The 5 Best Cold Weather Activities For Kids & Families In N.Y., N.J., Conn.
While many of us love the crisp, cold air of winter and all the outdoor activities that come along with it, some may find it difficult to keep the children entertained indoors. Here's our favorite cold weather activities for kids in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. By Holly Rosen Fink.
The Maritime Aquarium At Norwalk
10 North Water Street
Norwalk, CT 06854-2228
(203) 852-0700
maritimeaquarium.org
You and your kids will want to spend hours at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk. Their exhibits and educational programs help expand a child's world by engaging them in fun, playful exploration. With four main galleries, a toddlers-only gallery and over 100 hands-on activities,there is plenty to explore and discover. They also offer an IMAX movie, public cruises, seal feedings and more.
Paint Your Art Out
2005 Palmer Avenue
Larchmont, NY 10538
(914) 833-2321
paintyourartout.com
Let your children release their artistic spirit at this small pottery studio in southern Westchester. The shop offers ceramics classes, workshops and parties for both children and adults. Children can exercise their creativity and then watch as their project goes to the kiln. Call for store hours as they vary per season and close for parties.
Young Chef's Academy
712 Ginesi Street
Morganville, NJ 07751
(732) 536-777
youngchefsacademy.com
Between Halloween and Christmas, children ages 5 and up can come to the Young Chef's Academy to decorate gingerbread houses. Children ages 5 and up are invited to decorate pre-assembled gingerbread houses with candies galore. Best of all, they can taste everything as they create. Registration is $35 for the frist person; $25 for each additional person.
Long Island Children's Museum
11 Davis Avenue
Garden City, NY 11530
(516) 224-5800
licm.org
Housed in a former airplane hangar, the Long Island Children's Museum is a great destination for children and their grown-ups on a cold, wintery day. With 44,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space (12 galleries, a sensory garden and 2 art exhibit spaces) and a state of the art theater, families have ample opportunities to play and learn together in a nurturing environment. Check the website for special events throughout the winter season.
Puppetworks, Inc.
338 Sixth Avenue (at 44th Street)
Park Slope, Brooklyn 11215
(718) 965-3391
puppetworks.org
Puppetworks was founded to preserve and present classic puppet theater entertainment, with special emphasis on the hand-carved wooden marionette. Its plays are as faithful as possible, in language and situations, to source material, primarily children's literature and international folk and fairy tales. Now playing through December 18th, 2011, they have The Reluctant Dragon. Right after that, during the Christmas period, they will be showing The Steadfast Tin Soldier & Nutcracker Sweets. Your children will be dazzled and delighted by the artistry and creativity that oozes behind the curtains.
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Holly Rosen Fink is the founder and managing editor of The Culture Mom.
