If you’re anything like me, it often feels as if that there is just too much blood in your caffeine system. This is especially true when I am trying to get from Point A to Point B with a bored, cranky, uncomfortable preschooler howling at me from the confines of her ridiculously plush and ergonomic car seat. Luckily, the stretch of Rivertowns between the Tappan Zee Bridge and the Bear Mountain Bridge are home to a variety of cafés and coffee houses that provide more than just a quick pick-me-up. These spots are particularly kid-friendly (one even welcomes pets!) and offer delicious and divinely caffeinated beverages (or decaf, if that's your thing).

So if you need to recharge while you're out and about around town, check out one of our favorite kid-friendly coffee shops and cafés from Tarrytown to Peekskill.

With the February school break looming on the horizon, you may be considering a winter family getaway.  East Coast families don’t have to go far to have fun, and it doesn’t have to cost a bundle. There are deals in Boston, Providence, Baltimore, Cape Cod, Vermont, upstate New York and coastal Connecticut.  If you’ve had it up to here with chilly scenes of winter, we have several deals in Florida, including a contest that may just send you and your family to sunny Kissimmee for free.

This post contains no references to snow, sleet, slush or ice. That's our promise to you on yet another freezing winter's day! Instead, we'll warm you up (figuratively speaking) by linking to the hottest family events this February in NYC, Westchester, New Jersey, Long Island, Connecticut and beyond.

The February midwinter break is coming up quick for NYC public school students, so we rounded up 10 inexpensive camps in case you're in need of child care. Got the week off? Our NYC Day Trip Guide features lots of wonderful local getaways for families and our Winter Guide is chock-full of seasonal activities, from ice-skating, sledding, skiing and snow tubing (sorry—we broke our promise and mentioned snow), plus cool kids' culture like the best theater shows and museum exhibits.

Another great thing to do over midwinter recess? Try some of our fun and easy WeeWork projects. In fact, it just might win you tickets to Baby Loves Disco. Every week from now through April 11, we're giving away a family four-pack to this family dance party. All you need to do is share a photo of a completed WeeWork project on social media. Get all the details on our giveaway page.

Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week:

Charles Darwin was a 19th-century naturalist and geologist who's best known for his theories about evolution. More than 130 years after his death, his views on the origin of life are still hotly contested (perhaps you saw the videos of Bill Nye the Science Guy and the CEO of Kentucky’s Creation Museum going at it earlier this week?). Despite the ongoing debate, support is building to have Darwin's birthday, February 12, recognized as a national holiday.

Even though Darwin Day is still unofficial, there are lots of fun ways for kids to learn about his contributions to science all year-round. New York City is home to wonderful zoos and museums where families can see Darwin's theories in action, plus some more offbeat science spots. We've rounded up five ways to learn about Darwin's legacy with your family both around town and at home.

From the Merrimack River Eagle Festival that takes place at several locations around Newburyport to the Snow Festival in Franklin Park, there’s plenty of opportunity to get out and enjoy our winter wonderland. If it’s all too much and you’d rather think about getting away, the Boston Globe Travel Show may be the ticket. Karen K and the Jitterbugs perform a free concert in Watertown; other performance options include Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show and Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys. And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’ve rounded up some kid-friendly ideas for sweet treats, craft activities, and story time events taking place this weekend. Read on for the details, and be sure to consult our calendar for more things to do.

Finally, the Olympics kick off this weekend - how about throwing a party to celebrate?

Enjoy!

There's lots of fun in store this weekend for Westchester kids. The Hudson River Eaglefest, which we mentioned in our February Go List, is on Saturday. This celebration is headquartered at Croton Point Park but there will be multiple viewing locations lining the Hudson River, all staffed with birding experts. Another great way to celebrate the Hudson is at Clearwater’s Open Boat with a celebration of Pete Seeger and “Song Swap” at the Kingston Home Port on Sunday.

There are plenty of Valentine’s Day themed events happening this weekend. Check out Oh Happy Day Valentine Station at Pottery Barn Kids, Make a Valentine’s Day Collage at the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art in Peekskill, Lovey Dovey Valentine at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum in Cornwall, and a Valentine’s Day Party at The Westchester Mall.

Teach your children about giving back by visiting Cupcake for a Cure at the Westchester Mall with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Evan and Joshua’s Hot Cocoa Stand in Scarsdale with all proceeds benefiting the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Read on for our top weekend picks. If you see something that piques your interest, click through to the event listing to view full details. Looking for more options? Be sure to check our Event Calendar for more fun happening this weekend and beyond.

We here in So Cal are suffering from what I would call an embarrassment of riches. True, one of our favorite pastimes is gloating about the weather to friends far and wide. Winter? What winter? You mean that time I had to wear long sleeves? But with yet another snowstorm slamming our cross-country brethren, it almost seems untoward to list off the many sunkissed activities that await us this weekend.

Almost. I mean it’s not as if we’re keeping anyone from joining us in our little corner of Paradise. Are we supposed to feel bad that we can make our summer plans while experiencing summer-like temps? That we can gaze at the stars without turning into icebergs? That our kids see snow in the movies and ask us “what’s that?”

Maybe we should send them a little something to show we care. We’re starting to feel the Valentine’s love with heart-shaped workshops aplenty. I’m sure some handmade cards and craffy gifties would go a long way towards warming their hearts. Or maybe they'd just prefer a sweater.

Keep reading for some of our favorite picks for the weekend...