Whether or not your children are just off for President's Day Weekend or an entire week...here are some ideas to keep them (and you) occupied.

WINTER'S SECRET WEAPON

If you can't take another long Sunday cooped up indoors and yet another trip to the Museum of Natural History makes you want to flee the country, here's a little-known secret. Each Sunday, the Tribeca Grand Hotel has a fabulous brunch in the Church Lounge. What's the big deal? Starting at 10 a.m. they show children's movies all day in the downstairs screening room. So after your children woof down a waffle and a brownie, they can head downstairs for hours of movies while you sit and drink coffee, read the NY Times (which is so thoughtfully separated into piles by section), and chat peacefully. We think last year's record was about four hours...and about 16 cups of coffee.

CITY SIGHTS

Q: We are bored! I feel like we've taken our children to every museum, book store and ice rink in town. Any idea what can we do this weekend?–Wendy

A: How about a double-decker bus tour of NYC....you probably haven't done that! Put on a fanny pack and sneakers and pretend you're a tourist for a day.

WAX MUSEUM

Q: My daughter has a camp friend from Long Island coming to stay overnight. I want to plan something fun for us to do. Do you have any ideas?-–Bonnie

A: How about a lovely "culture" trip to ye ol' Madame Tussauds Wax Museum? You can see a wax Obama, Miley Cyrus, Al Roker, David Wright and Gandhi all in one fun-filled day! Buy your tickets online--way less expensive. Top it off with a visit to M & M World or Hershey's Times Square and you'll have happy little "campers."

GOOEY GUNK

Momcierge reader Liz sent this in to us. Don't let them eat it....just have them play with it. We wonder if Liz has a "recipe" to get gooey gunk out of children's hair?

Solution A
1 c water
1 c white glue
2 Tbs liquid tempera paint or 7 - 10 drops food coloring

Solution B
1 1/3 c warm water
4 tsp borax laundry booster
1. Mix ingredients in solution A together in a medium bowl
2. In a 2nd med bowl, mix the ingreds in solution B
3. Slowly pour A into B (Do Not Mix!)
4. Roll A around in B 4 - 5 times
5. Lift A out of B and knead for 2 - 3 minutes
Store in plastic ziploc bag.

It's a little messy but the kids have a great time and are entertained for an easy hour!

CHEAP HOTELS

People are always asking us about cheap hotels (in NYC and beyond). We just learned about Quikbook, a hotel consolitator website that offers some GREAT deals. We looked into getting a room this weekend and came up with rates like $192/night at the Soho Grand, $179/night at the Grand Hyatt, and Courtyard by Marriott on the Eastside for $149/night. Lots of US and international cities and unlike Priceline, you don't have to pay up front. Maybe book yourself a "staycation" in NYC?

                  --Happy President's Day! Alyssa & Hilary