We're back — and spring is officially here, measured by the blooms on the trees. The energy is different, the light is different, and I certainly have a pep in my step. Below are some events I've bought tickets for and cannot wait to attend in the coming weeks.

• YOAH: Running through April 19. A wordless, breathtaking Japanese circus experience at New Victory Theater. Aerial silks, soaring juggling, and glowing diabolos set to a mix of traditional Japanese drumming and electronica. Straight from Japan and making its U.S. debut. Recommended for ages 7 and up; tickets must be purchased in advance.

• Fun at the Phil Family Benefit: Saturday, April 18 at David Geffen Hall. A special family concert at 2 p.m. followed by a festive party for all ages, hosted by Spotify — lively music, games, art-making, magic, and instrument tryouts. Teens get their own space at Club Concerto with a BonBon Candy Cart. Plus snacks, sweets, and a bubbly bar for the adults. Proceeds support NY Phil education programs.

  • Not up for the full benefit? You can also attend just the Young People’s Concert on its own.

• Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital Block Party: Saturday, May 2 at Industry City, Brooklyn. The inaugural block party hosted by NYU Langone takes over the Box Factory for a full day of family-friendly games, activities, and food for kids ages 6 months to 18 years. Doors open to the public from noon–4 p.m. A wonderful community event supporting Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital.

• Park Avenue Day 2026: Saturday, May 16 on Park Avenue, 34th–40th Streets. One of the neighborhood’s most beloved annual street festivals. Park Avenue transforms into an open-air celebration with 200+ booths of art, fashion, food, and local makers. Free to attend, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Playground Partners Annual Family Party: Wednesday, May 20 in Central Park. Hands down my favorite family event of the year — my kids and I look forward to it every single spring. Hosted by the Playground Partners of the Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy, this fundraiser supports the daily care of Central Park’s 21 playgrounds. There are over 25 activities for kids ages 6 months to 10 years — face painting, chess, sports, arts & crafts, music, magic, and more. Tickets always sell out.

• Housing Works Design on a Dime: Tuesday, May 5. The beloved annual design fundraiser returns — this year reimagined as a one-night-only event. Top interior designers curate shoppable vignettes with luxury home décor, furnishings, and art, all marked down significantly for a great cause. General Admission 7–9 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

• AMNH Spring Lunch: Wednesday, April 22 at American Museum of Natural History. The museum hosts its annual celebration of leadership in environmental research and conservation — a lovely afternoon for supporters, featuring a panel of scientists on timely and compelling topics.

There’s no shortage of incredible art to see this spring. Here are three I'm particularly looking forward to checking out with the kids:

• Keith Haring at The Brant Foundation: On through May 31. A focused survey of Haring’s early breakthrough years (1980–1983), set in the East Village neighborhood where he first made his name. Open Wednesday–Friday 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat–Sun 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Tickets must be booked in advance.

• Frida and Diego: The Last Dream: Running through September 12 at MoMA. A stunning collaboration with the Metropolitan Opera, this exhibition brings together works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in an elaborate theatrical setting designed by the opera’s set designer. Organized alongside the Met’s new production of El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego — a beautiful pairing if you’re seeing the opera too.

• New Museum: After nearly two years closed for expansion, the New Museum has reopened with a new building on the Bowery that doubles its gallery space. The inaugural exhibition features over 200 artists. Worth a visit!

I'm excited to share Hannah Bronfman's NYC picks. Hannah is a born-and-bred New Yorker who has genuinely done it all. A former DJ, she parlayed her platform into HBFIT, one of the original wellness destinations on the internet. She's also an author, angel investor with over 70 investments under her belt, mother of two, and now runs , a Substack covering wellness, beauty, and the life of a founder. And when a New Yorker with her taste shares her picks for the city, we listen:

• “Spiral books: A cozy and warm SoHo kids book shop that does free story time on the weekends. They also have a partnership with the Whitney Museum and do story time events there as well. Which leads me to…

• Whitney Museum: They have amazing kids programming on the second Sunday of every month. They just finished the Calder Circus exhibit and had wonderful crafts and interactive activities for families. Before that it was Alvin Ailey which was spectacular as well. Bonus, Frenchette is attached to the building and on Resy.

• Or’esh: delicious Mediterranean cuisine from the group behind The Eight Six and The Corner Store. One of the stand outs are the chicken liver cigars

• Space: in Brooklyn Heights is so fun for kids. We had our son‘s birthday party here. Go early. They have a great smoothie bar and you’re just a short walk from the carousel in Dumbo on the water.

• Remedy Place: The perfect place to rejuvenate and recharge and the space feels very inviting so it’s nice to even go with a friend.

• Soto Method: Soto was founded by Hilary Hoffman and I have really loved bringing Soto into my routine and now she has a new studio on the UES.

• Rigor Hill Market: I can officially say this is the only place where I buy my bread. To know me is to know I love artisanal loafs, and this is the best bread in Tribeca.”

Thanks for sharing your picks, Hannah!

• If you missed it last week I wrote about cooking for and with children, and here’s my indoor NYC activity guide

• I LOVE these Donni pants (they come in great colors and so easy to dress up or down for spring). I have the pistachio and I’ll be living in them for the next few months, paired with my favorite ivory J.Crew roll neck sweater (size down).

• Central Park Boathouse Rowboat Rentals are back open. It’s one of our favorite once-a-year warm weather traditions with the kids.

• Central Park Conservancy puts out some great resources to enjoy the most of Central Park this spring. I’m loving this cherry blossom tracker, and for my kids, this birding guide

As a parent, you know the role comes with an unofficial job title(s) — part short-order chef, part server, part cleaner. Cooking for kids (and kids’ diets) are personal to every family, and this post is simply a peek into what works for ours.

I actually love cooking. It’s my favorite creative outlet, which I realize puts me in the minority (no judgment, thank goodness for Seamless). I also happen to have a son who genuinely wants to be in the kitchen with me, which is both a blessing and a test of patience. But I’ve found that getting kids involved in the prep makes them far more likely to actually eat what ends up on their plate. So we keep at it.

Here are a handful of recipes that are on regular rotation in our house — and actually eaten by all parties. I'm always on the hunt for new ideas, so if you have a go-to kids' recipe you swear by, please hit reply and share it!

• Everyday meatballs: This is always in the weekly rotation. I take out the garlic, parsley, pepper and cook them in Rao’s instead of canned tomatoes.

• Zucchini rice & cheese bake: Another great recipe. My kids don’t even know the zucchini is in there.

• Cheesy pizza beans: This one is so, so good. Super easy, and honestly tastes just like pizza.

• Breaded cheesy chicken: I skip the parsley and never bother rolling it out or pounding them into thin cutlets, just cut a chicken breast in half. Great every time and I bring in the Rao’s as a fancy dipping sauce.

• Chicken in a pot with lemon and orzo by Nigella Lawson: I love this one-pot meal. It tastes like a fancy, grown-up chicken noodle soup, but far better.

• Sushi rolls: By using this mat and sheets of nori, we add sliced cucumber, carrots and avocado. The only annoying thing is slicing the veggies as finely as possible.

• Summer rolls: A similar concept, but using rice paper instead. Add rice noodles, thinly sliced chicken, shrimp, and any other veggies they’ll eat. I add a ton of herbs (cilantro, mint and basil) to mine. Make this peanut sauce that everyone is obsessed with.

• Smoothies: A breakfast staple in our house. I blend a banana, frozen blueberries, a large scoop of peanut butter, almond milk, and ice — and if I think they need a protein boost, I’ll sneak in a scoop of my favorite chocolate protein powder.

• Banana muffins: I make these the evening before and it’s the most straightforward breakfast. I skip the brown sugar and no one notices.

• We call it a look-out tower — the best way to get kids at counter-top height and in on the action. There are plenty of options out there, but this one is great as it folds.

• I love this brand for kids' tableware. They don't break, come in great colors, and are available in a range of sizes. But the real game-changer? Filling up this pitcher with water before any meal and I no longer have to get up to refill water, a genuine game-changer.

• If you’re not going the Falcon Enamelware route, Duralex is a great option for glassware. They’re so durable and a nice entry into the glassware world for kids. (and for me, always a lovely reminder of Paris)

• Speaking of, I love this bistrot flatware and think it’s a nice kitchen upgrade (and worth the investment) that doesn’t seem too precious for kids to use

• How sweet are these personalized napkin rings!? A real linen and these definitely take dinner to next level (and maybe help with table manners if I tell them it’s a fancy dinner!?)

• A knife and food prep set for the kid who is ready for it, but we have these in the meantime and they’re also great.

• Etsy makes the best personalized aprons for kids, I’m dying to get this one for my daughter, and this one is super cute too.

I have a deep love for kitchen equipment. Here are the items that have genuinely changed the way I cook since having kids:

• Countertop toaster oven: This has been the biggest game-changer. I use it multiple times a day, for nearly every meal; roasting fish, warming up chicken, making cheesy bread and dino bites, I could go on and on. I don't know what I was doing before it. If you don’t have a countertop oven, you must run to get one.

• I’m a big user of kitchen scissors when the kids are around: anything from cutting their pizza into strips, cutting the crust off their toast, it’s so much easier than a knife. I love it for cutting herbs, too.

• Not all vegetable peelers are created equal and this one is superior. There’s something about the weight and glide. Get this upgrade!

• Same goes for this lemon/lime juice squeezer.

• This large 8-cup measuring bowl. It’s a go-to for when baking, making pancakes, scrambled egg prep, etc. Great for kids to help with the large side handle.

• I've read that professional use these Cambro containers, so now, I do too. They’re great for storing pantry items (sugar, flour) but I also use them to marinate or food prep, too.

• I never cook any protein without a meat thermometer by my side, nothing overdone, nor undercooked.

• I thought this food scraper was a silly tool I’d never use, but I use it all the time (especially love it for garlic, onions, any chopped veggies)

• This cookware set from Caraway is a staple, also always using the Always Pan 2.0 from Our Place (love the mini and the really large one)

• There are so many Le Creuset variations worth owning, but especially love an 8 qt. dutch oven, a deep baking dish, a tiny saucepan (perfect for boiling an egg or melting butter) and this utensil crock.

• Big Night on Lex and 73rd is worth a visit — it’s the perfect spot to pick up a hostess gift or treat yourself to a kitchen upgrade that sparks a little joy. So many things I love like these, these, this and this.

• LOVE this glassware from CB2. They can easily break (definitely not for kids), but I’m okay with it given the price…They’re super, super thin, look chic and far more expensive than they really are. I just got these and almost love them more than the original.

Here are my kids’ and my favorite cookbooks. We have fun flipping through the pages, them enthusiastically telling me everything they want to make — and then, of course, refusing to eat half of it. But the cooking together part is a great time.

• Kid in the Kitchen: I love Melissa Clark and her recipes on NYT Cooking. A lot of the recipes in here I’d cook just for myself, too.

• The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs: I also love anything Cook’s Illustrated puts out, this one is no exception. True to form, it has content on prep, technique, and equipment for kids. Here’s the baking version, which I love equally.

• The River Cafe Look Book: At the intersection of a beautiful coffee table book and sophisticated recipes for kids. I love giving this one — it’s as beautiful as it is useful.

• Also, if you have a science-loving child like I do, I strongly recommend this one. My son is obsessed.

• Martha Stewart: 100 Favorite Recipes is a cookbook I frequently reference, along with anything Smitten Kitchen (by ), goop’s It’s All Good, Nothing Fancy (by ) and The Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook (by )

• I love all and anything and she just announced she’s coming out with a new cookbook in October: Simply Ina. How exciting is that?!

• is a great follow on Instagram and I’ve saved so many of her recipes. I’m excited to check out her new cookbook that was recently released.

Bon appétit! I always love talking all things kitchen, so please feel free to respond back and tell me your favorite recipes and equipment.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all who celebrate. 🍀 A reminder that the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade is running on Fifth Avenue today, starting at 11 a.m. It may affect some traffic and midday commuting times. And if your kids are off school today, what a fun activity!

The city is buzzing with amazing art events and exhibitions this week and over the next couple of months. It’s moments like these are exactly why I love living in New York.

• The Met’s 19th Annual Evening Celebrating Women: Tonight, Tuesday, March 17, from 6–8 p.m. at The Met. This year’s honorees include Misty Copeland, among other women leaders in the arts, education, and government. Remarks begin at 7 p.m. Free, but advance registration is required.

• Whitney Biennial 2026: Just opened and now on view through August 23, the 82nd edition features work by 56 artists and collectives reflecting the current moment — tension, tenderness, humor, and unease. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Lillian Bassman: Bazaar and Beyond at The Met: On view through July 26. A beautiful exhibition exploring the work of fashion photographer Lillian Bassman, whose abstract, darkroom-distorted images redefined mid-century fashion photography.

• New Museum Reopening: This weekend! After nearly two years closed for expansion, the New Museum reopens on Saturday, March 21 with a new building on the Bowery that doubles its gallery space. The inaugural exhibition, New Humans: Memories of the Future, features over 200 artists. Admission is free this opening weekend (March 21–22) — tickets must be reserved in advance.

• Guggenheim Day Camp: Friday, March 20. A full day of art exploration for kids. A good option if you’re looking for something structured and creative for those who may not have school.

• Art Cart at the Guggenheim: Saturday, March 21, drop-in, hands-on art-making for families. Free with museum admission.

• MoMA Mart Faux Food: Reminder, the MoMA popup food market (in SoHo) closes March 29 — last chance to check it out if you haven’t been.

• Affordable Art Fair is back, held in Chelsea and running March 18–22. With 90 galleries and every piece priced between $100 and $12k, it's one of the most accessible art fairs around. Family Hours on Sunday, March 22 (10am–5pm) welcomes kids 10 and under, with art activities for little ones too. We've found some great things for the kids at Tag Fine Arts, a gallery that will be exhibiting there.

