Staten Island takes its designation as NYC's “Greenest Borough” seriously. Dotted with over 170 parks across 12,300 acres of protected parkland, the borough boasts plenty of options for outdoor adventure, from wooded trails and kayak launches to designated areas for bird watching and horseback riding. If you really dig deep you’ll even find a field reserved for model aircraft flight, and an old-fashioned carousel.

But if you’re looking for a great destination playground to keep your children busy, there’s certainly an abundance of those too—and many of Staten Island's best playgrounds are newly renovated and chock full of innovative and interactive play units. Here’s a look at Staten Island’s top 10 playgrounds—and the details that make each one so unique.

New York City is known for its arts and culture offerings for people of all ages, but those of us who live here are always looking for something new. The perfect place to spend a wintry day, ZeroSpace is a 25,000 square-foot immersive art playground of interactive, large-scale installations. Located near Macy's Herald Square and open through the end of 2019, ZeroSpace includes the largest augmented reality sandbox in the world, plus two comfy, dark rooms replete with bean bags to gaze at a digital light show, interactive mirrors, and a lot more.

Read on for a peek inside the space, and tips for visiting with kids.

If your little sweetie loves the finer things in life—and has the patience to make it through a sit-down meal—he or she may be ready to enjoy an afternoon at one of NJ's many local tea houses. From the fine china and finger sandwiches to the tempting sweets, your little one will be enchanted during this special one-on-one mommy time. Many host sweet birthday parties, and several offer special holiday events.

If you want to actually like where you currently live, just stop reading now. Because once you see the lavish condominiums and equally extravagant amenities being offered at The Kent, a new luxury building on Manhattan's Upper East Side, you may not be able to survive without over-the-top amenities like a 24-hour stroller valet, Lenny Kravitz-designed music studio, dog spa, and glamping-inspired play space again.

Located at the corner of East 95th Street and Third Avenue in a neighborhood packed with premium prams, swanky boutiques, cushy cafes, and some of the city’s best schools, the decadent Art Deco-inspired building not only features 83 sleek and stylish residences with the finest finishes, but a host of amenities that read like the ultimate wish list written up by kids and parents across the city. Read on to see the envy-inducing features our sponsor, The Kent, is bringing to lucky NYC families.

Social Play Haus, a large, open concept, play space and cafe opened in Plainview this November. No matter the ages in your squad, there's plenty to keep everyone in the family happy and entertained at this unique whole-family focused play space, so head over for some quality family time and socializing.

As a child, I went every year with my family to a local Christmas tree farm to cut down our tree.  It was inevitably freezing cold, someone had forgotten their mittens, and epic arguments over tree size and shape would ensue. In short, it was magical!  It’s time to introduce my own kids to that wonderful holiday tradition, and there are plenty of places in Fairfield County where you can cut your own tree or find a freshly cut fir, pine, or balsam beauty straight from the farm.

If you live to the northwest or central part of Connecticut, see our posts on Christmas tree farms in the Litchfield area and Christmas tree farms around Hartford. There are more yuletide celebrations at these Connecticut's tree lighting and holiday light ceremonies. 

Santa Claus is coming to town, and he's ready for his close-up. From simple setups to elaborate events, there's no shortage of opportunities for your little elves to pose for pictures with Santa this Christmas season throughout New Jersey. We've rounded up our favorites, and there's something for every budget.

Want more QT with jolly St. Nick? Book a breakfast with Santa. And for even more seasonal activities, check out our Holiday Fun Guide.