Pokémon-loving New Yorkers have something new to be excited about: A brand-new store has opened to the public, where Poké fans, young and old, can get their fix. Poké Court just opened a 2,000-square-foot flagship store in the Meatpacking District, and it's stocked with goodies for fans of the Pokémon Trading Card Game and beyond.

As a lifelong fan of the franchise (currently working my way through Pokémon Legends: Z-A), I stopped by to check out what the new store has to offer for adults and kids, and it seems destined for a place on our list of NYC stores where you can play for free.

Activate, Long Island’s new indoor adventure space, aims to get families moving with its high-tech, interactive challenges. 

Get set to sweat as this gaming experience, which is tucked away inside the Roosevelt Field Mall. Activate invites guests to step right into the action, with a series of rooms that elevate and engage like no other space on the island.

We have more for your thrill-seeking crew to do in our article about Extreme Sports Venues for Long Island Kids. Be sure to also peruse our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids for more ideas. 

Volunteering is a great way to teach children about the importance of helping others and a nice way to give back to your community and those who need it. There are many family-friendly volunteering opportunities in NYC, and many can be performed year-round.

We've compiled some of these family volunteer activities in NYC below, including ways to give back with a local community org or from the comfort of your own home. We've got picks for families who want to fight food insecurity, help beautify the city, and even make some new furry friends. In addition to the information below, we also have an entire post on Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities that you can explore this holiday season.

When it comes to holiday activities in NYC, locals know that even though there's a week of Kwanzaa, eight nights of Hanukkah, and 12 days of Christmas, the holiday season in NYC really lasts from early November through New Year's Eve. That's almost two months of only-in-NY holiday activities and special Christmas events.

Of course, not all Christmas events and holiday activities are created equal. That's why we've rounded up the absolute best ways to get into the spirit of the season. Here is our curated list of must-do holiday activities and Christmas events in NYC in 2025. Consider this seasonal bucket list our gift to you. Below, we're detailing a dozen NYC Christmas events and holiday activities sure to give your family a season of happy memories.

Our picks for New York City's top holiday activities are a mix of classic favorites, like the star-studded Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and new classics, like the return of the beloved Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show. You'll find plenty more family-friendly seasonal celebrations in our NYC Kids' Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, and Holiday Fun, which includes picks for everything from Christmas towns near NYC to the best Nutcracker ballets for kids, and more sweet seasonal treats.

If you're looking for a unique family vacation destination, Moab, Utah offers a diverse array of activities for families of all shapes and sizes. Moab is home to two national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, that boast some of the most stunning natural landscapes anywhere. The parks are amazing places to participate in outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, biking, and rafting. 

There are also a number of attractions and activities in the town of Moab. We've rounded up all the information you need to visit Moab, including the best things to do in Moab with Kids, where to stay and eat and insider tips and advice to make the most of your Moab family vacation. 

To make the most of your time in Utah and surrounding area, combine your Moab trip with a visit to Zion National Park or even the Grand Canyon. For more reviews and inside tips about other national parks, check out our United States National Parks Family Travel Guide.  

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Find CT restaurants open on Thanksgiving for dinner and takeout in 2025!  

Have a festive and fun Thanksgiving 2025 (without all the mess and stress!)

Don't feel like making a big meal this year? We've got you covered!