Taking a spin in the city is one of my family's favorite pastimes. Until recently, we zipped around town with our son in a bike seat. We'd ride to work, the park, really anywhere we had to go. Now that he's outgrown his seat, my son's working very hard on mastering his two-wheeler so we can continue biking everywhere. In the meantime, we're planning a bunch of awesome riding routes for the summer. Here are our picks for the best places to bike with kids in Manhattan and beyond.

Did you know that over 300 species of our fine-feathered friends are observed in the Newburyport area each year?

It turns out this place really is for the birds.

In fact, serious birders from all over flock to this northeast section of the state in the hopes of getting a glimpse of their favorite winged animal. But birding is a nice, leisurely family activity, too – in all seasons. Check out the following resources, grab a pair of binoculars, and head out into the great outdoors to see how many cute little birdies your family can spot. 

Riding your own two wheels around town is one of the great joys of being a kid. New York City is extremely bike friendly, and since May is Bike Month, there's no better time for families to go out and pedal.

Throughout the month, there are a slew of learn-to-ride and bike safety classes for kids and adults (where you can often snag free gear like helmets); bike tours and parades, festivals and other cycling-themed events.

While some kids are just fine getting a quick trim at your stylist or the local Supercuts, others need major cajoling and distractions if anyone is going to get near their tresses with scissors (or it won’t be a pretty sight). For these little ones, a salon that specializes in kids services is the way to go. These stylists know how to get the job done, with some serious help from bubbles, toys, cool chairs, and fun shows on TV. It’s amazing the difference sitting in a car-themed chair versus a regular salon chair can make when you’re 3! Some of these salons also offer birthday party packages and, for the older set, kid spa services. The following kid-friendly hair cutting places in the Hartford area should make getting a haircut a fun experience that your child looks forward to.

All of our bloggers have been so busy enjoying February break with their kids this week, we've barely had time to write! A few went skiing in Vermont and New Hampshire. Others are celebrating Lunar New Year. And my family and I finally got around to seeing the Paddington and SpongeBob movies, and Cambuyón at the New Victory Theater. We hope your family has been having as much fun as we have.

Since winter refuses to let go, the last few days of break are a great time for a warm getaway like an indoor water park or a food factory tour. Or embrace the season by going skiing, snow tubing or ice-skating—remember, spring reportedly starts in four weeks so there's not much time left for winter sports.

Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week:

For a short month, February sure manages to pack it in. No one trick pony, February's celebrations run the gamut. Case in point: this weekend we honor Black History Month, celebrate Lunar New Year all around town, sing the praises of engineers, and even give a nod to the boating life.

I suppose a short month is a good thing, if you're snowed in or stuck in an ice hut. None of which is true here; hello beach, how about some park time, see ya in the gardens. We savor our days here, exploring our neighborhoods and all they have to offer.  Be sure to check out our latest guide for Los Feliz (notice how that translates to "the happy"?).

So pardon us while we dance, groove, and party through every last bit of February. If we can make 28 days this fun, imagine what we can do with 31! 

Keep reading for some of our most jam-packed picks for this weekend...