Most people think of surfing or paddle boarding as summer activities, but for lucky Angelenos these outdoor adventures are year-round possibilities. While hiking and playground visits are great ways to get active outside, sometimes kids want a little more excitement. Plus, long boats and boards are natural social distancing enforcers! So we rounded up the best places in and around Los Angeles where the whole family can rent SUP boards, surf boards, and kayaks—or even take part in more unique water sports (water biking anyone?).

First timers can take lessons, while old hands can simply rent the boats and gear. Ocean breezes in your face, sea lions barking from the rocks; any time is the perfect time to don a wetsuit and hit the waves for some water sport fun in LA.

And just like that, January is practically in the rearview. In the "excellent news" column, it's NYC Restaurant Week, and it's all about take out this year, so you can take a night off, check out new cuisine, save money, and help local businesses, all in one swoop. To help you work up an appetite, the Urban Park Rangers are leading hikes in Fort Tryon Park, Long Island City, Central Park, and Prospect Park.

Don't forget: Poppins@Home is your go-to spot for virtual fun and learning. This week, we're all about Baby in Tune classes, the Happy Feet soccer online series, cartooning, and magical potions.

We're scouring NYC for great in-person events, and we're all over virtual happenings, too, so you're covered whichever you prefer. Check the NYC Event Calendar frequently, and don't miss our list of the top indoor play spaces open now.

This January weekend features two ice-centric events: Witness amazing ice sculptures at the Mount Holly ice exhibition or get a hands-on lesson in the historic ice harvesting industry at Howell Living History Farm's ice harvest. Plus, the search for Wally the Woodchuck is on with H20 Quest: Groundhog's Day.

If you're looking for indoor activities, check out our Poppins@Home site, where little ones can burn energy with Happy Feet's online soccer series and brush up on art skills while learning to draw an iconic cartoon character.

As always, you can find more things to do in our Event Calendar and our Winter Fun Guide, which are filled with seasonal happenings.

Outdoor fun is on the agenda this weekend. Long Island families can go on an outdoor adventure with Ranger Eric at the sprawling Sands Point Preserve or tackle a winter scavenger hunt at Sunken Meadow State Park. We have plenty of options to keep your squad entertained, energized, and enjoying the beauty of a Long Island winter. Speaking of which, we've found 15 spots to enjoy a winter walk, plus 18 spots to go cross-country skiing.

When you're done, reward yourselves—and your sweet tooth—at hands-on workshops at Carousel Bake Shop in Wading River or Stony Brook Chocolate.

If you'd rather stay in, we've got plenty of fun, interactive classes to choose from on our Poppins@Home site. Kids can learn to draw an iconic cartoon character or get their legs pumping with Happy Feet's online soccer series. Harry Potter fans are sure to enjoy a magic potions-inspired science class.

We've got more seasonal entertainment in our Winter Fun Guide, and our Event Calendar is, of course, updated daily with family-friendly fun.

Things are looking up: Our statistics are improving and California's stay-at-home restrictions are being relaxed. Pretty soon we can look forward to an expanded repertoire of engaging and enriching recreational activities. And in the meantime: we can go to Disneyland! (For vaccinations, if we meet the current Tier 1 criteria.) And horse trails and gardens and farms! (For some fresh air and change of scenery, no matter who we might be.)

The changes aren't happening overnight, so we encourage keeping a close eye on our site. We'll do our best to keep you informed as favorite venues once again roll out the welcome mat. 'Til then, we have no shortage of online amusements. This week we can log on to celebrate chocolate, Marion Davies, and human abilities. Ohana means family, and you'll want to gather yours for the premieres of Finding Ohana on Netflix and Studio Ghibli's Earwig and the Witch on HBO Max.

Poppins@Home continues to bridge the enrichment gap, with fun and funky virtual classes for kids of all ages.  Real science brings magic to life in the Magical Potions class at the Science of Wizarding School. Step by step instructions help kids draw iconic cartoon characters, with a different character featured each class. And happy feet make for happy kids, so sign them up for HappyFeet soccer.

Keep reading for more inspirational picks for the coming week.