Hot Cocoa Havens
Where To Get A Steaming Cup Of Something Sweet And Chocolate-y

City Bakery
There’s nothing quite like a homemade marshmallow floating in a giant mug of hot chocolate. City Bakery’s rich, thick hot cocoa is sure to satisfy any chocaholic. Pair it with the bakery’s famed pretzel croissant for the best sweet and savory combination around. $7. The City Bakery, 3 West 18th Street, thecitybakery.com.

Dylan’s Candy Bar & Café
Located on the store’s third level, Dylan’s café offers six varieties of over-the-top hot chocolate, including “Birthday Party” (which comes with whipped cream, sprinkles and a slice of cake), and “Perfectly Peanut Butter” (complete with peanut butter cups, chips, sauce and whipped cream). $7. Dylan’s Candy Bar and Café, 1011 Third Avenue, 646-735-0078, dylanscandybar.com.

Jacques Torres
There’s a reason Jacques Torres is known as “Mr. Chocolate.” Kids can try the classic thick and creamy hot chocolate (and add flavorings like peanut butter, orange or caramel), while adults can try the “wicked” version, made with allspice, cinnamon, chipotle and ancho chilis. $3.25-$6.50. Various locations, mrchocolate.com.

La Maison du Chocolat
Step inside this store and be transported to the streets of Paris (if only until you drain your cup). Choose from two varieties: the Guayaquil, a silky smooth dark chocolate drink, and the Caracas, a special blend of full-boded cocoa beans. $8. Various locations, lamaisonduchocolat.com.

MarieBelle's Cacao Bar and Tea Salon
This specialty chocolatier pulls no punches when it comes to hot chocolate: five different varieties, each with the option of “European style” (made with water) or “American style” (made with milk). The mocha is made with finely ground coffee powder and 60% cacao, while the spicy version is flavored with chipotle, ancho chiles, nutmeg and cinnamon. Hot chocolate ranges from $6-$9. MarieBelle’s, 484 Broome Street,
mariebelle.com.

Max Brenner
Max Brenner’s signature hot chocolate is served in a specially-designed “hug mug” (the better to warm your hands with, of course!). Choose from dark, milk and white chocolate varieties, with the option of mixing in your own flavors: raspberry, coconut, cinnamon, mint, hazelnut or banana. $5.25. Max Brenner, 841 Broadway, maxbrenner.com.

Otto’s Pizzeria
Mario Batali’s Italian restaurant is well-known for its pizza, but in the winter months it also offers a sweet, warm treat: gianduja calda, or hazelnut hot chocolate with cinnamon whipped cream, made from roasted hazelnut grounds leftover from gelato. $8. Otto’s Pizzeria, 1 Fifth Avenue, ottopizzeria.com.

The Chocolate Room
A cup of hot cocoa enjoyed at a table in this cozy café is a perfect way to spend a chilly afternoon or evening. Children will adore the classic hot cocoa, and adults can try specialties like Café Lou (half coffee, half bittersweet hot chocolate), or Café Torino (bittersweet hot chocolate with a shot of espresso). $4.50. Locations in Park Slope and Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, thechocolateroombrooklyn.com.

Nunu Chocolates
Enjoy a shaved hot chocolate and feel good about the world at Nunu; the cocoa beans used at this specialty store come from a sustainable, family-run farm in eastern Colombia. Take a seat at one of the wooden farmhouse tables—if you’re lucky, you might see chocolatier Justine Pringle creating her delectable treats in the kitchen! $4-5. Nunu Chocolates, 529 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, nunuchocolates.com.

-- Amy Spiro

The Great Indoors
Where To Stay Warm And Have Fun With Kids

American Museum of Natural History Discovery Room: The Discovery Room at the American Museum of Natural History is specially designed for kids ages 5-12 as an interactive gateway to the wonders of the museum. Hunt for animals in a two-story African tree, assemble a life-size dinosaur skeleton and track earthquakes around the world. Kids will have so much fun they’ll forget how much they’re learning. Central Park West at 79^th Street, amnh.org.

