While it’s fun to take the kids to a dedicated play space (and trust us, there are lots of those to choose from in Westchester), there are times when you want to go somewhere that has something for both you and the kids—where you're not just standing around, wishing for some coffee, brownies or—who are we kidding?—both, but actually enjoying them. You’re in luck: There are a few play cafes in Westchester that offer just that. 

Looking for even more places to take the whole family? Check out our kid-friendly restaurant guide. 

February is a time to appreciate where we live perhaps more than any other—not simply because of the opportunity to celebrate the valentines, presidents, parades, and whales below, but also because we live in a place where we can ski in the snow one minute and be sand sledding at the beach barely an hour later. Our hearts go out to our friends and family shivering in other states, of course; they really should come to visit. We'll use our weekend event roundups, our 100 Things List, and this February GoList to show them a good time, while they escape that winter thing they're all suffering from.

All of the cooler-than-cool activities below are on our daily events calendar, but a little extra notice helps to make sure your kids don't miss out. Click through to the full listings so that you can automatically add them to your calendar. Happy February!

NYC parents know you've got to have a go-to indoor play space. Brooklyn and Queens have tons of indoor play options, and Manhattan isn't far behind, but Staten Island is also well-stocked with indoor play spaces, too. If you can’t face another freezing day at the playground and rue being stuck inside, gather some socks and your overjoyed children, and plan a visit to one of these Staten Island play spaces to jump, climb, slide, and bounce out all their energy.

Whether you have to hop on the ferry or you already reside on the Island, these spots are sure to please families looking for a change of scenery. Visit our Indoor Play Spaces Guide for more fun places to play.

The best baby shower favors are thoughtful, not just on-theme. ​When it came time to host a baby shower for one of my dearest friends, I knew that I wanted to add meaningful touches to make the occasion feel as special as possible for her and her guests. What resulted was more time than I care to admit pouring over potential baby shower favors. From cheap tchotchkes to cheesy baby-themed keepsakes that no one actually keeps, it was no easy task to find a favor that was both unique and useful.

What resulted from this exhaustive search is a curated list of all our favorite baby shower favor ideas. We hope these great finds won’t break your budget or leave your guests unimpressed. 

Find more party planning and gift ideas in our Birthday Party Guides for Kids, especially when it comes time for the little bundle of joy's first birthday!

Flushing Meadows Corona Park is a favorite family-friendly destination, with the New York Hall of Science, the Queens Zoo, and a playground that accommodates children with disabilities all within walking distance. The park is also home to another oft-overlooked hidden gem: the Queens Museum. Built as the city’s official pavilion during the 1939 and 1964 world’s fairs, it now serves as a cultural center for the Queens community.

Curling up with a good book is one of life's simple pleasures, and finding just the right book for your child is easy at one of New Jersey's independent bookstores. With curated lists of favorites for all ages from toddlers to teens, cozy reading nooks, and treats and gifts for sale, indie booksellers have something for everyone in the family. 

Owned by dedicated bibliophiles who care about their communities, these bookshops offer children's programs, storytimes, author visits, and a great selection of books for everyone. Stock up on reading material before your next road trip, stop in during the holiday season, or shop local for children's birthdays.

Read on for our favorite indie bookstores in New Jersey!