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In our multicultural society, NYC kids are exposed to lots of different cultures. In fact, it's not uncommon for children of all backgrounds to want to celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanza, Christmas, Purim and Lunar New Year, and, perhaps, even teach their parents how it's done.

Exploring various ethnic traditions at school and with friends is fun, but there are also many New York City institutions where you can learn about different cultures in more depth. We've written about museums that focus on Himalayan and Chinese cultures, and now with Passover coming up this month, we thought it was a great time to highlight local institutions where children can learn about Jewish culture.

One thing to keep in mind when visiting a Jewish museum is that an exhibition of hand-crafted menorahs may be right around the corner from a huge sculpture commemorating the Holocaust, prompting kids to ask a bunch of difficult questions. For children who are ready, some of these institutions explore the the Holocaust in an appropriate way. Visiting spots like the Museum of Jewish Heritage and the Anne Frank Center are a lot more engaging than reading a dry text book but also less scary than watching graphic newsreel footage or looking at archival photos.

Here are five great NYC spots where kids can learn about Jewish culture, traditions and history.

Ground Zero has become a must-see destination for many families visiting NYC. Making a visit to the 9/11 Memorial meaningful for children may be challenging, but finding a decent place to eat nearby is even more so. Besides all the construction still under way, the neighborhood lunch spots mainly cater to office workers from the Financial District so there are a lot of fast-food chains and delis with limited seating.

If you are heading up to Tribeca afterward, you'll find many family-friendly restaurants but in the immediate vicinity of the World Trade Center site, options are a more limited. Luckily, I know the area well and can give you the inside scoop on where to look for the best inexpensive kid-friendly restaurants and eats near Ground Zero.

You don't have to brave Rockefeller Center to witness a fabulous Christmas tree lighting.

We've rounded up tree lightings (and menorah, snowflake and even a few building illuminations) that are much less crowded, way cooler (one even comes with a performance of The Nutcracker) and feel like community celebrations, not events for tourists. Plus, most of these festive events are free and you don't have to stand on top of a car to see all of the great things going on.

Read on for a host of awesome holiday illuminations in New York City. You can find more seasonal fun in our Holiday Guide.