My oldest was born in January. That means that any dreams of a poolside party under the sun are, unfortunately, just dreams. Over the years we have become quite expert in the fine art of the indoor birthday party. Just because the weather may not be cooperative doesn't mean you can't have a ton of fun! There are gym parties, laser tag parties, and arts and crafts parties to name just a few. Here are some other options for indoor birthday super-fun. Be sure to check out our birthday party guide too, for just about every ounce of birthday fun imaginable. 

Once upon a time, the night sky told us everything we needed to know. The season of the year, the time, which direction we were facing. These days it's easy to go weeks or even months on end without really giving the night sky any notice. Our cities and towns are so brightly lit that it can be hard to see the stars even on a clear night.

Baby, it’s cold outside! And the kiddos are probably going stir-crazy, because there are only so many craft projects they can do. We're here to help with 30 activities to help keep the family busy all winter long. With everything from story times and music events to fun with animals, kids will have a blast while getting a much-needed break from the house. For even more ideas, check out our list of Indoor Activities: 25 Ways to Spend a Rainy Day in NJ. And visit our Event Calendar for a full list of happenings throughout the state.

Who says science has to be confined to the classroom, or that laboratories are for trained scientists only? At these unique venues, lab coat-clad kids can explore and experiment their way through beakers of fun with their friends. Whether it's a rocket launch or a private romp through the Morian Hall of Paleontology, this will be one birthday for the books...textbooks, that is. And for more birthday party ideas, check out our directory of local businesses.

Mid-winter holidays are few and far between and often focus on Valentine’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Presidents’ Day. Less celebrated is the Chinese New Year (also known as Lunar New Year). This year, local festivities marking the year of the rooster give families a chance for fun cultural immersion.

The events we’ve culled together vary in scope and offer something for all ages—including food, music, dance and crafts. Read on to learn about Chinese New Year activities happening this year in January and February, and then visit our Event Calendar for other great happenings in and around Westchester this month.

Birthdays are the best time of year for kids, and nothing makes a special day sweeter like free stuff! There's something extra exciting about being treated to something free on your big day. We've got a list of tons of great birthday freebies for kids. From meals to ice cream, to clothes and books, you can find just about anything for free on your birthday. Take note, these freebies require you to sign up for emails ahead of time, so even if your child's birthday isn't coming up, you might want to get started.

Lunar New Year is one of the most important traditional holidays on the Chinese calendar, and what better way to ring in any new year than by feasting. Whether it’s a tradition in your home or not, while you’re enjoying the firecrackers and parades make sure you take time to eat at some of New York City's best purveyors of Chinese food. And when we say time, we mean a few hours.

Banquet dinners can consist of six to 12 courses. Every dish has symbolic significance: fish increases prosperity, noodles bring longevity, and dumplings promise wealth. My family, including my 1-year-old, love a good, traditional, carb-coma banquet. Four generations around one table, red envelopes being passed with love, and hours to spare on course after course? Now that’s how to celebrate the New Year.

Book your own adventurous feast with the kids at one of these celebrated locations in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, Flushing, Queens, and Manhattan's Chinatown, or just stop in for a traditional Lunar New Year snack or dessert. And don’t end the party at the dinner table. Lunar New Year in New York City is jammed with amazing parades and activities for the kiddies as well.

Kids soon can immerse themselves in the imagination and creativity of the Legoland California Resort in a whole new way. We attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Legoland Castle Hotel, scheduled to open in the spring of 2018, and we're already excited to pack our bags and move in!