It’s time to get the kids suited up and slathered in sunscreen because it’s summer in the city. While there are plenty of splash pads and spraygrounds in NYC, they can be intimidating to toddlers and preschoolers. That's why we're bringing you this list of the best NYC splash pads and sprinkler parks for little New Yorkers.

If you need more ways to beat the heat, visit our Guide to NYC Beaches, Lakes, and Pools for Families.

Water games are an easy way to keep the kids entertained and cool this summer—even in the middle of a heat wave! From a simple water balloon toss to fancier DIY fun like sprinkler Twister, these water games for kids are sure to please all ages. Read on for our favorites—and you can also download this free printable with all 25 top water games for kids.

Need more free and cheap activities for the kids this summer vacation? Our family started a Boredom Busters jar: a painted Mason jar full of ideas to keep them busy (and tired out). Anyone complaining of boredom can open it and pick out an activity. For inspirational ideas for your own jar, check out our ultimate summer bucket list ideas with 100 (mostly) free games and activities for kids or our list of 100 things to do when kids are bored.

Macy's 4th of July fireworks show makes a triumphant return to the skies over the Hudson River for the first time since 2013. An annual unforgettable highlight of the summer, on Thursday, July 4, 2024, the Macy's 4th of July fireworks explode all along Manhattan's West Side for the first time in more than a decade. More than 60,000 shells are set to light up the night sky.

Spectators should be able to see Macy's 4th of July fireworks from many neighborhoods in Midtown Manhattan, plus riverside communities in New Jersey. If you're hoping to watch Macy's 4th of July fireworks live, it's never too early to start planning your viewing strategy. Looking for more FREE summer fireworks displays in NYC? Check out our roundup of where to see fireworks all summer long here, and bookmark our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide for all our top seasonal picks.

A picnic in Central Park makes for a lovely alfresco meal, but if you don't have time to plan, there are a handful of Central Park restaurants ready to serve you a sit-down or to-go meal, plus plenty of snack food staples at the ubiquitous hot dog carts peppering the paths that criss-cross the park.

Next time you find yourself exploring the secrets of Central Park and hunger strikes, here are our top picks for kid-friendly Central Park restaurants, plus some family-friendly restaurants just outside its gates.

Stony Brook is well known as the home of Stony Brook University, but it's definitely far more than just a college town: The walkable village is perfect for a day trip, with historic sites, museums, shopping, great restaurants, and fun recreation opportunities. 

Read on for things to do with kids on a visit to Stony Brook. For more day trip ideas, check out our Long Island Neighborhood Guides. 

Get a taste of all the family-friendly spots in Mystic, CT for dining with kids!

Constellation Field has playgrounds, ice cream, a splash pad...oh, and baseball.