The holiday hubub is mostly behind us—sugar cookie crumbs and piles of presents still waiting to be put away excepted—and that means it's time to look back at the year that was for families in New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and New Jersey. So, today, we're bringing you this list of our top family-friendly openings of 2025, plus offering a sneak peek at the fun on the horizon in 2026.

As always, thanks for joining us on all the adventures we've encountered, and cheers to a new year and new openings in the tri-state area.

My family has been longtime fans of the Museum of Math, meeting the team behind this hands-on museum long before it had a brick-and-mortar location on the Math Midway during the old days of the World Science Festival, so we were thrilled to visit it's original location on 26th Street and couldn't be more excited for what's in store for this inventive, hands-on museum in 2026.

Mark your calendars for a February opening of MoMath 2.0—a sprawling new permanent location for this mecca of problem-solving, puzzles, and interactive learning. I got a behind-the-scenes look on a hard-hat tour last week and can't wait to return with my kids! Read on for a look at the fun in store and find more hands-on fun in our NYC Kids' Guide to Museums and Galleries.

The Intrepid Museum is a long-time favorite at my house. Though my son is grown and in college, it's still his favorite NYC museum given its collection of military history and the unique vessel it calls home—a decommissioned Essex-class aircraft carrier dating to the Second World War. So, when my younger daughter and I were invited to join a recent Operation Slumber overnight experience, we excitedly packed our bags and shipped out for an all-night adventure at one of the handful of museums offering sleepover experiences in NYC.

We may be biased when we say Christmas in NYC is the most magical season of all. One reason: The city is bustling with activities and adventures for the entire family, including the Gingerbread City pop-up at the South Street Seaport. Filled with spicy aromas and spectacular, candy-coated, architectural creations, it's worth visiting if you find yourself downtown this season.

If you've got a high school senior who is into the arts, listen up: TDF, the not-for-profit performing arts org, is offering FREE year-long TDF memberships to graduating high school seniors from NYC public and charter schools. So, if your kid can't wait to see everything from Broadway shows to off-Broadway performances, dance, and more—all at deeply discounted prices—read on for details on how the Class of 2026 can score this special gift.

Rockefeller Center is a top NYC attraction for families and home to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall, and many stores. It especially comes alive during the holiday season when the famed Rockefeller Center Christmas tree goes up.

While food options have near Rockefeller Center have traditionally been limited, the area has undergone a bit of a culinary renaissance, and this list of the best family-friendly restaurants near Rockefeller Center is proof that it now has a little something for everyone.

Whether you're there over the holidays to see tree, ice skate, check out the holiday windows, or enjoy one of the other fun experiences in this action-packed complex, there are a number of family-friendly dining options within a quick walk.

Here are our top picks for family-friendly restaurants near Rockefeller Center. To find more family-friendly dining options in NYC, check out our NYC Kids' Guide to Restaurants.

Known as the Mile High City, Denver, Colorado, is a charming all-seasons destination for a family vacation. You'll find big-city things to do in Denver, including art museums, the Denver Zoo, and the Denver Aquarium, but its outdoor scene is also unparalleled.

Don't let the weather scare you: Locals will tell you if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes. Another commonly cited fact: Colorado enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year. In fact, it's quite easy to get sunburned on its famous ski slopes!

Born and raised in the Denver area, I now enjoy it with my three kids as a tourist on our annual family visits. Here are 48 of the best family-friendly things to do in Denver, including great Denver museums for children, the best restaurants for kids in Denver, and family-friendly Denver hotels. Find more of our favorite destinations in our City Travel Guides, including our guide to visiting he Rocky Mountains and Boulder, CO with kids.

Rockefeller Center is usually the most crowded place in New York City during the holidays. While the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is the pièce de résistance, there is actually quite a bit for families to do in the area. Rockefeller Center is a great holiday destination with plenty of shopping, dining, and culture for kids of all ages. Include it as part of a holiday windows walk, and grab a bite at one of the family-friendly restaurants within its footprint.

Read on for our picks for the best things to do at Rockefeller Center with kids this season and find more holiday fun in our NYC Kids' Guide to Christmas and the Holidays.