Bookworms rejoice! Brooklyn families can finally browse and borrow books from some of their favorite public libraries, including the newly reconstructed Greenpoint Library and Environmental Center, one of a handful of Brooklyn Public Library branches that have reopened for browsing and computer use after completely closing down last year. Across all boroughs and public library systems—NYPL, BPL, Queens Public Library—select branches have reopened. Still, none of the debuts is quite as exciting as the multi-million dollar overhaul in the heart of Greenpoint. Read on for details on this new community hub.

Spanning nearly 657 acres, Alley Pond Park is Queens' second-largest public green space behind Flushing Meadows Corona Park. While there are plenty of traditional, urban park attractions, like playgrounds and sports fields, what makes Alley Pond unique is its natural wonders—the forests, meadows, ponds, and wetlands. Its famous Adventure Course is the first challenge course in New York City and the largest challenge course in the metropolitan region.

Separated into three distinct sections by highway crossings, Alley Pond has an Environmental Center in its northern section, a Sports Center in its southern area, and in the middle section of the park, the oldest nature trails in NYC. With so much to do and see, Alley Pond Park is a perfect daycation. Here are our top 10 things to do with kids in Alley Pond Park.

One of the most important American sculptors of the 20th century, Alexander Calder, loved to incorporate motion, repurposed objects, and a sense of whimsy in his works. He is well-known for his mobiles, stabiles, wire sculptures, and large-scale, outdoor sculptures. We have good news for New Yorkers: All these are on display at MoMA's newest exhibition, Alexander Calder: Modern from the Start.

Read on for our full review of the installation at the family-friendly culture hub, which I recently explored with my 4.5-year-old son. He had been familiar with Calder's works from an art book, but seeing them in person took his appreciation to another level. As always, find more kid-friendly exhibits in our Guide to Museums and Galleries. 

One of the best things about living in New York City is that a car-free lifestyle is completely possible. With different modes of transportation at your fingertips, you can get around without ever having to worry about where to park, even if you want to get away from the city for a few days. To that end, we've rounded up one dozen car-free weekend getaways.

You can reach these fun, family-friendly destinations—ranging from beaches to amusement parks and iconic cultural institutions—via subway, train, bus, ferry, or cab. Find more great day trips and getaways in our Family Travel Guide.

After a year-long shutdown, two of New York City's favorite amusement parks are ready to roar back to life. Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park and Luna Park, the heart of Coney Island, are set to reopen on Friday, April 9.

To mark the occasion, Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park is holding its annual "Blessing of the Rides," that day, with locals gathering for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in an event honoring the city's essential workers and ushering in a belated birthday celebration for the namesake Wonder Wheel, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020. Look for more centennial celebrations later in the season.

Keeping with time-honored traditions, Luna Park will celebrate with its annual egg cream christening of the Cyclone. It will also honor essential workers by giving 500 frontline heroes free admission for the day and offering local hospital workers the first chance to ride the Cyclone. 

New York City's Outdoor spaces and playgrounds have been lifesavers for so many families in the past year, and when you had your fill of the local park, consider a visit to one of these 10 newly opened and refurbished playgrounds throughout the five boroughs. With funding from the Community Parks Initiative and local community groups, the NYC Parks Department worked through the pandemic to bring these new projects to completion.

Here's our list of 10 new and updated playgrounds worth visiting now. Of course, you can find plenty more destination-worthy jungle gyms in our Guide to Parks and Playground for NYC Kids.

Following a year of shutdowns and closures, summer is firmly on the horizon, and we're all anticipating the return of cherished summer rituals, like visiting our favorite amusement parks and water parks. Following shortened season or limited runs in 2020, many amusement parks in the tristate area are set to reopen with a bang this summer. After an offseason of busy behind-the-scenes building, thrilling new rides and attractions await at amusement parks in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

From the debut world's fastest single-rail roller coaster at New Jersey's Six Flags Great Adventure to the new Legoland Resort opening in upstate New York, we've got a sneak peek at what's in store when it comes to summer thrills.

A pop art-inspired, larger-than-life exhibition has opened at the Brooklyn Museum. KAWS: What Party is a fun, delightful display of contemporary art-meets-pop culture icons that parents and older children alike will enjoy. Read on to determine whether you should visit with your kids, what to know before you go, and how to score tickets.

Find more museum-inspired fun in our Museums and Galleries Guide.