I’ll be the first to admit that big box toy retailers have their place. When my daughter wants something generic like a Dora Play Kitchen, or I get very strict instructions from our 4 year old nephew about which Transformer action figure he wants for his birthday, I can honestly say there’s no better place to shop. But amid the fluorescent lights and impersonal service, there’s a part of me that finds mega toy warehouses just a wee bit depressing. There’s something so old-school and refreshing about walking into a small “mom & pop” toy shop to browse unique gifts and – imagine this - actually receiving genuine help from the staff.

The holidays can be a hectic and joyous time of year. Between live holiday shows, shopping, Breakfast with Santa and more happening around town, it might be easy to lose sight of the fact that Westchester kids will be off of school for nearly two weeks! And though they may be waiting with giddy anticipation for the Christmas morning, how will they spend their time during the rest of their break? How about keeping your kids active with a fitness or sports mini-camp?

Westchester has many fantastic options, including basketball camps, fitness camps, even rock climbing adventures. Read on for details on sports and fitness-related mini-camps happening over the holiday break in Westchester.

For more holiday fun, be sure to check out our Holiday Fun Guide and our December GoList!

This holiday season, kids will be getting a two-week reprieve from school. That means either two weeks of setting up play dates and activities to keep them occupied--or you can opt to sign your kids up for a holiday camp. If you're interested in the latter, we've compiled a few options for you.

And for other fun activities during the break, check out our Long Island Events Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide.

While December is usually about counting down to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and other winter festivities, in 2015 we also have a countdown to a movie, and this Friday night it premieres. If you haven’t yet scored tickets to Stars Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (or perhaps plan to wait for the crowds to subside), the next best way to mark this monumental occasional (laugh, but in my house it is a huge deal) is downtown in Pershing Square, where $10 gets you a lightsaber and a spot on one of two teams: Sith or Jedi. 

Meanwhile, with only eleven days left until Christmas, there are plenty of ways to anticipate the season this week: Now is the time to pick up those last minute toys or give your kids face time with Santa Claus. Boats continue to deck their decks with boughs of holly and lights, parading all around the Southland. And the annual One Voice event at Santa Monica Airport is a great way for families to aid those whose holidays are limited by financial constraints.

There is a dizzying array of diversions in Los Angeles this holiday season. Be sure to peruse our Daily Events Calendar, December GoList and Holiday Guide.

It’s hard to believe winter’s around the corner with this almost-balmy December weather. Take advantage of this unseasonably mild late-fall with some outdoor fun. Get outside for holiday festivities that include Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights, Manalapan's Holiday Concert & Christmas Tree Lighting and Red Bank’s Twelve Days of Christmas Holiday Hunt. Outdoor nature activities are also in the spotlight with Growing in the Garden and Winter Solstice Celebration. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

Get into the holiday spirit this week by looking at holiday lights, decorating a gingerbread house and seeing Santa and his reindeer. You can find even more seasonal fun in our Holiday Guide.

For even more activities, check out our Long Island Events Calendar, which is updated daily. You can also get the best events of the week sent directly to your inbox each week if you sign up for our newsletter.

There seem to be two main topics on the minds of Westchester families this week: the holidays and Episode VII.

Gear up for the big premiere of the new Star Wars film with a marathon of the first six installments. This takes place in the midst of the holiday hubbub, which includes performances, crafting and other holiday fun. For a lively change of pace, remember to pose answers in the form of a question at Holiday Jeopardy or add depth to your wintry crafting at 3D Paper Snowflakes. 

These are just a few of our many finds. For more, read on—then visit our Event Calendar for numerous events happening every day of the week! 

'Tis the season for road trips, long-haul flights and other “Mom, I’m bored!” moments. You can be prepared with this stage-by-stage guide to fun, downloadable kid entertainment that won’t give you a headache or send you into a spiral of screen-time inspired parental guilt.

We’ve skipped the mental junk food in favor of TV shows for each age range that offer up some educational value, but that your kids still will love to watch. And we’ve ensured that all of these shows are fully downloadable so you don’t have to worry about spotty streaming access during your holiday travel.