Midtown East is sometimes dismissed by native New Yorkers as tourist central. And yes, thanks to world-famous attractions like the Empire State Building, high-end Fifth Avenue retailers, the lion-flanked New York Public Library, the United Nations, and Rockefeller Center with its ice skating rink, Christmas tree, and observation deck, the neighborhood is often packed with out-of-towners.

However, hidden inside some high-rise office buildings are gems for local families such as the Ford Foundation Building's indoor garden, and Midtown East is also home to cultural institutions like the Morgan Library & Museum, Scandinavia House, and the Japan Society, plus perennial kid-pleasers American Girl New York and the Lego Store.

Read on for our top things to do in Midtown East with kids and find more fun neighborhoods to explore in our NYC Kids Neighborhood Guides.

Attention Long Island pinball wizards, or those who aspire to the title: Pinball Long Island, a new pinball-specific venue in Patchogue, lets you test your arcade skills in a family-friendly environment sure to please the young and young at heart.

Pinball Long Island opened in mid-March along Patchogue’s bustling Main Street, the first family-specific addition to the downtown area since its renaissance began a decade and a half ago. The new spot is a fun destination on its own or a crowd-pleasing add-on if you're dining or shopping in the area. 

Find info on other top-notch Long Island arcades and lots more in our Indoor Play Spaces Guide. 

The first baby haircut or kid haircut can be a little scary! Each baby or toddler reacts differently to seeing those scissors for the first time. Baby haircuts can be fun or traumatic, so we decided to put together a list of kid haircut places in Chicago where parents can go to get their child's first haircut and make it relaxed. Because you know you're going to need dozens more haircuts before they get big enough to go to a regular salon or one of these kid-friendly spas.

Here are some great places for kids haircuts in Chicago and the suburbs.

The top Connecticut playgrounds provide outdoor fun, from Fairfield to Hartford and from new Haven to Stonington. With Spring's arrival, the fresh air, sunshine and reawakening natural world is becoming more and more enticing to Connecticut kids. There are plenty of modern and well-maintained playgrounds to play on for families. There are ones with unique, one-of-a-kind features, tube slides, sandpits, zip lines and all kinds of climbing apparatus'. Many of them have spots to sit down and eat a fun picnic lunch too.

If you're looking for more local fun, check out our favorite neighborhood playgrounds in the Hartford and New London areas. Be sure to sign up for our newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox.

Tiny Doors ATL opens children's eyes to the power of art and imagination in our everyday world. This Atlanta-based art project unlocks big fun in tiny packages with these whimsical 7-inch doors installed throughout the city. There's no better joy than watching children (and even adults) discover a Tiny Door ATL, either by accident or as part of a scavenger hunt, and admiring the care and wonder put it into each of these wonderful art pieces.

Learn more about the Tiny Doors ATL movement—where to find the adorable sculptures, the artist behind Tiny Doors ATL Karen Anderson Singer, the Atlanta Beltline adventure, and even a children's book to relive the fun at home!

Other than bagels, Long Island is known for its pizza. Everyone has their favorite pizza joint, serving up thin, thick, and everything in between. We've scoured the island for unique local pizza spots that we think your family will gobble up! Visit these kid-friendly pizza establishments for a slice of family fun.

For more ideas on where to dine with the kids, check out our Restaurant Guide, which includes Great Outdoor Dining Spots and Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free.

While most non-residents don't equate New Jersey with beautiful green spaces worthy of a day trip, there are a whopping 36 state parks and 13 state forests to explore in New Jersey.

We've picked nine destinations that are perfect for a fun-filled day trip, where hiking, biking, and swimming are just some of the fun outdoor activities to enjoy. Add acres of gorgeous scenery and some wildlife-spotting, and NJ state parks and forests make for an ideal day of family fun in the fresh air.

For more great ideas about the great outdoors in New Jersey, like where to find the best nature centers, check out our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in NJ.