There are countless books that use NYC as their setting—and with good reason. It’s a marvelous, one-of-a-kind city. So, we’ve put together some outings inspired by six of our favorite kid-lit characters and storylines. From picture books to chapter books, we’ve rounded up fun-filled destinations for all ages.

Find more storybook inspiration on our list of 100 kids' books every child should read before they grow up and find more outing inspiration in our Family Activity Calendar.

Time to spring forward into March with a whole lot of green, some self-care and snacking, superb screen time, and even a little madness.

March is Women’s History Month, and it happens to kick off on Mardi Gras this year— that combination of girl power and a party spirit is the mood for this month. All our picks either bring a sense of party and playfulness or they’re self-care, post-play pick-me-ups. With the state of the world, that's right where I want to live. A few things on this list are brand new, but several are just new to me; they’re recommendations from friends, co-workers, and loved ones that I’ve been trying out for the last month and become obsessed with. There’s even a pick from each of my kids.

Read on to discover a way to take 20 minutes for yourself, your new favorite breakfast treat, a family TV show I’ve been waiting for for years, and more.

If you're looking for thrills and adventure for your next family vacation, consider a trip to one of the best amusement parks in the US. There are so many theme parks across the country to plan a vacation around. Some theme parks are located near gorgeous beaches or fun cities to explore. Others are destinations in and of themselves: With so many rides and attractions, you can spend a weekend or more in the parks and not run out of things to do.

We've scoured the country to find the best amusement parks in the US to visit on your next family vacation. Whether you're a thrill-seeking family eager to check out the highest roller coasters or you're just there for the funnel cake (that's me), we have just the amusement park for you. Our list includes popular theme parks in California, fun Orlando theme parks, and plenty in between.

Ready to book your next family vacation? Check out our handy Family Travel Guide and our guide to Family-Friendly Resorts and Hotels to help you plan your journey.

Families in Westchester and the Hudson Valley who enjoy a little suspense mixed in with their fun might try escaping to an escape room. 

Within the past decade, these cleverly designed rooms have grown exponentially in popularity, even withstanding a pandemic. Nowadays, escape rooms can even be found at the local mall. 

Originally targeted to adults, many Westchester escape rooms are now perfect for tweens and teens, or even birthday parties. The sites usually contain multiple themed rooms, so you can choose an adventure that suits your or your family’s tastes. 

For parents, living in a tiny New York City apartment can feel like a constant escape game. The clutter is closing in on you and you've got to locate two toddler shoes, a missing must-have accessory for your tween, and your own MIA cell phone before you can unlock the door to take on the mean city streets. If your clever kids don't see the game in that routine, they might be up for a different kind of challenge. Consider splurging on an afternoon in one of these kid-friendly escape rooms, where their puzzle skills (and yours!) will be put to the test.

These escape rooms are all great for birthday parties or even just "I'm bored" days. For more outings that are perfect for birthdays or family fun days, check out our Guide to the Best Indoor Play Spaces and Fun Zones in NYC.

If you’re looking to keep your kids entertained for an hour or two in a way that doesn’t involve electronics, we have two words for you: Escape rooms.

Despite the pandemic, escape rooms remain among the hottest crazes to hit Long Island in recent years, popping up throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. Originally targeted to adults, many LI escape rooms are now perfect for tweens and teens, whether it’s for a birthday party, a school or camp field trip, Saturday afternoon play date, or a family night out.

We’ve put together a list of some of Long Island's most popular escape room venues for kids. Check individual websites for details since prices vary, as do the number of rooms available, how many people each holds, difficulty levels, and age restrictions. Themes occasionally change also. Try one or more. Each offers a unique way for kids to use their imaginations, develop team-building and problem-solving skills, and most of all, have a blast.