We're always writing about how important it is for kids to learn to code. That's because most of the jobs our children will one day apply for will require basic coding skills. Even if your kids don't dream of becoming the next Bill Gates, computer programming can still teach them critical thinking, logic, creativity and patience. Plus, they can learn to make their own websites and video games, which is pretty cool.

In January, we highlighted the village of Cold Spring including the area's top attractions and some suggestions on where to eat. Now we'll wrap up our tour of this cozy village with a look at the best places for kids young and old to play and learn.

Whether you're looking for quiet indoor activities or death-defying outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone--most within easy walking distance of the village's MTA station. 

February kicks off with plenty of indoor fun to keep everyone warm and busy. Get a head start on Valentine’s Day with Valentine’s Storytime at Fire Me Up! Studio and free Valentine Card-Making at Pottery Barn Kids. Explore child-friendly museum activities at The New Jersey State Museum’s Hands-on Fun and The Hoboken Historical Museum’s Uptown Storytime. More snow in the forecast? Keep this list of snow day activities handy. And don’t forget to check out our event calendar for even more weekday and weekend events.

Start and end this week in contemplation of the universe. Monday it’s Family Astronomy night at the Memorial Branch Public Library, and on Friday Jupiter gets as close to Earth as it’s going to get. Meanwhile the people in the frozen yogurt business must have a case of brain freeze, because National Frozen Yogurt Day is apparently celebrated twice this week - and when we say celebrate, we mean free fro-yo!

Now that we've all dug ourselves out of the Blizzard of 2015, we can enjoy some of the fun indoor activities taking place across Long Island. From celebrating Groundhog Day to enjoying a free movie (one of my Disney faves), there is so much to do for kids of all ages. Of course, this list is just our top picks--be sure to check out our Long Island Events Calendar regularly as it is always being updated. And to receive this post right into your inbox, sign up for our newsletter, which is now going out twice a week (Mondays and Thursdays).

Though February is a short month, a lot of big holidays and occasions are packed in it, as you’ll see when you view our Events Calendar.

Love is in the air this week in Westchester, with several of our top event picks highlighting Valentine’s Day events--like Light-Up Origami Heart and Victorian Valentine Tea. But because we like variety, we’re also showcasing events with a different focus, like Presidents Day prep at Happy About History, among others. As an added perk, all of these are FREE!

Keep in mind that the events below are just some of our favorites—there are lots more, so don’t stop there! Read on, click through and check them out!

If you haven't already, be sure to sign up for our FREE newsletters to stay up-to-date on the latest news, events and activities throughout Westchester and Lower Hudson Valley.

Will we have an early spring or are we looking at six more weeks of winter? Find out on Monday when the Staten Island Zoo's weather-predicting groundhog shares his forecast (unless he gets snowed out!). Other weekday picks for the first week of February include FREE entry to the Children's Museum of Manhattan and a great way to celebrate Black History Month with preschoolers. And if the weather keeps you housebound for a few days, be sure to check out our list of fun snow day boredom busters.

Although we only highlight one event per day in this post, you can find plenty of other options in our Event Calendar and Winter Fun Guide.

The snow on Monday not only kept the groundhog from seeing his shadow; it also canceled a scheduled Book Release with Mish Michaels to celebrate Groundhog Day. However, kids can still catch a Groundhog Day Storytime at the Blue Bunny in Dedham on Tuesday. Another big hit for young fans this week is the Beanpot Hockey Tournament (on our list of 100 Things to Do in Boston with Kids). The first games of the Men's Beanpot have been postponed from Monday to Tuesday, the same day of the first round of the Women's Beanpot.

The week wraps up with a choice of great events on Friday, including a Japanese-influenced performance of Pinocchio or free admission at First Friday Nights at the Discovery Museums in Acton. (For more ways to visit local museums for free, check out our posts highlighting free admission in Boston and in Greater Boston.)

Read on for our picks of the week, and don't forget to browse our full events calendar! Also, please check with the event venues for snow cancelations before heading out this week.