Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Indoor Places to Play on Cold and Rainy Days

Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free.

All across Long Island, there are free play spaces and indoor playgrounds to keep your kids happily occupied–so there's no need to stay home just because cold weather is upon us. From malls to bookstores and libraries, there is plenty of free fun to be had on Long Island for kids.

Enjoy these unique play destinations, but remember that most venues require that a parent/adult is present to supervise children.

For more indoor fun, don't forget to check out our guide to rainy-day activities on Long Island, and discover all the free events and activities near you in our guide to Free Things to Do With Kids on Long Island.

Kids Eat Free: New Jersey Restaurants with Free Meal Deals for Families

Kids eat free on Mondays and Tuesdays at Arirang Hibachi Steakhouse.

Looking for New Jersey restaurants where kids eat free? Read on for our list of eateries with freebie kids' meals throughout NJ. 

Who says there’s no such thing as a free meal? Restaurants up and down New Jersey offer free kids' meal promotions nearly every night of the week. 

Check out some of these New Jersey restaurants where kids eat free.

100 Free Fun Things To Do in Houston with Kids

 Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green

Our ultimate bucket list of 100 free fun things in Houston to do with kids will guide you to all the local places, activities, and events that cost absolutely nothing. After all, while we love our kids to the moon and back, they sure can be expensive!

For extra savings, make sure to check out our list of  Free Places to Play and Explore Indoors and Free Admission Days at Top Houston Museums.

27 Free Things To Do Indoors in Los Angeles: Indoor Places To Play On Cold and Rainy Days

While LACMA rebuilds, kids can still watch Metropolis II for hours (and hours - it's mesmerizing!). Photo courtesy of LACMA

There are many indoor free things to do in Los Angeles for those rare times when it's raining in Southern California. While we're all used to the nonstop sunshine, sometimes you have to head indoors to a free museum, play space, or library to entertain the kids while saving budgets for sunnier days. 

For more free things to do in LA, peruse our list of 100 fun free things to do in Los Angeles with Kids. Once you've checked off all the free things to do indoors in Los Angeles and want to explore more things to do with a roof over your head, check out the best indoor playgrounds in Los Angeles, and discover more indoor amusement in our Indoor Fun and Play Spaces Guide for Los Angeles Kids

Guide to the Best Family-Friendly Ski Areas near NYC for Your Next Winter Getaway

Mount Peter, in the heart of the Hudson Valley, is a great place for beginning skiers.

It's easy to embrace winter at these family-friendly ski areas near NYC. We've rounded up 10 local ski areas sure to entertain any family, whether you're bringing along beginners, looking for an all-inclusive weekend away, or want entertaining perks beyond the slopes.

A winter sport like skiing is a great way to get outdoors as a family. Read on to find out which of these family-friendly ski areas near NYC matches your skill level and interest.

Want more family-friendly ski areas or picks for other snow sports? Check out our Guide to Skiing and Snow Sports, which offers more options in the tri-state area, New England, and even California. We've also got picks for the best snowboarding parks and snow tubing spots near NYC.

17 Best Family-Friendly Restaurants near Times Square

Escape the crowds of Times Square for a communal meal at Gotham West Market. Photo by Daniel Krieger

Finding a family-friendly Times Square restaurant that doesn't belong in a mall might be more difficult than navigating the costumed-character-crammed sidewalks of the area with a stroller. The Applebee's and Olive Garden might leave you feeling as if you're in the 'burbs, not the crossroads of the world.

But just as there are things to do with kids in Times Square beyond the tourist attractions, there are also a variety of off-the-beaten-track, family-friendly eateries that serve tasty cuisine reflecting our melting pot of a city.

So, whether you're heading to a kid-friendly Broadway show, or exploring some other enclave in the neighborhood, here are our top picks for family-friendly restaurants in Times Square.

Visiting NASA Space Center Houston with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Check out the Apollo 17 command module, which was used on the last crewed mission to the moon. Photo courtesy of NASA Space Center Houston.

You don’t need to be a budding astronaut to enjoy a day out at NASA Space Center Houston. Kids love the tram rides and interactive exhibits that provide visitors with a glimpse into the history, present, and future of space exploration. With over a million visitors a year, NASA Houston includes the control room of the first Moon landing and exciting developments around upcoming missions to the Moon and Mars.

NASA Houston is huge, with frequent updates, and with so much to see it can be a bit overwhelming. However, we are regular visitors, and our guide will help you make the most of your visit so the whole family has a great time.

Read lots more about Houston-area cultural institutions in our Guide to Children's Museums and Exhibits in Houston

Family-Friendly Spots to Snowboard and Ski in New Jersey

Ski at Mountain Creek in Vernon for resort-style amenities without the crowds.

Awesome ski resorts in and near New Jersey might just give your kids a lifelong love of winter sports–and the ones listed below will maximize your family's time on the mountain while minimizing time in the car.

If you're looking for winter fun that's a bit less strenuous, snow tubing might be just the thing, and for even more outdoor options, check out our Ski & Snow Guide for New Jersey Families.

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