Spotlight New York
The Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo shine brightly into the new year. Photo by Terria Clay/Bronx Zoo
New York City's Top Things To Do Between Christmas and New Year’s with Kids
Start plotting your NYC winter break activities now.
The eye-popping displays of the Dyker Lights are a holiday must-see in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
Christmas Weekend 2025 in NYC Top Things To Do: Caroling, Kwanzaa, and More
Enjoy these ideas for festive fun this Christmas weekend: Ready, set, jingle!
The ball drops at noon at CMOM! Photo courtesy of the museum
New York City New Year’s Eve Guide 2025 for Families: Kid-Friendly Events, Fireworks & More
Welcome 2026 with slime drops, balloon drops, fireworks, and more.
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
From the Thanksgiving parade to the ball drop, NYC is magical during the holidays.
The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows from NYC in 2025
Cue the holiday music, pack a thermos of hot cocoa, and hit the road for a holiday lights show.
Bryant Park's Bumper Cars are a mainstay of late-winter fun in the park. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 47 Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC
Don't let the cold stop you: NYC is a wonderland of winter fun.
Enjoy the magic of Christmas in Dyker Heights as the neighborhood lights up for the festive season. Photo courtesy of Dyker Heights Lights
Best 2025 Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in NYC
Fifth Avenue isn't the only spot to see spectacular Christmas lights in NYC.
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
This is our NYC kids bucket list. How many have you checked off?
Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue
23 Fun Winter Day Trips from NYC
These winter day trip destinations in the tri-state area are great family fun.
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
Curious, culture-loving teens may just find their next gig on this list.
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Planning ahead? Here are the need-to-know dates for 2025-2026.
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
Find cool backpacks, back-to-school supplies, and tips for a new year.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
Seeing a Broadway shows is a magical experience for kids and parents alike.
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Your ultimate bucket list of the best things to do in NY as a family.
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
These indoor NYC activities guarantee a good time when the weather is a bummer.
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Playground season is here, and these brand-new spots beg to be explored!
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
Find a great summer camp in NYC for kids of all ages and interests.
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
These NYC hotels house special perks for kids, from pools to bunkbeds.
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
We've scoured the city and swung on the monkey bars, and these are our favorite spots.
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Here's how to have fun as a family in NYC without spending a dime.
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
A day indoors is a lot of fun at these local romper rooms.
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Get out of the house—and the cold—with these free, kid-focused spots.
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Where to go when it's too hot, too cold, or too rainy to play outside.
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Find the best FREE kids' activities in NYC.
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
These weekend getaways offer nature, culture, art, and food and are well worth the trip.
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Discover awesome afterschool and weekend classes for kids in New York City.
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
These local destinations are guaranteed to please kids and kids at heart.
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
These NYC tours offer behind-the-scenes secrets, local lore, and get you off the beaten path.
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
Make art, explore the natural world, and enjoy science projects at NYC's top kid-friendly museums.
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Discover the best places for children's birthday parties in New York & throw a kids' party to...
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
These all-ages summer camp programs won't break the bank.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Go under the sea on a day trip to one of these local aquariums.
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
These celebration worthy spots are perfect for milestone meals.
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
You can take a big bite out of the Big Apple in a short time with these tips.
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
NYC offers plenty of fun without breaking the bank. Here are our top tips for budget fun.
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
Enjoy a day of nature or culture without spending a dime.
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
Bookmark this blockbuster list of arts and crafts and never run out of ideas for creative play.
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Bookmark this list of must-sees for the next time you host visitors to the Big Apple.
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
It's not a bad time to go back to basics, especially when we have the kids' full attention.
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Are you ready for the best summer vacation ever?
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Find a great weekend getaway from NYC for the whole family.
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Execute mind-blowing science experiments with stuff you have around the house.
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
NYC is a big concrete jungle, yes, but we've also got almost 30,000 acres of parkland. From grand...
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas
Find crafts for kids and cool projects to spark kids' imaginations!
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Some of NYC's most interesting kid-friendly museums aren't the ones you find in guidebooks.