FAO Schwarz: The magical FAO Schwarz will mesmerize even the most jaded, technology-laden child, until they’re clamoring for some old-fashioned play time. The newborn doll nursery, muppet workshop, FAO “Schweetz” shop and the Madame Alexander doll factory will provide hours of entertainment for kids of all ages. 767 Fifth Avenue, fao.com.

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!: The Ripley’s “odditorium” will simultaneously enchant, gross out and amaze your children. Tour the shrunken heads exhibit, examine a six-legged cow, see a lock of Elvis Presley’s hair and run through the laser maze. Kids and parents alike will find plenty of oddities to gawk at! 234 W. 42^nd Street, ripleysnewyork.com.

World of Disney Store: After a year-long absence, the Disney Store is back in Times Square, featuring your children’s favorite characters and gifts. A full-sized princess castle, customizable cars and music videos will keep kids of all ages enthralled for hours. 1540 Broadway, disneystore.com.

Scandinavia House: Go on a whimsical adventure in the Swedish countryside! Every Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., families can head to Scandinavia House to explore the Heimlich Family Children’s Center, with its books, toys, storytelling and regular workshops. Kids will love the interactive storybook installation “A Child’s Adventure in the Swedish Countryside,” with colorful murals and interactive activities that will take them on an imaginative cross-Atlantic journey. 58 Park Avenue, scandinaviahouse.org.

Chelsea Piers Little Athletes Exploration Center: Watch your budding athletes explore one of the most popular toddler play areas in the city at Chelsea Piers. With ball pits, tunnels and slides, the center enables kids ages 6 months to 4 years to get their move on as they crawl, roll, jump and explore. 23^rd Street at the Hudson River, chelseapiers.com

Mulberry Street Library: Located at the site of a former chocolate factory, this kid-friendly branch of the New York Public Library is a perfect stop on your stroller treks around the city. With an extensive children’s section and regular events for toddlers and children, this literary space will have your little ones clamoring to go back to the library all day. 10 Jersey Street, nypl.org/locations/mulberry-street.

Soho Scholastic Store: Little readers will be in book heaven at the Scholastic store in Soho. Hop inside a life-sized version of the Magic School Bus, play in Clifford’s dog house, work on craft projects and hear stories. Pick up your favorite books on the way out and let literary fun continue at home. 557 Broadway, scholastic.com/sohostore.

The Winter Garden at the World Financial Center: The World Financial Center’s Winter Garden—an enormous glass atrium overlooking New York Harbor that’s filled with shops and restaurants—is a great place to while away a winter afternoon, with shops like Boomerang Toys, the children’s boutique Aminah et les amis and much more. Hungry? Grab a bite to eat at Au Bon Pain, Columbus Bakery or Ed’s Lobster Bar. What’s more, the Winter Garden hosts the popular year-round Arts & Events program of free festivals, exhibits and performances! 220 Vesey Street, 212-417-7000; worldfinancialcenter.com.

Brooklyn Boulders: Located in Brooklyn’s Gowanus neighborhood, this indoor climbing gym—the largest in the city—offers kids the opportunity to challenge themselves on rock climbing wall—and even scale a replica of the Brooklyn Bridge! 575 Degraw Street, Brooklyn, brooklynboulders.com.

NYC Paintball and LazerTag: Just a short trip from Manhattan on the 7 train, this Long Island City attraction is NYC’s only indoor paintball facility, offering 27,000 sq. feet of climate-controlled playing fields. Families even have the option of skipping the mess and going digital with a game of paintball lazertag. 47-11 Dam Street, Queens, 718-361-8337, newyorkcitypaintball.com.

