Start and end this week in contemplation of the universe. Monday it’s Family Astronomy night at the Memorial Branch Public Library, and on Friday Jupiter gets as close to Earth as it’s going to get. Meanwhile the people in the frozen yogurt business must have a case of brain freeze, because National Frozen Yogurt Day is apparently celebrated twice this week - and when we say celebrate, we mean free fro-yo!

Now that we've all dug ourselves out of the Blizzard of 2015, we can enjoy some of the fun indoor activities taking place across Long Island. From celebrating Groundhog Day to enjoying a free movie (one of my Disney faves), there is so much to do for kids of all ages. Of course, this list is just our top picks--be sure to check out our Long Island Events Calendar regularly as it is always being updated. And to receive this post right into your inbox, sign up for our newsletter, which is now going out twice a week (Mondays and Thursdays).

Though February is a short month, a lot of big holidays and occasions are packed in it, as you’ll see when you view our Events Calendar.

Love is in the air this week in Westchester, with several of our top event picks highlighting Valentine’s Day events--like Light-Up Origami Heart and Victorian Valentine Tea. But because we like variety, we’re also showcasing events with a different focus, like Presidents Day prep at Happy About History, among others. As an added perk, all of these are FREE!

Keep in mind that the events below are just some of our favorites—there are lots more, so don’t stop there! Read on, click through and check them out!

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Will we have an early spring or are we looking at six more weeks of winter? Find out on Monday when the Staten Island Zoo's weather-predicting groundhog shares his forecast (unless he gets snowed out!). Other weekday picks for the first week of February include FREE entry to the Children's Museum of Manhattan and a great way to celebrate Black History Month with preschoolers. And if the weather keeps you housebound for a few days, be sure to check out our list of fun snow day boredom busters.

Although we only highlight one event per day in this post, you can find plenty of other options in our Event Calendar and Winter Fun Guide.

The snow on Monday not only kept the groundhog from seeing his shadow; it also canceled a scheduled Book Release with Mish Michaels to celebrate Groundhog Day. However, kids can still catch a Groundhog Day Storytime at the Blue Bunny in Dedham on Tuesday. Another big hit for young fans this week is the Beanpot Hockey Tournament (on our list of 100 Things to Do in Boston with Kids). The first games of the Men's Beanpot have been postponed from Monday to Tuesday, the same day of the first round of the Women's Beanpot.

The week wraps up with a choice of great events on Friday, including a Japanese-influenced performance of Pinocchio or free admission at First Friday Nights at the Discovery Museums in Acton. (For more ways to visit local museums for free, check out our posts highlighting free admission in Boston and in Greater Boston.)

Read on for our picks of the week, and don't forget to browse our full events calendar! Also, please check with the event venues for snow cancelations before heading out this week.

Here's our collection of fun activities to do across the state each day this week. Although we only highlight one activity per day in this post, you can find plenty of other options in our Event Calendar. This week you can meet a groundhog, explore a trampoline park, hang out with Sid the Science Kid, and more. If you're planning beyond this week, be sure to check our February Go List, which has 20 of our favorite events across the state throughout the month. Have fun! Editor's Note: Some of these events may be canceled or postponed by the occasionally unpredictable winter weather. Always call the venue first to confirm. Stay warm and safe!

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While child rearing, you come to learn all the places you can take your toddler to blow off steam.  Some are free.  Some are not.  Some of you don't discriminate because you're just deliriously happy you're over the stomach bug.  The library, Stew Leonard's, Kids U, Fairfield's Playscape, the mall, Westport Y, Next Dimensions Gymnastics, the Bruce Museum, they're all fair game.  But what if there was a place you didn't know about? One with coffee. Are you leaning into your screens wondering if this is a joke, or rather, the entrance to nirvana??  Alright, I'll stop teasing.  Introducing Insports Trumbull's Wild Cat Play.

Looking to cure the winter blues? A mid-season getaway may be just the trick to keep you going until spring. Thankfully, there are lots of discounts during the upcoming school break. If your family craves the excitement of a theme park, Downtown Disney in Orlando has excellent rates. East Coast families could consider an urban escape to Baltimore or for something with a small town vibe, head to Freeport Maine, home of L.L. Bean. How about a yoga and massage weekend retreat for parents, with childcare for the kids, in the Berkshires? If your family feels like frolicking in the snow, many ski resorts are offering discounts. Adventurous types can head west to Yellowstone National Park for spectacular wintery scenery and no crowds.