New York City makes a magical vacation spot for families year round. From its world-class cultural institutions to the bright lights of Broadway, towering skyscrapers, history-steeped, old cobblestone streets, and well-known landmarks, there's plenty to entertain your family whether you're here for a day, a week...or even longer.

While a vacation in the concrete jungle can be an action-packed experience, it can also be a challenge. Read on for our parent-tested tips to make a New York City family vacation one to remember.

Whether your toy shopping trip is a winter day activity, a pre-birthday party stop, a bit of Santa research, or a special family outing, NYC's toy store options do not disappoint. From painstakingly curated indie experiences to unforgettable big-brand toy extravaganzas, we’ve rounded up over a dozen of our favorite go-to toy stores across New York City, where you’re sure to find the perfect item for your little one or the winning gift for a birthday party. 

Boston boasts so many places to captivate kids with the twinkly glow of Christmas lights, from public holiday lights displays to spectacularly decorated private homes. But one local lights display is the most famous of all: La Salette Shrine. This stroller-friendly family attraction in Attleboro, MA, near the Rhode Island border, has enough lights—some 300,000!—to swell even the Grinch’s heart with cheer during the holiday season. We recently visited with kids, and have tips for making the most of this special—and free!—family outing.

Houston Zoo Lights is a unique event the zoo hosts each year. It is appropriate for adults and kids of all ages, and it is a magical adventure through the zoo after dark. Here are our tips and tricks for getting the most out of your visit. Also, for other holiday-themed outings in December, check out our GoList for the month's best events, and our holiday guide for the best things to do this season.

Most Connecticut businesses are closed on December 25th, but lucky for parents looking for an excuse to get out of the house for a few hours (did I say that?), these family-friendly Fairfield County restaurants are open for Christmas day. You'll want to make reservations soon, particularly if you have a large group, and take note that not all prix fixe menus offer a lower-priced children's alternative.

To top off dessert, maybe plan to check out the Christmas lights in one of these towns, or take advantage of these events happening on Christmas day.

Brooklyn parents just got a cool new indoor play space, right in time for the long winter months ahead. CAMP, one of our favorite toy stores in NYC (and one of our favorite places where kids can play for free), opened its newest outpost at City Point in Downtown Brooklyn this week.

Take a few steps inside, and you'll quickly realize you're not in an average toy store. A seemingly ordinary wall displaying jars of candy swings opens to reveal a world of interactive fun that is sure to be a hit with children all ages. I stopped by with my kids the other day to check out the new space: Read on for a peek inside.

In the age of gleaming skyscrapers and daring new observation decks in NYC, it's easy to forget the grand dame of them all: the Empire State Building. The art deco beauty and iconic landmark has just finished a four-year, $165 million project to reimagine and refurbish the experience for visitors to the Observation Decks, including a completely redesigned 80th floor, which opened to the public last week. Read on for a look at the breathtaking new space, plus tips for planning a visit to the Empire State Building observatory with kids.

Just in time for some holiday fun: CAMP, a favorite of our NYC readers, opened its first Connecticut location in the new shopping and entertainment center, The SoNo Collection. At first glance, CAMP may seem like your regular toy shop, but there's a secret world of art and adventure behind the cheery storefront. With free interactive play areas, arts and crafts programs, and even a canteen to satisfy kids' cravings, CAMP is a place where kids can have a blast while you sneak in some shopping.

For more ideas to keep kids busy when the weather is chilly, check out our guide to indoor play areas around Fairfield.