Savvy parents know that introducing children to other languages and a variety of cultures at an early age can pay off in a number of ways, especially in a diverse city like New York City—and music makes for a fun entry point for young kids. 

Spanish, of course, is the country and the city's second most spoken language, so we tracked down some of NYC's most popular kid sing-alongs and language arts programs en Españ​ol. We selected a handful of options that are especially engaging for toddlers and preschoolers who are at the early stages of testing out language. Of course, you can find more formal dual-language/immersion programs for children of all ages in NYC if you are looking for a more rigorous approach.

Since camping in NYC parks is prohibited unless you're doing it with the Urban Park Rangers, most local families head out of town for their overnight alfresco adventures. But there are actually two under-the-radar campgrounds right here in NYC, both located in the National Park Service's Gateway National Recreation Area, where families can pitch their own tents. We've got the scoop on where they are, how to snag a site and everything else you need to know about camping with kids right here in New York City.

Rockaway Beach offers plenty of sun-kissed fun for families. After all, it's the only place in all of New York City where surfing is allowed! But what lies beyond the soft sand and coastal waves? Plenty. 

So far we've offered a glimpse at everything this Queens neighborhood has to offer families, including what to see and do and the best places to eat with kids. Now, we round up the best places to play. In addition to its namesake beach, you'll find a ton of playgrounds and parks for picnicking, but also great indoor play spots, such as local libraries and even theater. Read on for details about our favorite places to romp and explore with kids in Rockaway.

One of the main reasons we're willing to deal with the challenges of raising kids in NYC (the crazy rents, the stressful school searches, the closets for apartments) is our easy access to enriching activities like theater, museums and music. But when your kids would rather bask in the view from the top of a tree than from One World Observatory, or hop on a horse instead of the subway, there's no need to scramble to find a car for a day trip. Our urban jungle is home to lots of bucolic destinations where NYC kids can get their knees dirty and let their spirits soar with a range of outdoor adventures, from laid-back to heart-pumping.

My kids and I had a blast putting together this list of our top 25 things to do outdoors throughout the five boroughs. You may not even realize that some of these activities are doable in NYC! From camping under the stars to surfing to fishing to zip-lining, here are exciting ways to escape the urban grind as a family. Most locations are accessible by public transportation, and many of them are FREE.

Any business that already has regulars just weeks after opening must be doing something right. Recess d.u.m.b.o., a brand-new play space in Dumbo, Brooklyn, certainly qualifies. While NYC has no shortage of indoor play spaces, especially in Brooklyn, we're always game to check out fresh ones around town. As soon as my 5-year-old and I walked in to Recess, we were hooked! This unique romping spot is a welcome addition to Dumbo's kid-friendly offerings. We've got the scoop on what to expect from the nabe's newest drop-in indoor play space.

When my Brooklyn family needs to get away from the hustle and bustle of NYC, we don't leave town; we head straight for Inwood Hill Park in Upper Manhattan, where we spend the day picnicking, hiking and bouldering. You name the outdoor activity and this awesome park probably offers it. You can even go camping here!

While exploring the park is a fun-filled activity at any time of year, the opportunity to sleep under the stars (in a tent, actually) is only offered in the summer. The Parks Department family camping lottery takes place today, Wednesday, June 17 (don't worry if you miss it—there will be other sessions this season), and my kids are teeming with excitement at the thought of being selected. If overnight camping is a little more adventure than you're ready to take on, Inwood Hill Park offers lots of other activities for all ages, including family drumming and capoeira, a Brazilian art form fusing dance, martial arts and music.

As wonderful as New York City is with its slew of museums, theaters and eateries, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Naturalist Steve Brill (a.k.a. "Wildman") can help slow things down a bit, though. For more than three decades, the famous Wildman has been taking New Yorkers including school-age kids on foraging tours in every borough and beyond. In fact, people come from far and wide to experience his quirky charm.

Locations that piqued my family's interest included Greenwood Cemetery, Inwood Hill Park and Sunken Meadow Park on Long Island. We ended up deciding on an edible plant adventure in Central Park. With about 30 other folks, we set out for a new foodie experience, sans the plate and utensils!

I've had a blast exploring Prospect Heights with my kids and getting to experience all this sweet Brooklyn neighborhood has to offer. From kid-friendly restaurants to family activities, it's got attractions for all ages. We continue our month-long spotlight on the area with a roundup of our top 10 places to play in Prospect Heights, both indoors and outside, from parks and gardens to chess and billiards.