Ten Best Places for New York City Kids of 2010

1/5/11 - By Katia

NYC is an ever-changing landscape, but even a jaded New Yorker has to be a little bit impressed with how many new and amazing kids spots opened up (or renovated) here in 2010 — Well, OK, technically, some of them opened in 2009, but they were still fresh and new in 2010. Here are some of our favorite new spots for kids in NYC this year. You won't be surprised that most of our favorite picks are not just awesome, but free. *love*

 

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Sony Wonder Lab
A wonderland of technology for our savvy kids. The new renovation is super cool. Kids can program a robot, create motion capture animations and practice their on camera skills. It's grand, it's fascinating and it's awesome, and it has free movie screenings.

Scribble Press
Sadly, Scribble Press closed its doors on Father's Day 2013. You can now enjoy bookmaking Scribble Press-style at the Upper West Side Make Meaning. We love Scrbble Press. It's cool and easy. Bring the kid in, keep him happily occupied, and walk out with a professionally bound and printed masterpiece.

Michaels
The ultimate craft store hit NYC late in 2009, and it's still where we go for our favorite craft outings and for all our home project supplies. It's a perfect cure for the wintertime blues.

The Disney Store
Over the top fabulous. Is it too much to say magical? Steer your kid past the store area and watch their faces light up as you hit the second floor. You don't have to get on a plane to fill your kids with that Disney wonder.

Moomah
As of May 2012, Moomah is only open to the public as a cafe. But kids can still enjoy art projects and the Funky Forest play space if you book a private party. You probably already know we love Moomah, but we keep going back because it is just that good. Kids love it, and grown-ups can feel like grown-ups with its hip decor and menu that bridges the gap between the foodies and their children. Sip a latte while your kid rocks the art scene.

Pier 25
The TriBeCa section of the Hudson River Park scored this fall when Pier 25 opened with it's playground, mini golf, beach volleyball courts and more. At this time of year, the view from the sunbathing deck alone may be enough of a reason to visit. Its part of our destination playground category.

Union Square Playground
Another of our destination playgrounds, this one has open ended structures that challenge kids as they climb, spin and play. And of course they have the usual features as well. Something for everyone.

Imagination Playground
This playground was highly anticipated for good reason. It's awesome. With the loose components that encourage imaginative play you can practically watch your childrens' brains grow as they build, manipulate and move pvc pipes, fabric and wooden plates about. A must see, and must experience.

Pier 6 Playground
One of Brooklyn's newest and finest playgrounds. Its only drawback, lots of sun until the trees grow a bit, is actually a big perk during winter. So have at it.

PLAY
One of our new favorite play spaces, PLAY Greenpoint won our hearts as the spot to sip your coffee while your tot gets all that extra energy gone.

 

Where do you and your kids like to go in NYC? Let us know in the comments.