Ball pits. Kids love 'em but many parents worry that they're a cesspool of germs. (Most McDonald's and Chuck E. Cheese's have removed them because they just couldn't clean them properly.) But there are a handful of ball pits in New York City at places that seem to have a much better handle on the whole sanitizing thing.

Even if you're still a little skeptical, think about all the fun you had in ball pits as a child (because you know you did). Plus with winter upon us, ball pits are a great place for kids to have fun indoors when it's cold or rainy. Your kids will have a blast diving, tossing and romping around. Some of these places also make great birthday party spots.

If one writer is synonymous with the holiday season, it's Charles Dickens. The legendary Victorian author's novella A Christmas Carol and its iconic characters pop up everywhere this time of year, both on stage and on screen.

But rather than do another adaptation of this oft-told tale, New York City Children's Theater cleverly delves into the man behind the story, or rather, the boy.

Based on Deborah Hopkinson's picture book A Boy Called Dickens, Young Charles Dickens is an engaging bio-musical inspired by the 12-year-old Dickens' menial job at a shoe polish factory as he helps his family out of debtors' prison. Readers familiar with his famous books such as Oliver Twist, Great Expectations and, of course, A Christmas Carol will recognize many of the people Dickens meets during this dark period in his young life. However, even school-age kids unfamiliar with his work will pick up a lot from this gritty, but heartwarming tale.

While the words gluten-free, nut-free, vegan and dairy-free and have long been associated with below-average offerings, this list proves safe-for-everyone snacks don't have to be tasteless. Whether it’s you, your little ones or last-minute house guests, feel free to indulge in allergen-conscious treats from these dietary-restriction-friendly bakers. After all, the simple pleasure of a baked cookie or cupcake should be enjoyed by everyone.

Here are six Westchester bakeries that will cater to your allergies and food preferences, doctor-recommended or not. Check out our Restaurant Guide for more kid-friendly places to eat, and sign up for our FREE newsletters to stay up to date for all things family-friendly in Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley. 

You must have been unbelievably good this year because you have been gifted with a weekend full of awesome. First up, Cirque du Soleil makes its way to LA with KURIOS, featuring Cirque’s signature acrobatic artistry, enhanced with a hint of steampunk and boatloads of “oh my gosh, how do they do that!?” And speaking of boatloads, there’s boatloads of holiday boat parades this weekend. Because we Angelenos love us some boat parades.

You want more awesome? Lythgoe Family Productions is back with another Christmas panto, this time taking on Peter Pan and Tinkerbell. These shows have consistently been a high point of the Christmas season for us, with show biz vets and teen Disney stars blowing us away with their talent. Disney on Ice glides in with only the best ice-related Disney tale ever, Frozen. And if that weren’t enough to fill your stocking, we are days away from the next installment from a galaxy far, far away.

As with last week, most of the Hanukkah events are concentrated on Sunday, which is the final night of the holiday. If you haven’t received any gifts yet by then, you are owed eight. (Tell your family you will accept tickets to Kurios, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell, Disney on Ice and Star Wars—marathon optional but it would count for 6).

Keep reading for more on all the awesomeness that is this weekend…

When I was little, the holidays were full of excitement. Even the slightest chance of receiving that year's coveted "must-have" toy was enough to have butterflies for weeks! However, as a parent, I realize that it isn't the things we have as much as the memories we make that keep the holidays special.

For great ideas on how to create those memories, turn to our Events Calendar which is filled with many activities. See Santa arrive by chopper to the American Helicopter Museum. Watch the re-enactment of General Washington crossing the Delaware. Experience the one-of-a-kind Seaport Parade of Lights. Or, visit East Passyunk Avenue's Ice Carving Festival as it is transformed into a winter wonderland.

To keep up with the latest family-friendly fun, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Have fun making memories this weekend.

The holiday celebrations are in full effect, so it might be hard picking just one thing to do this weekend. There's family fun at a breakfast with Santa, a live holiday performance, Chanukah on Ice or a Holiday Bonfire, just to name a few. If you need more, visit our Holiday Guide.

Don't see your event listed here? Add it to our events calendar. And if you don't receive this post in your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter.

Happy holidays! In case your kids haven't gotten the chance to catch up with Santa yet, a couple of perfect opportunities coming up this weekend include a children's Christmas party or breakfast with the jolly old elf himself. Meanwhile, before Hanukkah comes to a close, the Run-a-Latke and family festival sound like great ways to celebrate the holiday in style.

Another festive event opening this weekend is the Urban Nutcracker (pictured), putting a jazzy spin on the holiday classic, while plenty of other fantastic holiday shows are still going strong. Feeling a bit holidayed out? There are tons of great non-holiday picks, too, with events ranging from math to an ice skating to a lantern walk at sunset.

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

• At these local spots, families can experience the holidays of yesteryear.
• Find out where to find the best holiday lights in Somerville.
• We've gathered up our picks of some of the best holiday shows other than The Nutcracker for easy planning.
• If your kids are crazy about Minecraft, these clubs and classes are for you.
• Read our parent review for the full scoop if you're thinking about catching The Velveteen Rabbit.

We're on TV! Tune into NECN's Money Saving Mondays at 8:40 am on Monday, December 14 to get the scoop on free holiday fun for families in Boston.

Don't forget to check out the full Event Calendar, and enjoy your weekend.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and Chanukah, as evidenced by the abundance of holiday happenings in Westchester and the Hudson Valley!

The recurring holiday events taking place throughout the month are now supplemented with a fresh batch of holiday fanfare, including Dickens' Christmas Carol and a new holiday musical: Pageant. For a nature-themed holiday excursion, there’s Christmas on the Farm, as well as the chance to get crafty with your centerpiece at Winter Wildflower Arrangements. There are also several Hanukkah events rounding out the weekend.

Read on for our top picks—then be sure to consult our Event Calendar for the full panoply of options! Don’t forget to check out our Holiday Fun Guide to plan the remaining days of the holiday season, including the best places to visit Santa in Westchester.