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SEE ALL ACTIVITIES EVENTS CLASSES ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL CAMPS PARTIES
Featured
Broadway Magic Hour at the Broadway Comedy Club
Broadway Comedy Club - various times
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
The Steadfast Tin Soldier & Nutcracker Sweets at Puppetworks
Puppetworks Inc. - various times Pick
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights - various times Pick
Merry Mayhem at the New Victory Theater
The New Victory Theater - various times Pick
Featured
Broadway Magic Hour at the Broadway Comedy Club
Broadway Comedy Club - various times
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
The Steadfast Tin Soldier & Nutcracker Sweets at Puppetworks
Puppetworks Inc. - various times Pick
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights - various times Pick
Tea Around Town + NYBG Holiday Train Show
Central Park South bus stop - various times Pick
Featured
Broadway Magic Hour at the Broadway Comedy Club
Broadway Comedy Club - various times
Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal
Arsenal Gallery - 9:00 AM Pick
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
Kids Week: Natural Dyes in Sunset Park
Sunset Park Playground - 11:00 AM Pick
Kids Week: Kids Science Fair at Blue Heron Nature Center
Blue Heron Nature Center at Blue Heron Park - 11:00 AM Pick
Featured
Broadway Magic Hour at the Broadway Comedy Club
Broadway Comedy Club - various times
Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal
Arsenal Gallery - 9:00 AM Pick
Winter Recess in Prospect Park
Prospect Park - 10:00 AM Pick
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
New Year's Countdown Party with Fyütch at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) - 11:00 AM Pick
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal
Arsenal Gallery - 9:00 AM Pick
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
NYE Origami Fortune Cookies at the Stavros Niarchos Library
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library - 10:00 AM Pick
Noon Year's Eve Family Celebration at the Tremont Library
Tremont Library - 10:00 AM Pick
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal
Arsenal Gallery - 9:00 AM Pick
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
Space Glide at the NY Hall of Science
New York Hall of Science - 10:00 AM Pick
123rd Annual Coney Island Polar Bear Club Plunge
Coney Island Boardwalk - 11:00 AM Pick
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal
Arsenal Gallery - 9:00 AM Pick
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
Space Glide at the NY Hall of Science
New York Hall of Science - 10:00 AM Pick
Kids Week: Deer Exploration in Pelham Bay Park
Pelham Bay Park Park - 1:00 PM Pick

Latest Articles

The ball drops at noon at CMOM! Photo courtesy of the museum
New York City New Year’s Eve Guide 2025 for Families: Kid-Friendly Events, Fireworks & More
Drew Kristofik, Dec 26 - Welcome 2026 with slime drops, balloon drops, fireworks, and more. READ MORE
Central Park has some great hills for a fast ride. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Sledding Hills in NYC
Anna Fader, Dec 26 - Hit these neighborhood hills across the five boroughs when the snow falls. READ MORE
The eye-popping displays of the Dyker Lights are a holiday must-see in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
Christmas Weekend 2025 in NYC Top Things To Do: Caroling, Kwanzaa, and More
Drew Kristofik, Dec 26 - Enjoy these ideas for festive fun this Christmas weekend: Ready, set, jingle! READ MORE
America turns 250 this year and there are extra-big celebrations all across the country! Photo by Kent Miller for Macy's Inc.
A Guide to Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary in the US with Kids (2026)
Nicole O'Donnell, Dec 25 - The upcoming year will be a big one for America—the country is celebrating America 250, its... READ MORE
Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue
23 Fun Winter Day Trips from NYC
Fiona Taylor, Dec 24 - These winter day trip destinations in the tri-state area are great family fun. READ MORE
Find a new children's book to read today. Photo by Jody Mercier
The 131 Most-Loved (Best) Kids’ Books: Parent-Tested, Kid-Approved
Ally Noel, Dec 24 - Our top kids' books for all ages! READ MORE
More Latest

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Guides for NYC Families
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Find the best FREE kids' activities in NYC. READ MORE 
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
NYC is a big concrete jungle, yes, but we've also got almost 30,000 acres of parkland. From grand... READ MORE 
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Where to go when it's too hot, too cold, or too rainy to play outside. READ MORE 
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Discover awesome afterschool and weekend classes for kids in New York City. READ MORE 
Science experiments and STEM activities for kids entrance children with their
GUIDE
Guide to Science Experiments for Kids and Fun STEM Activities
Easy experiments and activities to have fun and learn something new. READ MORE 
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Find a great weekend getaway from NYC for the whole family. READ MORE