Best Inexpensive Winter Weekend Getaways from NYC for Families

Connecticut's Mohawk Mountain Ski Area offers endless opportunities for fun in the snow. Photo courtesy of the Mohawk Mountain

Falling temperatures don’t necessarily translate to falling prices when it comes to family vacations. Luckily, we’ve rounded up 14 well-priced weekend getaways from NYC that are all within driving distance. Whether you’re in the mood for New England's seaside views, craving winter sports, small-town charm, or big-city culture, we've got a winter weekend getaway destination for you.

Read on for our top picks and bookmark our Guide to Weekend Getaways for more family travel destinations.

Cool Tech Gifts for Kids

A smartwatch is just one of the many cool tech gifts available for kids of all ages. Photo courtesy of Canva

Got a tech-savvy kid? Read on for our ultimate list of cool tech gifts for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers.

While finding tech gifts that match your child's level of cool can be a real challenge, it's not as hard as you think. These days, there are so many cool tech gifts on the market, from gaming accessories to awesome headphones to fun STEAM building kits.

Whether you’ve got a tiny tot who loves technology or a tween who knows way more about video games than you ever will, we’ve got you covered with cool tech gifts they’re sure to love.

Houston Botanic Garden's New Light Show Will Illuminate Your Holidays

"Radiant Nature," at the Houston Botanic Garden, features huge lantern installations that make for great photo ops.

"Radiant Nature," the new holiday light show at the Houston Botanic Garden, offers an enchanting after-dark experience. The botanic garden has been transformed into an illuminated wonderland featuring dozens of Chinese lantern installations, and the installation will remain in place through late February, following Chinese New Year.

We think it’s an amazing place for your whole family to check out. Read on to learn what to expect from your visit.

Don't forget to check out our list of Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows for more wonderous light shows to explore in Houston this holiday season. 

NYC Winter Lantern Festival Lights Up the Queens County Museum

Step into a dazzling world of light at the Queens County Farm Museum.

The Queens County Farm Museum's Winter Lantern Festival features more than 1,500 lights and 80 intricately crafted, illuminated Chinese lanterns, transforming the grounds into a magical wonderland of illumination.

This seasonal, outdoor walk-through experience spreads out over 6 acres of historic farmland and includes multiple illuminated tunnels, animatronic animals and dinosaurs, and an array of fantastical creatures.

Here's what you need to know about this magical winter experience at the always-enchanting Queens County Farm Museum.

The Gingerbread City Pops Up at The Seaport for Christmas Season

The Gingerbread City offers a magical metropolis made from cookies, candy, and frosting. Photo by Leandro Justen

We may be biased when we say Christmas in NYC is the most magical season of all. One reason: The city is bustling with activities and adventures for the entire family, including the brand new Gingerbread City pop-up at the South Street Seaport, one of our top picks for must-do activities in NYC this season. Filled with spicy aromas and candy-coated cityscapes, this holiday attraction is one you don’t want to miss.

Best Family Christmas Card Photo Ideas

Put on a holiday sweater—ugly or not!—and strike a pose!

Want to make your family Christmas photo cards stand out this year? Here's how!

We're making our list. And it's long. We don't even need to check it twice. We need to make sure everything gets checked off easily and quickly. For most families, taking a Christmas photo and sending a holiday or family Christmas card is high on that list. It's also high on the list of activities we don't like to do!

But this year, let's make it easy. We've got you covered with the best ideas for an easy, clever, and creative family Christmas photo shoot. We've got tips for getting the best picture, places to take the picture, the best shops to order the Christmas photo card—plus some really original themes and ideas from family game shows to album cover recreations.

Tell some Christmas jokes for kids to keep 'em smiling, pop a classic holiday movie on a screen to keep 'em occupied, and say cheese! For more holiday fun, check out our Guide to Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids.

20 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Connecticut for Kids

Head to Eastern Connecticut for the amazing Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village. Photo by Rileighs Outdoor Decor

'Tis the season for free holiday and Christmas events in Connecticut for kids. Are you a fan of sparkling lights, sweet gingerbread treats, or decorated trees? With so much holiday fun, December in Connecticut offers it all! Families will love attending a tree lighting or Santa parade. You can spy the intricate details on dozens of gingerbread houses and visit Santa's workshop with several locations in Connecticut. Maybe singing carols together or making Chanukah crafts is more your style. Chilly nights are perfect to drive through a magical light display. Connecticut's free holiday activities offer something for everyone this December.

If you can't get enough of the sparkle of holiday lights, consult our list of Connecticut's Best Holiday Drive-Thrus and Christmas Lights. For more holiday adventures, consult our Holiday Fun Guide and region's 25 Top Holiday and Christmas Activities

Best Sledding Hills in Westchester for Kids

Westchester has sledding hills for everyone from tots to teens. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo

When the flakes fly, visions of sledding hills fill kids' heads, and all they can think of is bundling up and getting outside for some snow day fun. If your family's plans include sledding, consider heading to one of these popular sledding hills in Westchester County. We've also got top picks for sledding hills in the Hudson Valley in case you want to make your wintery adventure a daycation, plus some helpful tips for keeping little ones safe while they sled.

Be sure to check our Guide to Winter Fun in Westchester and our Boredom Busters Guide for more ideas to keep kids busy on cold winter days.

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