-- Amy Spiro and Amanda Ferris

All Natural
Enjoying Nature In The City—Despite The Cold

Central Park Perk
The city’s backyard actually boasts a special feature in winter—with no leaves on the trees, visitors get a one-of-a-kind of view all the way through the park! When you’re done park-gazing, take refuge from the cold at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, which hosts daily marionette shows that bring traditional fairy tales to life. Or stop by the Chess and Checkers House for an old-fashioned game of checkers or a craft workshop.
(centralparknyc.org)

Garden Variety
The city’s public gardens may be quieter when it’s cold, but there’s still plenty to explore at these natural oases in winter. Visit the bucolic Wave Hill to take part in a family Art Project, like “Collage The Colors of Winter” happening January 8-9 (wavehill.org). Kids can become honorary engineers when Thomas the Tank Engine visits the New York Botanical Garden from January 1-9 (nybg.org). The Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers a February Break Discovery Week; families can drop by the conservatories at any time during workshop hours to be transported to the world’s deserts and rainforests, and kids can pot up a plant to bring home (bbg.org).

Spectacular Stargazing
While the nights may be frigid, astronomically-inclined families will find plenty to look up and wonder at in winter—it’s considered the best time of year for stargazing! At Central Park’s Belvedere Castle, visitors can study the stars with the help of a vast collection of telescopes (located mid-park at 79th Street; for more info call 212-772-0210). Alley Pond Environmental Center in Queens offers an astronomy program hosted
by renowned scientist Mark Freilich; families can choose from three two-hour Saturday sessions: January 15, February 12 and March 19 (alleypond.com). Can’t stand the cold but still want to see some stars? Head to the American Museum of Natural History’s Hayden Planetarium to catch the mesmerizing space show “Journey to the Stars.” (amnh.org).

—Katie Garton and Theodora Guliadis

Photo: Wave Hill

Hitting The Ice
Great City Skating Rinks

With ice hockey, a skating school, public skating, and one of the most picturesque settings in the city, Wollman Rink in Central Park has long been a favorite of New York City families. Enter at 59th Street and 6th Avenue, 212-439-6900, wollmanskatingrink.com.

Lasker Rink, a twin rink facility tucked away in the north end of Central Park, offers a youth hockey league, ice skating school, and public ice skating. Enter at 110th Street and Lenox Avenue, 917-492-3856, wollmanskatingrink.com/main_lasker.htm.

There’s free admission to skating at The Pond at Bryant Park, and individual and group lessons are available too. Between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues, 866-221-5157, bryantpark.org.

Everyone should hit The Rink at Rockefeller Center at least once! Skating lessons and public skating are offered—not to mention a picture-perfect view of the Christmas tree. 5th Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets, 212-332-7654, patinagroup.com/east/iceRink/.

Everyone from beginners to advanced skaters can glide about the Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers, which has youth hockey, figure skating, general skating and more. Pier 61, 23rd Street and the Hudson River, 212-336-6100, chelseapiers.com.

The lesser-known Riverbank State Park offers reasonably-priced public skating hours throughout the winter. 679 Riverside Drive, 212-694-3600, nysparks.state.ny.us/parks.

City Ice Pavilion in Long Island City, a relatively new addition to the skating scene, is an NHL-style dome with an ice skating school, ice hockey training, and free public skating. 47-32 32nd Place, Long Island City, 718-706-6667, cityicepavilion.com.

The World Ice Arena in Flushing Meadows Corona Park offers public skating sessions, youth and adult ice hockey and more. Perimeter Road, Queens; worldice.com.

Aviator Sports & Recreation is a mega-sports complex in Brooklyn with two NHL regulation-sized ice rinks. There are skating classes for all ages, as well as beginning and advanced hockey. Located on Flatbush Avenue, just South of Belt Parkway, Exit 11S, 718-758-7500, aviatorsports.com.

Located in Coney Island, the Abe Stark Rink is open only on the weekends. Coney Island Boardwalk and West 19th Street; nycgovparks.org.

—Leah Black

Ski Time
Nearby Ski Resorts Your Family Will Love

Thunder Ridge, NY: It’s just 75 minutes from New York City and features 30 trails of varying difficulty levels. Three-hour lessons for children ages 5-12 are offered on weekends and holidays. If you don’t have a car, ride the Metro-North Railroad—on Saturdays and Sundays through March, enjoy free shuttle service between the Patterson train station and the slopes. Patterson, New York, 845-878-4100, thunderridgeski.com.

