Great Preschools in Brooklyn for Little Learners

Submitted by Diana Kim on

Students can enter Brooklyn Heights Montessori and continue their educational journey all the way through eighth grade. Photo courtesy of the school

Brooklyn families are fortunate to have a number of great Brooklyn preschools at their doorsteps. The borough is home to a wide range of preschools, which vary in size, educational philosophy, and scheduling flexibility.

To help families find the right preschool fit, we've rounded up 16 great Brooklyn preschools and divided them into categories, including traditional Brooklyn preschools, year-round Brooklyn preschools, Montessori and Reggio Emilia preschools in Brooklyn, and religious preschools in Brooklyn.

Preschool spots are always in high demand, so it's important to start your school search early. Most NYC preschools require you to apply in the fall a year before your child enrolls, with acceptance letters going out in February or March. The process begins by researching preschools' websites, taking tours, talking to other families, and considering what's most important for your family in a preschool.

For a comprehensive list of NYC preschools, check out our Preschools Directory, which includes our top picks for preschools in Park Slope, plus many more resources, including our best preschool admissions tips as well as 10 questions to ask during a preschool tour.

Long Island Libraries with Great Play Spaces and Children's Rooms

Submitted by Jennifer Voit on

Westbury Memorial Public Library has a separate children's library building with play spaces. Photo by the author

Libraries across Long Island provide incredible opportunities for kids to learn, play, read, and explore. Parents can entertain kids for hours in any season and weather with a visit to one of the fantastic, hands-on, FREE play spaces and children's rooms many Long Island library branches offer. 

From building blocks galore to exciting nature discovery zones to wooden trains to board, Long Island libraries offer kids a place to let their imaginations soar. We’ve rounded up a list of destination-worthy Long Island libraries with memorable play areas, both indoors and outdoors. For more family adventures as the weather cools off check out our Free Things to Do Indoors on Long Island and 15 Family Fun Centers on Long Island. 

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Visiting Denali National Park in Alaska with Kids

Submitted by Sarah Banks on

Most families that visit Denali National Park either hop on a non-narrated transit bus to explore the park or book one of the Denali National Park tours. Photo via Canva

Denali National Park in Alaska offers an unforgettable adventure for families, with a chance to see the tallest mountain in North America and a variety of wildlife. Whether it’s spotting a moose, enjoying a scenic hike, or visiting sled dogs, there are countless ways for families to have fun.

If you feel daunted by Denali National Park’s 6 million acres, remote location, limited road access, unpredictable weather, or even bears(!), we have tips to help you navigate any potential hurdles. Denali is a fantastic destination for families looking to create lasting memories while exploring one of the country's most iconic national parks.

Find more family fun in Alaska, including our insider's guide to Sitka and our list of free things to do in Seward, in our Alaska Family Travel Guide

Most Unique Destinations to See Fall Leaves from NYC

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on

Mountain Creek provides an unrivaled view from above the fall leaves by taking a ride along its zipline course. Photo courtesy of Mountain Creek

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.

The Best Family Shows of Off-Broadway's New Victory Theater 2024-25 Season

Raven Snook's picture Submitted by Raven Snook on

The New Victory has been the go-to destination for enriching and affordable theater for families since 1995.

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.

Best Family-Friendly Restaurants near the American Museum of Natural History

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on

Round out your museum day with a kid-friendly meal at these family-friendly restaurants on the Upper West Side.

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.

My Unpopular Opinion: Kids Shouldn’t Have Cell Phones

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on

How should parents navigate children’s exposure to technology?

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.

Save On Top-Rated New York City Outings and Experiences for Kids and Families

Jessica Laird's picture Submitted by Jessica Laird on

Groupon's online marketplace offers tons of discounts on activities for kids and families.

Find tons of daily discounts on the top New York City kid activities and family experiences in Groupon’s online marketplace.

NYC is certainly a fun-filled city–but it’s an expensive one too! And we all know keeping costs down when you’ve got kids to keep busy is no easy feat.

If you’re looking for New York City activities and outings for the whole family that won’t break the bank, we’ve rounded up some of Groupon’s best deals on top-rated experiences. Take a look at these 4- and 5-star-rated deals that’ll help you save on everything from zoos to movie tickets to tours of iconic NYC landmarks.

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