What's one item that turns an otherwise ho-hum winter walk into an adventure? Snowshoes! Snowshoes are practical in that they allow kids to walk on top of the snow, allowing families to explore deep woods and other unshoveled trails after a big snowfall, but it only takes an inch or two of the white stuff for there to be a reason to break out this fun footgear. With dedicated winter trails or expansive meadows to tromp through, these spots are tops for snowshoeing near Boston with kids.

For other ways to get children out of the house on cold days, check out our favorite wintertime walks, family-friendly ski areas, and ice skating rinks—all in our Boston Winter Fun Guide. 

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.

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.

In what might be described as the inside of Dr. Seuss' imagination fused with Tron, with some added Bladerunner for a kick, Seismique is Houston's newest interactive museum, with enough LED lights to give Clark Griswald envy. Located in a massive former Bed Bath and Beyond space in West Houston, Seismique houses 40 state-of-the-art gallery exhibits and experiences designed by local and international artists. Even among Houston's many wonderful museums, this new addition stands out as a welcome distraction and escape from reality.

New York City's uber-popular STEM Matters Program returns for spring break 2021, but big changes are in store. Unlike the week-long drop-off program of years past, if you want your child to participate this spring, you'll have to join them. The programs, dubbed Discovery Days, run for single-day sessions at top cultural institutions. Participants are treated to an hour-long, educator-led, hands-on discovery program and enjoy gratis admission for the rest of the day.

The programs, which are open to public, charter, and home school students, run for single-day sessions during the New York City public school spring break, which lasts from Monday, March 29-Friday, April 2, 2021. Read on for more info on the program and how to apply.

A visit to Caleb Smith State Park Preserve is a must for Long Island families, no matter the season. With more than 540 acres of freshwater wetlands, ponds, streams, the Nissequogue River, and plenty of family-friendly hiking trails, it's a beautiful destination.

Located on the North Shore, in the heart of Smithtown, it's one of only four state park nature preserves on Long Island. Originally part of the estate of Caleb Smith, the great-grandson of Smithtown founder Richard “Bull” Smith, it's a wonderful, peaceful spot to enjoy the natural beauty of Long Island.

Read on for five of our favorite things to do in Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, and find more ways to explore Long Island's all-season natural beauty, from beach walks to hiking trails and winter walks.

With many families opting out of in-person playdates, it can feel like a Herculean task to keep little ones with lots of energy engaged. While there are plenty of ideas for older kids (and lots of free games to keep them entertained), it can be a little trickier to find online playdate activities for toddlers and preschoolers.

Luckily, there are a number of ways for younger kids to have fun while playing with friends online. Here, we’ve rounded up 10 creative ideas for virtual playdates for preschoolers—some that require parent participation and other toddler activities where you can just set them up to play at-home and give yourself a much-needed break!

Whether you’re looking for a weekend winter getaway or an epic day trip adventure, snowboarding is a great family activity. An invigorating sport, snowboarding combines physical activity and fresh air and is suitable for most ages. What’s more, many resorts offer additional fun and refreshments to round out your day.

Below we’ve profiled 12 snowboarding destinations accessible from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. For the uninitiated, consider booking a lesson and budgeting ample time to rent equipment beforehand.

Find more opportunities for seasonal outings in our Winter Fun Guide and our Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snow Sports Guide, where you'll find picks for our favorite Northeast ski resorts and much more.