• The Orchid Show: Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle at NYBG: Running through April 26, floral artist Mr. Flower Fantastic transforms the Conservatory into a tribute to NYC — orchid-covered brownstones, subway stations, stoops, and slice shops. Visiting this is high on my spring to-do list.

• Cherry Blossom Season is Coming: Cherry blossoms will soon start to appear around the city (early April). It’s one of my favorite “I Love New York” moments. Here are some of the best places in Manhattan to catch them: Ladurée Soho, Central Park (specifically around reservoir/Bridle path, Pilgrim Hill, Cherry Hill, Cedar Hill and the Great Lawn), Carl Schurz Park, Riverside Park, Roosevelt Island, and Harlem River Greenway

  • And if you want to make an evening of it in Brooklyn, Hanami Nights at Brooklyn Botanic Garden runs April 21–24 from 5–8:30 p.m.— cherry blossoms lit up at night, live music, bento boxes, sake, and Japanese beer under the famous Kanzan trees. Tickets sell out fast.

• I’m still in full spring break prep mode — and Julia Amory never disappoints. The prints and colors are always excellent. I have my eye on this gorgeous pink top, this top and matching skirt, and this toiletry bag set — the print is too good.

• Dôen just opened on Madison Avenue (78th Street). I have this little jazzy bag and shoes and love them both, now eyeing another fun bag. Speaking of Madison Avenue shopping, I was just in Tuckernuck (84th Street) and they have fantastic spring pieces like this pink cardigan, tie skirt, colorful dress (hello Easter outfit), with a fresh white silky cardigan.

• My kids love Hello, Broadway!. It’s a beautiful interactive book that plays actual song clips from top Broadway shows while introducing kids to the world of musical theater. My son cannot put it down. A perfect gift for any NYC kid, or a great NYC-specific pick for out-of-towners.

…and if you missed it, here is my spring break guide, ski guide and indoor NYC activity guide.

There are some fantastic events happening this spring that I highly recommend getting tickets to each of the below:

• Fun at the Phil Family Benefit: Saturday, April 18, at David Geffen Hall. A special family concert at 2 p.m. followed by a festive party for all ages, hosted by Spotify. There will be lively music, games, art-making, magic, and instrument tryouts. Teens get their own space at Club Concerto, a separate lounge with a BonBon Candy Cart. Plus snacks, sweets, and a bubbly bar for the adults. Proceeds support NY Phil education programs.

  • Not up for the full benefit? You can also attend just the Young People's Concert on its own — a great standalone option for families.

• AMNH Spring Lunch: On Wednesday, April 22, the museum hosts its annual celebration of leadership in environmental research and conservation — a lovely afternoon for supporters, featuring a panel of scientists on timely and compelling topics. I've always loved attending this one; the speakers never disappoint and the conversation tends to linger with you. (Adults only.)

• Hassenfeld Children's Hospital Block Party: Saturday, May 2, at Industry City, Brooklyn: The inaugural block party hosted by NYU Langone takes over the Box Factory for a full day of family-friendly games, activities, and food for kids ages 6 months to 18 years. Doors open to the public from noon–4 p.m. It will be a wonderful community event supporting Hassenfeld Children's Hospital.

• Playground Partners Annual Family Party: On Wednesday, May 20, in Central Park. Hands down my favorite family event of the year — my kids and I look forward to it every single spring. Hosted by the Playground Partners of the Women's Committee of the Central Park Conservancy, this fundraiser supports the daily care of Central Park's 21 playgrounds. There are over 25 activities for kids ages 6 months to 10 years — face painting, chess, sports, arts & crafts, music, magic, and more. Truly the best event, and tickets always sell out, don’t wait to purchase these tickets!

• Rug Concerts® at Diller-Quaile: Saturday, March 14 at 9:30am and 11 a.m. This month's theme is Celtic Spirit — a 45-minute interactive concert where kids six and under can listen, sing, and move along with live professional musicians. A family favorite and highly recommend if you haven't been before. Tickets are $35 per person and must be purchased in advance.

• MoMA Family Gallery Talks Focus on Women Artists: Saturday, March 14 & Sunday, March 15: A wonderful free program for families with kids ages 4–10, featuring guided discussions and activities in front of artworks this month centered on women artists. Free for kids and adults and includes museum admission. Two time slots available each day: 10:15–11:15 a.m. & 12:00–1:00 p.m.

• Pier 57 Playground: Pier 57 has been keeping summer alive indoors this winter with swings, live rainforest sounds, and indoor picnicking — and it's wrapping up soon (March 31). A fun, low-key outing for the kids. And while you're there, check out Market 57 for lunch. I think they have excellent food options.

Easter is one of my favorite holidays — and even more magical once kids are in the picture. I go all in on basket-building and love finding ways to make the morning feel really special. Here's everything I'm considering this year:

• To decorate eggs: I love the ritual of it as much as the result. I always stock up on a variety of colors. I’ve never tried this decorating kit, and think my kids would love it. I got served this video on IG and am intrigued to try marbling this year.

• For the easter egg hunting: Pottery Barn Kids makes the best personalized baskets (love this one and this one too). Etsy has some cute personalized baskets too. And how fun would it be to find a large golden egg?!

• Easter-related books we love: Marshmallow, How to Catch the Easter Bunny, Charlotte’s Web, Happy Easter, Mouse!, The Good Egg, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, I Am a Bunny, and It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny

• For easter basket stuffing ideas, start with some chic grass, then add:

  • A fresh set of cozy PJs

  • An adorable stuffie like a lamb, duckling, pink bunny, and cannot get over this cute bag!

  • An activity like this hidden picture book, Easter puzzles or Paint by Sticker

  • A Tamagotchi (my kids received one year and loved it!)

  • This game: My kids LOVE it and we still play it all the time

  • Other favorite things include: a slinky, gardening tools, Play-Doh eggs, bath crayons, sidewalk chalk, colored bath drops (love these!), Lip Smacker Carrot Lip Balm, and StickiKubes

  • And here are some other cute basket filler ideas

• For tablescaping: I love this ruffled chair slipcover, I’ll be dreaming of these Lily of the Valley placemats with this tablecloth. For the kids, I love this festive garland, floral napkins, and these Surprise Carrots are adorable (or Surprise Eggs!)

• Here’s my perfect Easter hosting menu: Deviled eggs to start, this gorgeous roast (super easy, just takes a long time) with a simple salad, and a delicious asparagus tart that is easy and impressive. And for dessert, Ina’s famous Carrot Cake.

• If you’re looking to bring an incredibly indulgent but chic hostess gift, I cannot get over these chocolates from Birley Bakery (69th and Madison). I’m swooning over the chocolate egg box and the Mother Hen & Family set.

……and if you missed it, here is my spring break guide from last week, ski guide and indoor NYC activity guide.

After weeks of freezing temperatures, relentless snowstorms, and sidewalks coated in stubborn gray slush, an escape feels essential. Even if traveling with kids often feels more like a relocation than a vacation, sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what we need. Hopefully, the tips below will make getting there a little smoother.

• I cannot rave about these suitcases enough. They’re lightweight, sturdy, and roll beautifully. We have the largest size, and it’s been perfect for our family’s checked bags.

  • Just a friendly reminder to put AirTags in your checked luggage!

• I have these packing cubes for everyone in our family and cannot recommend them enough. They keep us incredibly organized, and I love using them throughout the trip to separate dirty laundry.

• There are so many cute dopp kits for kids on Etsy. I love this one and this one.

• These plastic pouches are a lifesaver. We use them for sunscreen, goggles, wet bathing suits, dirty clothes, toy organization, art supplies—I could go on and on.

While iPads can be a lifesaver on planes, these are the screen-free activities I’ll be packing in our carry-on to (hopefully) keep everyone entertained throughout the trip:

• For my seven-year-old son:

  • A Yoto mini. I’ve mentioned it before, but I truly cannot rave about it enough for curious minds and book lovers. It’s been game-changing for us, and the book options are endless. Don’t forget the headphones.

  • A tiny LEGO set with endless creative options. And this tangram puzzle set is also great for travel since it’s magnetic.

  • Highlights: They’ve lasted the test of time and my kids love receiving them in the mail. They also make excellent little travel books like this Hidden Picture one, or Puzzle Fun.

  • Here are some book series my son loves that we’ll be packing along: Magic Tree House, Captain Underpants, Dog Man, and The 13-Story Treehouse

• For my five-year-old daughter:

  • My daughter is loving this coloring book that doubles as a sticker book (her two favorite things)! I also love these Paint by Sticker books (and this one), that can grab her attention for awhile. But her all-time favorite is this one.

  • As a big crafter, she loves all these that I’ll be bringing along: a perfect coloring kit, a foil art kit, or gem art

  • For books, we’ll be packing Ladybug Girl books and Angelina Ballerina. She’s also going through a big Where’s Waldo? phase, which I’m equally loving. She also loves Highlights and would love these travel puzzle books

• For my three-year-old son:

  • Is Water Wow the best invention of all time for toddlers? I think so. My son also loves these little watercolor sets.

  • He’s a big Magna-Tiles guy, so I got him the travel set, and I think a Clixo travel set is just as great.

  • This coloring tablet can hold his attention for a while. He’s going through a big Peppa Pig-phase, so I’m bringing this this sticker book.

  • Finally, I’m never without some Washi tape to decorate the airplane seats

We’re off to the Bahamas for spring break and can’t wait for some beach time and much needed sunshine. Here are some of my must-haves:

• I cannot rave enough about this sunscreen and have been using it daily for years. It gives the perfect dewy glow. I recently purchased this skin tint sunscreen and love to layer it on top as well. Both are in my daily rotation.

• For body sunscreen, I love this one. It blends perfectly, isn’t white, isn’t greasy or heavy and just feels like a light lotion, which I love. For my kids, I love Sun Bum (it’s the smell of summer to me).

• Keeping with the sun protection theme, this is my favorite beach hat. It’s chic and great for travel too — it rolls up in a suitcase and holds its shape well.

• I think SunnyLife makes the cutest swim accessories for babies and toddlers - I could order everything from this brand, there are so many cute swim vests, swim masks/goggles, dive toys, and a towel poncho I love.

• Swimwear is my favorite article of clothing to purchase for my kids. I think Minnow does swim for kids better than anyone out there. For my daughter, I always go with a floral long-sleeved suit (less sunscreen), and love these shorts for my boys. Also, these boys’ swim shorts from H&M are excellent for the price, and I think they fit really well. For rash guards, Primary does a great job. Also, another hooded towel cover up for toddler girls that’s adorable.

• To keep with this very random recommendation list, how sweet is this floral cotton underpants set for girls!? I love the little bag to keep everything organized. And love these Jellies for my daughter, nostalgia at its finest.

• My husband and I love to play backgammon on vacation, and I have my eye on this genius towel set. Or, this roll-up set looks great, too. If you’re a mahjong player, I love this little travel mahjong set.

• Here are a few novels you’ve probably seen everywhere—but for good reason—if you’re looking for your next beach read: Heart the Lover, Hamnet, The Correspondent, Atmosphere (this is a great audio listen) and Broken Country. Each of these hooked me for different reasons, but every one was a true page-turner. Or, if you’re going through a big CBK moment like everyone else after Love Story, I highly recommend Once Upon a Time. I have Strangers packed, which I cannot wait to read.

• We don’t mess around when it comes to traveling with ski gear. Hauling ski equipment on top of kids’ stuff is a hard no. We always use ShipSkis—it’s been a total game-changer for our family and I highly recommend it if you’re heading on a ski trip. (AirTag in each bag reminder, again!)

• I have all our favorite kids’ gear listed out in my Ski Guide and highly recommend these products.

• While I don’t ski, I do love to look the part. My favorites this winter include:

  • On hiking boots: I’ve worn these nonstop all winter—they’ve officially become my go-to. While not technically snow boots, they’re waterproof, incredibly comfortable, and surprisingly hardy. I can’t recommend them enough.

  • J.Crew Cashmere socks are the coziest for lounging, and SmartWool is my go-to for sports.

  • These are my favorite PJs and love to use them as a base layer, too. They’re perfectly thin and a great layering piece

  • I love the color of these ski pants and matching jacket, but this gingham set takes the cake. I think Mackage makes some of the best winter gear, and love this ski suit.

  • These boots are very high on my list and can’t stop admiring them and love these gloves

• My husband, an avid skier who is very particular about gear, recommends: a great ski bag (including one for the kids), he loves having a cheap pair of goodr sunglasses he can throw in his pocket, and he swears by these ski goggles.

• Sleep is everything to me. I’ve been loving these gummies for nights when jet lag feels inevitable—they really work for me, and I appreciate that I don’t wake up feeling groggy. I also love this silky sleep mask. It’s the most comfortable one I’ve tried and feels incredibly luxurious.

• I reached a point where I felt like I was spending so much on digital books between Kindle and Audible—then I discovered the Libby app, and it’s been completely game-changing. You can borrow free audiobooks and ebooks (and even send them straight to your Kindle). You’ll need a library card, and I won’t pretend the app is the most user-friendly, but it’s easily one of my most-used apps.

• As much as I love my AirPods, I started getting a little paranoid about radiation so I went back to the wired ones, and am loving them. (bonus: they’re not as hard to lose!)

• Don’t even get my husband started on the water bottle situation for kids. For travel, I love these little water bottles. They don’t hold much, but they’re as light and small as possible (and don’t leak!)

• Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels Festival: Running through Saturday, March 21 at venues across the city (BAM, the Guggenheim, The Joyce Theater, Park Avenue Armory and more). This stunning contemporary dance festival features world-class choreographers. Free workshops are also open to all levels. A really special one for dance lovers!

• First Fridays Are Back at The Frick: Plan ahead, Starting Friday, March 6 at 5:30 p.m., the Frick is opening its doors on Friday evenings for late-night gallery hours, live music, and cocktails. A beautiful, grown-up night out (reminder: no kids under 10!). While you're there, don't miss the new exhitbit Gainsborough: The Fashion of Portraiture. It looks stunning. On view through Monday, May 25.

