Westchester's outdoor parks and preserves are one of the biggest perks of living here, and that's never been more true than this year, as we've navigated the pandemic. Looking for a fun, safe, outdoor things to do with kids has taken priority. To that end, if you haven’t visited the 1,000-acre Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining yet, now's the time to add it to your list.

Even with winter's chill upon us, there is plenty to do at this natural gem, which kept my family busy on a recent January morning. It was a memorable outing, from a fun lakeside hike to a photo-op in front of the bright, beautiful outdoor owl mural.

Here’s more of what we did on our visit—and what you can do while there. Find plenty more seasonal outings in our Winter Fun Guide.

If you thought the end of the holiday season meant the end of stunning light shows, think again. The Garment District has unveiled a whimsical, rainbow-filled, kaleidoscope of colors with its latest public art installation, Prismatica.

The immersive art display is the latest piece of public art to light up Midtown and follows last year's playful, illuminated seesaws in the neighborhood, bringing a little bit of sparkle to New Yorkers.

After a year of closures, COVID, and being cooped up inside, we could all use a little hope on the horizon. So it is, we bring you our annual list of the most anticipated kid-friendly openings for 2021.

While some picks are making a repeat appearance, we're sharing them again in the spirit of silver linings and excitement for the year ahead.

It's a new year, which means some parents are (gulp!) starting to plan a second round of virtual birthday parties for kids. By now, our little humans are experts at all things screen time and know a thing or two about virtual bonding. With a little creativity, online shopping, and maybe some help from digital party entertainers, parents can make magical birthday memories for kids that will last a lifetime. We've pulled together our favorites from the creative solutions we've found for socially distant celebrations.

Making kids feel special on their birthday isn’t only about big parties and lots of presents, of course; it’s also about enjoying a day together and reminding them just how important they are. Check out our list of 30+ Free Ways to Celebrate Your Kid's Birthday at Home for even more ways to spend the special day. 

Visit Poppins@Home for fun virtual learning and party planning options with skilled virtual educators and performers. Our Stay-at-Home Guide also has hundreds of ideas for keeping kids busy and happy at home.

It's not only safer to eat outside these days; it's more fun, too! As indoor dining in Connecticut remains limited, some restaurants have winterized their patios and deck spaces to include not only tents and heaters, but creative structures like igloos, greenhouses, and more. Because some of the best memories are still made around a dining table, consider the following family-friendly outdoor restaurants for a fun winter night out. Big appetites and cozy blankets are encouraged!

Make an afternoon of it by pairing a visit to one of these outdoor restaurants with a winter day trip to a local park or farm. Our Connecticut Winter Fun Guide includes more ideas for keeping kids safe, warm, and entertained in the coming months.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is peaceful for New York City kids, but it sure isn't boring, with music, storytelling, and volunteer activities all focused on sharing Dr. King's life and legacy with kids. Enjoy a Community Day event in Brooklyn, a family poetry workshop, BAM's FREE online Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, and more.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which falls on Monday, January 18, 2021, is also a National Day of Service, and citizens are encouraged to help out in their communities. To that end, we've included a list of family-friendly volunteering opportunities that provide wonderful ways to honor Dr. King's work. You can find even more things to do on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in our Event Calendar.

La Cañada Flintridge​'s Descanso Gardens stands out as one of the best botanical gardens in LA, and in a city renowned for natural beauty, that's really saying something. Sure the paved and unpaved trails for little wanderers to explore and 150 acres that bloom continuously in winter, spring, summer, and fall contribute to making it great. But what makes it extra magical are the millions of hidden treasures for kids of all ages to discover, as well as the seasonal events and unique programming throughout the year.

Discover what makes Descanso Gardens such a special place for kids—and get some insider tips to making the most of every visit.