After four years of construction, one of New York City’s most beloved waterfront parks has finally fully reopened—and it's worth the wait. Just in time for summer, East River Park’s southern section welcomes families back with all-new recreational features, re-imagined green spaces, and an incredible hidden layer of protection underneath it all.

Whether you're looking for a sunny place to picnic, shoot some hoops, or just run around and explore, this upgraded park is a must-visit. For more newly renovated parks, check out our list of jaw-dropping new playgrounds in NYC, and for even more fun, bookmark this list of NYC’s best playgrounds worthy of a subway ride.

What is a Labubu, and why are we going crazy for them?

Do you remember wanting nothing so much as a (let's be honest, kind of ugly) Cabbage Patch Kid? I do. Maybe that’s why, all these years later, when my daughter asks, “Mom, when do the Labubus drop today?” I find myself frantically trying to source them—scanning social media for updates, refreshing the browser endlessly, hoping to snag a doll that’s so ugly it’s cute. Just to give her that same feeling of excitement and joy over something she can call her own.

Here's the scoop on what Labubus are, where to buy Labubu figures, what clothes fit Labubu, and what "have a seat" means! 

For a trip down memory lane to remember Cabbage Patch Kids and other classic toys from our youth, check out our list of 100 Classic Toys for Kids.

Nothing beats dining at an outdoor restaurant in the warmer months, especially with kids in tow, and in family-friendly Queens, there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy alfresco eats. We don't mean a sidewalk table or two—we're talking an actual yard with ample seating and room for families to enjoy a meal. Outdoor restaurants often provide a more relaxed atmosphere, where kids can be entertained by simple pleasures like a passing butterfly or flowers on a nearby plant, and city noises offer cover for little ones who may forget to use their indoor voices.

We've highlighted several Manhattan eateries with outdoor seating options in the past and a whole slew of outdoor restaurants in Brooklyn, as well as exceptional spots where kids and families can eat and play. Read on to take a closer look at our picks for the best outdoor restaurants in Queens with backyards for kid-friendly dining.

Nick Itkin, 2-time Olympian medalist, is hosting free fencing classes for kids with the newly launched Nick Itkin Foundation at the Los Angeles International Fencing Center. These classes are open to kids ages 6 & up, with equipment being provided by the club. Classes are held every Sunday and are entirely funded by non-profit donations from the community. I have been fencing for 10 years, and I can attest that there is no better sport for kids' minds and bodies.

And the chance to get (free!) instruction from Olympic fencer (and awesome guy) Nick Itkin? Amazing. He gives kids an introduction to the sport and all the basic forms and rules.

I got to speak with Nick Itkin about why he's offering these classes. He walked me through why this is the best sport on earth (I agree!) and how you can get your kids signed up for these lessons. Read on, and if you're looking for more great free activities for kids, check out the Mommy Poppins Los Angeles Guide to Free Activities for Kids. 

Nestled comfortably on the South Shore between Nassau and the East End, Sayville makes a great day trip any time of the year. 

About five miles west of Patchogue, Sayville might be overlooked for the more popular central Suffolk destination. However, Sayville also has a booming downtown area full of restaurants and shops, as well as ferry service to central Fire Island. With delicious eateries, seasonal festivals, and play areas for kids, you can find something for every member of the family. 

We've rounded up all our favorite Sayville destinations for kids and families below. You'll find more fun local communities to explore in our Guide to Suffolk County, plus more fun expeditions in our Guide to Day Trips on Long Island.

Find the top lazy rivers in New England for Summer fun in 2025!

The best things to do, restaurants, and hotels for kids in Pilsen.

Scoring Broadway tickets to a top show is a thrill for locals and visitors alike, but with soaring ticket prices, it can be hard to make seeing these family-friendly Broadway shows a regular occurrence. Luckily, there are discount Broadway tickets to be found if you know where to look—and we do. We've got the scoop on five ways to score cheap tickets to Broadway shows.

Not sure what to see? You'll find all our top picks for the best kid-friendly entertainment in our NYC Guide to Children's Theater and Shows.