Hunter Mountain, NY: With 240 skiable acres, eleven lifts, 55 trails and nine snow-tubing chutes, this resort is an exciting and not-too-far-away option. Programs are available for children 4-17 in skiing and snowboarding, and daycare is available for children 6 months through 6 years. Hunter, NY, 800-486-8376 ext. 2200, huntermtn.com.

Kissing Bridge, NY: Head to Western New York for a chance to ski this 700-acre, 36-slope, nine-lift ski spot. Parents can enroll children in a two-hour instructional program (a hot cocoa break is included!). The resort also boasts a downhill tubing park, several restaurants and plenty of nearby bed and breakfasts. Glenwood, NY, 716-592-4963, kbski.com.

Holiday Valley, NY: Just one hour away from Buffalo and Lake Erie, this resort is a ski-loving family’s dream. The Burton Learn to Ride Center offers lessons for children and adults. The resort offers tubing, mountain biking, a spa and a chance to learn the history of the areas Seneca Native Americans. Ellicottville, NY, 716-699-2345, holidayvalley.com.

Belleayre Mountain, NY: Located in the Catskills just 2.5 hours outside of New York, this resort offers eight lifts and 55 trails, glades and parks. A full-day instructional program is offered for children 4-12. Workshops and clinics are also available for children and adults to hone their skiing, snowboarding and even cross-country skills. Visitors can also enjoy the lodging, dining and attractions of the nearby Catskills. Highmount, NY, 845-254-5600, belleayre.com.

Whiteface, NY: Rated the #1 ski resort in the Northeast by the readers of SKI Magazine, this resort encompasses the slopes used at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. Adventure-loving families can try the Gold Medal Games Family Edition—participants can ski, bobsled, curl and speed skate among other Olympic activities. Lake Placid, NY, 518 946 2223, whiteface.com.

Mountain Creek, NJ: Go for just the day or spend the night. Overnight guests choose from the resort’s ski in/ski out Appalachian complex, featuring a fitness center, day spa, and underground parking, and its gated Black Creek district of fully-equipped one- to three-bedroom townhomes. Triple Play Cards buy three full days of skiing for the bargain price of $75. Kids 6 and under ski free! Mountain Creek, New Jersey, 1-866-889-5060,
mountaincreek.com.

Woodloch Resort, PA: Sitting on 1,000 acres in the heart of northeastern Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, Woodloch is a four-season retreat. A few of the many winter activities guests enjoy are snow tubing, ice skating, and snowmobiling. Purchase a Woodloch VIP pass for quicker access to the 18 trails over at neighboring Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain. Hawley, Pennsylvania, 1-800-WOODLOCH, woodloch.com.

Blue Mountain Resort, PA: Just two hours outside of New York, this 162-acre ski resort offers The Blue Learning Center, whose Kids Center allows children 4-12 to receive coaching by the highly-trained staff. Families will also enjoy the beautiful nearby Poconos area. Palmerton, PA, 610-826-7700, skibluemt.com.

Mohawk Mountain, CT: This spot boasts ski and snowboarding lessons for children ages 5 and up, popular junior racing programs, and women-only weekend clinics. Parents and four-year-olds can take lessons together with Parent and Tot Passes. West Cornwall, Connecticut, 1-800-895-5222, mohawkmtn.com.

Ski Butternut, MA: Beginners on these Berkshire slopes can breathe easy. Three trails are designated Slow Zones, where speedy skiing is prohibited. Novices ages 4-12 can receive full- and half-day instruction on weekends and holidays. For longer-term vacations, mid-week ski-and-stay packages are a steal. Great Barrington, Massachusetts, 413-528-2000, skibutternut.com.

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, MA: This popular Berkshires resort boasts top-rated instructional programs, like SkiWee for children 4-6 and Explorers for kids ages 7-12 (there’s even a program for three-year-olds!). Little ones 6 months and older can enjoy indoor play in the Cub’s Den playroom while parents take to the slopes. Hancock, Massachusetts, 413-738-5500, jiminypeak.com.

