The tri-state area has some of the most spectacular fall leaves in the US. Families looking to peep some fall leaves near NYC can head out to some amazing, unique, fall foliage-filled locations in NYC, Long Island, New Jersey, and the Hudson Valley.

Our list of where to see fall leaves near NYC includes something for all autumn connoisseurs, from adventurous views from above to more leisurely fall foliage frolicking. The best time to see fiery fall leaves in New York and the surrounding areas is likely early October.

For even more seasonal activities, don't miss our Guide to Fall Fun and Day Trips.

My daughter may be in college now, but we still catch as many shows as we can at the beloved New Victory Theater. That’s a testament to its reputation as New York’s premier performing arts destination for families, with programming that entertains and engages kids and adults alike–so you never outgrow its offerings. Sure, sometimes we bring a 6-year-old cousin along, but just as often we don’t!

Right on 42nd Street in Times Square, the off-Broadway theater has been the go-to destination for enjoyable, enriching, and affordable theater for young audiences and their grown-ups since 1995. With hands-on workshops, pre-show activities, post-show photo ops, and performances tailored to kids with autism and other sensory, social, and learning disabilities, the nonprofit has introduced multiple generations to the magic of the performing arts and raised the bar for what family theater can be.

As a theater enthusiast and longtime New Victory fan myself, I'm thrilled to share a preview of the venue’s 2024-25 season, including the best shows for different ages and tips on how to save money on tickets.

October means HALLOWEEN! But that’s just one day, there are 30 more days to fill with awesomely spooky, costume-filled, pumpkin-spiced October fun.

In addition to Halloween, you can also celebrate Fluffernutter Day, Rosh Hashanah, Wear Something Gaudy Day, International Sloth Day, and more — all in October. Oh, and don’t worry, we’ve also rounded up all the Halloween fun with days set aside for Halloween parties, Halloween movies, and pumpkin carving (we've got easy templates so your pumpkins will impress even if you have limited art skills, promise!).

Check this list, and you’ll find the perfect thing to do with your kids each and every day. For more ideas for Halloween activities, check out our Halloween Activities Guide for Families.

Starved after your visit to one of the top kid destinations on the Upper West Side? These family-friendly restaurants near the American Museum of Natural History are guaranteed kid-pleasers.

In addition to AMNH, kid-friendly attractions like the DiMenna Children's History Museum at the New-York Historical Society, and the Children's Museum of Manhattan mean few Manhattan neighborhoods scream kid-friendly quite like the Upper West Side, so the area's restaurants are overwhelmingly welcoming to families.

While you really can't go wrong anywhere, we've rounded up more than a dozen of the best spots to grab a quick bite or sit down for a full meal. For more family-friendly eateries, check out our NYC Kids Guide to Restaurants.

Here is my unpopular opinion: kids shouldn’t have cell phones.

As much as a kids' cell phone might seem like the ultimate tool for staying connected, a growing body of research shows that a cell phone for kids—especially a smartphone—can have negative effects on brain development, mental health, academic performance, and more.

"But my kid NEEDS a cell phone to keep them safe." I strongly disagree! Read on to see why I think that...and how to solve these problems without a cell phone.