Sensory-Friendly Museum and Cultural Programs in NYC for Special Needs Kids and Families

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Members of The Discovery Squad at AMNH get hands-on time in the Discovery Room. Photo by Jody Mercier

New York City is one of the most bustling places in the world, which can make outings with any child tough, but things get particularly tricky for parents of kids on the autism spectrum, who might worry about overstimulation in even the most kid-friendly settings. That’s why many museums and cultural centers have created comfortable, sensory-friendly, safe spaces for families with special needs to explore, often in tandem with educators and specialists.

We’ve gathered up the best of the bunch, from programs at The Met and Intrepid Museum to an after-school Subway Sleuths program, as well as several FREE options. Peruse our NYC Special Needs Guide for more helpful tips and local programs.

4th of July and More Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley July 2025 with Kids

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The Orange County Fair is New York's oldest fair and features family entertainment, midway rides, and games for all ages.. Photo courtesy of the fair

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this July? Here are all the family-friendly events and activities you should add to your list–from 4th of July fireworks to fun summer festivals.

It's July, and that means fireworks. We have highlighted just a few of the best places in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for viewing these amazing light shows, like Red, White, and Boom 4th of July at Legoland.

To keep kids entertained on those long summer days, many towns in Westchester are offering free children's activities and family-friendly performances throughout the summer, some on weekday evenings, including Nights in the Park in White Plains. July fairs and festivals include the Sleepy Hollow Mermaid Festival and Parade, as well as the annual Orange County Fair. 

These are just a few of our favorite things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this May—we're adding more events to the Westchester Events Calendar every day. 

4th of July and More Best Things To Do on Long Island July 2025 with Kids

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Live music, selfie stations, and more headline Alive on 25 in Riverhead. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this July? Here are all the family-friendly events and activities you should add to your list–from fireworks and the 4th of July to more summer must-dos.

There are tons of places to watch fireworks for the 4th of July–see our Guide to LI Fireworks Shows for more.

Meanwhile, the Empire State Fair takes up residence at Nassau Coliseum, LuminoCity Dino Safari stomps into the Walt Whitman Shops, and Kidz Bop strikes a chord with families at the Jones Beach Theater.

Read on for all the ways to pack your calendar this month on Long Island.

4th of July and More Best Things To Do in New Jersey July 2025 with Kids

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Rides, food, and more family-friendly fun await at the Monmouth County Fair. Photo courtesy of the event

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this July? Here are all the family-friendly events and activities you should add to your list, from fireworks and the 4th of July to summer fun all month long.

July's red-hot roster is jam-packed with festivals, fireworks, sandcastles, and everything summer has to offer. Get your fill of rides, entertainment, and attractions at the multi-day Monmouth County Fair and Warren County Farmer's Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival. And revel in Independence Day fun at Long Branch's annual Oceanfest. 

We’re adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

20 Best Things To Do in NYC July 2025 with Kids: Macy's 4th of July Fireworks and More

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Celebrate all things French when Bastille Day takes over Madison Avenue with a blocks-long street fest. Photo by Michael George

Cue the fireworks, because July is here, bringing with it tons of 4th of July fun, plus plenty more family-friendly things to do in New York City.

Independence Day kickstarts July with a bang, and fireworks are exploding all over town, including the big Macy's 4th of July display, which returns to the Lower East Side. Annual favorite festivals help beat the heat with the seafaring-inspired City of Water Day and the wet-and-wild Sprinkler Day at Asphalt Green.

July's greatest hits also include the West Side Fest and a Bastille Day blockbuster on Madison Avenue.

Keep an eye on our lists of FREE outdoor movies and summer concerts, which are frequently updated, and find more top July fun on our list of 100 FREE things to do this summer in NYC and our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

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