“Erin go bragh” a phrase expressing allegiance to Ireland, has become synonymous with St. Patty’s Day which many here in America (even if there is no drop of Irish blood in their veins) love to celebrate. Are you wondering what to do with the kids on St. Patrick’s Day in New Haven County? Well, considering its mainly an adult holiday, family-friendly activities are difficult but not impossible to find. I have found a HUGE historic parade and a couple of places to get your fill of corned beef and cabbage! So put on your green garb and take a look! And check out the Hartford County events as well.

If you’re looking for a fun outing with the kids, a dine-in movie theater can be a great way to combine seeing a movie with enjoying a meal. These theaters show the latest kid-friendly movies on the big screen and offer delicious food that’s delivered right to your seat. Super fun for the kids and no cooking or clean up for the parents! (FYI, two of the locations also host adults-only screenings if you want to ditch the kids and head out for date night.)

As winter recess winds down, make sure you pack in every last bit of fun before the kids head back to school next week. This weekend is also prime time to get into a sticky situation since local places are harvesting tree sap and presenting live demonstrations, converting it into maple syrup. 

If the frigid weather has you scouring the house for crafting supplies and yummy treats to keep the kids entertained, check out our WeeWork series for whimsical activities and new recipes.

Here's a guide for this weekend's happenings across Long Island. Don't see your event listed here? Add it to our events calendar. And if you don't already receive this post in your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter.  

February break ends with a bang (and no blizzard!) with a weekend jam-packed with cool family fun. Catch international family flicks at the annual BAMkids Film Festival, check out new illuminated public art in Madison Square Park or rock out to Grammy winners The Okee Dokee Brothers at Symphony Space.

Are your kids more into hands-on activities? Families can make their own 3D tunnel books at the Center for Architecture, solder circuits at the Sony Wonder Technology Lab, and enjoy interactive cooking and nature fun at the New York Botanical Garden. If you're looking for a day trip, maple sugaring season has arrived and there are lots of nearby spots where you can taste the sweet stuff right from the tree.

Those are just a few of the great things going on this weekend. All of our best bets are below. You can find lots of other options in our Event Calendar and our Winter Fun Guide. Before heading out on your adventures, be sure to download our FREE Mommy Poppins Kids on the Go app so you can find the best family destinations wherever you happen to be in NYC.

I've got three kids (the boy kind). I have come to terms with the fact there are video games in my future. Actually, in my now. Fortnite seems to be everywhere. Groan. But everything in moderation, no? So, when I heard about something called 'video game truck parties' or 'mobile game theaters', I paid attention ... especially considering I have two winter babies requiring weatherproof birthday party options. The appeal (in case it eludes you, like moi)? They're together, shoulder to shoulder, facing down a wall of unfettered screen time...in some cases joined up simultaneously on the same game. For 120 minutes, they'll barely look each other in the eye, but they'll be comrades, dance champions, gamers. 

It’s almost time to bid chilly, snowy February goodbye! Close out the month (and beat the winter doldrums) by taking in one of the awesome performances happening in Jersey this weekend, like The Little Mermaid at the Pax Amicus Castle Theater or The Peking Acrobats at NJPAC. There’s also plenty of hands-on educational events too – learn about old time customs at the Colonial Children’s Tea at Murray Farmhouse, get crafty with Totem Poles at Montclair Art Museum or get a sweet dose of syrup and its history at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum’s end of season Maple Sugar Fest. And remember, you can find a full list of weekend activities in our Event Calendar.