Smuggler’s Notch Resort, VT: Cruise any one of this award-winning ski spot’s three mountains, then trek over to the FunZone, a kid-friendly recreation center complete with an indoor playground and a mini-golf course. Condominiums come equipped with kitchens, internet access and in-unit or nearby laundry facilities. Free lift tickets for kids 5 and under. Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont, 1-800-419-4615, smuggs.com.

Stowe Mountain Resort, VT: This all-inclusive ski lodge is a place to be pampered. Dine in at one of its distinctive restaurants. Indulge in star treatment at The Spa. Stay in one of 139 custom-designed rooms at the Stowe Mountain Lodge, or opt for more private accomodations at the cozy Inn at the Mountain. Also available are a variety of townhome rentals perfect for families. On the mountains, kids three and older can
strengthen their skills in full-day ski instruction programs. Stowe, Vermont, 1-800-253-4754, stowe.com.

Okemo, VT: Head to Vermont to experience one of the best ski resorts in the Northeast. Featuring slopeside lodging (free for kids), free skiing and riding for children under six, a daycare center for children and private lessons for those as young as two, this resort is truly family-friendly. Okemo even offers Young Adult slopes for teens and a special Kids Night Out that indulges children in pizza parties, movies and fun activities while parents enjoy the slopes solo. Ludlow, VT, 802-228-4041, okemo.com.

Killington Resort and Pico Mountain, VT: This six-mountain, 140-trail, 22-lift resort offers a multitude of family-friendly activities. Programs are available for children as young as 12 weeks and up through 18 years. Parents can take a lesson with their children through Killington’s Adult/Kids program. If your teen aspires to teach, Killington offers a Coach in Training session. Vermont Killington, VT, 802-422-6200, killington.com.

—Tiffanie Green and Annie Young

Photo: Smuggler's Notch Resort

A Spot Of Tea
The Best Children’s Teas In The City

Waldorf-Astoria: On Saturday afternoons, kids can dress in their best and head down to the Waldorf-Astoria to sample warm scones, finger sandwiches and pastries and sip caffeine-free peach, chocolate-mint or apricot tea. Children learn about tea traditions and etiquette, and a pianist and singer provides live accompaniment! 301 Park Avenue, 212- 355-3000, waldorfnewyork.com.

The Carlyle Hotel: Calling all Madeline fans! The Carlyle Hotel hosts a Madeline-themed afternoon tea at Bemelmans Bar, complete with a three-tiered tray of treats and Madeline-themed tunes! Every Saturday at 10 a.m. and 12:30p.m., 35 East 76th Street, 212-744-1600, thecarlyle.com.

The Plaza Hotel: The Plaza’s Palm Court provides the perfect backdrop for afternoon tea with the hotel’s most famous fictional resident: Eloise! Kids can enjoy sandwiches, scones and pastries and either pink lemonade or peppermint iced tea. Afterwards, check out the new Eloise Boutique, where you can shop to your heart’s content. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., 5th Avenue at Central Park South, 888-850-0909, theplaza.com.

Russian Tea Room: Children will love sampling teas like raspberry zinger, lotus green and chamomile; choosing from a carousel of sandwiches like grilled trio of cheeses, miniature BLT’s and classic tuna fish; and finishing off the experience with mouth-watering desserts like warm scones, red velvet cupcakes and chocolate mousse. Open Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on the weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m, 150 West 57th Street, 212-581-7100, russiantearoomnyc.com.

American Girl Café: As if the shopping experience at this girl-pleasing emporium isn’t exciting enough, girls can head up to the third floor for afternoon tea with their dolls. Choose from a selection of treats both sweet and savory, and have fun pouring tea into tiny cups for your doll companions! 4 p.m. daily, 609 Fifth Avenue at 50th Street, 877-247-5223, americangirl.com.

Alice’s Tea Cup: This whimsical wonderland of a café is totally devoted to tea. Pop in for a simple and delicious afternoon tea with scones, or make it a lunch date with the “Mad Hatter,” which includes a pot of tea, two scones, sandwiches and dessert. Available all day, locations on the Upper West and Upper East Sides, alicesteacup.com.

-- Amanda Ferris

Photo: Russian Tea Room