A Holiday Weekend Itinerary in NYC with Preschoolers

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We are all fully aware that a tired child is an unhappy child—which makes for an unhappy family, especially when said brood is trying to simultaneously fend off tantrums and take in the town during the holidays.

That's why we've created a NYC holiday itinerary specifically geared to the under-five set: something a little more mellow for those preschoolers visiting from out of town, or even locals wanting to check out all the holidays festivities the city has to offer. It's set of activities that respects the limits of a preschooler's emotional and physical mileage.

Planning ahead? Check out what special events might be taking place during your visit with our always-up-to-date NYC Event Calendar.

The Heart of Robin Hood: A Swinging Family Show at the Wallis

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If you've had your fill of Nutcrackers and Scrooges and were hoping to branch out a bit theatrically this holiday season, there's a branch well worth seeing in Beverly Hills: it's the one Robin Hood swings and leaps from in the Wallis' production of The Heart of Robin Hood. Not a traditional Christmas play by any means (in fact, the holiday is barely mentioned at all), but the adventure, exuberance, excitement, and spectacle of this retelling of the old tale make it an event worth squeezing into your busy holiday schedule. I brought a tween and a teen (no easy audience), and they were delighted—particularly by one unexpected feature. 

Free and Cheap Kids' Ski Programs in the Northeast This Winter

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Let's face facts: No matter how exhilarating skiing and snowboarding are, they are also among the most expensive activities in which a family can participate—especially if your kids take a single run and spend the rest of the day sipping cocoa.

Thankfully, many nearby state ski associations offer free or mostly free lift tickets to grade-schoolers, even if you're not a resident of that state. Of course, there are hurdles to clear to get those benefits—kids need to be the appropriate age, apply online and, in some cases, be accompanied by a paying adult. There are also "processing fees" attached to several, but it breaks down to a very discounted ticket if you use it more than once. But for avid skiers and riders, or those who merely want to try out the sports, these programs can save you plenty of cash when skiing with the kids.

Read on for more information on how to ski for free in New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. (Note: Connecticut has a residents-only program for free ski passes for kids at Mohawk Mountain.)

Check our Ski and Snow Sports Guide for more fun on local hills and mountains.

Great Birthday Cake and Cupcake Bakeries in Hartford Area

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I think most of us can agree that when it comes to birthdays the cake is one of the most important parts of the party! Making sure you get a good one can be crucial. Whether your little one prefers chocolate or vanilla or cupcakes over cake, there are many amazing bakeries in the Hartford County area. We've listed a few of our favorites below. In our Birthday Party Guide you'll find tons of ideas on themes and locations too!

The Museum of Selfies Pops Up in Glendale This Winter

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Photo courtesy of the Museum of Selfies

Wondering what could possibly connect cavemen, Vincent Van Gogh, the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikokaevna, and Kim Kardashian? No idea? Selfies may not come to mind for most (or almost any) people, but a new museum is suggesting otherwise. The Museum of Selfies is making the case that all of those 2.4 million daily duck-pout pictures gunking up social media (many snapped at selfie-producing watering holes like The Museum of Ice Cream and Happy Place) are just the latest twist on a trend that's been hot, hot, hot for the last 40,000 years.

Hanukkah Celebrations and Menorah Lightings for NYC Families

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New York City knows how to celebrate the holidays, and Hanukkah is no different. The Festival of Lights arrives early in 2017, with the first night on Tuesday, December 12. But have no fear: we've rounded up nearly two dozen ways to celebrate this wonderful Jewish holiday, and most of them are free.

Some cool new and newish events this year! There's the first-ever Menorah on the High Line, and the Chabad of DUMBO has transformed its yearly Hanukkah celebration into Fire and Ice at Jane's Carousel. We also have the annual mainstays, from the World's Largest Hanukkah Menorah Lighting, to Chanukah on Ice and Hanukkah Family Day at the Jewish Museum. 

A Cozy Kid-Friendly Bookshop Arrives in Kew Gardens, Queens

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Queens has never been short on fun adventures, places to discover, and educational havens… but it does lack in one area: bookstores. After titan Barnes and Noble vacated the entire borough, only a handful of brave little bookshops remain. so most children's story hours take place at the local library.

Vina Castillo, Natalie Noboa, and Holly Nikodem saw the shockingly low number of general interest bookstores in Queens, and these ingenious book lovers set out to create an independent reading refuge for their community.

After a successful Kickstarter campaign supported by the community, Kew & Willow Books opened its doors in October 2017, offering adults and kids alike a beacon of book hope.

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