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.

New York families can finally start looking forward to a more "normal" summer thanks to Governor Andrew Cuomo's announcement this week that summer day camps and sleepaway camps can begin making plans to reopen. Another boon to families: Indoor family entertainment centers and outdoor amusement parks have also been given the green light to reopen.

Read on for details on these newest reopening plans, and be sure to bookmark our list of what's open now in NYC for kids to keep up on all the developments as they happen.

With some light finally emerging at the end of the tunnel, families can now start looking beyond Zoom parties to celebrate birthdays. While many of our favorite indoor spaces still aren't open, more and more play spaces and venues are opening their doors for small-group celebrations while taking all necessary COVID-precautions. But, time marches on, and you need a place to celebrate now. We've rounded up 15 unique places citywide where you can host birthday parties now, both indoors and out. 

Remember to keep your group small and wear masks. If you're still not keen on venturing indoors, check out our roundup of virtual birthday party ideas and the best virtual party performers, and find more party inspiration in our Guide to Kids Birthday Parties.

One of my favorite places to visit with my family in the Hudson Valley is the Olana State Historic Site. It encapsulates what's so great about the area—natural beauty, history, and amazing art, design, and architecture. With breathtaking views of the Hudson River, it's a great destination for the whole family, offering sights and activities for kids as well as their parents.

We've visited Olana in the summer and winter and enjoyed ourselves equally on each visit. Whether you're taking a day trip or spending a long weekend upstate, make sure to have Olana on your list. You can find plenty more getaway inspiration in our Day Trips and Getaways Guide.

While indoor play spaces usually provide a haven from the frigid winter weather, many of us aren't too keen on setting our kids loose at an indoor play space with kids we don't know amid the city's rising coronavirus infection rate.

Luckily, many indoor play spaces and gyms throughout the city have adapted to the moment and offer their spaces for private rentals, giving families or learning pods a space to play on your own or with a close group of friends.

Read on for 13 local play spaces offering this private play perk, and find more play spaces in our Indoor Play Spaces Guide and plenty of seasonal things to do in our Winter Fun Guide.

The Hudson Valley is a great destination for weekends and day trips, offering beautiful nature, scenic hiking trails, outdoor activities, historic sites, and world-class art. When it comes to that last detail, Dia Beacon is our go-to destination.

The larger-than-life museum and exhibition space houses large-scale, post-modern artworks and installations on the banks of the Hudson River in the beautiful, family-friendly town of Beacon.