Jack Hanna's in town this weekend (LOVE that guy!) at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury. Also going on: A fun family day at the Sid Jacobson JCC called Shabbat Stop, including a concert from Mama Doni, Disney on Ice at the Nassau Coliseum, a Family Adventure at the Connetquot River State Park Preserve, and a fun Flying Model competition at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. As always check out events calendar every day for fun activities for the family.

It’s time to hunker down with calories. Oh sure, some of us might be slipping into a bathing suit over spring break, but that’s ages from now. We need comfort! I’m offering up a mix of slow cooker magic and recipes that require a little more attention, but are worth it for a day of cooking while the kiddies play in the snow. Dig in friends, because soon I’ll be swooning over ramps and chanterelles! And check out last year's hunkering-down recipes as well.

The outlook for this weekend is mild and dry - perfect for outdoor fun. Families can check out Winter Trails Day, visit the Stone Zoo, or explore a winter farmers market as starters. Indoor options include a puppet show with Galapagos Puppets, performances by Troy Wunderle, Bob the Magic Guy, and Big Joe the Storyteller. Read on for our top picks.

Plus, take a look at Tara's roundup of current STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) opportunities for Boston kids - new and upcoming places, spaces, events and programs that will get your kids excited about STEM. And, most of them are free!

Hard as it may be to believe, the camp fair season has begun in earnest, starting this weekend with the Camp and Summer Expo at Dexter Southfield School. We’re also working on listings of favorite camps in the area. If you have a great camp to recommend, we’d love to include it - please email us with your suggestions.

As always, there are more activities listed on our daily events calendar. Whatever you choose to do this weekend, enjoy!

So how you likin’ 2013 so far? Cold enough for you? Not meaning to scare anyone, but the temperature might actually drop so low that water will turn into a solid. All by itself! (In case it doesn’t there’s still time to find rinks with ice that’s only slightly less organic in origin).

But overall, I would say the forecast is looking pretty sunny.  This weekend alone, our thoroughly modern kids can revisit classic stories, or take a trip to the Mesozoic era. They can tinker like Bob the Builder, or watch the rough-and-tumble sport of Monster Jam.  There are events for parents looking to grow their families, feed their families, and find resources to help with the daily tasks of raising their families.

And if you weren’t quite ready say goodbye to the holidays, guess what? There’s another one coming up next week! We’re here with guides for MLK Day volunteering and MLK Day camps.

Keep reading for some of our favorite picks to make your weekend bright…

We're all settling back into the usual post-break routine and getting used to writing 2013 instead of 2012. NYC is getting back into the swing of things, too, with a wide variety of activities for families throughout the weekend. Although the holidays already feel like a distant memory, you can catch the final days of the New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show featuring a special appearance by Thomas the Tank Engine, and it's time to recycle your Christmas trees at the Parks Department's annual MulchFest.

Other fun on tap includes the wacky antics of comedic circus duo KamiKaze FireFlies at Symphony Space, Wave Hill's annual winter fest Hibernator's Pajama Pop-In, a few rocking kids' concerts and special art workshops, and a live trivia competition for families. Plus the Parks Department is holding its online lottery for free winter swimming lessons for all ages.

Those are just a few of the great things going on this weekend. Read on for all of our picks. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar. And if you're looking to plan out your month, not just your weekend, be sure to check out our first-ever NYC Go List, which highlights the absolute best things to do with kids throughout January.

Farmers’ Markets present great opportunities for supporting local farmers and buying foods you can feel good about giving to your kids. The markets are also wonderful for cultivating a sense of community, finding unique gifts, enjoying live music, and learning something new.

Even though it’s winter, your family shouldn't be deprived of the farmers’ market experience! Read on for this year's Boston-area winter markets. (Sadly, a couple of markets we featured last year are not running this year, but there are new winter markets in Medford, Brookline and Newton.)

Please note: We are currently updating this post with information for this winter

I grew up in Florida, so the winter months are tough for me, especially when I feel cooped up with an active five-year-old boy. I plan to hit the pool with him, so he doesn't get rusty come May. For swimming fun, check out our ideas on Indoor Swim Spots and Lessons in Hartford County. It is never too soon to think about your summer plans, so our Sleepaway Summer Camp post will help you get a jump on things. 

But there is plenty to do right now, so read our guide on Things To Do With Kids This Winter in CT and our CT Skiing post. Not a skiier? No problem. Saturday, get bundled up and try your hand at The White Memorial Conservation Center's Family Ice Fishing Workshop in Litchfield.  On Sunday, the entire family will enjoy a brisk adventure in search of unique wildlife at Hammonasset Beach State Park's Seal Search.   

We are always hearing how it’s important for our kids to be strong in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) disciplines. This keeps us on the lookout for opportunities to get our kids engaged in activities to help cultivate their interest.

Read on for a roundup of new and upcoming places, spaces, events and programs that will get your kids excited about STEM. And, most of them are free!