Mohonk Mountain House Offers a No-Planning-Required Family Getaway Just 2 Hours from NYC

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During a wintertime visit, Mohonk Mountain House's Skating Pavilion is a huge draw for active families.

Mohonk Mountain House in New York’s Hudson Valley feels like stepping into a real-life fairy tale—one with hiking trails, crackling fireplaces, and activities for every generation. This historic Victorian castle resort sits high above Lake Mohonk and is surrounded by more than 40,000 acres of protected forest, offering families a rare mix of outdoor adventure, cozy relaxation, and thoughtful programming for kids, parents, grandparents, and everyone in between.

Whether visiting for the day or staying overnight, Mohonk Mountain House provides a fully immersive experience that makes it easy to unplug and reconnect. Read on for highlights of what families can expect at Mohonk Mountain House, and tips for planning a multigenerational getaway. For more activities around Mohonk Mountain House, check out our list of 50 things to do with kids in the Hudson Valley.

Where To Score Amazing Student Discounts and Free Stuff for College Students (Parent-Tested Secrets!)

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Lots of companies offer big discounts for students so they can enjoy their favorite things on a budget. Photo by Good Life Studios via canva.com

Between tuition, room and board, textbooks, school supplies, and more, being a college student is expensive. And all those hours spent going to class, hitting the books, and doing extracurricular activities don't exactly leave much time for earning money.

But that doesn't necessarily mean your college kid has to live on ramen noodles and wear their high school wardrobe. There are tons of stores, restaurants, technology companies, entertainment venues, subscription services, and other businesses that offer student discounts and free stuff for college students. Many of these deals are available online through student discount apps, while others are offered in person with a student ID.

Here are 70 of the best college student deals, student perks, and free resources for college students to help your kiddo save money and still enjoy life. Our list of free stuff for kids and teens in the mail can help college kids get even more freebies. Be sure to also check out our Guide to Free Activities, Events, Classes, and Camps. 

Free STEM Summer Camp from Girls Who Code Opens Registration 2026

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High school girls (and non-binary kids) interested in computer science are encouraged to apply. Photo courtesy Girls Who Code

Looking for more than mindless hanging out and screen time for your teenage daughter this summer? Girls Who Code, a nonprofit that aims to increase the number of women in computer science fields, is once again offering its FREE summer program for girls and non-binary kids entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school. Called Pathways, the 6-7-week STEM summer camp is completely virtual and accepting applications now.

Keep reading to find out who is eligible, how to apply, and when this Girls Who Code STEM summer programs is happening in 2026. Hurry, because the early application period for this FREE summer program is already open.

Find more STEM activities in our Science and Tech Guide for Kids, or check out more summer programs for teens and kids in our Camp Guide. You can also find free coding for kids websites and apps.

Winterfest, Slime Workshop, and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend

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Sands Point Preserve kicks off a wilderness survival series Saturday where teens can learn survival basics alongside their parents. Photo courtesy of the venue

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

Bundle up this weekend for the charming Winterfest at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary, where a crackling campfire, guided winter walk, a hot cocoa in hand, and a candlelighting ceremony invite your crew to embrace nature and community spirit together—it’s like a neighborhood bonfire with birds and marshmallows.

If you’re craving warm, hands-on moments, don’t miss the Morse Code Moniker at the Long Island Children’s Museum. Pint-sized spies can learn all about Morse Code by crafting bracelets that spell their names in dots and dashes.

Scientists-in-training, take note: This Slime Chemistry workshop at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center is calling your name. Experiment with ooey-gooey mixtures and learn the science behind everyone’s favorite stretchy stuff.

Find all that and more top picks for the weekend ahead below!

Peach Bowl Fan Fest, Atlanta Boat Show, and More Things to Do this Weekend in Atlanta with Kids

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Test your surfing skills aboard a real surfboard, without ever getting wet, at this year's Atlanta Boat Show. Photo courtesy of event

Looking for the best things to do in Atlanta this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend! 

College football fans head to downtown Atlanta for Friday's FREE Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Fan Fest, filled with interactive attractions like punting, passing and kicking games, obstacle courses, and zip lining. Also downtown this weekend? The 2026 Atlanta Boat Show, featuring boats, of course, as well as a kids' zone with VR games, surfing simulator, and crafts. One of our favorite monthly FREE events happens this weekend in Buckhead: UPS Second Sunday at the High Museum of Art. This weekend event is a great activity featuring family-friendly programming and performances. Read on for even more fun things to do this weekend in Atlanta! 

Family Art Festivals, Monster Truck Wars, and More Things to Do in DFW This Weekend

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Family Festival at the Kimbell Museum is a day full of arts & crafts classes, story times, live shows, and more. Photo by Robert LaPrelle, Kimbell Art Museum

Looking for the best things to do in Dallas and Fort Worth this weekend? Here are our picks for the coolest family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

The good news about living in DFW is that there's always something interesting going on. This weekend, enjoy arts and crafts just for families at the Family Festival at the Kimbell Museum in Fort Worth or at the Bath House Cultural Center in East Dallas near White Rock Lake. If your kids love lots of noise and ginormous trucks, Monster Truck Wars at Fair Park is more up your alley. 

If it's food and a chill vibe you're after, Chicken N Pickle in Grand Prairie is hosting a Frosty Fun Day just for kids, and Panther Island Brewing in Fort Worth brings a little bit of Dolly Parton to its free market event on Sunday. 

Have a great weekend, North Texas!

Bumper Cars on Ice and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids

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Bryant Park's Bumper Cars on Ice are a perennial crowd-pleaser. Photo by Angelito Jusay

Looking for the best things to do in New York City this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Bryant Park's beloved bumper cars on ice bash back into town for a fun wintertime diversion. And while the attempt to set a world record for the largest ice skating lesson ever has been postponed in view of this weekend's weather forecast, it's the perfect weekend to get crafty, from Sew Many Possibilities at the Children's Museum of Manhattan to Designing Your Own Board Game at the Cooper Hewitt.

Keep reading for all our top picks for the weekend ahead!

Monster Jam, Harlem Globetrotters, and More Fun Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend With Kids

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Monster Jam is a loud, live event full of awesome trucks, amazing stunts, and more! Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment

Looking for the best things to do in Orlando this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list!

Happy New Year Orlando families! Kick off 2026 by making memories at some fantastic family-friendly events happening this weekend. Start the fun on Friday with a free outdoor movie night in Kissimmee or a block party in Groveland. On Saturday, the excitement continues with Monster Jam at Camping World Stadium, Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour at Addition Financial Arena, Kids-Fringe Mini-Morning Fest in Orlando (free!), and plenty more. Wrap up the weekend on Sunday at Old Town Kissimmee for Three Kings Day Osceola. All this and more, check out the details below!