News: Free swimming, yoga, ice skating and more

Last week I mentioned that the NYC Parks Department was having an open house this week, making all of their rec centers available for free. At the time I hadn't been able to confirm whether the swimming pools were going to be available or not, so I have some more information now that made this worth repeating. I also have some more free fitness deals to check out. Learn how to get free ice skating in Prospect Park and a week of free yoga too.

Weekend Events for NJ Kids Jan. 9-10: Birds and Breakfast, Maple Sugar and Snowshoes

Find winter birds all over New Jersey's nature centers this freezing weekend: go on an owl prowl, identify and record birds at the bird feeder from the cozy indoors, or make some winter treats to take home for our feathered friends. The cold also brings some fun outdoor activities like maple sugaring and snowshoeing. Or take advantage of free planetarium shows at the New Jersey State Museum, storytelling and crafts at the Newark Museum, Russian dancing at the Garden State Discovery Center, and a princess breakfast at the New Jersey Children's Museum.

Weekend Events for Kids on Long Island, January 8-10: Night Owl Prowl, Figure Skating Show, and More!

How excited are you to have a Holiday-free weekend ahead? That is, unless you plan to spend the weekend stripping your home of Holiday decor. Maybe you're like me, and you figure you waited a whole year to put them up, let's leave them up "one more weekend." Whatever the case might be, take some time this weekend with your family checking out one of the following great events we've rounded up for you: 
 
 

New York City Kids Weekend Events January 8-10: Winterfest, Free Movies, Music & Magic Shows, Design Workshops and More

The holidays already seem like a distant memory. Luckily, the end of the season doesn’t mean there’s nothing going on; in fact, there is plenty to do to fill these freezing days with fun without going broke. Get your dance and music on (Baby Loves Salsa, Jazz for Kids and a Junior Jam are all happening this weekend), catch a STREB show, enjoy Eskimo-inspired activities and crafts, go seal watching, or just snuggle up with a movie (free Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs screening). And this weekend there are tons (and we mean tons) of free demo classes and fun open houses, so you can check out lots of the unique and cool kids' classes in the City--you won't want to miss out on them!

If you’re less likely to venture out due to the weekend’s very wintry forecast, have no fear: our Indoor Activity Guide has got you (literally) covered.

Free Winter Demo Classes and Open Houses

As the weather turns cold and the playground is no longer an option, classes seem like a great way to schedule some fun time indoors. You can check out our Classes Guide here for lots of ideas, but in the meantime you may want to try and sample some classes and see what you like. We've rounded up trial and demo classes from lots of programs all over the city. Plus, remember that many places will let you try any class for free once. Just call and ask.

Seal Watching in New York

It is way more exciting to see animals in the wild than it is to see them at the zoo. And even here in New York City we are able to glimpse some animals in their natural habitat– and I don’t mean rats, squirrels or pigeons, either. Each fall hundreds of harbor seals start their annual journey from Maine for a warmer climate, traveling south until they reach the temperate waters surrounding Long Island.

NJ Indoor Playspaces: Beyond the Ball Pit--Bring on Theaters, Laser Tag, Puppet Shows and More!

2014 dates and pricing will be added shortly. When the winter cold sets in, not only do the kids bounce off the walls, they also manage to turn the house upside-down. Better plan: Let them get the wiggles out somewhere else! That is why indoor playspaces were created. These kid-tested spots will keep younger kids entertained for hours, and you with a clean house (plus some sanity!)

3 Best Book Series for Kids

I’ve read a lot of books, but some of the best were in a series. That way, when you’re done, there’s more! A few of my favorites were The Mysterious Benedict Society books by Trenton Lee Stewart, Percy Jackson and The Olympians by Rick Riodan and Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery.

Pages