For many families, February's midwinter break is a great time to slow down and create some special memories. The NYC public school winter break runs from Monday, February 16-Friday, February 20, 2026. It's sandwiched between two weekends, which means you've got nine days to fill with kid-friendly fun! To help you make the most of the February midwinter break in NYC, we've rounded up 32 things to do with kids in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

Lucky for us, NYC museums, outdoor ice skating rinks, and playgrounds make for fun any-day destinations. The extra days off are also a perfect opportunity to book a getaway, and we've got picks for budget-minded escapes, family-friendly Catskills resorts, and the best things to do in the Adirondack Mountains if you're looking to get out of town.

I recently took a girls' trip to Mexico City with friends, thinking it was not a place that would be great for kids. Once I got there, I quickly realized how wrong I was. This extremely walkable city has some of the best parks and playgrounds I've ever seen, loads of kid-friendly museums, spring-like temperatures year-round, fantastic food, and friendly people. It seemed like everywhere I looked, there were parents pushing strollers or kids playing. The city is also safe and very affordable.

Many areas of Mexico City have a very European vibe, with Spanish Baroque and Art Deco architecture, tons of sidewalk cafes and Paris-like bakeries, ornate churches, and trendy shops. But the city is also very green and lush, with palm tree-lined streets, bright colors, and Mexican flavor. And even though I've always equated Mexico with the beach (as many people do), I never even missed the ocean!

Here are some of the top things to do in Mexico City with kids, including what to eat and where to stay in Mexico City with kids. I've also provided tips and tricks for your visit and answered some of the most-asked questions about Mexico City. Check out our Mexico Family Travel Guide for even more great places to visit in Mexico, including the best Cancun all-inclusive resorts for families and the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta with kids.

Discover 100 free things to do in Chicago with kids! Parent-tested picks, from playgrounds and museums to quirky, weird, and new free family fun.

Did you know that there is a charming, innovative, creativity-sparking children's museum in Santa Barbara? I've heard about MOXI: The Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation for years. This winter break, with the rainy weather and lack of plans, was the perfect time to set aside a day and take my four kiddos (ages 9, 6, 5, and 3) to finally see what this spot is all about.

Whether you are looking for a great indoor activity for a rainy day or an adventure after a morning at the Santa Barbara Zoo, the MOXI is number one on my list of things to do for families visiting Santa Barbara. You'll know it from the moment you reach the darling front entrance that has an adult door and a "children's door" just the right size for tiny visitors, so step in and enjoy a day of fun mixed with learning for everyone. 

Strawberry picking in Orlando runs December through March, making it a perfect wintertime outing for families. A day at a Central Florida strawberry farm offers fresh air, hands-on fun, and a chance to connect with nature while making sweet memories together. Below, we’ve rounded up the best u-pick farms for strawberry picking near Orlando, along with helpful tips to make the most of your outdoor adventure.

These birthday freebies for kids are free food, gifts, or special treats offered by restaurants, stores, and brands to celebrate a child’s birthday.

Birthday freebies for kids are a huge help: the sticker price for kids' birthday celebrations can be huge! So every little birthday freebie for kids is a gift to parents, too! Here, we've rounded up 61 places that offer up free stuff on your birthday. 

Read on to discover how to score Starbucks birthday freebies, free burgers and ice cream, calls from favorite characters (like Paw Patrol or SpongeBob), discounts on clothes, surprise gifts, and even more birthday freebies for kids.

For more birthday freebies near you, check out your city's Guide to Free Things To Do with Kids; and when you're ready to plan that party, be sure to check out our Birthday Party Ideas Guide for Unique Goody Bag and Party Favor Ideas, 100 Kids' Birthday Party Themes, and more.

Winter has arrived in the DC area, and your family is likely spending more time at home. Whether you prefer to continue being warm indoors (raising my hand!) or to bundle up and head out for some fresh air, you may be starting to feel like you need a change of scenery.

If that's the case, check out my list of 10 great winter day trips from DC. These fun, family-friendly winter day trips near DC appeal to a variety of ages and interests, from exploring museums to being active in the snow. Even better, they are all less than three hours or less from DC by car—and totally worth the trip.

Find more winter day trips from DC, such as the best snow tubing near DC for families, in our Day Trip and Weekend Getaways Guide and our Guide to Winter Fun. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to embrace the season—spring will be here before you know it!

2025 was a great year for new fun things for kids.