Hard to believe, but this year marks the 118th Chinese New Year Parade in DTLA. I grew up attending these parades, which used to be held on Friday nights when I was a kid; and I've passed the tradition on to my own children, now that the celebration is held on a more family friendly Saturday afternoon. My kids always love an excuse to go to Chinatown; it is definitely one of their favorite places to eat. Not only that, the Golden Dragon Parade is one family activity that even my teenager enjoys. 

Warning: reading this piece may lead to a sugar rush. Buying candy is a treat for little ones. Making their own is even sweeter. Candy shops throughout NJ offer kids the opportunity to play chocolatier and make their very own candy. Creating custom goodies is a fun, hands-on activity for birthday parties, clubs and scout troops. Some of these shops even offer children’s classes on the art of chocolate design. Get your sweet tooth on at these NJ candy shops that offer make-your-own fun.

The stars are aligned this weekend. Kinda literally like. As in Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, bam, bam, bam, all in a line. Except they're planets, not stars, which I would know if I studied my science. And I don't think they're actually in a row or anything—  more that they're all chillin' in the sky at the same time. 

You can study other disciplines this weekend and learn more about dinosaurs, noisy land critters, noisy sea creatures, noisy people, silent people, and waffle-ology to name a few. (You're going to be so smart!)

Hey! What's that in the sky?! Not a bird, not a plane, and not in the sky; it's Supergirl, only now she's a writer of kids' books (talk about a superhero!). More proof positive that this weekend is going to be out of this world.

Keep reading to plan ahead for this celestial weekend…

Winter is definitely here as Philly families can tell by the predicted snowfall and the even more predictable rush to the  grocery store for bread and milk. Hopefully, the white stuff doesn't have to stop the fun that awaits, but be sure to check with venues directly for updated schedules due to the anticipated snow.

This weekend, there are a variety of activities families can enjoy. Take a winter hike at Riverbend Environmental Education Center, learn about ferrets at Elmwood Park Zoo or owls at Schuykill Center for Environmental Education. Celebrate wintertime at Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival's Parade. Or, for some extra-special fun, take advantage of the snow and plan a skiing and snowboarding day trip.

After spending time out-of-doors, find a seat at a family-friendly performance. Both Snow White at Delaware Children's Theatre and Peter Pan and Wendy: A Musical at The Media Theatre have shows this weekend. Or, start cleaning out those closets to prepare for the spring consignment sales. Spring dates are constantly being added to our comprehensive list.

Be sure to browse through our entire Events Calendar to see all there is to do. To narrow your search, select age, area, and type of activity. Whether we get a dusting or a foot, make it great!

Head north to the Planting Fields Arboretum for Paradise Weekend. Adults can marvel at the tropical flora and kiddies will be thoroughly entertained by a caricaturist, sand art and mask-making.

Brave the winter weather for a family fun Let It Snow activity at the Center for Science Teaching & Learning or a Full Moon Night Hike at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge.

Feel like boogying? Get down and funky with The Not-Its at the Long Island Children's Museum.

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When the weather gets colder, one of the things my kids and I love best is to curl up indoors with a good book. As long as the snow steers clear, this weekend boasts some great events that can get book-lovers out of the house, featuring everything from pancakes to musical storytelling to a new fairy tale exhibit.

For more outdoorsy types, it might be the perfect weekend to indulge in a wintertime walk followed by a tasty hot chocolate—yum! Other outdoor activities this weekend have definitely gone to the birds: Families can go on a Full Moon Owl Prowl or catch an eye-popping Wingmasters show. Finally, some really cool cultural events rounding out the calendar include performances by Shen Yun and a celebration of O-shogatsu! (pictured).

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

• Summer might feel forever away, but now's the time to go camp shopping, and these camp fairs can help you choose.
• For some STEM fun, check out these local Maker spaces.
• Little yogis and their parents will love our list of yoga classes and birthday parties for kids. 

Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to check out the full Event Calendar!

Important Note: Because of the snowstorm, many of these programs may have been canceled or postponed. Please check with the location before you head out! 

Winter weather in Westchester can bring out the homebody in all of us. But for when you need to get out of the house and embrace the fun that awaits, Mommy Poppins keeps our Event Calendar well-populated with family activities. Below are our top picks for this weekend.

In addition to two cooking classes and several nature programs—among them, the chance to learn about our Backyard Birds—the gamut of activities includes the return of the annual Toy and Train Show and the NY International Children's Film Festival: Best of the Fest. Take a spin at the African Dance Class, or see if you’re the next Bobby Fischer at Take on the Teen Chess Master (as he takes on a remarkable number of opponents at the same time).

So bundle up and have fun! In the event of a significant snowfall, do check with any venue you plan to visit to confirm their plans are unaltered. Be sure to sign up for our FREE newsletters to get all our latest news, roundups and in-depth reviews delivered straight to your inbox. Tell a friend!

When my kids were infants, instead of coaxing them to sleep with lullabies, I used to play show tunes so as they've gotten older, it's really no surprise that some of their favorite leisure activities involve singing and dancing. There are lots of options in Fairfield County for kids of all ages and abilities who are interested in the musical arts…these are some of our favorites: