Expecting a baby in 2017? If you're in New Jersey, you'll have the opportunity to receive a FREE Baby Box that can serve as mini crib for the newborn months and comes stocked with infant supplies, such as diaper and wipe samples.

The boxes, created by Baby Box Co., are modeled after the same ones provided by the Finnish government for decades to new moms and aimed at tackling SIDs, or SUID, Sudden Unexpected Infant Death, aka, every parent's worst nightmare. The sturdy cardboard box is considered a safe sleeping environment and has earned the seal of approval from CPSC, Health Canada, and EN for safe infant sleeping spaces. It can also be kept close by, which makes things easier on parents but also further encourages healthy habits, from breastfeeding to bonding. Finland has one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world, and the boxes, along with the prenatal counseling that comes with them, are credited with its successful rating.

Ringing in the new year at the iconic Times Square ball drop or at an impressive fireworks display are on many a native and traveler's NYC bucket list. But for new parents? Or those with a preschooler or toddler in tow? Let's be honest, you'll be lucky to be awake at 10pm.

Still, there are plenty of events in New York City for early-to-bed families. From museums to restaurants, read on for our best bets for ringing in 2017 with toddlers, preschoolers, and any kid or parent who prefers getting extra ZZZs over sticking around for the annual fireworks barrage.

Find family events happening all weekend in our New Year's roundup, and more seasonal fun in our Holiday Fun Guide.

NYC kids are no doubt worked into a holiday frenzy this week. They can sense the school vacation headed their way—and are hopped up on holiday treats, and good cheer! Keep 'em focused with cool art projects like snowy dioramas and reindeer sock puppet making, or let them shake out some of that energy with Make Music Winter, a free outdoor musical event happening all over the city this Wednesday.

Catch Santa for FREE all week at Bryant Park, and kick off the holiday vacation with FREE museum hours this Friday. There are also Hanukkah celebrations, concerts, and menorah lightings, and don't miss out on these NYC maker spaces for drop-in fun, especially as the weather turns, well, frightful.

Whether you're sticking around the city this whole week, or headed off for the holidays, it's worth getting out to cross off those last items on your NYC holiday bucket list, from a department store windows walk to checking out some of the most colorful and brightly lit trees. Don't forget what the city looks like come February. OK, a lot less crowded, but a lot less festive, too.

Read on for our best bets for NYC kids this week, December 19-23, and don't forget to check out our daily Event Calendar for more things to do with the kids the week, or our Holiday Activities Guide for more seasonal NYC fun...all December break long.