This well-manicured park (whose name can be misleading... it's actually located in the Norwood section of the Bronx) hosts many programs and offers an array of amenities for families, all of which are open to the public for a nominal annual fee (and free for kids). Some of the major highlights you'll find at the Oval include: tennis courts, four different playgrounds, shuffle board courts, basketball courts, a newly renovated synthetic turf playing field with surrounding track, as well as a top notch recreation center with a fitness room, senior citizen room, and computer resource center. The recreation center hosts an array of interesting programs, including an after-school program, karate, self-defense, and arts and crafts. At just under 20 acres, the Oval is a quaint little park with the unbeatable amenities that rival any large city park.

If you have children and live in or around NYC, you simply must get to the Bronx Zoo once or twice per year. Arguably one of the nation’s most famous zoos, the Bronx Zoo is home to 265 acres of wildlife habitats and attractions. It’s nearly impossible to see all that the Zoo has to offer in just one day, so we recommend doing a little research on the Zoo’s website before each visit. A great place for families with young kids to start off is the Children’s Zoo, which is three acres of kid-friendly activities and wildlife attractions. We highly recommend that you build the animal feedings and enrichment demonstrations into your trip. What fun is visiting the animals if they’re all lounging around and sleeping right? The twice daily Sea Lion and Penguin feedings, as well as the Bee-Eater Buffet, Primate Training, and Tiger Enrichment sessions, guarantee that your kids will get to see the animals in action. If you’re on a tight budget, plan to visit the Bronx Zoo on any Wednesday of the year when admission is free. If you find yourself visiting the Zoo with you family frequently, you may want to consider becoming a member of the Wildlife Conservation Society. For $120/year, two adults and their children get free admission to the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium, as well at the Prospect, Central Park, and Queens Zoos.

The Bronx Zoo is open 365 days per year. Winter and Spring/Summer hours and rates vary, so check out the website for more information.

Situated in Riverdale overlooking the Hudson River, Wave Hill is a gorgeous 28-acre public garden and culture center with extensive programming for children. Each weekend, Wave Hill sponsors a different “Family Art Project” which coincides with whatever seasonal event or holiday may be around the corner. These programs are free with admission on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 1pm. We find one of the most unique aspects of visiting Wave Hill to be the sense of utter relaxation which washes over you upon your visit.

Although Wave Hill is not nearly as large in acreage or horticultural diversity as the New York Botanical Garden, it can actually feel a bit more ‘family-friendly’ because visitors are encouraged to use the grounds to their fullest extent. There are lounge chairs placed sporadically throughout the beautiful lawns, which makes it the perfect place for parents to spend an afternoon with a toddler who is just beginning to crawl or walk. For apartment dwellers that don’t get to spend much time close to nature, Wave Hill serves as the perfect place to pretend you have your very own backyard! Wave Hill also offers concerts and other special programming throughout the year.

Some tips to keep in mind to plan an affordable visit: Saturdays from 9am to 12pm are free all year round, Tuesdays are free all day during off-peak months (January, February, March, April, July, August, November, and December) and are also free from 9am to 12pm during the remaining peak months. Children under six are always admitted free. It’s a relatively affordable attraction anyway: $8 for adults, $4 for students and $2 for children ages 6 and up.