Whereas folded paper origami is pretty much a household word nowadays with those delicate little animals and boats taking center stage at craft shows and kiddie cultural events, cut paper arts have never quite made it into the spotlight. Until now. For  luckily cut paper's the new star of the Museum of Art and Design's (MAD) latest show, Slash: Paper Under the Knife. 

With giant cardboard sculptures, intricate cut paper designs, amazing pop-ups, and other unique paper creations, both children and adults will marvel at the many ingenious paper works and wonder that something as simple as paper can be used in so many different ways to create such different works. It's a very cool show even for little kids so don't let the somewhat surgical and slightly ominous title dissuade you from taking your gang.

Read on for highlights of the show and activity ideas:
 

Being the cynical New Yorker that I am, I am not an immediate fan of all things Disney. But while the plastic-y toys and princess cartoons may leave me cold, I'm learning that there are some things that Disney does better than anyone else: creating magical experiences for kids and families.

A new generation of readers can now check out the historic St. Agnes Library branch on the Upper West Side and its brand new children's center. The building reopened earlier this month after a 2 year renovation project, and a day of community and children's activities is being held this Thursday, February 11, 2010 to celebrate.

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, which means six more weeks of winter. Luckly, we've lined up 13 of the best places to grab hot chocolate in Brooklyn, just in time for the cold, dark February weather. And if Phil is to be believed, you'll be enjoying a hot cup well into March.

See our posts on where to get a great cup of hot cocoa in Manhattan and Queens also.
 

[UPDATED: December 1, 2012]

Not too long ago we covered How to Choose and Use a Baby Carrier in New York City in our Baby Guide, but now that it’s cold outside, with more frosty weather to come, you'll want to learn how to keep warm and toasty while wearing a baby carrier (since that old maternity coat isn’t going to stretch around a sling for too much longer!).