Submitted by Susan Miele on
A family bowling outing is a classic go-to activity no matter the season. Nowadays, bowling alleys have become flashy, multi-faceted venues with added attractions like arcades, rides, and even ax throwing.
Read on for the top family-friendly bowling alleys in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, and find more family fun at these indoor play spaces and in our Indoor Fun Guide.
Submitted by Jennifer Voit on
Enjoying a mouthwatering hot chocolate on Long Island with the kids is a perfect way to warm up this winter. Adults and kids love this tasty treat, especially when topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, or both. Some cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants offer unique hot chocolate concoctions with fun flavors, toppings, or even rich chocolate shavings to satisfy your sweet tooth.
We've rounded up some of the best spots across Long Island serving up delectable hot chocolates with incredible playgrounds nearby. Read ahead to start planning a day filled with wintry playground action topped off with an unforgettable hot chocolate experience.
For even more seasonal outings, check out our Winter Fun Guide and our list of Long Island's best family-friendly restaurants.
Submitted by Kristen Haas on
Ice skating season has arrived in New Jersey, offering families a safe, active outdoor activity that's great for keeping busy during the colder months. There are several outdoor ice skating rinks in New Jersey where you can take a skating lesson, play hockey, or grab a hot chocolate and go for a spin during a public skating session.
Of course, if you feel like staying indoors, you can always check out our list of the Best Indoor Ice Skating Rinks in New Jersey.
Submitted by Siobhan Adcock on
Get into the spirit this Christmas weekend with one of these festive activities.
Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on
Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for Christmas weekend.
Families can enjoy pre-Christmas celebrations at Shake it Off's Cookies and Cocoa with Santa, which also includes a dance party, and at Santa's Workshop at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, where kids can decorate cookies, do holiday crafts with Santa, and enjoy a holiday lights drive-thru afterward.
Other festivities this weekend include Kwanzaa 2024 at Hudson Hall, featuring African dancing, drumming, and crafts for kids, and a Winter Solstice Celebration at Olana State Historic Site, featuring sun-gazing activities and more.
Submitted by Laurie Rein on
Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey over Christmas weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the holiday weekend.
It's a holly jolly Christmas weekend, and we've found plenty of fun things to do in New Jersey to celebrate! Kick off the festivities at local celebrations like Celebrate in Summit and Santa Claus in Ridgewood.
The holiday weekend is the perfect time to experience seasonal spectaculars you may have missed, including PNC Bank Arts Center Magic of Lights and the 2024 LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival. Whatever you decide to do, it's sure to be festive and fun!
Submitted by Drew Kristofik on
Looking for the best things to do in New York City this Christmas weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.
You may still have gifts to wrap (or—gulp—shop for) and stockings to hang, but there's festive fun to be had all weekend and beyond. Make Music NYC returns for its winter solstice sessions and the Brooklyn Children's Museum is celebrating its 125th birthday with FREE admission all weekend. Our annual Christmas favorites include singing carols under the Washington Square Arch, catching a holiday show, and checking out the Dyker Lights.
Christmas Day marks the first day of Hannukah, and families can catch the Oran Etkin concert at the Jewish Museum or celebrate with Jazzukkah at the Museum at Eldridge Street.
No matter how you celebrate, Happy Holidays from the Mommy Poppins team!
Submitted by Lindsay Li on
Winter can test your creativity in entertaining the kids, and sometimes you just need to get out of the house or at least find new indoor activities. Fortunately, we have some amazing outdoor winter activities that allow kids to romp, play, and explore, as well as fresh ideas for being at home that can shake off winter fatigue.
For all the best ways to make the most of the chilly temps, check out the Best Outdoor Ice Skating, and don't miss our Winter Activities Guide. Looking for ways to stay entertained at home? Check out our Boredom Busters Guide for lots of great ideas!
