the whole ethos of the San Diego Safari Park, the Elephant Valley is more of a biological preserve and conservation area than it is a traditional zoo. We were both so impressed—and thrilled!

It’s almost 13 acres of wandering, playful elephants. It’s educational, beautiful, and thoughtful—taking into account the needs and comfort of both elephants and humans. Here’s the scoop on the new Elephant Valley, including when it opens, what ages this is best for, and how much tickets cost.

For another animal adventure near San Diego, check out my visit to the Oasis Camel Dairy. For complete San Diego coverage, don't miss our San Diego Family Travel Guide.

The Year of the Horse begins on Feb. 17, 2026.  Kids born February 18th or later this year will be horses. What does that mean? What kind of year will this be for each Chinese Zodiac sign?

The Year of the Horse is full of motion, confidence, and big ideas—a kind of energy kids tend to feel deeply. Whether your child was born in a Horse year or belongs to another Chinese Zodiac sign, this year invites growth, curiosity, and plenty of learning.

Just like you can have fun reading your Western zodiac horoscope, you can kick off the Year of the Horse with your Chinese Zodiac horoscope!

These horoscopes are meant to be fun and conversation-starting, not predictive. It’s a light way to explore Lunar New Year traditions while talking about hopes and plans for the year ahead. So find your sign (and that of each of your children) and see what’s in store this year! Then keep reading to get some fun ideas for ways to celebrate Lunar New Year together.