Our family pretty much steers clear of New Jersey shopping malls from November through early January; we treat any holiday excursions like military missions, get in, get the job done and get out! But once the holiday shopping is over, I visit the malls with my husband and daughter again, where we enjoy leisurely browsing, relaxing late lunches, and even hop on a carousel or two. So load up the SUV, get out of the cold and gear up for an outing at these family-friendly New Jersey malls.

There are tons of great parks in Hudson County, but once winter arrives, some days are better spent indoors. There are some great places in the area to play or dance or bowl or bounce inside. We’ve even included all the wonderful libraries in Hudson County for your little inside reader. Get your coats on, get out of the house and get into someone else’s indoors. And check out our Indoor Playspaces posts for Bergen and Essex counties!

Now that the holiday season is behind us (and maybe the kids are already a wee bit bored with their presents), it might be time for adventure to keep everyone entertained in the chilly months ahead. And while it's fun to stay inside and build cozy forts, we all start to go a little stir crazy come January and February. How about an outing that promises fresh air, exercise and even some learning thrown in? Bundle up and check out these awesome winter classes at nearby outdoor centers and beat the January blues. And remember, you can find a full listing of New Jersey classes in our Enrichment Classes and Activities Guide.

If you think the bitter cold days of winter are restricting your family to a season of hibernation…think again. Bundle the kids up in their warmest winter gear for an adventurous day out ice fishing. It’s definitely a fun outdoor experience to share with a child of any age! Eagle watching is another fun winter activity and we've got some tips on where you can go to spot them.

It's February and that means it's time for City Bakery's annual Hot Chocolate Festival. For every day in February, the popular Flatiron eatery City Bakery will be spicing up its delicious cocoa with a different flavor. And since it's a Leap Year, that's 29 days of hot chocolates that need to be sampled.

City Bakery is already a kid-friendly spot, but it's also nearby the wonderful Books of Wonder and lots of other family attractions in Flatiron like the Lego Store, the recently opened Dylan's Candy Bar and of course the Union Square Playground that it makes for a great winter outing. Maybe hit of the new MoMath Beaver Run exhibit pre- or post-hot cocoa? 

Looking for more to do this month? Read our February GoList for great NYC family events all month.

When I was a kid, I dreamed I'd grow up to have a robot maid like on The Jetsons. So far, no such luck. However, there have been some amazing advancements in the robotics field. Thanks to easy-to-use Lego Mindstorms and WeDo robot building sets, my 9-year-old son is constantly making simple automated machines like Lego brick vehicles or motorized coffee cans. He loves figuring out how to put all the pieces together, and I'm always amazed at what he comes up with—perhaps he'll build me that robot maid yet!

If you also have a young robot fan at home, there are some really exciting robotics classes, camps, and events your little tinkerer will want to know about.

Here are 10 classes and camps fit for beginners and beyond, as well as a pair of leagues for advanced robotics builders, and an event sure to inspire builders of all ages and experience. You can find more high-tech entertainment in our Geek Guide.

Find more NYC classes in our Classes Guide and Directory Listings.

2015, what's that? Like, the year it used to be or something? I wouldn't know, because I am super immersed in 2016 culture, the fashion trends, the catch phrases, the emojis... I'm so into 2016, I'm practically 2017 or maybe even 2018. (In hindsight, perhaps I should have said 2020.)

With the New Year, comes a brief slowdown in the pace (just until everyone gets a 2016 calendar, so we're all on the same page). This is not to say there isn't plenty to do. Whether you're playing catch up, last hurrah, or hold the phone what is this new joy, you can entertain yourself twenty ways to Monday and still have more to fill your week.

So sit back, relax, and let the 2016 times roll as you get started on this year's Christmas shopping.  (Or is it just at my house that the new list is already forming? Anyone? Anyone?)

Keep reading for more on all the fresh-off-the-presses awesomeness that is this weekend…

The first weekend in January has arrived, and families throughout Philadelphia are trying to keep to their New Year's resolutions such as exercising more, losing weight, or becoming more organized. However, if your resolution is to experience more of Philly and its surrounding suburbs in 2016, our Events Calendar can help.

Explore the Franklin Institute and learn about Genghis Khan as this special exhibit which concludes this weekend. Catch one of the last performances of Jack Frost Saves Christmas at The Media Theatre. Or, savor the beauty of the duPont mansion as Yuletide at Winterthur finishes another season.

Mommy Poppins Philly is on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest so be sure to follow us. Make sure to sign up for our newsletters which are delivered straight to your inbox on Sundays and Thursdays. Together, let's make 2016 a year full of new and exciting experiences!