Although NYC is close to plenty of downhill skiing options, cross-country skiing is also a fun option with kids. Also known as Nordic skiing, cross-country skiing is a great winter sport for families. Children as young as 5 can ski alone, and parents can tow tots in a sled or carry them in a backpack while on the trails. You can't do that while swooshing down a mountain!

While cross-country skiing is nowhere near as dangerous or as expensive as downhill skiing, the tricky thing is finding snow and equipment. Unlike downhill ski resorts, most cross-country trails aren't in the business of making their own snow so you're going to have to wait for the white stuff before you can get out there. Getting outfitted with XC skis is relatively inexpensive comparend to downhill, but unless you want to purchase kits for your growing children, you also need to find a spot that offers children's gear rental. Your best bet is a Nordic Ski Center that offers trails and rentals.

Here are our favorite spots where families can enjoy cross-country skiing, and most are less than a 2-hour drive from New York City. But conditions and offerings change, so call ahead to make sure they have both snow and ski rentals in your sizes. 

Find more fun seasonal activities in our Snow Sports Guide.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and while many things look different in 2020, one thing is certain: The holiday is best spent with loved ones gathered around a table for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. If you'd rather spend the bulk of the day with your family instead of in the kitchen, ordering Thanksgiving dinner takeout could be your meal ticket to a more relaxing holiday.

So, kick back and cue up the re-imagined the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on the TV and let one of these 13 New York City restaurants handle the Thanksgiving dinner duties. You'll be thankful for a day off, and they'll be grateful for your support.

Transform milk into plastic with this cool science trick! Environmentally conscious kids will be amazed that you don't need to use harsh chemicals to make plastic in this science experiment. Plus, the resulting casein polymer creation can be dressed up with paint and glitter, turning it into a bonus craft project for kids.

One of our 64 Easy Experiments for Kids, this cool experiment can be completed by kids of various ages and makes use of common household items that you might already have in your pantry. (Cheers for skipping that extra trip to the store.) Read on for a great way to engage kids—and sneak in a science lesson at the same time.