Sitting at the heart of Orange County, Irvine is all grown up from the sleepy suburb founded in the early 1970s. With 250,000 residents, UC Irvine, and the headquarters of many well-known companies—even In-n-Out is headquartered here!—it is consistently rated as one of the safest and best cities to live in by national publications. With all this going on, there must be something to do, right? And is there ever!

If you're looking for an outing in your own backyard, are making a weekend around a sports tournament (Irvine’s parks play host often), or just fancy a drive somewhere new, there are lots of places to explore around Irvine.

As the temperature drops in Westchester, the fun doesn’t stop—it just moves mostly indoors. We know the holidays can cost a pretty penny, so we’ve made a point of identifying fun family events that won’t break the bank. In fact, of the eight top picks we’ve listed below, seven are entirely FREE!

Our recommendations include getting your creative juices flowing at Maker Day or Dia:Beacon Community Free Day; competing for the crown at the Annual Chess Tournament; meeting African creatures at Animal Embassy; and channeling The Force at Celebrate Star Wars.

Read on for more details and more options, and then continue on to our Event Calendar and January GoList for even more fun and enriching programs! 

If you’re suffering from post-holiday blues, don’t fret—there is still plenty of fun to be had for Long Island families during the winter months. From skating and skiing to mini golf and bowling, here are the top 12 things we love to do with the kids when the weather gets cold. And if you need more inspiration, take a look at our Inside Activity Guide.

After the wonderful but hectic rush of the holiday season, January can feel like a breath of fresh air. As we ease back into school and work schedules, it’s also a great time to enjoy some laid-back weekend activities together as a family. The cold air has finally arrived in New Jersey, so bundle up for the Family Photo Scavenger Hunt at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, explore the outdoors during a Trail Treasure Hunt at Great Swamp or bring your binoculars for a Winter Waterfowl Walk at Liberty State Park. And for more January fun, check out the exciting Electronic Board Game Tournament, expose your little ones to art during Tots on Tour at Grounds for Sculpture or book tickets to see The Berenstain Bears Live: Family Matters. Whatever you decide to do this weekend, we hope you enjoy it with family and friends. For additional activity options, check out our Event Calendar.

Ready, set, bounce! New York has finally scored a kid-friendly trampoline park of its own. Fly High opened on Staten Island earlier this year with an indoor sports gym that offers wall-to-wall trampolines in a center area about the size of an official basketball court. Extra activities like a bungee slingshot and flying foam pit up the thrill for everyone.

We've reviewed a number of trampoline parks in New Jersey, Westchester, Long Island and Connecticut, but this suburban staple had yet to arrive in NYC, so we're excited to welcome Fly High as a dedicated family fun and fitness venue with birthday party packages and even court-side massage chairs for parents in need of a break.

Read on for our parent review of Fly High, including what to expect, what to wear, safety tips and more. Looking for more indoor gyms and play spaces for kids? Check our NYC Indoor Play Guide.

Summer is the perfect time of year for artists to express themselves. Summer art camps allow children the opportunity to build confidence, enhance creativity and have fun.  With its close proximity to both New York City and Philadelphia, central New Jersey is home to a wealth of talented artists hoping to educate and inspire children of all ages.  Here are a few summer camp options for parents looking to inspire their little Da Vinci during the long hot days of summer vacation. And to find out all the day camp options in NJ, check out our New Jersey Summer Day Camp Guide.

Yoga for babies can be a powerful way for caregivers to strengthen their bond with their infant while simultaneously promoting motor, social and emotional skills. For older kids, yoga helps them develop strength, flexibility, balance, body awareness and focus. An early introduction to yoga paves the way for a life of healthy habits.These Hartford area studios will help you and your little yogi find your moment of Zen. Be sure to check out our complete guide to classes in Connecticut. Namaste! 

Apparently many kids are not heading straight back to school on Monday; some have another entire week. Others, like my children, return on Wednesday. As soon as I get used to having them back in school, it will be time for the weekend. We weathered two weeks of influenza in my house, so I am grateful for the extra days, and I fully intend to take advantage of good health with some of the free stuff this city has to offer. Free is always good after the excesses of the holidays.

While it is hard not to be a bit sick of the mall, chances are you are heading there anyhow for sales or exchanges. The South Bay Galleria has free juggling at its kids club this week. The LEGO lovers in your household may have cleaned up during the holidays, but the first week of the month means a free monthly mini model build. Plus there is a free admission day at the Huntington; showers are anticipated, but if that doesn't pan out, this week could be a last chance to enjoy those gardens before El Niño's deluge later in the month.

Disney on Ice’s Frozen in Long Beach is not free, but for fans who want to squeeze in one last winter celebration before school starts this one is worth doing. And speaking of frozen things in Long Beach, this is the last week to catch CHILL at the Queen Mary.