• Set your alarm for 10:30am this morning. AMNH’s A Night at the Museum Sleepovers are back—and they’re a HUGE hit! The Overnight Experience lets kids (ages 6–12) and their caregivers explore the museum after hours and sleep among the exhibits. If you’re a member of AMNH, presale tickets are released at Tuesday, February 24 at 10:30 a.m. (today!) for sleepovers in April, May and June. They sell out in minutes! For non-members, general ticket sales are next Tuesday, March 3 at 10:30 a.m.

• Kids' Night on Broadway: Tonight is the night! Kids 18 and under can attend a participating Broadway show for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. With 18 shows to choose from, including Wicked, The Lion King, Aladdin, Hamilton, Harry Potter, Stranger Things, MJ, and more. Use code WNTRKIDS26 at checkout. For younger kids, The Lion King and Aladdin are great bets; tweens and teens tend to love Hamilton, SIX, MJ, and & Juliet.

• 28th Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival: On Sunday, March 1, Chinatown comes alive for the big parade, kicking off at 1:00 p.m. Arrive early to catch the Festival & Booths on Bayard Street (between Mulberry and Mott St), running from 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. A wonderful way to keep the Lunar New Year celebrations going!

• Lunar New Year Extravaganza at Chelsea Market: On Sunday, March 1, from 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Pearl River Mart hosts its ninth annual Lunar New Year celebration. Kick things off with ribbon dancing and lion dancing performances on the main concourse, then head downstairs for food, mahjong lessons, Chinese calligraphy, red envelope activities, and more. Free to attend

• UNIQLO Family Day at MoMA PS1: Saturday, February 28, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., MoMA PS1 in Queens hosts a free, museum-wide family celebration. Kids of all ages can drop in for hands-on artmaking workshops led by artists — including neighborhood mapping, communal braiding, shadow and light collages, clay sculpting, and building kinetic mobiles.

• Little Women: The Musical at 92NY: Only a few days left to catch this charming musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel. Runs through February 28 — best for ages 6 and up! (My kids love the performances at 92Y!)

• New York International Children’s Film Festival: Running Saturday, February 28 through Sunday, March 15 at venues across the city. Showcasing about 100 international films for kids ages 3–18, with filmmaker Q&As and audience voting. This year’s opening night features a preview of the new Disney Pixar film Hoppers.

• MoMath (National Museum of Mathematics): The much-anticipated new location at 635 Sixth Avenue in Chelsea is now open! Nearly double the size of the original, with dozens of new interactive exhibits that make math playful and exciting — plus a dedicated space for early learners. Open daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Arrive early on weekends to beat the crowds.

• Reminder: The Davis Center is open through March 8— so there’s just a couple of weeks left to get your skates on! (we prefer skating here over Wollman)

• Is winter over yet? I'm dreaming of spring (stay tuned for an upcoming Spring Break guide next week!). In the meantime, if you're still looking for ways to entertain the kids indoors, here's my indoor activity guide from a few weeks ago.

• Here have been the most popular products from my newsletter so far this year:

  • The best stain remover I cannot rave enough about

  • My forever favorite lip gloss that works miracles in the winter

  • Tales conversation cards (I love these at dinner time)

  • A Kujten bandana scarf (chic and cozy, I could buy them all)

  • eeBo making change game (I love the eeBo brand and think they make such thoughtful products for kids)

  • …..and top books so far this year: The Hug, Don’t Trust Fish, The Way of the Warrior Kid, Earl and Worm (my 3 year old’s favorite) and The Most Magnificent Thing

• My kids are obsessed with their Moonjars. It feels like the most natural, hands-on way to introduce kids to money management — each little tin is divided into Save, Spend, and Share, which makes the concept so tangible and easy for them to understand. Highly recommend!

• This coconut chicken curry recipe has been my go-to all winter long and I simply can't get enough of it. It's incredibly easy to make, tastes like the best restaurant takeout, and the leftovers are just as good the next day!

• I've been a longtime mahjong fan, and with the game more popular than ever, the merchandise has never been better. This is the set of tiles I have and absolutely love it. I have my eye on these gorgeous tortoise racks and love this pretty mat — and how perfect is this travel set for upcoming spring break trips? Also, don't forget to order your 2026 NMJL card, which should be shipping out next month! If you’ve never played before, I highly recommend learning, it’s always my favorite girls night. (You’ll need an instructor to learn, but love this online site for practice games!)

• 新年快乐 // Happy Lunar New Year! There are some fantastic things going on this week to celebrate the holiday:

  • At the Peninsula Hotel: There’s a traditional Lion Dance in the hotel lobby on February 17 at 9:30 a.m.

  • On Saturday, February 21, Hudson Yards will host performers from The New York Chinese Cultural Center, with performances at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.

  • China Institute (100 Washington Street) will host a Lunar New Year Family Festival on Saturday, February 21, from 2–5 p.m. There will be a lion dance, traditional music, hands-on workshops, crafts, and other interactive cultural stations.

  • Moon Over Manhattan – Lunar New Year Family Day: On Saturday, February 21, from 1–4 p.m. at Asia Society (725 Park Ave), families can celebrate the Year of the Horse with lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, interactive music and sing-alongs, shadow puppets, hands-on crafts, and festive activities. It looks like it’s sold out online, but it’s worth checking to see if there’s a waitlist.

  • Or dine out at one of my favorite Chinese restaurants: Cafe Evergreen (favorite on the UES), Super Taste (best delivery), Din Tai Fung (my family’s #1), CheLi (great vibe and a fun St. Marks Place throwback), Phoenix Palace (great for big groups, also a vibe)

• NYC Ballet Family Saturdays: Saturday, February 21, at 11 a.m. A one-hour, kid-friendly program at Lincoln Center featuring excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty, performed by NYCB dancers and orchestra. Hosted by Principal Dancer Megan Fairchild, it offers a playful introduction to ballet’s story, music, and movement for families. Tickets are required for all ages.

• There are some great things at The Morgan Library that I’m looking forward to checking out. There is family programs like Family First Saturdays, an hour-long storytime, gallery tours, and art activities for ages ~3–7. Free with museum admission; kids 12 and under are always free. They also just announced upcoming Spring concerts that look great. Plus, a family concert (music of Mozart) on April 18th.

No school this week? There’s no shortage of great daytime events to keep kids entertained—definitely worth adding a few to your calendar.

• MoMA Family Festival – Color Play: This winter arts celebration turns MoMA into a creative playground. Explore artist-created environments, hands-on art labs like Art Lab: Sound, cardboard city building, chalkboard play, puppet interactions, family film screenings, dance parties, gallery activities, and more. Most activities are drop-in, and timed tickets are required. Today (Tuesday) and tomorrow (Wednesday, February 18) are the last days to check it out.

• It’s Kids Week at the Intrepid Museum: Running through February 21, families can dive into themed days of hands-on STEAM fun—from aerospace and space exploration displays with NASA demos and VR experiences to arts and culture activities with author meet-and-greets, live performances, maker workshops, robotics, science experiments, and more. Interactive fun for all ages.

• It’s also Kids Week at Bryant Park: Running Tuesday, February 17, through Friday, February 20, kids take over the rink with free morning skate sessions, complimentary group lessons, and themed activities from 9:30 a.m.–noon. Each day features unique fun like Winter Games, Medieval Faire crafts, Earth Day learning, and Pizza Palooza events—all free and family-friendly.

• School Break Family Afternoon – Build a Bridge Fun at The Met: On Tuesday, February 17, and Thursday, February 19, at 1 p.m., children ages 3–11 can drop in for free, hands-on bridge-building activities inspired by The Brooklyn Bridge Up Close. Materials are provided, creativity is encouraged, and space is first-come, first-served. No museum admission is required for this family program.

• Cooper Hewitt Family Programs – Midwinter Break: Running Tuesday, February 17, through Thursday, February 19, from 1–4 p.m. Kids ages 5–12 can drop in for hands-on design fun: Sonic Adventures (February 17), Toy Makers & Tinkerers (February 18), and Mansion Explorers (February 19). Free with museum admission; first-come, first-served.

• Or check out my NYC Indoor Activity Guide for plenty of go-to ideas on where to go and what to do around the city.

• I’ve been a fan of Scott Galloway for a while, and his recent conversation on the goop podcast was incredibly eye-opening. He shared the challenges facing boys and young men today—from emotional development to shifting expectations of masculinity and mounting societal pressures. Some of the statistics were genuinely startling. The episode has already changed how I think about parenting my two sons, and I immediately downloaded Galloway’s new book, knowing it will continue to shape my thinking.

• My son is loving reading this book together, and I can already see how much he’s getting out of it. He’s fully engaged, and it’s sparked such thoughtful conversations about confidence, responsibility, discipline, and what it means to keep going when things feel hard. It’s come at a really meaningful time for my first grader, and I couldn’t recommend it enough.

• CrunchLabs subscription kits are a huge hit in our house. (My son asked me to share them in this newsletter.) Each monthly box lets kids build a hands-on engineering project, guided by Mark Rober, turning problem-solving and STEM into something that feels like play. My son is completely hooked. The kits also pair with Rober’s YouTube videos, which he loves. We’re pretty limited with screen time, but I feel okay about him watching on occasion.

• With all this time off school, I’m always looking for ways to keep my kids thinking (and having fun). These are a few of our go-to favorites we try to pull out on car rides or at restaurants: Sight Words Flash Cards, Phonics Flash Cards, a math keyboard, and workbooks.

• Everyone’s talking about LoveStory on Hulu, and I’m right there with them. I love CBK and can’t wait to watch. And if you haven’t read Once Upon a Time yet, I highly recommend adding it to your book list.

• Here are my favorite kids books at the moment: How Dreadful!, Triangle, and Ladybug Girl series. My toddler son absolutely loves The Story Orchestra books series. The Magic Flute is his favorite, but this one, this one and this one are all great too.

• Dry winter skin is real, here are some beauty products that are saving me this winter: I love this shower mitt for a great exfoliation, this is my favorite face mask (warning: it smells horrific, but it works!), this brightening Vitamin-C serum is excellent, and cannot rave enough about this cleansing oil, which I’ve repurchased again and again

Eliza Crater Harris is the Chief Creative Officer of the iconic brand Sister Parish Design. I’m a longtime fan—we have Sister Parish wallpaper in my son’s room and our powder room, and I’m eyeing this for our guest room and this performance fabric for our outdoor cushions (they’re all so good). Eliza is a great-granddaughter of legendary decorator Sister Parish, and brings fresh, modern taste to the brand’s timeless textiles and wallpapers, blending classic style with effortless chic. She’s currently redecorating her new West Village studio and sharing smart, inspiring tips along the way. Below, Eliza shares her NYC favorites with us:

• “John Derian Company: John’s store in New York is my favorite home destination because it reminds me so much of my grandmother. My grandmother is an amazing decoupage artist herself and worked with John years ago. John curates the most delightful quilts, sheets, glasses, napkins, and of course, beautiful decoupage pieces. I also love his selection of upholstery and antiques. You’ll always find whimsical items that surprise and inspire.

• deVOL Kitchens: deVOL recently opened a stunning showroom and I am completely obsessed. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen or simply need some design inspiration, this space is full of beautiful paint colors and thoughtful ideas for how to live well in your kitchen.

• KRB NYC: KRB is an absolute must-visit for design lovers. My dear friends (incredible artists themselves) sell their art and furniture there, Mary Nelson Sinclair and Corbin Cruise. I’m also obsessed with the new Woodard Wave × Billy Baldwin furniture collaboration that is new to KRB.

• Pearl River Mart: A fun and easy stop for parties, gifts, and unexpected treasures. I share more of my top finds here on Instagram. This is always worth a visit if you’re looking for quirky home pieces or entertaining essentials that won’t break the bank! Also, if you’re having a party and need flowers, Dutch Flower Line is a must along with Jamali for easy containers and baskets.

• American Folk Art Museum: I had to make this stop and left feeling so inspired. The museum’s collection celebrates American folk and self-taught artists, and it’s a perfect blend of tradition and creativity. Thank you to Bode for the recommendation, and I also love popping into their store and checking out nearby Suzi Kondi when I’m on the Lower East Side.”

Love your tips, thank you for sharing, Eliza!

It still feels like the Arctic in NYC, with no real warm-up in sight. (ugh!) Since playgrounds and outdoor play are off the table, I’ve pulled together a list of our favorite indoor winter activities. Here are the top places that keep our kids engaged, moving, and happy. You may enjoy them too during the final 39 days of winter. (yes… I’m counting, anyone else?).

• Complete Playground: This massive (40,000-45,000 sq. ft.) playspace (for ages 10 months–12 years) in FiDi blends climbing structures, obstacle courses, ninja zones, trampoline games, pretend-play “mini city,” sensory rooms, STEAM areas, and more. Weekends fill up fast, so book ahead for peak times.

• Cocoon: With locations in Tribeca and the Upper West Side, this membership-based family club offers open-ended play in a nature-inspired space, a large indoor play yard and parkour gym, plus themed classes, workshops, and community events. Weekend programming is designed for all-day hanging out—drop in, play, and stay as long as you like.

• Space: Sprawling, creatively designed indoor playspaces in Brooklyn (Greenpoint, Fort Greene, and Dumbo) feature multi-level jungle gyms, massive ball and bead pits, trampolines, LEGO and Magna-Tile zones, sensory-style rooms, for kids ages 1–13. Drop-in passes and memberships are available. Insider tip: the Dumbo location adds immersive elements like a three-level playground, bead and building zones, plus party rooms and, soon, a rooftop greenhouse.

• Ferox Ninja Park: This high-energy indoor ninja gym lets kids (ages 4–12) tackle obstacle courses, zip lines, trampolines, parkour and foam pits during open play. It’s perfect for burning off weekend energy, hosting birthday parties, or joining camps and classes that build strength and confidence.

