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.