Stowe is Vermont’s most luxurious and picturesque ski resort. The mountain town offers a world class ski school for kids, 116 trails, and a terrain park; lodges that are more upscale eatery than fast food afterthought; and a postcard-perfect town lined with small shops and family-friendly restaurants. But, what really makes Stowe a great family vacation town is that there’s so much more to it than skiing. Let’s face it, it’s rare that everyone in a family agrees on what to do. In our family we have skiers and ski-refusers, but we all had a great time on a recent weekend getaway to Stowe.

There are so many things to do with kids in Stowe, no matter what time of year you go. In addition to the skiing and other local outdoor activities, the town boasts resorts that are like little worlds unto themselves, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Last summer we stayed at the Stowe Mountain Lodge and enjoyed one of their Get Out and Go Packages. We learned adirondack furniture making, went on a hike and visited a waterfall.

This winter we were invited to visit Stoweflake Resort and Spa. Just a few minutes from the mountain, it’s a great base for a ski trip, but the resort offers a wealth of other amenities to turn a ski weekend into a full-fledged getaway for everyone in the family. Stoweflake goes beyond the norm in fitness facilities and classes, an exceptional day spa, and on-site recreational activities.

Find more reviews in our Ski and Snow Sports Guide. 

My daughter is the kind of kid who just can't let a mystery go. If someone eats the last cookie or finally throws out her stale Halloween candy, she'll seek out clues until she finds the culprit. (Mysteries in our house always seem to revolve around food for some reason.) So when I heard that the New-York Historical Society was hosting an interactive, historical whodunnit for kids, I knew it was right up my junior detective's dark, mysterious alley, so we jumped at the chance to attend the final dress rehearsal.

Created by the innovative Live in Theater troupe, which is known for mounting immersive experiences, The Pinkertonian Mystery takes you throughout the museum as you try to catch cunning jewel thief El Diablo. Initially I figured I would just hang back and let the children enjoy themselves, but as we ran around the galleries interviewing suspects and deciphering clues, I became just as invested in the outcome as my kid.

The Brooklyn Children's Museum is really on a STEM-themed roll. Hot on the heels of its last science-minded exhibit comes From Here to There, an interactive installation where kids can learn how objects move across land, sea and through the air. Children explore abstract concepts like gravity and friction by playing with pulleys, balls, water and pressure. Since it's aimed at elementary schoolers, I know my three- and five-year-olds may not have grasped all of the science behind the experiments. But that didn't stop them from having a blast.

Nothing quite says, "I love you" like a beautiful bouquet of roses, and this bunch certainly gets the message across.  Better yet, you can dip the leftovers in some peanut butter and have a snack too!  

Celery stamp roses are a fun way to play with your food and create some beautiful Valentines as well.  When cut, these veggies create a rose-like pattern that looks like you are looking down into a beautiful bunch of flowers—in just three steps. We are so excited to give these hand stamped creations to grandparents, family, and friends.