This arctic blast makes me want to hole up on my cozy couch under some cozy blankets, but by the time Monday rolls around, which is only the first day of a full week of school vacation for my kids in Fairfield County, I'm sure we'll be suffering from a serious case of cabin fever. Happily, not everything is closed for President's Day, and there's a whole range of activities for kids of all ages whether you're looking for a drop-off camp or something to do together as a family. Here are some of our favorites.

It isn't hard to find ice cream in New York City. The frozen treat is available on nearly every corner. But especially in Manhattan, the authentic "parlor" experience—where customers can sit at a table and where a sundae is delivered in a dish and not a paper cup—is rare.

Roses are red, violets are blue. We now have three kids, what are we to do? Right behind New Year’s, Valentine’s Day is the second most celebrated holiday around the world. Originally known for its romantic themes, parenthood gives new meaning to this holiday. If you're looking to go kid-free, we've already told you about great NJ Valentine's Day Drop-Off venues, but what if you want to go all-family on Love Day? Well, then, NJ offers many family-friendly alternatives! 

There is nothing quite like a milestone birthday. In 2016 The National Parks service turns 100. Thanks to the prescient collaboration of President Theodore Roosevelt and naturalist John Muir, 400 plus sites have been preserved for generations to enjoy as national parks. In honor of these natural landmarks’ first century, McGillivray Freeman Films and IMAX 3D have produced a spectacular movie, America Wild: National Parks Adventure. It's an IMAX film to watch as a family and then plan your next vacation.

School's out for summer! Camps, vacations, and family visits are scheduled—or maybe you prefer a local, relaxing summer with lazy days spent at the beach or working on our 100 Things to Do with Kids in LA list. No matter what your family style, all kids can benefit from a summer reading program. Public libraries often have programs; but did you know that there are several other free programs for all ages, with prizes, certificates, and sometimes extra activities?

If you have an adventure loving kiddie on your hands, the usual bounce house birthday party might not quench their need for speed. Your thrill seeking boy or girl can have the time of their lives at one of these birthday spots on Long Island that will have you zipping, zooming, driving and diving. Be sure to call for up-to-date pricing and availability. And for more birthday party ideas, check out our Long Island Party Guide.

I've never been that into creepy crawlies. And I am quite terrified of most insects and spiders. But as a mother I happily take on the challenge of facing my fears, in an effort to expose my little one to new and exciting experiences. The Tarantulas: Alive and Up Close exhibit, which just opened at the Academy of Natural Sciences, is one of these experiences. And, as often happens, it turned out to be way more awesome than I expected! 

Most of us, when we think of the Vikings, imagine a horned skullcap and stormy shores. We imagine swashbucklers with swords plundering nearby nations. After all, isn't that what TV and the movies want us what to think?

But while the signature skullcap can be found on fun goodies in the gift shop, Discovery Times Square’s new Vikings exhibit—organized with the Swedish History Museum and MuseumPartners Austria—goes out of its way to debunk stereotypes, introducing the ancient culture as one of farming and family, where art and textiles were explored and trade was the major reason for travel, not a bloodthirsty need for empire expansion.