New York City Public Libraries with Great Play Spaces and Children's Rooms

Clifford the Big Red Dog greets visitors to the Children's Center at the Stavros Niarochos Library on Fifth Avenue. Photo by Jody Mercier

When it comes to bad weather days, the best option to entertain kids just might be a trip to your local New York City public library. Your kid can never finish reading all the books available, and many public libraries in New York City also have action-packed children’s rooms and activities. Even better: A trip to these NYC public libraries is completely FREE, plus you can flex your library card to get FREE admission to more than 40 other institutions around NYC.

So, next time you need a rainy day diversion, venture beyond your own local NYC public library to visit one of these local library branches that house the best FREE children’s play spaces in New York City.

Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids

The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!

There's no shortage of hotels in NYC, and as a born and bred New Yorker raising children here myself, I often find myself handing out recommendations for family-friendly hotels in NYC to friends and family who are planning their own NYC vacations. New York City is, of course, loaded with hotels, many of which are kid-friendly. And, while it's nice to have options, there are so many it can feel overwhelming.

That's why we've compiled this list of 20 hotels in NYC for families based on a combination of personal experience, trusted recommendations from friends, and great reputations. These NYC hotels offer kid-friendly amenities, including pools, kids-friendly welcome treats, and even bunk beds. A number of our choices are located right next to top kid attractions; some are budget-friendly, and others are a splurge.

Our picks aren't all in Midtown Manhattan either. We've included places to stay with kids in Lower Manhattan, on the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and even hotels in Brooklyn.

Once you've nailed down your hotel choice, check out our parent- and kid-tested recommendations for top attractions in NYC, our favorite children's museums in NYC, and much more in our NYC Visitors Guide for Families.

SkyView Atlanta: A Panoramic Downtown Adventure

SkyView Atlanta offers an amazing experience for Atlanta visitors and tourists alike! Photo courtesy SkyView Atlanta

Ride SkyView Atlanta to see the city in a whole new way! The city's own luxe Ferris wheel offers a fabulous perspective of Atlanta for the whole family. With climate-controlled, private gondolas, SkyView Atlanta offers a one-of-a-kind experience for Atlanta families and tourists alike. Go above the clouds by reading below!

Best Strawberry Picking Farms and Strawberry Festivals in New Jersey

Pick some delicious, ripe strawberries at Johnson's Corner Farm this spring. Photo courtesy of the farm

Strawberry picking in New Jersey is one of the sweetest times of year in the Garden State. 

Whether this is your child’s first time strawberry picking or you’re looking to fill pies, jam jars, smoothies, and shortcakes for months to come, you'll want to check out our long list of farms for strawberry picking in New Jersey where your kiddos can get their hands on bushels of juicy red berries.

Be sure to check out our rundown on the best places to go peach picking in New Jersey and other farm-fresh ideas in our Guide to Pick Your Own Farms in New Jersey.

Strawberry Picking on Long Island and Summer Strawberry Festivals on Long Island

Fill your baskets with ripe strawberries at Garden of Eve in Riverhead. Photo courtesy of the farm

Strawberry picking season on Long Island is almost upon us. There are lots of options for strawberry picking, and deciding where to go can be challenging, so we've handpicked our favorite farms to share with you.

Harvesting your own fruit is not only fun, but it connects you with your food and supports local farmers. Long Island strawberries tend to be sweeter and more delicate than most grocery-store varieties; they also have a shorter shelf life.

Check out our Guide to Long Island Farms for more places where you can pick your own fruit and vegetables. 

Best Strawberry Picking and Strawberry Festivals in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Fishkill Farms offers certified organic berries during its strawberry-picking season.

Strawberries from the supermarket or farmer's market are tasty, but going strawberry picking in the Hudson Valley is a springtime experience worth savoring with your family. Fortunately, there are plenty of farms for strawberry picking in the Hudson Valley that offer not only strawberry picking but other attractions that round out a visit.

Read on for our favorite local farms for strawberry picking in the Hudson Valley, and check out our Guide to Pick-Your-Own Farms in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

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