Whether you have a special hot chocolate recipe you make from scratch or you grab a packet of cocoa from the pantry, there is nothing quite like cozying up with a nice cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter’s day. Hot chocolate makes any snow day magical, warms up cold cheeks after a day of sledding, and is simply the perfect sweet treat.

Here are 11 hot chocolate recipes to satisfy any sweet tooth, from hot chocolate bombs to Mexican hot chocolate. No snow? No problem! We’ve found a few recipes for those warmer days, too, including a frozen hot chocolate recipe. So grab your mugs and get mixing—it's time to stir up something delicious.

For more even more fun kitchen creations, check out our Guide to Easy Recipes for Kids.

Some days are just better when everyone takes a hike. Long weekends, weekday afternoons, random days off from school—if the kids start to climb the walls, the answer is almost always to head for the trails and go hiking in Los Angeles. We've compiled a list of some of the best hiking trails in Los Angeles for you and your little ones (though if you're pushing someone up that mountain, you may want the stroller-friendly hikes in Los Angeles post). Each of the self-led hikes below is an LA classic hike that's not too hard and boasts spectacular views or fascinating finds for the whole family. 

Explore all the best adventures and hikes in Los Angeles for kids like waterfall hikes in Los Angeles or LA hikes for young wildlife enthusiasts, both of which, and more are in our Hiking and Camping Guide for Los Angeles Families. 

Families looking for indoor fun have a sweet new option in Central NJ: Fundaes Arcade, a 7,000-square-foot arcade and ice cream parlor, held its grand opening in Chesterfield in late December. 

In addition to a slew of favorite arcade games and newer VR options, the facility will also tempt anyone with a sweet tooth with its candy wall and big ice cream counter. 

Check out our rundown of the best New Jersey arcades to visit with kids and find other options for indoor fun in our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids. 

Family ski trips are tough to beat, and New England is packed with ski resorts that cater to families. Skiing is one of the few sports where kids can quickly learn to meet—or in our family, surpass—parents' ability. Conquering a tough slope or cruising together down an easy one are the stuff of great memories. That said, not all ski resorts make it easy for families to deal with real parenting needs while on the slopes, but we found some New England ski resort gems that do. These ski resorts in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine cater to families with plenty of beginner trails, daycare, lots of food options, condo-style lodging, ice skating, snow tubing, ski camps, and more. 

If you are looking for places to practice before a family ski vacation, these slopes near Boston and Connecticut are perfect for a short day trip or weekly lessons. Have fun out there!

A spa day is always a treat in my book, but I don't usually bring my kids along for the pampering. Sometimes, though, it's nice to play a little role reversal, and that's where Milk & Cookies Kids Spa comes in. The longtime Upper East Side pamper spot recently relocated to Kips Bay, bringing all its spa treatments for Cool Gals and Cool Dudes, plus its trademark post-pampering namesake treat, and even a supersized party room and padded toddler play area.

Following a recent visit with my lucky daughters, we've got the scoop on all the fabulous fun at one of our favorite local Black-owned small businesses.

Looking for FREE things to do with babies without breaking the bank? There are plenty of destinations on Long Island that offer fun for all without a hefty price tag. Check out this list of local hot spots where babies ages 2 and younger are welcome for FREE.

Now, what to do with all the extra cash? Peep our list of top mommy-and-me baby classes on Long Island and check out our Indoor Activities Guide and our Long Island Free Things To Do with Kids Guide for more ideas.

Run up the Rocky Steps and head on in to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a creative family outing at one of the country's largest art museums.

What Philly kid doesn't love a romp up the Rocky Steps? It's a rite of passage to run up those iconic stairs and strike a victorious pose--but the real question is when was the last time you went inside to see the astounding art collection behind that famous facade? To take that a step (ha!) further, have you ventured into those glorious galleries with kids in tow? Though art museums aren't always the most obvious spot for young kids, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is hands-down our family's museum of choice, where you'll find some of the city's most creative kids' programs and engaging educators at a place that transcends age. Did I mention kids are always...FREE?

Here are all of the things we love about visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art with kids, including a list of some of our favorite galleries, programs, and insider tips. Visit our Guide to Philly Museums for more reviews like this, and browse our list of 50 indoor places to explore when it's too cold or rainy outside, featuring museums, playspaces, and more.

It's easy to see why Charleston, SC, regularly tops the lists of America’s most visit-worthy cities. Beautiful beaches and waterways, leafy streets and parks, gorgeous architecture, and a thriving cultural scene mean there are always things to do in Charleston, SC. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that Charleston is one of the best food cities in the country.

Best of all, Charleston is especially fun to visit with kids. It’s easy to get around, the weather is almost always nice (even though summer can be sticky and humid), and the overall vibe is incredibly welcoming to families. Plus, there are so many things to do in Charleston, SC with kids that our family has been vacationing there and the neighboring barrier islands for over a decade.

Here are the 30 best things to do in Charleston, SC with kids, including great Charleston hotels and the best restaurants in Charleston, SC for families. For more family adventures in the south, check out our Southern US Family Travel Guide.