• Area 53 NYC (DUMBO): A big indoor adventure hub where kids and families can spend weekends playing laser tag, mini bowling, and diving into an adventure park with ropes courses, rock climbing, zip lines, battle beams, ball pits, roller skating, and arcade games. It’s ideal for action‑packed weekend visits or group celebrations.

• Urban Air Trampoline: Located in NJ (but with no traffic it’s about a 30-minute drive), it’s a large indoor trampoline and adventure park offering wall-to-wall trampolines, climbing, and obstacle courses.

• 92nd Street Y GymMaze Playtime: This playspace offers free play for preschool-aged kids, blending active movement, tumbling, and social play in a warm community gym setting. One-hour Sunday sessions are available and should be booked online in advance.

• Urban Dunes: This indoor play space has three themed sand zones—Construction Zone, Dino Land, and Golden Beach—where toddlers can dig, build, sculpt, and explore in a safe, clean setting. Best for hands-on, imaginative play for little ones.

• Play Street Museum: A bright, UWS interactive museum-style play space for toddlers, featuring themed exhibits where kids can dress up, explore pretend stores, build, and solve hands-on challenges. Think imaginative play with open-ended props and spaces that change regularly. Insider tip: quieter early morning sessions make for a calmer visit with toddlers.

• CAMP NYC: Currently transformed into a Bluey-themed immersive play space, CAMP offers arts and crafts, games, storytelling, and hands-on activities. A bright, joyful experience that’s especially great for toddlers.

• Five Iron Golf: An indoor golf venue (with six locations in NYC) where kids and adults can play on high-tech golf simulators and enjoy shuffleboard and pool. On weekends you can book simulator bays, take lessons, play games, or host casual parties with food & drinks.

• Indoor rock climbing: Indoor climbing gyms offer a fun, active weekend option where kids can boulder, climb top-rope walls, and use auto-belays in a safe, supervised setting. Popular spots in NYC are Central Rock Gym, VITAL (UES & LES), and MPHC Climbing Gym, all offering open climbs, youth programs, and weekend-friendly sessions for kids of varying ages and skill levels.

• New York Ninja Academy: An indoor ninja-warrior obstacle gym where kids can run, climb, swing, and tackle action-packed obstacles just like on the TV show. On weekends, families can enjoy drop-in and intro ninja classes.

• Chelsea Piers: There’s a myriad of kids’ activities here, year-round ice skating at the Sky Rink and drop-in activities such as rock climbing, batting cages, gymnastics, parkour, and multi-sport play at The Field House.

• Swingers NoMad – Family Mini-Golf: On Saturdays before 4 p.m., Swingers hosts kid-friendly mini-golf sessions where children ages 5+ can play indoor 9-hole courses with fun activity sheets and kid-approved treats. (Normally this is an adults-only venue but there are designated kids’ times).

• …..or what about taking them to see a fun sporting event? Our favorites and the most lively are The Knicks or a Rangers games, you can’t go wrong there!

• Genius Gems: An interactive, creative play space in Chelsea where kids, ages 2+ can build with thousands of Magna-tiles, tackle design challenges, explore marble runs, robot stations, and create at the Design Bar. On weekends it’s perfect for open-play sessions, hands-on building fun. This is the #1 place my kids continue to beg to go to every single weekend.

• New York Hall of Science: A hands-on STEM museum in Queens where kids can explore interactive exhibits on physics, biology, engineering, and city systems, build and design in Maker Labs, (when it warms up they have a great Science Playground, and Rocket Park mini-golf outside). On weekends my son could happily spend a good part of the day learning, experimenting, and watching demos.

• MoMath (National Museum of Mathematics): A hands‑on math museum where kids explore interactive exhibits that make math playful and exciting. There are immersive activities, demos, games, and puzzles. A much larger, updated space at 635 Sixth Avenue is slated to open later in 2026 with dozens of new exhibits and expanded programming.

• The Art Farm: For a great option for toddlers, on Saturdays and Sundays there are early drop-in sessions like Mornings on the Farm, where kids can feed and snuggle animals and enjoy farm-inspired classes such as cooking and animal encounters.

• The Met’s 81st Street Studio: A free, hands-on discovery space for kids (great for preschoolers!). Families can explore art, materials, sound, and science through interactive stations, instruments, books, and creative play—no Museum admission required.

  • If you want to explore the museum with kids, you can’t go wrong at the Egyptian Art & Temple of Dendur, (great audio tour for kids here!) Arms & Armor, or Musical Instruments exhibits-those are our top visits.

• Art Lab: Sound (MoMA): Explore sound through art in this interactive family installation. Discover how materials make noise, build sound sculptures, create wearable art, and engage with color and sound on digital displays. Open daily and free with Museum admission, it’s a playful sensory experience for all ages. NYC residents also get free admission on Friday evenings.

• Museum of Natural History: Vast permanent exhibits on dinosaurs, space, Earth science, and biodiversity. The new Gilder Center adds immersive science experiences: a large insectarium, butterfly vivarium, interactive collections, and a 360° “Invisible Worlds” show that brings hidden life into view. Insider tip: arrive at opening to beat weekend crowds and don’t forget to check out the Discovery Room.

• Whitney Museum of American Art: I’d recommend going on Saturdays (11 am–3 pm) when they host Open Studio time for kids to create art inspired by exhibitions, or on Free Second Sundays, which also has plenty of art making and tours for families. Also, check out the free activity guides for gallery exploration.

• Color Pop Workshop: Drop-off Open Studio art sessions for kids (painting, clay, mixed media) with guided projects at its two Upper East Side studios. These creative two-hour workshops let young artists experiment with materials and make art. Reservations are required to secure a spot. My daughter always comes home with something great to hang on the walls.

• The Craft Studio: Studios on the UES and Tribeca, kids can enjoy drop-in crafting and projects such as painting, ceramics, slime, and more. Materials are provided. Walk-ins are welcome, though reservations are recommended.

• Pottery Studio: I haven’t been here, so I can’t recommend this from personal experience but it’s a place I’ve been meaning to check out. There are daily kids and family pottery classes in Manhattan and Brooklyn, with hand‑building, wheel work, painting, and glazing for ages 3+. Sessions are beginner‑friendly, run in 2‑hour slots, and let kids make pieces to take home after firing. Advance booking is recommended.

• The Fashion Class: Located on the UES and UWS, and great for older kids and pre-teens, this studio offers one-day workshops, weekend playdates, and private lessons where kids can explore fashion design, sewing, and creative projects.

• New York Society Library: We are here all the time. You have to be a member to attend (and likely only makes sense to join if you live somewhat in the area). They have a wonderful children’s floor. We love children’s storytimes, and there are crafty arts-and-crafts drop-in sessions on Saturdays and Sundays.

• Museum of Ice Cream: They just opened a newly renovated space, that has upgraded immersive, sweet‑themed exhibits, interactive installations, and colorful environments. I haven’t seen the new space and can’t wait to check it out.

• Gazillion Bubble Show: While it teetered on slightly sticky, I’d still recommend going at least once with the kids. We took my kids for my daughter’s 3rd birthday and I have to admit, it was very cool.

• The Color Factory: It’s an interactive, immersive art experience through playful installations and games.

• Mercer Labs: While not a play-space, families can explore interactive, tech‑driven installations reimagining masterpieces in a multi‑sensory experience.

• One World Observatory: See thrilling skyline views, there’s interactive digital exhibits about the city and building, and a high‑speed elevator experience.

• Broadway Shows: See The Lion King, Wicked, Aladdin, & Juliet (for older kids). Note: Broadway theaters usually require kids four and older to have their own ticket, but check before you book if you’re bringing younger ones who want to sit on your lap.

• American Dream Mall: Americana at it’s finest. Choose between so, so many activities, there’s DreamWorks Water Park, roller coasters at Nickelodeon Universe, explore underwater life, play at LEGO and Paw Patrol zones, mini-golf, ride the Dream Wheel, and ski. There’s so so much here (too much!?) and the right move if you’re looking to make a full day of it (you’ll be a saint of a parent!)

• My kids received this building set over the holidays from their grandmother, and while it does come with a bit of a price tag, I truly can’t recommend it enough (especially for long winter weekends!). The joy—and sheer amount of use—we’ve gotten out of it has been completely worth it. My seven-year-old loves it as much as my three-year-old.

• Similarly, we also have these Nugget couch sets which my kids have loved over the years for building forts, it’s one of our most-loved toys from over the years and makes for very cozy weekends.

• We’re big into family game nights. Here are our favorites at the moment: Making Change, Sum the Swamp (both secretly educational), Outfoxed, Uno, Sequence, Guess Who?, and for the much younger kids, my three-year-old is especially obsessed with Rack-O Jr.

• Here are a few holiday gifts my kids received that have been on heavy rotation and have made these long, indoor winter weekends so much more enjoyable: This cookbook for young chefs (my kids eat better foods when they prepare it, so it’s a win-win)! We’re getting such good use out of this mega science kit and this marble run, which has brought in endless amounts of fun and equally loved by my seven-year-old as it is by my three-year-old. I truly believe you can never have too many Magna-Tiles, too!

• I’ve raved about it before, but these Yoto Mini players are seriously game-changing for our weekends. Highly recommend these if you’re trying to avoid screen-time. The card possibilities are endless.

If you can brave the winter chill, the city is serving up plenty of fun reasons to get out. Here are a few events that might just strike your fancy:

• The Met Family Benefit Seeing Stars: On Thursday, February 5, 6–8 p.m. Celebrate art’s wonder of the stars with interactive activities, expert demos and family-friendly experiences inspired by the cosmos, supporting The Met’s programs.

• The Orchid Show, Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle: Opens this weekend at the NYBG. This year, floral artist Mr. Flower Fantastic transforms the Conservatory with dramatic orchid installations, vibrant color, and city energy. Running until April 26.

• Museum of Ice Cream reopens February 4 with a reimagined, interactive experience featuring expanded play spaces, new exhibits and immersive installations. There are bigger creative zones, secret rooms, playful installations. If you haven’t been before, I think it’s worth checking out (once) with the kids, and I’m curious to see how this new spaces compares to the last....

• Rug Concerts at Diller-Quaile: Saturday, February 7, 9:30–10:15 a.m. & 11–11:45 a.m. A 45-minute interactive music experience for children six and under and their caregivers. It’s a family favorite and highly recommend attending if you haven’t been before.

• Grand Central x Zing! for Kids: Saturday, February 7, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal. It will be a playful family event with crafts, music, mini fitness classes, an obstacle course and more.

• In other music performance events, the Little Orchestra Society is performing Rachmaninoff Rocks! on Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 8, at 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m at Kaye Playhouse, Hunter College. I can’t say these are the best kids’ performances we’ve been to but a nice option if you need to fill the day with an activity.

• The Rock & Roll Playhouse is performing The Beatles music at Brooklyn Bowl on Sunday, February 8, doors open at 11 a.m., show at noon.

• Little Women: The Musical at 92NY: Performances start this weekend, February 8, and the production runs until February 28. Experience the classic story of the March sisters in a live musical adaptation filled with heart and memorable characters. Best for ages five and older.

• As you’ve probably heard, AMNH’s A Night at the Museum Sleepovers are back—and they’re a HUGE hit! The Overnight Experience lets kids (ages 6–12) and their caregivers explore the museum after hours and sleep among the exhibits. Great news and mark your calendars: for sleepovers in April, May and June, member presale tickets are released at Tuesday, February 24 at 10:30 a.m. and general ticket sale are on Tuesday, March 3 at 10:30 a.m. They sell out in minutes, so if you want to get tickets set your alarm!

• There a Young People’s Concert: Music for America (celebrating U.S. musical voices) at the New York Philharmonic on Saturday, February 14 at 2 p.m. Recommended for ages 6+.

• And how fun does this look: From February 14 through 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., there’s a MoMA Family Festival. The museum will transform into a hands-on art playground with interactive art labs, gallery activities, roving puppets, family film screenings, and creative workshops for families of all ages. Advance timed tickets are required; members get free entry. A great option if you’re in town President’s Day weekend!

• NYC Ballet Family Saturdays: On Saturday, February 21 at 11 a.m. New York City Ballet presents A Timeless Tale, an interactive one‑hour program featuring excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty with dancers and orchestra, plus engaging insights into story, choreography, and music for families (ages 5+).

• New York International Children’s Film Festival: Running February 28 through March 15, showcasing about 100 international films for kids and teens (ages 3–18) with screenings, filmmaker Q&As, and audience voting.

• With NYC feeling arctic with no end in sight, here’s what’s actually keeping us warm these days: I get endless compliments on my Kujten bandana scarves, they’re chic and made from thick cashmere that is super warm. I’ve also been living in my J.Crew cashmere socks that I can’t take off. I finally jumped on the bandwagon with these clogs, and they’ve become my go-to indoor house shoes. For pajamas or loungewear, I can’t rave enough about Negative’s Whipped collection. It’s feather-light, incredibly comfortable, and perfect as PJs or a cozy base layer. For my kids, I ordered a bunch of these Amazon mittens—easy to get on, genuinely warm, and low-stress when (inevitably) misplaced. This past skiing issue, has a ton of other warm-winter go-to’s as well.

• Last week’s Valentine’s Day issue was super popular and sharing again if you missed it! Here are some other fun Valentine’s Day day thoughts:

  • For gifting: I love this heart frame that doesn’t look like it’s from Amazon. My daughter would love this cute little heart box to store all her jewels in, or LEGO-loving kids, this is super cute too. You can’t go wrong with this BonBon Sweetheartbox for friends, teachers or a hostess. If you’re looking for a gift for yourself, I’ve been loving my subscription to Create Academy, and love these vases from KRB or this large splatter vase.

  • I cannot wait to see Wuthering Heights, which comes out next Friday (a perfect Galentine’s Date!)

  • I got targeted with this IG Reel for accordion hearts and immediately thought of my daughter—she’s going to love making these

• Here are the cozy books my kids are loving this month: The Snowy Day, (most fitting theme!), Sniffles for Bear (the Bear and Mouse book series are excellent), and A Chest Full of Words (a fantastic book we love!)

