When will winter end? Find out on Groundhog Day at the Staten Island Zoo.

Staten Island Zoo is just a hive of activity this February.

On Feb. 2, Charles G. Hogg, AKA, Staten Island Chuck, pops out of his den to look for his shadow. Immediately following the groundhog’s grand appearance, visitors are invited to share a breakfast at the Zoo Cafe.

On Feb. 22, children can take a tour of the animal kitchen and help the staff prepare breakfast for the zoo’s residents. After meeting some of the denizens up close and personal, children can enjoy a breakfast of their own.

The zoo’s gates open on Feb. 2 at 6:30 am, with festivities with Chuck beginning at 7 am. Breakfast follows. Admission is free to view Chuck. Admission to breakfast is $10 for adults, $5 for children 3 to 5 years old, and free for children younger than 3. Reservations are required for the breakfast.

Breakfast with the Beasts on Feb. 22 runs from 9:30 to 11 am. Admission is $15 for zoo members, and $17 for non members. The event is suitable for children 5 years and older. Sorry, no younger siblings. A paying adult must accompany a child. Pre-registration before Feb. 19 is required.

Staten Island Zoo [614 Broadway at Martling Avenue in West Brighton, (718) 442–3174; www.statenislandzoo.org].

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"

Visit Schoharie County

The Schoharie Valley is home to things grown well - trees, crops, produce, people. It is filled with inviting farms and businesses beckoning visitors to experience what locals love about the region. Its enchanting vistas, rich farmland, and strong sense of community are what make Schoharie County such a fascinating place to visit and to live.

Manhattan Mandarin

Manhattan Mandarin runs the Mandarin after-school programs at over 40 schools nationwide, including St. Bernard's, Chapin, Allen-Stevenson, and Buckley. Whether in schools, students' homes, in the office, online, or on our beloved China trips, our teachers and tutors have helped hundreds of students of all ages master the Mandarin language on their own unique paths to fluency. Our philosophy has always been to make private lessons and classes perfectly tailored for each individual student. We look forward to working with you. - Jamie Keyte, Founder