Kids are innate animal lovers—we bet all parents go through that phase when they're convinced their child is going to grow up to be a veterinarian. But in wintertime when all living things in New York City seem to be hibernating, it's tough to indulge kids' craving for creatures beyond the ever-present subway rats. And who wants to pet one of those?! That's why we rounded up the best places to get up close and personal with animals in cozy, indoor environments. Here's where you can hang with cool cats, beautiful birds and butterflies, and even "adopt" a critter without ever having to take it home.

This post is sponsored by Play Fair.

Imagine a place where all the world's toy makers get together to show off the brand new, not-on-the-shelves-yet toys they've invented to wow children of all ages. Sounds like heaven for kids, doesn't it? That's what Toy Fair is, but until now it's always been a strictly business, adults-only event. Well, all that's about to change with Play Fair, an awesome, two day toy fair especially for kids and families. On February 13 and 14, at the Javits Center, families can check out all the latest games and toys, plus tons of live entertainment and some special appearances. Toy Fair may just be the closest thing to a Willie Wonka world for toy-loving kids.

Did the recent snow days bring on cabin fever in your home? Get ready for more time off in February. Most New Jersey schools are closed for President’s Day, some longer- even the whole week! We’ve already brought you drop-off options for February break. Now we’ve gathered even more activities to keep the little ones busy, and your own sanity in check, on these wintery days off from school.

Preschool favorite Peppa Pig is making her U.S. theatrical debut in life-size puppet form as Peppa Pig’s Big Splash tours the country, hitting 90 cities, including Downtown LA this month. Our NYC Editor caught the show in New Jersey and offers us a sneak preview:

If you have a preschooler or toddler at home, you likely know all about Peppa Pig, her snorting family and their love of muddy puddles. The British-accented pink pig plays on Nick Jr., and ahem, YouTube, on a loop in many a tot’s house, entertaining kids with simple graphics and wholesome themes. You can expect the same from the musical Big Splash, including plenty of Daddy Pig antics, games involving brother George and sightings of Peppa’s friendly pals: Pedro Pony, Danny Dog and Suzy Sheep. 

Note: This show returns to NYC in February 2023 to the DR2 Theatre in Union Square.

It’s never easy to successfully adapt a popular book for stage or film (the expectations!), nor to keep a theater full of toddlers and preschoolers engaged and seated for an hour. Yet the latest stage adaptation of Eric Carle’s beloved The Very Hungry Caterpillar, playing in NYC this winter, does all that and more.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, which opened January 30, retells four iconic Carle tales with 75 handcrafted large-scale puppets, four actors who double as puppeteers and narrators and subtle but lyrical music that readies the audience for the animal magic about to appear on stage. It’s earnest, colorful, artsy and will hold your kid in awe for 60 solid minutes.

February is a busy month with President's Day, Valentine's Day, and Black History Month, but one sometimes overlooked holiday is the Lunar New Year. There are, of course, world famous events in NYC including the Chinatown Parade and Festival on February 14th (a great excuse to trek into the city), but there are many celebrations all over Connecticut continuing throughout the month as we welcome the Year of the Monkey!

The short, dark days of winter are over but long, sunny days are still ahead of us. February seems like a wedge between winter and spring: stores are already tempting us with swimsuits and garden gear yet the weather still beckons us to either bundle up or head indoors. Luckily, Westchester families have some new options to get them in a warm weather mindset. 

While some tweens are hardwired to think in zeros and ones and are ready for advanced instruction in computer science, others are leery of the whole thing. I have one of each.

Luckily, both my enthusiastic coder and my reluctant techie found something to enjoy at the New-York Historical Society’s exhibit Silicon City: Computer History Made in New York, on view through April 17 where kids can see early computers, typewriters, phones and even try out classic video games like Space Invaders. Read on for what to expect from this uptown STEM art exhibit where drop-in coding classes are also on tap.