• Last chance reminder: Man Ray: When Objects Dream at The Met is on view through February 1—worth squeezing in before it closes.

• Ending soon as well—the Ruth Asawa exhibition at MoMA is on view through February 7 and is a must-see.

• Dog people, take note: the 150th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is running February 2 and February 3

• Very Young People’s Concerts at New York Philharmonic: Saturday, January 31 (12 p.m. & 3 p.m.) Introduce little ones to bold, brassy sounds and instruments in this fun, interactive concert and there’s a pre-show of activities. Recommended for kids 3-6 years.

I love Valentine’s Day. Always have. It’s become even more special now that kids are in the mix and I get to go fully over-the-top for them. Flowers, words of affirmation (my love language), chocolates, and handmade cards from my kids—what’s not to love? (Pun intended.) I adore everything about the holiday, but I save the prix-fixe, candle-lit dinners for literally any other night of the year. Below are my ideas for optimal Valentine’s Day celebrating—leaning into the romance and fun of the holiday without crossing into cliché.

Dear husbands reading this, (including my own!!), please, do not go the 1-800-Flowers route. Here are my favorite florists in the city that you cannot go wrong with: Flowers By Philip, Zeze Flowers (the best!), Eros Flowers, Alexander Florals or Élan Flowers (a solid downtown option). UrbanStems are fine too if you stay within the peonies section. If you really cannot stand gifting a floral bouquet like my husband, then go the paper floral route, I love anything from The Green Vase.

• I loved seeing Flora Yukhnovich's Four Seasons at The Frick (on exhibit through March 9) —it’s a gorgeous burst of color on these cold, dreary days. Then head to Westmoreland after for a delicious chocolate mousse.

• A morning in NoHo: I’ve been meaning to try BUDDY BUDDY—a new café from Brussels known for nut butter lattes and then check out this chic new bathing house open for early access membership, followed by lunch at Gjelina.

• Some fun date-night ideas that aren’t a traditional dinner: At the top of my list: a dinner at Wild Cherry and a show at the Cherry Lane Theatre. Or try a pizza making class at Fini (Williamsburg), or a hands-on class at Eataly (on Valentine’s Day they have a gelato making or caviar and bubbles)

• Here are the NYC restaurants at the top of my list to grab a reservation to: Chez Fifi, Borgo, Musaafer and Bristrot Ha

• For all these big date nights out, finding a great sitter can be tricky. A friend started this fantastic company that is a community-referred network of reliable babysitters (genius!). Check it out and sign up here.

• Or, if you’re looking for a cozy night in and have exhausted your go-to’s, here are our favorite Seamless deliveries that we always have in the rotation: Ikyu (for sushi), Up Thai, SuperTaste (for dumplings and bao buns), Moti Mahal (devastating news, it was a forever favorite for Indian and they just closed! Need a new Indian recommendation, please!), Ly Ly (delicious pho), and San Matteo for pizza

• Here are some super-soft matching heart PJs for your little ones to wear on the big day

• Every year, I surprise the kids with heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast, but this year may step it up to waffles. For dinner, look how fun this pasta is! I’ll decorate the table with these and some fun confetti. My daughter loves this hole puncher, so may have her help with extra confetti, too. I love these for decorations, too.

• Here are some sweet treats to have in your back pocket for desserts: one of my favorite desserts of all time, just add some raspberries, Salted Chocolate Chunk Shortbread Cookies, chocolate covered strawberries are the easiest thing to make, but this year we’re stepping it up and making chocolate covered gummy bears for friends.

• Here are some of our favorite love-related books my kids love reading over and over again: The Hug (highly recommend this one), Love You Forever (this classic, I tear up every time!), In My Heart, and Love from Madeline.

• I always love Meri Meri, and their classroom Valentine’s Day cards are next level this year: I LOVE this one or this one or this one, which one to choose for my kids?!

Here are some fun, kid-friendly happenings this week you won’t want to miss:

• Sunday Funday: On Sunday January 25 at the Metropolitan Pavilion. CMOM’s biggest family event of the season! Enjoy indoor sports, games, art making, face painting, family dance parties, multiple food stations, live performances, character appearances, and more.

• MoMath Winter Math Festival: MoMath on Fifth kicks off its Winter Math Festival this week, featuring interactive activities for kids and families—including puzzles, patterns, geometric constructions, robotics, and more. Weekend hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on select dates from Wednesday, January 21 through Thursday, February 5. Note: MoMath is currently in a temporary space while building an exciting new, larger location in Chelsea.

• Magnet Theatre’s BOUNCED: Friday, January 23 through Sunday, January 25: This high-energy, family-friendly theatrical performance at Lincoln Center’s Clark Studio Theater follows the playful dynamics of friends through movement, singing, and lots of bouncing balls. Designed for audiences ages four and older

• Open Studio at the Whitney Museum: Saturday, January 24: Families with kids of all ages are invited to the Whitney’s Open Studio on Floor 3, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Create original art inspired by works in the museum’s collection and exhibitions. Free with museum admission. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Calder’s Circus exhibit.

For adults, there are plenty of fun things happening for you too. Here are three events I’d RSVP to and grab tickets for:

• New York Philharmonic at Radio City Music Hall: January 25, 7 p.m. For the first time in history, the New York Philharmonic will take the stage at Radio City Music Hall under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel. This one-night-only performance is a rare chance to experience world-class orchestral music in an unforgettable setting.

• The Winter Show: New York’s leading art, antiques & design fair at Park Avenue Armory January 23 – February 1, with Opening Night on January 22. Features 70+ international dealers and works spanning 5,000+ years—benefiting East Side House Settlement’s programs.

• YADA Antiques Show: Running Thursday, January 22 through Sunday, January 25. Explore New York’s inaugural antiques fair for emerging dealers at the historic George F. Baker Mansion on the Upper East Side. Discover fine art and objects from rising voices in the antiques world.

• Mestiza is hosting a virtual event on Tuesday, January 20 at 7 p.m., spotlighting women in business. The conversation features the Mestiza founders, Alexandra Dillard (VP of Merchandising at Dillard’s), Jennifer Hunter (NYC-based interior designer), and Lauren Dudley Stephens (founder of Dudley Stephens). Together, they’ll share how they got their start and scaled their businesses and careers. RSVP here.

Tickets are on sale now for some standout upcoming kids’ events worth planning ahead for. I’ve shared some of these before, but they’re worth repeating:

• There are some great upcoming performances with The Rock & Roll Playhouse at Brooklyn Bowl. This weekend features the music of Queen, followed by Prince on Sunday, February 1, and The Beatles on February 8.

• The Met Family Benefit: Seeing Stars: February 5, benefiting The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

• Rug Concerts at Diller-Quaile: Saturday, February 7, 9:30–10:15 a.m. & 11–11:45 a.m. A beloved 45-minute interactive music experience for children six and under and their caregivers—featuring singing, movement, and up-close performances. It’s a family favorite and highly recommend attending! Tickets will sell out.

• Little Women: The Musical at 92NY: Running February 8–28. Experience the classic story of the March sisters in a live musical adaptation filled with heart, memorable characters, and timeless themes of family and growing up. Best for ages 8+, with multiple weekend performances. My kids love the shows at 92NY, and I highly recommend checking one out if you haven’t yet.

• Young Hearts Friends Fest: February 10 at the Museum of Ice Cream, benefiting God’s Love We Deliver.

• There’s nothing I love more than a local bookstore, and The Corner Bookstore is no exception. I’m a last-minute gifter and don’t always plan ahead, and The Corner Bookstore saves me every time. You can simply call, share the book you’d like to purchase, and they’ll same-day deliver it (to most uptown locations), beautifully wrapped and effortlessly easy. I can’t imagine a better gifting experience.

• Speaking of books, here are some my kids have been loving lately—and ones I’m enjoying reading too. My seven-year-old son loved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and now we’re onto Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, and The 13-Story Treehouse. My three-year-old son is super into the Earl & Worm series (I highly recommend it if you haven’t checked it out yet). My five-year-old daughter is loving Don’t Trust Fish (a great one!), and The Most Magnificent Thing. My daughter is also loving this gem book from Super Smalls, and I’ve been enjoying learning about all the different stones right along with her.

• My husband almost never recommends books, but he’s raving about this one. He picked it up to learn more about improving his memory, and it explores the topic in a fun, story-driven way.

• For Christmas, I gave the kids these conversation cards, and they’ve become one of our favorite dinnertime rituals. They spark thoughtful, meaningful conversations, and it’s been so special to hear their answers. Some favorite prompts so far: “Is it ever okay to tell a white lie?” and “What’s something you used to be afraid of but aren’t anymore?”

• Over the weekend, we baked these chocolate oat cookies and they were delicious (and tasted somewhat healthy)—definitely one to add to your list if you’re looking for a new cookie recipe.

Are you in town for MLK weekend and looking for things to do? Here are some fun ideas to make the most of it:

• The MoMA Mart Pop-Up just opened and it’s running through March 29 at MoMA Design Store in SoHo. This playful pop-up turns everyday food forms into design objects like lamps, clocks, candles, and décor. The immersive “faux-food” market celebrates creativity and supports the museum’s programs.

• At The New Victory Theater on Saturday, January 17, there’s a family acrobatics workshop if you’re into that.

• Musical Explorers Family at Carnegie Hall: Saturday, January 17 at 12 p.m. This family-friendly, interactive musical adventure invites children ages 4–8 to discover world music traditions through lively performance, singing, and movement.

• MLK’s Peace Parade at Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM): Running Tuesday, January 13 through Monday, January 19. Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with hands-on activities for kids, including banner-making, peaceful art, dream watercolor painting, and large-scale art installations.

• Young People’s Chorus of NYC Honors MLK: Saturday, January 17 at 4 p.m.
  Join YPC, along with special guests Broadway star Nikki Renée Daniels and baritone Lester Lynch, for a free concert at Brick Presbyterian Church celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

• Winter StoryTime at Bryant Park: Saturday, January 17, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Join Cali Co Cat for meow-sic and purr-cussion at Winter StoryTime in the Winter Village at Bryant Park. Best for ages 2–9.

• BAM is hosting a 40th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with powerful remarks by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, music, dance, a free Just Mercy screening, intergenerational choir performances, family activities, and community events. Free and open to all.

• There’s a School‑Break Family Afternoon at The Met. Painting Outside the Lines on Monday, January 19, from 1–4 p.m. Free drop‑in art session for families with kids (ages ~3–11) to explore creative, hands‑on painting activities. Materials provided; space limited, first‑come, first‑served.

If you’re looking for kids’ day camps and activities, here are some drop-off options for Monday, MLK Day:

• For younger children (ages 3–5), Art Farm Camp and Kids in Sports are two great options

• NORY: Full- and half-day camp options with STEM and coding programs for ages 3–12 on the UWS, FiDi/Tribeca, and Brooklyn

• Ace Martial Arts (my favorite taekwondo studio). And here are some other sports-focused camps: Chelsea Piers (many options, various sports), NYC Elite Gymnastics, Asphalt Green, Fast Break Sports, and Dribbl

• ColorpopWorkshop: Their 63rd Street location still has spots available (the 91st Street location is sold out), running 10  a.m.–2 p.m. for children ages 4–12.

• Chelsea also has great creative options, including Genius Gems (a favorite with my kids!), Tastes Buds Kitchen (it’s cookie-decorating themed!) and The Fashion Class (for ages 6-12).

Here are a few upcoming performances to have on your radar that may be worth grabbing tickets for:

• KPop Demon Hunters Sing-Along Screening: January 18, 6 p.m. at 92nd Street Y. Join a lively sing-along screening of KPop Demon Hunters, followed by a live conversation with songwriters EJAE and Mark Sonnenblick. Expect upbeat pop anthems, fun audience energy, and insights into how the film’s music was made.

• Ballet of Lights, Sleeping Beauty at Kaye Playhouse: This sparkling ballet blends classical dance with glow-in-the-dark costumes and stunning choreography. Great for ages five and up. Runs on select dates: Friday, January 23; Saturday, February 14; Saturday, March 7; and Saturday, May 9.

• Disney On Ice: January 15-January 19 at UBS Arena and January 29–February 1 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. A classic family favorite featuring beloved Disney characters, dazzling skating, and interactive moments on ice. Tickets are on sale now and worth booking early.

• New York Philharmonic at Radio City Music Hall: January 25, 7 p.m. For the first time in history, the New York Philharmonic will take the stage at Radio City Music Hall under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel. This one-night-only performance is a rare chance to experience world-class orchestral music in an unforgettable setting.

• Rug Concerts at Diller-Quaile: Saturday, February 7, 9:30–10:15 a.m. & 11–11:45 a.m. A beloved 45-minute interactive music experience for children six and under and their caregivers—featuring singing, movement, and up-close performances. It’s a family favorite and highly recommend attending! Tickets will sell out.

Tickets are on sale now for some standout upcoming kids’ parties worth planning ahead for. I’ve shared these before, but they’re worth repeating as I highly recommend these events:

• Sunday Funday: January 25 at the Metropolitan Pavilion benefiting the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM).

• The Met Family Benefit: Seeing Stars: February 5, benefiting The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

• Young Hearts Friends Fest: February 10 at the Museum of Ice Cream, benefiting God’s Love We Deliver.

• If you missed it, here’s last week’s skiing issue, highlighting what I’ve learned about skiing with kids in the tri-state area. It was a popular edition—thank you all for the wonderful feedback!

• Here are some free winter printouts from Lauren at Kickstart Reading.

• January always gives me big-soup energy. At the start of the year I always make a large pot of Ina Garten’s chicken stock. It takes a bit of time, and huge stockpot is needed, but it’s so worth it to have frozen stock on reserve when making soups this winter (I freeze them in these quart containers). Homemade stock makes such a difference compared to store-bought!

