So how you likin’ 2013 so far? Cold enough for you? Not meaning to scare anyone, but the temperature might actually drop so low that water will turn into a solid. All by itself! (In case it doesn’t there’s still time to find rinks with ice that’s only slightly less organic in origin).

But overall, I would say the forecast is looking pretty sunny.  This weekend alone, our thoroughly modern kids can revisit classic stories, or take a trip to the Mesozoic era. They can tinker like Bob the Builder, or watch the rough-and-tumble sport of Monster Jam.  There are events for parents looking to grow their families, feed their families, and find resources to help with the daily tasks of raising their families.

And if you weren’t quite ready say goodbye to the holidays, guess what? There’s another one coming up next week! We’re here with guides for MLK Day volunteering and MLK Day camps.

Keep reading for some of our favorite picks to make your weekend bright…

We're all settling back into the usual post-break routine and getting used to writing 2013 instead of 2012. NYC is getting back into the swing of things, too, with a wide variety of activities for families throughout the weekend. Although the holidays already feel like a distant memory, you can catch the final days of the New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show featuring a special appearance by Thomas the Tank Engine, and it's time to recycle your Christmas trees at the Parks Department's annual MulchFest.

Other fun on tap includes the wacky antics of comedic circus duo KamiKaze FireFlies at Symphony Space, Wave Hill's annual winter fest Hibernator's Pajama Pop-In, a few rocking kids' concerts and special art workshops, and a live trivia competition for families. Plus the Parks Department is holding its online lottery for free winter swimming lessons for all ages.

Those are just a few of the great things going on this weekend. Read on for all of our picks. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar. And if you're looking to plan out your month, not just your weekend, be sure to check out our first-ever NYC Go List, which highlights the absolute best things to do with kids throughout January.

Farmers’ Markets present great opportunities for supporting local farmers and buying foods you can feel good about giving to your kids. The markets are also wonderful for cultivating a sense of community, finding unique gifts, enjoying live music, and learning something new.

Even though it’s winter, your family shouldn't be deprived of the farmers’ market experience! Read on for this year's Boston-area winter markets. (Sadly, a couple of markets we featured last year are not running this year, but there are new winter markets in Medford, Brookline and Newton.)

Please note: We are currently updating this post with information for this winter

I grew up in Florida, so the winter months are tough for me, especially when I feel cooped up with an active five-year-old boy. I plan to hit the pool with him, so he doesn't get rusty come May. For swimming fun, check out our ideas on Indoor Swim Spots and Lessons in Hartford County. It is never too soon to think about your summer plans, so our Sleepaway Summer Camp post will help you get a jump on things. 

But there is plenty to do right now, so read our guide on Things To Do With Kids This Winter in CT and our CT Skiing post. Not a skiier? No problem. Saturday, get bundled up and try your hand at The White Memorial Conservation Center's Family Ice Fishing Workshop in Litchfield.  On Sunday, the entire family will enjoy a brisk adventure in search of unique wildlife at Hammonasset Beach State Park's Seal Search.   

We are always hearing how it’s important for our kids to be strong in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) disciplines. This keeps us on the lookout for opportunities to get our kids engaged in activities to help cultivate their interest.

Read on for a roundup of new and upcoming places, spaces, events and programs that will get your kids excited about STEM. And, most of them are free!

It's a rare thing when a true punk icon and kiddie culture intertwine. The last time we remember it happening was when Iggy Pop starred on that Nickelodeon show. And now legendary singer-songwriter Patti Smith is going to narrate Tubby the Tuba for Little Orchestra Society.

We've written about Little Orchestra Society's interactive classical concerts in the past. The musicians, costumed performers and conductor always do a great job of turning kids on to the works of Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky, Britten and Gershwin, to name a few. But the next two Happy Concerts for school-age kids—Tubby and a rendition of Disney's famed Fantasia—sound like particularly memorable experiences for both kids and parents.

Get ready for a rare January weekend with mid 50's temps and round up the family for some fun, either indoors or out! Check out Liberty State Park’s Nature Discovery Day or take the kids to see the wacky science show Doktor Kaboom! And if you’re ready to start thinking about summer plans, drop by the New Jersey Camp Fair at Bergen Town Center. Read on for our top picks and you can find a listing of all NJ activities in our Event Calendar.

Last fall we wrote a post about camps for Election Day and Veterans Day to help out all of those working parents who can't take every school holiday off. Now Martin Luther King Day is coming up on Monday, January 21, and despite the fact that it's a federal holiday (not to mention Obama's public Inauguration Day), we know a lot of moms and dads may need to go into the office (like me!).

On these one-off school holidays, it's often hard to find coverage but we did the work for you and came up with 13 awesome sounding camps, many offering a full day of activities (although a few are half-day in case you can get out early). While you slave away, your children get to enjoy soccer, cooking, theater, robotics and chess, plus special volunteer opportunities in the spirit of the Martin Luther King Day of Service. Makes us wish we could trade places with our kids.