Charles Darwin was a 19th-century naturalist and geologist who's best known for his theories about evolution. More than 130 years after his death, his views on the origin of life are still hotly contested (perhaps you saw the videos of Bill Nye the Science Guy and the CEO of Kentucky’s Creation Museum going at it earlier this week?). Despite the ongoing debate, support is building to have Darwin's birthday, February 12, recognized as a national holiday.

Even though Darwin Day is still unofficial, there are lots of fun ways for kids to learn about his contributions to science all year-round. New York City is home to wonderful zoos and museums where families can see Darwin's theories in action, plus some more offbeat science spots. We've rounded up five ways to learn about Darwin's legacy with your family both around town and at home.

From the Merrimack River Eagle Festival that takes place at several locations around Newburyport to the Snow Festival in Franklin Park, there’s plenty of opportunity to get out and enjoy our winter wonderland. If it’s all too much and you’d rather think about getting away, the Boston Globe Travel Show may be the ticket. Karen K and the Jitterbugs perform a free concert in Watertown; other performance options include Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show and Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys. And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’ve rounded up some kid-friendly ideas for sweet treats, craft activities, and story time events taking place this weekend. Read on for the details, and be sure to consult our calendar for more things to do.

Finally, the Olympics kick off this weekend - how about throwing a party to celebrate?

Enjoy!

There's lots of fun in store this weekend for Westchester kids. The Hudson River Eaglefest, which we mentioned in our February Go List, is on Saturday. This celebration is headquartered at Croton Point Park but there will be multiple viewing locations lining the Hudson River, all staffed with birding experts. Another great way to celebrate the Hudson is at Clearwater’s Open Boat with a celebration of Pete Seeger and “Song Swap” at the Kingston Home Port on Sunday.

There are plenty of Valentine’s Day themed events happening this weekend. Check out Oh Happy Day Valentine Station at Pottery Barn Kids, Make a Valentine’s Day Collage at the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art in Peekskill, Lovey Dovey Valentine at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum in Cornwall, and a Valentine’s Day Party at The Westchester Mall.

Teach your children about giving back by visiting Cupcake for a Cure at the Westchester Mall with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Evan and Joshua’s Hot Cocoa Stand in Scarsdale with all proceeds benefiting the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Read on for our top weekend picks. If you see something that piques your interest, click through to the event listing to view full details. Looking for more options? Be sure to check our Event Calendar for more fun happening this weekend and beyond.

We here in So Cal are suffering from what I would call an embarrassment of riches. True, one of our favorite pastimes is gloating about the weather to friends far and wide. Winter? What winter? You mean that time I had to wear long sleeves? But with yet another snowstorm slamming our cross-country brethren, it almost seems untoward to list off the many sunkissed activities that await us this weekend.

Almost. I mean it’s not as if we’re keeping anyone from joining us in our little corner of Paradise. Are we supposed to feel bad that we can make our summer plans while experiencing summer-like temps? That we can gaze at the stars without turning into icebergs? That our kids see snow in the movies and ask us “what’s that?”

Maybe we should send them a little something to show we care. We’re starting to feel the Valentine’s love with heart-shaped workshops aplenty. I’m sure some handmade cards and craffy gifties would go a long way towards warming their hearts. Or maybe they'd just prefer a sweater.

Keep reading for some of our favorite picks for the weekend...

Love is (almost) in the air and that means kids can ready for Valentine's Day by baking some sweet treats and getting crafty this weekend! There are also several places you can enjoy a play or even check out the Winter Animal Show on the east end.

Remember that February is American Heart Month. Jump into action Sunday at the Long Island Children's Museum with a special event that's sure to get your heart pumping!

Planning ahead for winter break? Check out our guide for camps, workshops and activities.

Here's a guide for this weekend's happenings across Long Island. Don't see your event listed here? Add it to our events calendar. And if you do not already receive this post in your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter.  

Neither snow nor sleet nor ice can keep cool kids' culture down this weekend. So thrown on your boots and check out a pair of funky new exhibits: the graffiti-filled City as Canvas at the Museum of the City of New York and Cabinets of Wonder at the Children's Museum of the Arts. Or rock out to preschooler favorites AudraRox in Gowanus or David Weinstone and the Music for Aardvarks Band at the Jewish Museum. Is theater more your thing? Catch Bob Marley's Three Little Birds at the New Victory Theater or the Paper Bag Players' latest revue, Hiccup Help!, at Symphony Space.

Even though the Year of the Horse officially started last week, some of NYC's biggest Lunar New Year celebrations take place this weekend, including the annual parade in Flushing, Queens and the Metropolitan Museum of Art's day-long festival.

Those are just a few of the great things going this weekend. All of our best bets are below. As always, you can find more options in our Event Calendar and our Winter Fun Guide. Before heading out on your adventures, be sure to download our FREE Mommy Poppins Kids on the Go app so you can find the best family destinations wherever you happen to be in NYC.