Indoor Craft for Kids: Sugar Cube Igloos

Submitted by Ally Noel on

Sugar cubes aren't just for tea and coffee; kids can use them to construct an igloo, ice castle, tower, or anything they can imagine with this fun activity. When you've already exhausted the pile of Lego, try one of these 30 Indoor Activities for Kids, including a super sweet sugar cube igloo craft.

This craft for kids comes together in just three steps and is the perfect indoor boredom buster whether snow and cold or the pandemic have the family stuck at home. 

Kusama: Cosmic Nature Set to Debut in April at NYBG

Submitted by Jessica Gorman on

Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is a living legend thanks to her whimsical, awe-inspiring installations.

Fans of the polka-dotted art of the legendary Yayoi Kusama take note: The pandemic postponed landmark exhibition of the artist's work at the New York Botanical Garden opens on Saturday, April 10, 2021. The exhibition, Kusama: Cosmic Nature, takes over the 250-acre grounds through Halloween.

And yes, the show features a pair of Kusama’s trademark, immersive infinity rooms.

Read on for the details of Kusama: Cosmic Nature, including info on how to score one of the limited-capacity, timed-entry tickets required to see this massive installation.

Paddle Board, Surf, Kayak, and More in LA: Rentals and Lessons for the Whole Family

Submitted by Meghan Rose on

Kids of all ages can learn to hang ten. Photo courtesy of Freedom Surf Camp

Most people think of surfing or paddle boarding as summer activities, but for lucky Angelenos these outdoor adventures are year-round possibilities. While hiking and playground visits are great ways to get active outside, sometimes kids want a little more excitement. Plus, long boats and boards are natural social distancing enforcers! So we rounded up the best places in and around Los Angeles where the whole family can rent SUP boards, surf boards, and kayaks—or even take part in more unique water sports (water biking anyone?).

First timers can take lessons, while old hands can simply rent the boats and gear. Ocean breezes in your face, sea lions barking from the rocks; any time is the perfect time to don a wetsuit and hit the waves for some water sport fun in LA.

Outdoor Dining in New Jersey: Igloos, Tents, and More Alfresco Restaurant Setups

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

Dine on a scrumptious Greek dinner in a heated plexiglass tent at It's Greek to Me in Ridgewood.

You might feel like you've been living in a bubble during the pandemic, but now you can actually dine in one. New Jersey restaurant owners have been thinking outside the box to keep businesses afloat during the winter months, which have been especially hard on outdoor dining.

Creative outdoor dining structures—from igloos to tents, greenhouses, and fire pits—are popping up at eateries throughout the state, providing customers with warm, safe alfresco dining opportunities. These outdoor seating options are heated, private, or socially distanced and disinfected between parties. Some ultra-cool spots even feature Bluetooth speakers and outdoor TVs, so you can enjoy your favorite restaurants and plenty of creature comforts, no matter the weather, all while supporting local New Jersey restaurant.

We've found more great ways to get outside this season and plenty of seasonal, family-approved fun in our Winter Fun Guide.

Kids Birthday Party Ideas in LA: 16 Places To Celebrate Now

Submitted by Meghan Rose on

Learn to fly a falcon! Photo courtesy Sky Falconry

Last year, parents were able to get away with a Zoom party and promise of “next year.” Well, next year is here, and a birthday party at a favorite indoor space still isn't in the cards. However, there are some amazing places to celebrate birthdays in LA right now—it just takes a little ingenuity. Have a birthday party with immediate family or your safe little pod at one of these spots that are outside, maintain social distance, and/or only allow one small group (or party, if you will) at a time.

Most aren’t traditional birthday parties, but all will make a birthday boy or girl feel special and celebrated. From animal encounters to balloon rides to seeing their names in lights, all that’s missing from these parties is the cake. And don’t forget to plan a virtual celebration that all their friends, family, and classmates can take part in.

Things To Do in NYC This Weekend & Beyond: Restaurant Week, Local Hikes, See Laurie Berkner

Drew Kristofik's picture Submitted by Drew Kristofik on

The Skyline Drive-in is still going strong, offering nightly movies with a stunning backdrop. Photo courtesy of the venue

And just like that, January is practically in the rearview. In the "excellent news" column, it's NYC Restaurant Week, and it's all about take out this year, so you can take a night off, check out new cuisine, save money, and help local businesses, all in one swoop. To help you work up an appetite, the Urban Park Rangers are leading hikes in Fort Tryon Park, Long Island City, Central Park, and Prospect Park.

Don't forget: Poppins@Home is your go-to spot for virtual fun and learning. This week, we're all about Baby in Tune classes, the Happy Feet soccer online series, cartooning, and magical potions.

We're scouring NYC for great in-person events, and we're all over virtual happenings, too, so you're covered whichever you prefer. Check the NYC Event Calendar frequently, and don't miss our list of the top indoor play spaces open now.

Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend and Beyond: Ice Harvest, Groundhog Day, and More

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

Bring your preschoolers to the Liberty Science Center every Thursday and Friday for Junior Days. Photo courtesy of LSC

This January weekend features two ice-centric events: Witness amazing ice sculptures at the Mount Holly ice exhibition or get a hands-on lesson in the historic ice harvesting industry at Howell Living History Farm's ice harvest. Plus, the search for Wally the Woodchuck is on with H20 Quest: Groundhog's Day.

If you're looking for indoor activities, check out our Poppins@Home site, where little ones can burn energy with Happy Feet's online soccer series and brush up on art skills while learning to draw an iconic cartoon character.

As always, you can find more things to do in our Event Calendar and our Winter Fun Guide, which are filled with seasonal happenings.

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