NYC Family Memberships That Pay Off in Winter (Museums, Play Spaces & More)

NYSCI has plenty of engaging exhibits for all ages making it a perfect place to play on a cold winter's day. Photo via Facebook/courtesy of the venue

Museum memberships can be a boon when it comes to saving money in NYC. And, after visiting NYC's top play spaces, favorite children's museums from Brooklyn to Queens, and other local fun zones, we've rounded up a handful of membership deals at popular kid-centric destinations we think are worth the investment for these cold winter months. These places keep your kids entertained and active while getting you out of the house—and the weather. Some even offer short-term museum memberships, so you only have to pay until spring arrives.

In the dead of winter, it can be daunting to schlep somewhere new every weekend, so a membership to one (or two) of your favorite kid destinations makes sense. We've already done the math, so you'll know exactly how many visits it takes until these investments pay off—and whether or not the "deal" works for your family. If the math doesn't work out for you, consider buying one of the play spaces' bulk passes instead, which usually knocks a few bucks off the daily drop-in price. Looking for more options? Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Indoor Activities, which has more parent-tested destinations like our favorite local stores where kids can play for FREE.

101 Questions To Ask Grandparents About Their Lives

These questions to ask grandparents help kids get to know their favorite people a little better.

These questions to ask grandparents are a great way for kids to spend time with their grandparents and get to know them better. Kids love asking questions! "Why...?" "How...?" "When...?" Rather than answering a few dozen rounds of why they have to take a bath, channel their curiosity toward getting to know some of their favorite people a little better.

As the chief present-giver, cuddler, and child spoiler in the family, grandparents can play a huge and fun role in kids' lives. But they're also people in their own right, with fascinating stories and histories. Their history is directly related to the lives of the grandkids. These questions for grandparents will help kids get to know these favorite people a little better. One great question to start with is about the names your kids call their grandparents. Do they know why they call them this?

For more fun with grandparents check out this list of 50 Fun Activities for Grandparents To Do with Kids and 10 Activities to do with Grandparents on Zoom.

Mini Snowmobiles, Winter Ziplines, and More Snow Adventures for Kids

What is this crazy kid doing in the snow? Ziplining, of course! Photo courtesy of Alpine Adventures NH via Facebook

Celebrate the beauty of each and every one of the four seasons - yes, even the bone-chilling cold of winter - with fun snow adventures for kids that go beyond skiing and snowboarding! One of the best ways to deal with the frosty weather is to find exciting ways to get outside and enjoy the winter wonderland of fun. Although some families love to spend the winter months zipping down the slopes, there are a ton of ways to have fun without ever strapping on a pair of skis. 

There are popular winter activities like tubing and skating, but we have found a bunch more ways to get your winter thrills. From snowmobile tours to tobogganing tracks here are some of the most thrilling ways to enjoy the bitter cold of winter. 

10 Best Kid-Friendly Coffee Shops in New Jersey

No matter which of Hidden Grounds locations you visit, expect to find a comfy, cozy vibe.

Looking for coffee shops in New Jersey where both you and your kid will enjoy yourselves? Read on for our top picks. 

Coffee shops often conjure up fond memories of listening to music, having great conversations, and sipping soothing, steamy beverages. It might seem daunting to bring little ones to this kind of venue, but we've found 10 family-friendly coffeehouses where you can totally kick back and relax with the kids. 

Some have fun children's programs, and most serve non-caffeinated drinks like steamers (steamed milk with flavored syrups), hot chocolate, frozen drinks, and more. Since coffee shops often have limited seating, pick an off-peak time, pack up a few favorite books, and get ready to settle in for some cozy family time.

If you prefer a spot of tea, check out our post on where to enjoy high tea in New Jersey with kids, and bookmark our New Jersey Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide for tons of great places to dine with your family. 

Where to Go Seal Watching on Long Island

Long Island's coastal waters are a favorite hangout for harbor seals, starting around November and lasting until May. Photo by Xylia Serafy

Winter is prime seal-watching season on Long Island, which makes it an exciting time for nature lovers. We're lucky enough to live in a place where we can catch glimpses of cute and friendly harbor and gray seals. 

So, bundle up, grab your binoculars and embark on an outdoor adventure: We've rounded up the best places to spot seals on Long Island.

While you're at it, bookmark our Winter Fun Guide for more seasonal entertainment ideas, or check out our Outdoor Activities Guide for Families on Long Island for more al fresco adventures.

Best Coffee Shops in Chicago to Bring Your Kids When You Need Caffeine

​Photo courtesy of Present Place

Looking for the best coffee shops in Chicago that are also kid-friendly? These Chicago coffee shops have kid-friendly environments AND caffeine.

Some days you just want to treat yourself to a nice cup of coffee out of the house, or stop to rest with a beverage during a busy afternoon with family activities. Before you look to convenient chain drive-thru locations to power you through, read on.

You don't have to stop going to cool local coffee shops just because you have kids! And with the right coffee shop kid-friendly entertainment, you might even get to drink your coffee while it's still hot. The city and suburban coffee shops below are all kid-friendly and great for getting some much-needed caffeine. Some are indoor play areas with attached cafés, and others are award-winning coffee shops that happen to have kid-friendly environments.

Check out our recommendations here for indoor play spaces for kids and 50 awesome things to do indoors in Chicago with kids.

Best Coffee Shops in Houston to Bring Your Kids When You Need Caffeine

Photo courtesy of Kaffeine Coffee at Museum Park

Looking for the best coffee shops in Houston that welcome kids? We've got a list of kid-friendly coffee shops that have things for kids to do while you sip coffee.

Our kids bring us two feelings equally - great joy and great exhaustion! Whether you’re tired from getting up at night or worn out with running around the park – or both – a caffeine pick-me-up might be just what you need. Perhaps you want to meet up with other parents in a child-friendly space? Look through our choices and pick out a welcoming space with delicious coffee. We have so many fantastic coffee shops in Houston, but we've highlighted those that welcome your little ones with features like extra space, games, a patio, and kid’s menu options. We’ve combined our search for great coffee beans with a warm welcome for kiddos to draw up our list of the best coffee shops in Houston to bring your kids when you need caffeine. Our list includes choices for downtown and also surrounding neighborhoods.

Need more than a drink and looking for family-friendly restaurant options? Check out our extensive restaurant guide, including Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Houston: Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat, Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston with Free Ice Cream, or 13 Kid-Friendly Barbecue Restaurants in Houston.

Best Coffee Shops in DC to Visit with Kids

A cup of coffee from Open City is the perfect complement to a National Zoo visit. Photo courtesy of Open City DC

Ah, coffee. So comforting. So rejuvenating. So... difficult to sit and enjoy with kids around—at least in my experience! If you need more coffee in your life—and the chance to actually finish it—we've rounded up the best coffee shops in DC to visit with kids.

Want to meet up with friends and their kids for a play date? DC has a coffee shop for that. Want to enjoy a cup of java and a snack with your little one without having to worry about them being too loud or messy? There's a coffee shop for that, too. There are even coffee shops in the area with built-in entertainment for kids!

Here are 12 of the best coffee shops in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia to visit with kids. If you need some heartier fare, check out our Kid-Friendly DC Restaurants Guide for more places to enjoy a meal with little ones, including family-friendly DC vegan restaurants and restaurants near DC where kids can play.

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