Winter Activities

Winter Day Trips for LI Families for Christmas Break and Beyond

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Tue, 12/18/2018 - 10:30am

Although it might be tempting to spend your family time during the winter months snuggled under a blanket or in front of a roaring fire, eventually someone’s going to get cabin fever. No worries: We’ve got just what you need to get everyone off the couch and out of the house with our list of fun, family-friendly winter day trips for Long Island families.

So pile into the car, hop on a ferry, or jump on the Long Island Rail Road because there is plenty to do and see on and off Long Island. From the excitement of New York City to the serene beauty of the North Fork to skiing and more in New England or the Hudson Valley, with our roundup of winter day trips (and some weekend getaways) your family has plenty of options for keeping busy this winter.

Stay warm!

Kids Play for Free at These New York City Stores

Submitted by Rachel Aimee on Mon, 12/17/2018 - 2:23pm

Looking for a new winter play destination? With a shiny new FAO Schwarz filled with delights and an American Girl mega-store, there's no shortage of stores in New York City where kids can play for free. You'll find options as varied as building Lego friends, exercising on the Wii Fit, or getting their train fix for the day, and the kids will be so exhausted by day's end, they might not even whine about leaving the Nintendo system behind (fingers crossed).

For more indoor play options, check out our guide to Indoor Play Spaces and Fun Zones in NYC.

12 Fun Things to Do Over the Holiday Break with DC Kids

Submitted by Christine Mooney on Mon, 12/17/2018 - 12:53pm

Waterskiing Santas, tree lightings, and holiday markets, oh my! It's almost Christmas, which means it's almost Christmas break. What are DC area families to do when all the gifts are open and kids are chomping at the bit to get out of the house? From free fun to great winter activities, Mommy Poppins DC has you covered. Read on for our top picks on what to do during this holiday school break.

Check in with our events calendar, too, for more ideas.

Outdoor Ice Skating in the Philadelphia Area

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Mon, 12/17/2018 - 8:29am

During the chill of the holidays in the Philadelphia area it's tough to think of a more traditional outdoor winter activity to do with the family than ice skating. Getting bundled in hats and scarves, lacing up your skates, and warming up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate after a spin on the ice is sure to please kids young and old.

There are several temporary outdoor ice rinks set up in the Philadelphia area this season, providing unique settings for this fun winter sport. We also have a list of Pennsylvania state parks that offer ice skating when the conditions are right. So whether you are a novice on the ice, or you're ready to show off your triple axel, see our list of outdoor rinks for a memorable day with the family.

Grand Park's Free Holiday Lights Display Makes a Trip to DTLA Worthwhile

Submitted by Lindsay Halladay on Sun, 12/16/2018 - 11:24pm

Let's just agree that you can never have too many holiday light displays. Enjoying things that go sparkle in the night is a great way to create a holiday outing without breaking the bank—but maybe you'd like something more interactive than the good ol' drive past the neighborhood lights? Then jump at the chance to check out Grand Park's free Winter Glow light display in Downtown LA.

25 Free Things for Kids to Do in NYC on Winter Holiday Break

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on Sun, 12/16/2018 - 11:00am

From December 22, 2018 through January 1, 2019, NYC students are officially on holiday break. As your family gears up for a week of gleeful abandon (or mass chaos, as the case may be in your house), we've pulled together some fun ideas for things to do with kids over the break.

While we recently offered a number of fun NYC options for your family to enjoy during break, we've rounded up even more great ideas. Our list of 25 FREE things to do with the kids during winter break offers ways to enjoy the school vacation without denting your budget.

Make a Day of It with These Winter Day Trips for NJ Families

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Fri, 12/14/2018 - 12:00pm

Freezing weather can lead to stir-crazy kids (and parents), so we've pulled together a list of more than 25 great winter day trip ideas for New Jersey families.

Bundle up for a day of snow tubing at Campgaw, or watch the wolves wrestle in their snowy habitat at Lakota Wolf Preserve. If the weather is too frosty for you, try indoor stargazing at the Novins Planetarium, or visit a kid-friendly exhibit at the Newark Museum. Dreaming of summer days? Check out the indoor water park Sahara Sam's, where kids can splash the day away, or visit Adventure Aquarium to see penguins, sharks, and stingrays in action.

Whether your crew loves outdoor adventures or prefers indoor pursuits, read on to find the perfect winter adventure for you.

25 Fun and Free Things to Do with CT Kids Over Holiday Break

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Fri, 12/14/2018 - 10:00am

The December holiday break from school gives most of us the chance to spend quality time together before the new year begins. Whether you're looking forward to visiting light shows or gingerbread displays, there are many activities happening throughout the state, and the best news is that many of them are completely free. Here' s a list of 25 things to do with the kids over holiday break. For more great ideas to keep the entire family entertained, check out the frequently updated Mommy Poppins Events Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide.