New Yorkers and tourists alike love a view, and when it comes to finding an observation deck in NYC to take in the sights, there are five to choose from. Each offers breathtaking views of the iconic New York City skyline.

From Lower Manhattan's One World Observatory to the classic experience at Midtown's Empire State Building and the awesome inside-out immersion of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, how do you choose which observation deck in NYC to visit?

We've done the legwork for you, visiting each of NYC's iconic observation decks, and detailing the experiences so you can choose the best observation deck in NYC for you and your family. Take heart, though, no matter which NYC observation deck you choose, there's no bad view in sight.

If you want something where everyone in the family, from your tiniest toddler to your most sullen teen will have a Halloween blast, look no further than Haunt O'Ween! Grab the fam, hop in the car, and head to the hills, Woodland Hills to be exact. Ghosts, ghouls, and more Halloween oddities await you at this immersive family-friendly experience, along with candy, face painting, and other eerie-sistible family-friendly experiences. From green screen witchy fun to bouncy house boos, Haunt O' Ween has skele-fun for everyone. Pardon the puns, but I'm pretty punchy and feeling pleased with finding Halloween entertainment that my whole family adored. Read on to get the scoop on this fabulous haunt.

For more Halloween fun for kids of all ages—from the best not-so-scary Halloween events for preschoolers to super scary Halloween houses for big kids—check out our Halloween Fun and Activities Guide for Los Angeles Kids.

We don't talk about Bruno, but we do have to talk about the Disney Encanto x CAMP mashup that's taken over the store's flagship Fifth Avenue location. This paid experience invites visitors behind the Magic Door and into the Casita making you an unofficial member of the Madrigal family! Sound enticing? Book your tickets here! 

Read on for a glimpse into the magical Disney Encanto x CAMP world and find more indoor places to play in our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces and Fun Zones in NYC.

If the ooey-gooey-slime craze has crept into your life, and you've been known to celebrate a discount deal on a gallon of Elmer's Glue, Soho's Sloomoo Institute is a must-visit. From its DIY slime bar, whose products far outpace our favorite make-at-home slime recipes, to its Nickelodeon-style sliming at Sloomoo Falls, the Sloomoo Institute is a slime lover's paradise and an over-the-top sensory experience that left my daughters begging for more slime time.

A fun and frightful immersive Halloween adventure has made its East Coast debut in Holmdel, New Jersey: Haunt O'Ween 2022. This spooky, but whimsical, haunted carnival has everything a family could want in an outdoor Halloween experience: amazing decor, costumes, trick-or-treating, inflatables, games, and pumpkins galore!

Haunt O'Ween hits the perfect sweet spot of being spooky, but not overly frightening—and definitely not gory. It's just plain thrilling, chilling fun that's perfect for kids ages 3-12. But don't wait to buy tickets. The event runs only on select dates through Monday, October 31. Here's what to expect on your trip through this ghost-filled city.

You can find even more seasonal events in our Guide to New Jersey Fall Fun and Guide to Halloween Events in New Jersey.

Childhood is a great time to experiment and try new things. Hobbies for kids can help them discover and hone their passions, build confidence, express themselves, and so much more. Sports for kids can help them learn teamwork, make friends, get exercise, and set and achieve goals. There are so many sports and hobbies for kids to try that if they don't like one, they can start another until they find the one they love. In fact, here are 100 hobbies and sports for kids to work their way through!

This list of sports and hobbies for kids includes team and individual sports, arts and crafts, collecting, science and STEM hobbies, and so much more. With so many options for everyone from toddlers to teens, your child is bound to find the perfect fit for them. To help your kiddo develop their new sport or hobby, check out your local guide to classes for kids.

Living in New York City means access to some of the world’s greatest museums, and these world-class institutions are also completely underrated birthday party places in NYC. Next time you're faced with planning the perfect birthday party, consider hosting a birthday party at one of these NYC museums and culture spots, which offer unique themes you can’t often DIY. Fully interactive fun, animal encounters, giant ball pits, VR gaming, sleeping among exhibits, and a slime waterfall feature make these some of the best birthday party places in NYC.

So, escape the clean-up and hand over the organization and entertainment of your child’s birthday to someone else, and enjoy one of our amazing cultural institutions from a completely different perspective. We've got tons more suggestions for places to host your next NYC birthday party in our Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in New York City.

Woosh went the wind, out went the lights, and Rise of the Jack O'Laterns returned to our sights. After a 2-year hiatus, the must-see Halloween event is back. With the world's largest pumpkin trail and more than 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins, our family couldn't wait to experience the spooktacular event again. Here is everything you need to know about Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns and some pro tips for your visit. 

Our Long Island Halloween Guide has tons more ideas for Halloween activities, and you can find more seasonal events in our Fall Fun Guide for Long Island.