Just when you thought everyone was back on track from winter break-- bam! February break sneaks upon us. While some New Jersey schools are closed the Monday of President’s Day only, others have four day weekends or even that whole week off. If you’re in need of child care during the break, or just something to occupy the kiddos, don’t fear. Our list of February break camps is here. February breakers can spend their time off exploring nature, playing their favorite sports, learning science and even tubing down mountains. Check out these drop-off camps offered for various portions of February break.

A new indoor art gallery and play space in Astoria, Queens, is offering drop-in art-making and play sessions for toddlers and preschoolers and loads of creative classes for older kids. 

Shastye Art Gallery and Play Space is an intimate indoor play venue in this family-centric Queens neighborhood founded by professional artist Shasta Molnar. While not the largest play space we've reviewed—it is easily spotted by its red awning—it has a huge personality, offering family-friendly activities from crafting to indoor fort-making.

When the seemingly endless cold and gray of Winter is giving you a case of cabin fever, it’s time to bundle up the family and head to one of your local parks.  Winter brings its own magic to the local parks and preserves of Fairfield County.  Less crowds means more peace and quiet to enjoy your natural surroundings.  Take in a refreshing breath of cold air and see how many animal tracks you can find in the snow or just spend some time gathering materials to make an awesome Ice Suncatcher.

No snow? No problem! You don’t need snow shoes, skis, sleds to enjoy these parks and preserves - a pair of weatherproof boots and your winterwear should do the trick. So, disconnect from the screens and devices for an afternoon and reconnect with nature. 

Northwest Philadelphia is full of history, and the Chestnut Hill West SEPTA line is your personal guide to many different historic sites, as well as the Wissahickon. Whether families are interested in a night at the theater, a winter walk, or even indoor play spaces, they'll find these activities (and more!) along the Chestnut Hill West line. 

School-age kids with an interest in food—its history, culture and the science behind its production—won't want to miss the Museum of Food and Drink at its first (although temporary) brick-and-mortar location in Williamsburg, near McCarren Park, in Brooklyn.

When my son declared he wanted a mystery party for his 10th birthday, I turned to the Internet to research party games and ideas. Happy surprise, the No. 1 Google result for “kids mystery party” is my friend Liz’s hilarious post comparing the type-A Pinterest-perfect mystery ideas she found online vs her own totally type-B mystery party. 

While anyone who has been to my always-messy apartment will attest I am definitely not a type-A mom, when it comes to birthday parties, I love to go all out with really creative activities that always leave the kids saying, “That was the best party ever.” Let’s face it, kids don’t care if your paper goods are fancy; they just want to have fun. 

So, in response to Mom-101's post, I took up the challenge to create an A-is-for-Awesome kids' mystery party that anyone could throw without a MFP (Masters in Fine Pinterest).

If your child is a soccer fan dreaming of winning the World Cup, he or she will gladly spend the summer developing or honing athletic skills while chasing the familiar black-and-white ball. For children inspired by David Beckham or Mia Hamm, take a look at one of these great summer camps in the Hartford area, and set them up to score the victory goal. 

For many of us, childhood was filled with curious outdoor exploration, making mud pies, trying to catch tadpoles from nearby ponds, and spending hours trekking through woods in our neighborhoods. These are amazing memories that will last us a lifetime. Help your own child enjoy a summer of learning and discovery by registering them in a science-themed summer camp in the Hartford area.