When the mountains are calling, a ski vacation in the Catskills is always the answer. Nestled amidst the breathtaking peaks of the Catskill Mountains lies Hunter; a winter wonderland that has beckoned adventurers and skiing enthusiasts alike for generations. The charming, amenity- and activity-filled town of Hunter, plus the cozy Bluebird Hunter Lodge nearby provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable group ski trip and some new memories this winter.

I grew up in a ski family, and have many fond memories of vacations just like this one. I have countless anecdotes of days spent learning how to turn my skis and carve through snowy slopes, followed by evenings spent nestled among loved ones who shared their own tales. Over the years, these memories have faded slightly, but what has remained is a feeling of “cozy” accompanied by a healthy dose of laughter and warmth.

Bluebird Hunter Lodge provided the perfect setting to rekindle some of those fading memories and recreate them with my family and friends. Enjoy a sneak peek at this lovely Catskills hotel, where we enjoyed apres ski spreads of cocoa and cookies, hung out around the fire, and spent our nights playing Pictionary in our pajamas, and find more local destinations in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Winter in Lake George, NY transforms this picturesque destination into a snowy wonderland, offering a ton of family fun. And this season, Lake George, NY is getting even better as it debuts two new winter immersive experiences: Winter’s Dream and Winter Realms. Both are located in Lake George Village and offer families a way to bring a little light into the darkest months of the year.

So grab your snow pants, put on those mittens, and check out this list of the best things to do in Lake George, NY with kids during the frosty season, including some family-friendly Lake George hotels. See our Guide to Visiting the Adirondacks & Catskills for even more family fun in this beautiful part of the country, including our list of 40 things to do in the Adirondack Mountains with kids.

North Adams, MA, a hub of arts and culture in the Berkshires, is home to one of the largest centers for visual and performing arts in the US—the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA). Mass MoCA is a massive, vibrant space where creativity knows no bounds, even for the little ones. Amidst the colossal industrial buildings, there are a ton of activities tailored for children.

Mass MoCA is housed in a renovated factory space, which allows for large and open galleries spread throughout 14 buildings and 250,000 square feet. In addition to the museum, there are several retail spots, restaurants, a coffee shop, and some outdoor art exhibits. You can also grab a picnic table or spread out a blanket on a grassy spot and enjoy the sunshine and mountain views. So wear comfortable shoes, grab a map with your tickets, and plan to spend a day exploring Mass MoCA.

I recently visited Mass MoCA with my 11-year-old daughter and 10-year-old niece, and we all had a blast. Here is everything you need to know about visiting Mass MoCA with kids, plus more family-friendly things to do in North Adams, MA (including great North Adams hotels).

Check out our New England Family Travel Guide for more nearby fun, including our list of 25 things to do in the Berkshires with kids.