Gardening with Kids in NYC: Cultivate a Green Thumb in Local Parks and Gardens

The Queens Botanical Garden brings together youngsters from around New York City to enjoy seasonal, hands-on learning, and gardening experiences. Photo by Oliver Lopez

In the urban jungle that is NYC, it can feel like nature is hard to come by. But in reality, parks, green spaces, and community gardens brighten up the city in every borough.

Families interested in gardening with kids in NYC are spoiled for choice if they know where to look! You can start small, by growing your own indoor herb or vegetable garden or turning your small backyard space into a haven for butterflies and pollinators.

Or, you can check out one of these excellent programs for gardening with kids in NYC. You might be surprised at just how many options there are. Find more ways to create a greener future in our Earth Kids Guide for Families.

Super Easy April Fools Day Pranks To Play on Your Kids

Ewwwww! There's an worm in my apple. Photo by Ally Noel

The best part of playing April Fools Day pranks on your kids is that satisfying feeling of pulling a fast one on your own flesh and blood! But elaborate prep work really saps the fun out of any good April Fools Day joke. We've found that the very best pranks are also the simplest. Here, we run down easy ways to show kids that we still have the upper hand—at least when it comes to April Fools Day!

For more fun April Fools Day pranks with food, we've got funny ideas from peachy eggs to hot dog fingers, and for more April Fools Day laughs, we've got the funniest April Fools Day memes. Work more giggles into family life every day with our favorite kid-friendly jokes, which will keep spirits up during dinner, car rides, and more, all year long.

Ninja Warrior Gyms, Parkour, and Obstacle Courses in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Your kids can practice being a ninja warrior at the Grit Ninja in Pleasantville.

Are makeshift ninja warrior gyms a common sight in your living room? If so, know that you're not alone—and then consider taking your kids to one of the many obstacle courses, ninja warrior, and parkour gyms in the area. It’s a fun indoor activity for when the weather is either too cold or too hot for outdoor play, and it helps get tons of energy out. 

Almost all the programs and gyms featured here offer classes and open gym time. Trial classes, camps, and birthday parties are also possibilities at most.  

Looking for more fun indoor activities with kids, like the area's top bowling alleys? Check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Westchester Kids.

17 Fun Things To Do with Kids After Dark in NYC

See the sunset from the suspended observation deck at the Edge for a memorable after-dark outing. Photo by Jody Mercier

Finding things to do with kids after dark in New York City can be a bit of a challenge. Some places may seem too rowdy or loud, and others may be too boring. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of kid-friendly nighttime spots the whole family can enjoy. Grab your calendar and clear your evenings, because the city that never sleeps offers plenty of fun things to do with kids after dark in NYC.

For more kid-approved outings at all hours, bookmark this list of the 100 things to do in NYC with kids before they grow up.

46 Best Things To Do in New Jersey this Spring

Step back in time at Field Station: Dinosaurs, New Jersey's dinosaur-themed adventure park. Photo courtesy of the venue

With the arrival of spring, it's time to trade in those clunky boots, mittens, and winter coats for fresh air, parks and playgrounds, spring getaways, and New Jersey farm fun. Get outside to take advantage of all of the great, seasonal things to do that the Garden State offers.

Read on for dozens of fantastic spring activities to enjoy with your family. Looking for more ideas? Check out our Spring Fun Guide, where new events, activities, and outings are added throughout the season.

Top Family-Friendly Hotels in Las Vegas

Sail trough the canals with a gondola ride at The Venetian Hotel and Casino.

Vegas, baby! While Las Vegas may not be at the top of everyone's list of family vacation spots, it's actually extremely kid-friendly. With amusement parks and arcades, interesting museums, dazzling live shows, aquariums and animal adventures, and so much more, Las Vegas is full of fun things to do with kids.

Many of these exciting activities are centered around the amazing themed resorts along the Las Vegas Strip. But there are also some great hotels off the Strip that give families more space, a break from the non-stop action, and some fun amenities of their own, like fantastic pools.

Here are our picks for the best kid-friendly hotels in Las Vegas. Use this list, as well as our roundup of 50 awesome things to do in Vegas with kids, to plan the perfect Vegas vacation for your family. You'll find more fun places to visit out west in our Western US Family Travel Guide.

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