• And speaking of soups, here are some of my all-time favorite recipes that I keep coming back to: Green Garlic Ginger Chicken and Rice Soup from Wishbone Kitchen, Winter Minestrone, Lemony White Bean Soup With Turkey, Harira (Spiced Moroccan Vegetable), and a super easy red lentil. I made this one this weekend and it will also be a new favorite in the rotation.

I love following Kerry from @uesthings on Instagram. A fellow Upper East Sider, she’s become a go-to resource for what’s new, noteworthy, and worth visiting — from restaurant openings and hidden gems to local shops and everyday UES life. It’s the kind of account you turn to when you want to know what’s actually worth checking out in the neighborhood. Below, she shares some of her top winter picks on the UES that I can’t wait to check out myself.

• “Perfect Winter Weekend Activity: I love pairing the Museum of the City of New York with ice skating at the newly renovated Davis Center in Central Park North. The museum is stroller friendly with great seasonal exhibits plus Amy’s Bread for snacks and drinks, then you can head straight to the rink where weekday skate rentals are just $10 and it is way less crowded than Wollman or Rockefeller Center.

• Kid-Friendly Fine Dining: When I want a nicer family dinner that still feels easy, I go for San Babila for great pizza and pasta, Adria for elegant Mediterranean plates that are perfect for sharing, or Nick’s Pizzeria for classic New York pies in a fun neighborhood setting. All feel special without being stressful with kids.

• Unique Date Night Ideas: If you are bored of typical dinner dates, I love switching it up with a pasta making class at Aunt Jake’s, a ceviche making class at Mission Ceviche, or ending the night with cocktails and live piano music at Melody’s Piano Bar. All are memorable and perfect for a winter night out.”

Thanks so much for sharing your recommendations, Kerry!

Let’s be clear: I don’t ski or participate in winter sports (which feels very on-brand for someone from Hawaii). That said, my husband is passionate about skiing, my kids are avid skiers, and I’ve proudly stepped into my role as a ski mom. The learning curve was steep (pun intended), and I’m happy to share what I’ve learned so far about skiing in the tri-state area. I imagine much of what follows applies to snowboarders too—I just haven’t had to cross that bridge (yet).

• Mohawk: We’re here weekly from January through March, so this is the mountain I know best. Their ski program operates on a lottery system, with fall sign-ups for children ages five and up. You can also book one-off lessons, but they must be reserved two weeks in advance—and you need to be on top of it, as spots sell out quickly. This mountain works well for our family: the skiing is good enough, we’ve been happy with the instruction, the location is great (I’ve loved exploring Litchfield County), and it’s closer than many other options, making weekend trips manageable. It’s an easy mountain to learn on, yet older kids in the ski racing program still enjoy it and haven’t outgrown it. There’s one simple lodge and it’s nothing fancy.

  • About a 2-hour drive from NYC.

  • Where to stay: Litchfield County has some great Airbnb options. I love the town of Litchfield, Washington, New Preston, but my favorite is Kent—all within a manageable drive to Mohawk.

  • Pro tip: If you can sneak away or are craving a more luxurious stay, head to The Mayflower—its spa is one of my favorites.

• Catamount: This is the next step up from Mohawk. It’s a larger mountain with more of the amenities you’d expect from a Western-style ski resort—multiple large lodges, better food options, and live music on weekends. Catamount offers more flexible ski school options, including one-day drop-in programs. While lessons still book up quickly, it’s generally easier to secure a spot than at Mohawk. Like Mohawk, Catamount has an excellent ski program for children ages five and up, run on a lottery system released in the spring for the following winter season.

  • About a 2.5-hour drive from NYC.

  • Where to stay: Little Cat Lodge is at the mountain, so you couldn’t be closer and recently renovated. The Berkshires have a myriad of options for accommodations. Prospect Berkshires is a great option right near the mountain.

• Windham Mountain: This is the nicest of them all if you’re looking for an Aspen-like vibe. The mountain and resort recently received a major capital investment from the team behind Blackberry Farms, resulting in upgraded trails, infrastructure, restaurants, and lodging. While it operates as a private mountain and membership club (with certain lodges, bars, and accommodations reserved for members) the general public can still purchase lift tickets and book lessons on designated areas of the mountain. Like the others, it offers seasonal programs for children ages five and up, sign-ups open in March, and open to the public. For daily drop-in lessons, be sure to book early, as they fill up quickly—especially on holiday weekends.

  • About a 2.5-2.75-hour drive from NYC.

  • Where to stay: Wylder Windham is a fantastic hotel and an ideal place for families. There’s always something going on—from a basement packed with kids’ games and activities to multiple bars and restaurants—making it a truly great family-friendly hotel. Hotel Vienna is a nice back-up option.

• Hunter Mountain: Located in the Catskills, this mountain offers a bit of everything. It’s larger than many others in the region and has the most to do. While its distance makes it less convenient for a quick weekend trip, it boasts greater terrain variety and more challenging runs that appeal to experienced skiers. Similar to Windham Mountain, it has a livelier lodge atmosphere, with multiple dining options, après-ski activities, and events. Ski programs start in mid-December for children ages five and up—earlier than the other mountains that start in January.

  • About a 2.5-2.75-hour drive from NYC.

  • Where to stay: There are hotels and lodging on the mountain, but I’d still highly recommend Wylder Windham (see above).

• Butternut: This mountain is a great all-around option. It’s farther from the city, but that also means fewer crowds and more affordable pricing. It’s similar in scale to Catamount, though many find the terrain more enjoyable. It offers a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and some advanced runs. There is a multi-week program for ages six and up (older than the others). The vibe is laid-back and retro New England rather than polished like Windham or Hunter, but it’s well run and charming.

  • About a 2.75-hour drive from NYC.

  • Where to stay: You’re right in the heart of the Berkshires, so there are plenty of great Airbnb options. For hotels, Prospect Berkshires is an excellent choice, or if you’re traveling with kids and want something simple The Red Lion Inn is very old-fashioned but gets the job done.

• Mount Peter: We tried this mountain for the first time when my son was just learning to ski. It’s an entry-level mountain with just the bare essentials at the base, but its proximity to the city makes it perfect for a day trip. There are ski lessons and a smaller weekly program for kids ages six and up. On your way home, consider stopping in Tuxedo Park for lunch, where you’ll find plenty of dining options.

  • About a 1.5-hour drive from NYC.

• Thunder Ridge: Like Mount Peter, this is a small, entry-level mountain close enough to the city for a convenient day trip—perfect for little ones trying skiing for the first time. They offer a six-week ski program starting at age four, which is a standout feature since most programs begin at age five or six.

  • About a 1.75-hour drive from NYC.

If you plan to ski more than once this winter, rent your gear ahead of time rather than waiting in line at the mountain (truly, miserable with kids). I highly recommend arranging rentals in the fall, as many shops sell out by December/January. Buying skis at this age is usually not worth it, unless they can be handed down to younger siblings. We always rent skis, bindings, and boots and own everything else. Here are our favorite rental spots:

• Ski Barn in New Jersey (we always tack on a day trip to NJ with this one. You could add a visit to the American Dream Mall, which also has a ski mountain, Big Snow)

• Paragon Sports: Conveniently located in the city, there are options to rent new or used. Make a reservation ahead of time as they often can’t accommodate walk-ins.

• Sportiva: I haven’t been personally, but I’ve heard it’s an easy option on the UES.

Wow—there’s a lot of gear involved! We’ve tested and tried countless items, learned a lot the hard way, and here are the winners that have truly stood out for my kids…

• The number-one game changer for us was getting each of our kids a ski bag. It sounds simple, and I can’t believe it took us so long to do it. It keeps them organized and helps reinforce the personal responsibility we’re really trying to instill (they carry their own stuff)

• We tried about ten different variations of gloves or mittens for our kids and struck out each time until we landed on these. They’re more expensive than others but high-quality and worth it. These gloves are decent enough if you’re looking for an affordable option, but don’t have wrist straps like the Hestra ones. Whatever you do, do mittens not gloves. Gloves are miserable.

• For helmets, we’ve been really happy with the Giro brand—they’re snug, offer great coverage, and don’t shift around (and we get zero complaints about discomfort). Whatever you decide for helmets, just make sure it has a MIPS rating.

• For goggles, we also love Giro. They come in fun colors. Just do not forget the goggle cover or case, we learned the hard way on that.

• We’ve tried a lot of snow boots, and these have been the clear standouts. They’re easy to slip on, not too heavy or clunky, and tighten at the top to help keep snow out.

• For base layers I love Helly Hansen (you can tell the quality with this) and outer-layers, Helly Hansen is also excellent. I like Patagonia’s fleeces for mid-layers

• My kids love a neck gaiter and the Turtle Fur brand is our favorite. No socks brand has particularly stood out, but don’t think you can go wrong with SmartWool

• AirTags: We always leave a little AirTag in their pockets while they’re off at ski school. Who knows if it will actually do anything, but feels like the responsible thing to do.

• ….and finally, the HotHands! It’s best to stock up ahead of time, as they’re easily ten times more expensive on the mountain.

For true first-timers, here’s how my husband approached teaching our kids to ski: 1. Hire an instructor and book private lessons for the first few sessions—it’s a win-win for everyone. Trying to teach them yourself is back-breaking. 2. Keep it short at first (two hours max). Take breaks, keep it fun, and leave them wanting more. 3. Schedule lessons close together and consecutively so they can build confidence, momentum, and muscle memory. 4. Never, ever rent equipment on the mountain—do it ahead of time. 5. Hot chocolate bribes often work wonders

And here are the stand-out items my husband and I especially love for ski weekends:

• I’m a big winter bath gal and love a soak at the end of the day. These are the best bath salts. And if you really want to feel transported to the chicest lodge in the Alps, this bath oil is a must—it smells incredible and was one of the best gifts I gave my husband last Christmas.

• Dry skin gets real, and my forever favorite moisturizer is CeraVe—it beats all the fancy stuff. I stock up on tubs of it every winter for me and the kids. This is hands down the best lip gloss I’ve ever used; I’ve never found anything more effective for chapped lips.

• My husband can’t live without his TheraGun at the end of a big ski day.

• For snow boots these are excellent. And while not technically snow shoes, I love these On hiking boots that are waterproof, warm and I wear all the time in the snow and cold winter walks. For socks, I can’t live without these cashmere socks from J.Crew

That’s all I have for now, folks! I always love hearing from you—so feel free to reply directly to this email or leave a comment below. I’d love to know where you ski, products you love, and any tips you have for skiing with kids.

If you could take a moment to complete this anonymous survey (it’s only four questions and will take less than a minute) there’s an optional space to include your email—if you do, I’ll randomly select one respondent to receive a fun surprise gift as a thank-you at the end of this week. Thank you!

Here are some fun things coming up in the next couple of weeks that I’m excited to check out.

• Carnegie Hall Family Concert: On Saturday, January 17 at 3 p.m., Carnegie Hall presents Musical Explorers, an interactive family concert ideal for kids ages 4–8. There will be lively music from around the world and engaging performances designed to spark curiosity and joy. Tickets are limited and selling out.

• Bryant Park’s Bumper Cars on Ice is returning January 9 through February 28 at the Winter Village rink. Riders ages 7 and older can bump, slide, and spin in 10-minute sessions; reservations recommended. It’s a fun winter activity alongside holiday shops and skating at Bryant Park.

• Neue Galerie’s Erich Heckel exhibition is closing on January 12. I highly recommend a visit to Café Sabarsky after—the perfect winter spot for a hot chocolate and a dessert.

There are some fantastic parties happening this month and next, with tickets on sale now—worth planning ahead for. I’d recommend grabbing tickets early to:

• Sunday Funday: January 25 at the Metropolitan Pavilion. A fun-filled, family fundraiser benefiting the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM), with games, sports, face painting, dance parties, and food—all supporting CMOM’s exhibits, learning programs, and outreach for NYC children.

• The Met Family Benefit: Seeing Stars will be held on February 5. A special family fundraising event at The Metropolitan Museum of Art combining art-filled exploration and fun.

• Young Hearts Friends Fest: February 10 at the Museum of Ice Cream. A sweet, family-friendly afternoon hosted by Nicky Hilton and friends, benefiting God’s Love We Deliver. The event brings kids and parents together to celebrate community, learn about giving back, and support meals for New Yorkers living with serious illness. Use promocode LINDAGREENBERG for a discount on individual tickets, courtesy of a friend involved with the organization.

Looking back on 2025, here are my favorite things of the year that I’d highly recommend. All in the spirit of less is more mindset…

• Bridges and Le Veau d’Or were my favorite restaurants of the year.

• The most complimented items this year have been my Kujten cashmere bandana scarf (shop in person at 69th and Madison) and my Dorsey tennis necklace

• My favorite non-fiction reads were: Good Energy, The Tell, The Let Them Theory, Abundance, Supercommunicators, all the Gil Schafer books (the best coffee table books!)

• My favorite fiction reads: The Secret History, The Marriage Portrait and Bel Canto (none new in 2025, but new to me)

• Kids’ products that made the biggest difference this year: Tangle Teezer hair brush (a gem for my daughter’s hair), these reading lights, a subscription to Highlights (stood the test of time), the most magical stain remover that I’ve repeat-purchased so many times. I loved these zippered pouches (great for toy pieces and all the random stuff) and our entry-way closet was getting out of control and got a sports equipment rack, which has been game-changing.

• Here are my ride-or-die beauty products I continue to purchase over and over again, year after year:

  • Skin: A face oil cleanser, this retinol, a Foaming Glycolic Face Wash, CeraVe face cream (I choose it over any of the fancy creams), Supergoop Glowscreen that makes my skin dewy with sun protection

  • Hair: The goop scalp scrub, I love this conditioner, and Roz hair serum which smells incredible

  • Other: Magnesium citrate (for a great night’s sleep), mouth tape, and the best lip gloss (nothing else works for me but this one)

Rebecca Gardner is the visionary behind Houses & Parties, transforming everyday moments—and the most memorable occasions—into celebrations of style. With her signature blend of beauty, wit, and joy, she creates spaces and experiences that feel effortlessly enchanting and truly unforgettable. I absolutely LOVE her new book A Screaming Blast, it’s the perfect coffee table book full of inspiration. Here, she shares her favorite things from 2025 with us…

“I loved so many things about 2025. Here’s a start:

• Releasing my first book, A Screaming Blast, and traveling around the country on a tenacious tour. It was wonderful to meet so many lovely Houses & Parties customers, and joy makers.

• Reading Heart the Lover. I cried and cried and cried - and then had the best sleep in years.

• The John Singer Sargent exhibition at The Met blew me away. I went three times.

• I discovered the incredible resource rooms at The New York Public Library and spent days there looking at old magazines, shop window displays, wallpaper samples and costume design. Heaven.

• Demi Moore in Landman made me wish I could wear a pantsuit. I block entire weekends to catch up each season.

• Simone Rocha’s fall collection with lots of pink satin ribbons.

• Houses & Parties Ostentatious Sticker Jewelry proved to be useful for every occasion.

• Oh, and, of course, The Wizard of Oz at The Sphere. Glenda the Good Witch is my fashion inspiration.”

Thank you, Rebecca!

If you could take a moment to complete this anonymous survey (it’s only four questions and will take less than a minute) there’s an optional space to include your email—if you do, I’ll randomly select one respondent to receive a fun surprise gift as a thank-you at the end of this week.

I’m taking the week off, but before I do, I have two holiday wishes:

1. This newsletter has grown organically through word of mouth, and I’m incredibly grateful. I plan to keep writing and growing it—and I’d love your help. If you’ve enjoyed reading, I’d be so thankful if you could please share About & Out in three simple ways:

   1. Forward any past About & Out emails to your NYC friends or community. Below is a short sample script if you’d like something easy to copy and paste.

   2. Text your NYC friends and parent group chats using this link. (The more the merrier!)

   3. Share via Instagram Stories. A screenshot of the newsletter and tag @aboutandoutdotcom would be incredibly helpful.

I recently discovered this free newsletter with weekly happenings and family-friendly things to do around NYC. I’ve really been enjoying it and thought you might too—here’s the link to check it out.

2. Your feedback is always helpful, and I want to make sure the content I share is truly useful. If you could take a moment to complete this anonymous survey and share your thoughts on the newsletter, I’d appreciate it. (it’s only four questions and will take less than a minute) There’s an optional space to include your email—if you do, I’ll randomly select one respondent to receive a fun surprise gift as a thank-you.

Thank you, and happy holidays! Wishing you a wonderful New Year. Coming up next week: a 2025 recap of my favorite things, followed by a tri-state area ski guide. You can also read all past newsletters here.

There are a LOT of holiday happenings that are ongoing—check out my NYC 2025 Holiday Guide for a comprehensive list. And also, here is my gift guide, if you missed it!

Winter break can feel long. If you’re staying in NYC, here are some activity ideas and day camps to help keep your kids happily busy for the next couple of weeks:

• There are several sports-focused camps to consider, including Fast Break Sports, Dribbl, Chelsea Piers, and Asphalt Green

• NORY: Full- and half-day camp options with STEM and coding programs for ages 3–12.

• ColorPop: School-holiday camps available by the day (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) for ages 4–12, plus Open Studio times on weekends. The Craft Studio offers similar programs.

• Chelsea also has great creative options, including Genius Gems (a favorite with my kids!), Tastes Buds Kitchen, and The Fashion Class.

• The Met—School-Break Family Afternoon, Art Adventures in Egypt: December 29–30 at 1 p.m. Hands-on workshops for families with children ages 3–11, exploring Egyptian art and making crafts. Free with museum admission; materials provided. Space is limited.

• For younger children (ages 3–5), top picks include Art Farm Camp and Kids in Sports.

• Funky Funky Christmas at Brooklyn Bowl: Sunday, December 21 at 12 p.m. at Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg. A festive, family-friendly holiday concert presented by Rock and Roll Playhouse—an energetic, fun way to celebrate the season with kids.

• My kids love the performances at the 92NY. Disney’s The Little Mermaid runs through December 20, with multiple showtimes. It’s a vibrant, family-friendly musical retelling of Ariel’s underwater adventure, filled with singing, dancing, and plenty of magic.

• The Little Orchestra Society presents “Hansel & Gretel!”: Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21 at 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. at Kaye Playhouse (Hunter College). A pleasant, family-friendly staging of the classic tale—an easy, enjoyable option if you’re looking to fill a free afternoon.

There are some fabulous parties coming up in 2026, with tickets on sale now—worth planning ahead for. I’d recommend grabbing tickets early to:

• Sunday Funday: January 25 at the Metropolitan Pavilion. A fun-filled, family fundraiser benefiting the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM), with games, sports, face painting, dance parties, and food—all supporting CMOM’s exhibits, learning programs, and outreach for NYC children.

• The Met Family Benefit: Seeing Stars will be held on February 5. A special family fundraising event at The Metropolitan Museum of Art combining art-filled exploration and fun.

• Young Hearts Friends Fest: February 10 at the Museum of Ice Cream. A sweet, family-friendly afternoon hosted by Nicky Hilton and friends, benefiting God’s Love We Deliver. The event brings kids and parents together to celebrate community, learn about giving back, and support meals for New Yorkers living with serious illness. Use promocode LINDAGREENBERG for a discount on individual tickets, courtesy of a friend involved with the organization.

• We were so behind on getting our Christmas tree (no surprise). I wanted an easy delivery early in the week and found NYCTrees online. I am so pleased with the tree they delivered—it’s by far the nicest, freshest, and most fragrant tree I’ve had in NYC. If you’re last-minute like us and still need a tree, I’d highly recommend them (definitely bookmark for next year!). This is not sponsored, but I did reach out to share my praise, and they kindly offered promocode about&out for 15% off any order.

• Here are some of my favorite NYC-themed books—perfect for reading to my kids or as a gift for out-of-towners (thinking of my godson in London!): New York, Baby! (A must for any NYC child. We’ve read it so many times I had to buy a second copy, and I can proudly recite the whole book from memory.), Mr. Boddington’s Studio: NYC ABCs, This Is New York, Little Kid, Big City!: New York, and No Jumping on the Bed! (apartment living gets real in this book, also my favorite as a child)

• My favorite spot to take the kids to see Christmas lights is 73rd Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue—a charming residential block. My favorite decorated townhouse is on 76th Street between 5th and Madison, which I featured in my IG post here.

• I got these ornaments for the kids to decorate, and it’s been a fun craft to keep them busy—plus, they add a thoughtful touch to a card. We’re giving them to teachers, doormen, and friends! (We replaced with a velvet red ribbon, used gem stickers and alphabet stickers to spell out each recipient’s name.)

• This weekend we baked these chewy sugar cookies, and they’ve instantly become my favorite recipe—they’re just as easy as they are delicious. I also made chewy gingerbread cookies, which I highly recommend as well; they pair nicely together for gifting.

If you missed it, here’s a NYC 2025 Holiday Guide for a comprehensive list of all December happenings. And also, check out my gift guide!

There are so many holiday happenings—check out my NYC 2025 Holiday Guide for the full list. And if you missed it, here’s my gift guide from last week’s newsletter! it!

• The Met Member Holiday Party: On Friday, December 12, from 6–8:30 p.m., join fellow members for a festive after-hours celebration at the museum, featuring seasonal music, holiday treats, and special gallery access. Members only; tickets are limited.

• This past weekend we saw ’Twas the Night Before by Cirque du Soleil, and my kids loved it, I’d recommend checking it out. Here are some other holiday outings we’re planning for this weekend: skating at the Davis Center (less chaotic than Wollman!) and the train show at NYBG (my boys’ favorite). We’ll also be decorating gingerbread houses (Instacart delivery from Costco for the win!), and if I have the energy, I’m hoping to make some dehydrated oranges for decorating.

• The Magic Flute + Holiday Open House at The Met: On Sunday, December 14, enjoy a family-friendly (abridged!) production of The Magic Flute at 2 p.m. Arrive early for the Holiday Open House from 12–2 p.m., featuring hands-on musical activities, behind-the-scenes demonstrations, and festive fun for all ages. (Note: the website says it’s sold out, but as of this writing, I’m still seeing tickets available.)

• Merry Mayhem at New Victory Theater: Running through December 28, this riotous holiday circus from Australia’s Circus Oz is packed with acrobatics, live rock music, comedy, and wild stunts — perfect for ages 5 and up. A loud, joyful, slightly chaotic way to celebrate the season with kids and family.

• The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long at 92NY: On Sunday, December 14, at 2:30 p.m., join fellow fans at 92NY for a sing-along screening of the 1965 classic movie musical. The film will be shown in beautiful Technicolor, with on-screen lyrics so everyone can sing “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss,” and more. Costumes are encouraged — truly, this event sounds like it was made for me.

• Eataly Caffè (78th and Lexington Aves) opens on Wednesday, December 10, at 3 p.m. and will be offering complimentary hot chocolate to first-time guests through December 14.

• Randy’s Donuts, the iconic L.A. donut shop, opened this morning at the corner of Bleecker and MacDougal in Greenwich Village.

• Have you heard that Babbo has officially reopened? I’m excited for this comeback. Also, Meadow Lane is now open in Tribeca and it looks great, if you’re brave enough to face the around-the-block lines

• Favorite Daughter is now open on Madison Ave (love their pants). More UES openings to come: The Formula x Meredith (my favorite workout!) is opening their own studio (currently they’re running classes out of Ballet Academy East). Doen on Madison will also be opening soon too.

• ColorPop just announced its afterschool classes, and Spring registration is now live. And 92NY’s Winter/Spring afterschool programming is also open for signups, with classes beginning on January 26.

• Here are some of our favorite holiday books we enjoy throughout December: The Jolly Christmas Postman (my favorite when I was their age!), ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (Mr. Boddington’s Studio edition), The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker, The Polar Express and The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving, Santa Mouse (current favorite!), and Claris: Christmas Carousel Holiday Heist

• I loved the list Julia shared of great places to shop for holiday decorations. A friend introduced me to Red Cap Cards for gorgeous wrapping paper, and I also adore anything from Caspari. If you’re looking for holiday items in NYC, check out More & More on the UWS (great ornaments), John Derian in the East Village, or E.A.T. Gifts on the UES.

• I’m a proud (almost daily) hot chocolate enthusiast! Here are my favorite spots on the UES for an excellent cup: Birley Bakery (my top pick for take-away), Angelina Paris (perfect for a daughter date), Ladurée, Café Sabarsky (the ultimate!), Glace, Ralph’s Coffee (if you can face the lines/influencers!) and The Mark Hotel’s little cart outside, which serves a delicious cup complete with a branded marshmallow. If you prefer homemade, I loved this recipe from Meredith Hayden.

There are so many holiday happenings—check out my NYC 2025 Holiday Guide for the full list. And if you missed it, here’s my gift guide from last week’s newsletter! it!

If you missed it, here’s a NYC 2025 Holiday Guide for a comprehensive list of all December happenings.

• How incredible does this sound (if you’re brave enough to face the crowds): NYC’s first-ever double-decker Christmas Carousel is now open daily through January 6 in Greeley Square (33rd & Broadway), from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Tickets are $7 per ride, and the top deck offers 360° views of Midtown’s holiday lights and Macy’s Holiday Square.

• LEGOLAND® New York Resort “Holiday Bricktacular”runs through January, transforming the park into a festive wonderland with dazzling light tunnels, a 35-ft LEGO® tree, holiday shows, ice-style skating on a “Glice” rink, an elf driving school, and plenty of seasonal treats. I haven’t been yet—it’s a bit of a drive, but all the festivities make it feel like the perfect time to go.

• Family Day at MoMA: On Saturday, December 6, from 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m., kids ages 3–10 can explore Ruth Asawa’s art through movement, readings, wire-sculpture making, paper-folding, and more.

• Peter & the Wolf at the Guggenheim: Running December 5–14, this production features narration and direction by Isaac Mizrahi, choreography by John Heginbotham, and live music by Ensemble Connect. A charming, family-friendly holiday performance that blends storytelling, dance, and Prokofiev’s classic score. And also this Saturday, December at 9:30 a.m. is a scheduled stroller tour of the Rashid Johnson exhibit.

• Stissing House’s Craft Feast is on next weekend, December 13 and 14, featuring more than 50 makers offering pottery, textiles, furniture, jewelry, and more. I’ve been dying to eat there forever (reservations are impossible!), and this event sounds magical. It’s no surprise it’s fully booked, but definitely worth keeping an eye out for openings.

• Holiday on Madison is back through December 20 at 804 Madison Ave (at 68th Street). Open daily, it features a curated mix of artisanal designers, fashion, home décor, and unique gifts—a polished, boutique-style holiday shopping experience on the UES.

• Home Alone in Concert with New York Philharmonic: December 17–20 and 18–20 at Lincoln Center. The classic film plays on a giant screen while the Philharmonic performs John Williams’ iconic score live, joined by the Brooklyn Youth Chorus.

• Nut/Cracked: A playful twist on the classic Nutcracker returns to 92NY, with performances on December 13 at 2 p.m. and December 16 at 6:30 p.m. There will be jazz, tap, ballet, disco—and plenty of humor. After the show, stay for a festive, family-friendly after-party hosted by Craft Studio.

• Sutton Foster returns to Café Carlyle for an intimate residency through December 6. Expect cabaret-style glamour, classic charm, and her unmistakable Broadway-caliber vocals in one of NYC’s most storied supper-club settings. Only a few tickets remain—so act quickly if you want to catch this.

• If you love Ina Garten as much as I do, you’ll want to grab tickets for this. On January 27, Jennifer Wallace joins Ina Garten at 92NY for a warm, insight-filled conversation about Wallace’s new book Mattering and how to cultivate deeper connection and purpose. Tickets are selling quickly—don’t wait.

I know we’re all overloaded with gift guides, but I wanted to share my personal ongoing list anyway—it’s been keeping me organized, and I hope it sparks a few ideas for you too. My goal is to simplify, not overwhelm, and, if anything, I hope it lightens the mental load.

• For all kids (any age): Maybe I’m biased, but I think these super-soft, personalized PJs with gift wrapping are the BEST gifts. :) I’m upgrading my kids to these electric toothbrushes, refreshing their water bottles (I think these are the best out there), and I highly recommend upgrading their tableware to this brand—it’s been one of my best purchases of 2025! This year, I’m also refreshing their towels.

• For my three-year-old son: He loves Magna-tiles, so adding this to his set, or maybe this space one, and this little set as a stocking-stuffer. But THIS is very high on my list for him (Magna-tiles IRL—he’d flip!!). A mess-free arts-and-crafts project that will capture his attention, and an additional book to his favorite series. Oh, and this letter board which his teachers say he can’t get enough of at school. And more painters tape, always.

• For my five-year-old daughter: Anything from Super Smalls, this personalized necklace, Liberty headbands, a marbling art kit, a Gabby’s Dollhouse Polly Pocket, NYC nail art stickers, and any and all accessories for her American Girl doll.

• My seven-year-old son: Adding more Dog Man books to our collection. I’ll likely regret this voice recorder, but this was a huge hit last year, always adding more Yoto cards. This magnetic marble run, or maybe a Gecko Run, a Lego ski set which combines two of his favorite things. A money game, Outfoxed game and Spoon’s game to add to our family game nights, and a cookbook for my budding chef.

• For my husband or the fathers: A Function Health test (highlyyy recommend as a gift to yourself, too!), Vuori loungewear, leather desk accessories, the best digital frame that all in-laws LOVE, new running headphones, and a favorite half-zip sweater in new colors, a book that sounds promising, and a wireless charging station.

• For my step-mom, MIL or any and all mothers: I heard these are the best natural and eco-friendly cleaning products that also look pretty, or you can’t go wrong with anything Flamingo Estate. Maybe a box of divine chocolates, or tea that’s personalized, a cozy cashmere wrap, or my favorite hand cream. Or, this digital frame.

• For the teachers: I always think a gift card is a crowd pleaser and appreciated in this situation. A teacher-friend told me she loves a card with a sincere note and a personal quote from your child like “what do you love about (teacher’s name)?”. Some other ideas are to get a personalized tote and fill it with some thoughtful things like a cozy blanket, delicious tea with a thermal mug, a fancy trinket tray for her desk, or a thermos that definitely lives up to the hype.

….any other gifts I’m forgetting that I should be adding to my list? Feel free to respond directly to this email, I’d love to hear your ideas!

• Macy’s Day Parade Balloon Inflation: Wednesday, November 26. Lines can start as early as 12–1 p.m., when crowds are typically lightest. For the full “wow” experience and more fully inflated balloons, arrive later in the afternoon, around 4 p.m. Inflation ends at 6 p.m., and all visitors must be through security by then. Enter at 72nd & Columbus and follow the designated viewing path around the Museum of Natural History. Expect heavy crowds and full security screening, so pack light, dress warmly, bring snacks, and avoid strollers. The loop takes about 45 minutes, and the easiest exits are 82nd–86th Streets.

• Macy’s Day Parade: The best viewing spots are Central Park West (60th–70th Streets) for wide balloon views, Central Park South for slightly lighter crowds, and 6th Avenue (40s–50s) for roomy streets and great sight lines. Avoid Herald Square and Columbus Circle. Arrive by 6 a.m. (prime areas fill by 7 a.m.) and dress much warmer than you think. Parade starts at 8:30 a.m. Bring snacks, warm drinks, HotHands, some entertainment and a comfy seat. Avoid large bags and strollers. Here’s a detailed map of the route.

• Zootopia 2 hits theaters on November 26—I’m planning to take my kids for a weekend outing. For adults, Hamnet is also releasing over Thanksgiving weekend. I LOVED the book—it’s a haunting, beautifully written read—and highly recommend it before you see the movie.

• Central Park Running is hosting a free Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 27 at 8 a.m., starting at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park—a four-mile run.

  Also, the Queens Turkey Trot takes place on Saturday, November 29 in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. Participants can choose a 5K or Half Marathon, with proceeds supporting the Rolling Thunder special-needs running club.

• If you’re looking to volunteer over the weekend, I love supporting God’s Love We Deliver—there are still a few spots available. Another great option is the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen.

One of my favorite follows on Instagram is Annie Meyers-Shyer of This Oak House. Annie has an impeccable eye and an extraordinary attention to detail. Following along feels like watching a masterclass in decorating, accessorizing, and hosting. Her content is inspirational, intentional, and beautifully considered. Below, Annie shares her top Thanksgiving hosting tips with us, all filtered through her signature, meticulous, and effortlessly elegant style.

“I love the holidays, and Thanksgiving always feels like the true beginning of the season. The day after, we put up our tree and make hot turkey sandwiches with all the leftovers, which has become one of my favorite little traditions. This year I am hosting for the first time in This Oak House. It is only ten of us, but I could not be more excited. Here are my top tips for hosting.”

• “Temper your expectations: Hosting Thanksgiving truly takes a full week of preparation, from shopping and cooking to cleaning and setting the table. Give yourself permission to plan ahead and accept that it is a lot of work, even when it looks effortless.”

• “Calibrate your oven: Before you cook anything, have your oven calibrated. Most oven repair or appliance service companies can do this quickly, and accurate temperatures make all the difference for roasting and baking.”

• “Outsource generously: People want to bring things, so let them. Assign desserts, sides, or appetizers, and focus your energy on the main event. Thanksgiving is about community, not perfection.”

• “Keep it simple: You do not need to reinvent the wheel. The recipe on the back of the Ocean Spray cranberry bag is simple, classic, and delicious. There is no need to overcomplicate things. Make sure you are not testing a recipe for the first time on the big day.”

• “Do an early pantry audit: A week before, check your basics. Make sure you have enough salt, olive oil, spices, foil, and parchment paper. These little items always run out at the wrong time.”

• “Plan your table early: Set the table, or at least lay everything out, the night before. Having plates, napkins, serving pieces, and glassware ready removes stress the day of.”

• “Make a prep schedule: Have ChatGPT help build a schedule and marketing list for you. It will write out everything you plan to cook and when each step will happen. Include thawing times, prep, resting times, and oven space. A written schedule keeps you sane.”

• “Use your slow cooker or warming drawer: These are lifesavers for keeping sides warm while the turkey finishes or rests. You can keep mashed potatoes or stuffing perfectly hot without drying out.”

• “Do not skip breakfast: Eat something early, even if it is small. You will feel calmer and more steady before the long day of cooking and hosting begins.”

• “Create a cozy atmosphere: Light candles, put on music, and keep drinks accessible. A warm and inviting space makes guests feel at ease and helps you enjoy the day too.”

• “Have takeout containers ready: Stock up on simple to go containers so you can send everyone home with leftovers. It keeps your fridge clear and makes your guests so happy.”

• “Remember the goal: The best gatherings are about connection, not perfect timing or flawless dishes. If something burns or the turkey needs extra time, it is still Thanksgiving.”

Thank you for sharing your recommendations, Annie!

• If you missed it, last week’s newsletter featured some of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes. Also, here’s the NYC Holiday Newsletter—a great reference to start thinking about all things holiday!

• I also loved this newsletter from Caroline on her Thanksgiving gameplan

• If you’re very behind on Thanksgiving prep and want to order in, I’d recommend Bubby’s or Frenchette. They both have Thanksgiving take-out packages.

• Is it just me, or have advent calendar options gotten really great over the past few years? Is it excessive to get one for each child? Yes—but I might do it anyway. We had this one last year, and by the end of December, we were pretty full of jam and toast… but it was still so fun to try all the flavors!

  • I got this one for my five-year-old daughter, who loves American Girl, this one for my three-year-old, and this one for my science-loving seven-year-old son.

  • For me!? Thank you for asking—I love Dandelion Chocolates, so this one is high on my list or this one is very chic too, or who can say no to 12-days of Cheese from Murray’s?!

• Here are some cute Thanksgiving books for my kids that I love—we’ll be reading them over the weekend: Balloons Over Broadway, Bear Says Thanks, The Crayons Give Thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving, Biscuit!

• Here’s a free Thanksgiving printable, from Lauren at Kickstart Reading

• On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, we always order pizza and have a game night with the kids—it’s a blast! Here are our favorite games that our family highly recommends: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, Rummikub, Blokus, Trouble (Bluey Edition!). We also always have a puzzle going, and I’m loving this Frank Lloyd Wright one, or this one.

• Sotheby’s has officially relocated their global headquarters to the iconic Breuer Building on Madison. It’s is free and open to the public, and a must-visit to see some great art. I’m also excited for Roman & Williams’ Marcel restaurant and La Mercerie Patisserie, expected to open in the space the Spring 2026 — what a fabulous addition to the Upper East Side.

• In other exciting opening news, ABC Carpet & Home just opened in the old Sherry-Lehmann space (on 59th and Park) and Westville opened a new location on (1st and 73rd)

• For all the dinosaur loving children, a new exhibit just opened at the American Museum of Natural History: Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs. Experience the Cretaceous era, witness the asteroid strike that ended the dinosaurs, and explore how it shaped the evolution of life—a thrilling, family-friendly adventure. And while you’re there, I always love to peek into this exhibit at AMNH, too.

• There are a lot of holiday experiences featured in my 2025 NYC Holiday Guide that just opened or are opening this week: the NYBG train show, Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo, Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. I’d highly recommend grabbing tickets all of them! Also, the Domino Park Ice Rink is now open and looks like the best one for a scenic skate!

• Downtown friends, Madison Fare just opened their second location in Greenwich Village, and it’s absolutely worth a visit for their delicious froyo!

• Here are a handful of new restaurants high on my list that I’m excited to try this winter: Musaafer (gorgeous Indian in Tribeca), The Eighty Six (Corner Store team), Seahorse (Union Square, Lure Fishbar team), and Wild Cherry (from Le Veau d’Or and Le Rock team). Now wish me luck getting a reservation!

• New York Philharmonic’s family‑friendly Young People’s Concert: Takes place on Saturday, November 22 at 2 p.m. Designed for children ages six and up, the program features an engaging, interactive performance of selections from Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2, plus pre-concert activities at 1 p.m., including instrument exploration and crafts.

• Broadway Under the Stars at The Shops at Columbus Circle: Thursday, November 20 at 5 p.m., there will be live performances from MAMMA MIA! and more. It feels like the perfect, low-stakes way to introduce the kids to Broadway—fun, free, and easy to pop into. Plus, the holiday decorations and lights there right now are fantastic.

• The Intrepid does sleepovers! On Saturday, November 22, board the legendary aircraft carrier for Operation Slumber — a full-night adventure that begins at 6 p.m. and wraps up the next morning. There will be flashlight tours, simulator rides, dinner, breakfast, and more. For children 5 and up… how fun!

• Mario the Maker Magician 2.0 at New Victory Theater: Runs from November 15 through November 30. It’s a wild, family-friendly magic show perfect for ages 4+, blending DIY gadgets with lots of audience participation. This looks like such a fun show—my kids would love it!

I’m excited for Thanksgiving next week and already have my meal-prep planning hat on. Here are some tried-and-true recipes that are always on repeat in our home, along with a few ideas I’m hoping to try over the festive weekend:

• Greens: For something fresh, I love this refreshing winter salad from WSJ or this goop kale salad. To top it, I’ll roast some Delicata squash (and maybe add some chopped bacon and walnuts)

• Stuffing: While not exactly traditional stuffing, no recipe will compare to this one from Ina Garten. Here’s a runner up recipe that’s also delicious.

• Potatoes: In addition to the traditional mashed, I want to get fancy this year with a gratin. I’m debating between this one or this one, if I’m feeling ambitious. But also, how delicious do these look?

• This gravy recipe is simply a great one. I love the refreshing simplicity of this cranberry sauce

• Turkey: I don’t have one go-to recipe—I tend to pull from a few sources—but the MUST have is this meat thermometer. It has completely changed the way I cook any and all meats and poultry, and I cannot recommend it enough. (Yes, I was once the person who served a raw turkey at Thanksgiving… never again!)

• My seven-year-old son wants to contribute a dish this year (bless him!), so I’m thinking of putting him in charge of an elevated mac-and-cheese recipe for the kids.

• Pie: NYC bakeries make pies far better than I could ever bake, so we always order ours. Consider this your friendly reminder to pre-order your pies now! Notable picks include: Union Square Cafe, Breads Bakery, Frenchette Bakery, Bubby’s and Orwashers. But, here is how I do contribute to dessert: a massive bowl of freshly whipped cream which is as easy as it is delicious. (just use this!)

• Here’s how I’d like to tablescape this year: this tablecloth, a few marbled table lamps, simple (white) placecards, mustard candles, and these placemats and napkins, and throw some bright and pale pink florals in the mix—voilà!

• For the kids table, I’ll be decorating with these and adding these surprise balls. I also love these napkins and cups. Hopefully the craft project will be a hit—it looks cute! And of course, no party is complete without a little bubbly for kids’ table.

• I always find it’s helpful to have some other premade food ready for the long weekend, so I’ll be prepping these pumpkin muffins (perfect for Thanksgiving morning breakfast), a pumpkin and chickpea curry, and a cozy bowl of lentil soup.

• If you’re looking for a hostess gift to bring, here are some ideas: boxed chocolates from Birley bakery, a fancy puzzle for the weekend, a delicious non-alcoholic apéritif, or anything from Flamingo Estate.

• I had the best time chatting with Mestiza and am thrilled to be featured on their blog sharing my top NYC holiday picks. They have the best holiday outfits — love this, this and this.

• Do you scramble to get holiday cards together too? Consider this your reminder to start if you haven’t yet. A few brands I think always deliver beautiful cards: Dogwood Hill, The Printery / Oyster Bay, Blacker & Kooby (on 92nd and Lexington if you want something in-person), Artifact Uprising, and Crane