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50 Fun Things to Do to Cool Off in NYC This Summer with Kids

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 07/15/2019 - 1:20pm

As summer weather begins to sizzle, there's no denying the heat and humidity can get under the skin of even the most tropical-weather-loving New Yorker. To beat the heat, my kids (and my inner child) insist any outing includes water, industrial strength air-conditioning, or sweet frozen treats.

While we enjoy hitting our local public pool and running around the sprinklers (oh yes, I get in there, too), lately we've been longing for more diverse destinations. That inspired us to round up our favorite ways to cool off in New York City.

Our list includes a variety of destinations; some are brand-new, while others are old standbys. The list includes outdoor spots like extra-special water playgrounds, awesome pools, and splashy boat rides, and indoor havens such as kid-friendly museums. Many of our suggestions are FREE and we even included exceptional frozen-treat spots, so you can indulge in ice cream and more. So strike while the weather's hot: Here are our top 50 ways to cool off with kids in NYC this summer.

40 Ways to Beat the Houston Heat This Summer

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Fri, 07/12/2019 - 3:08pm

We don't have to tell you that during a Houston summer, the heat and humidity come at you at full force. Staying cool with the kids is top priority these days, and while the area has plenty of splash pads and pools, sometimes it's nice to just be out of the sun. And enjoying someone else's air conditioning. Even though we love them, we know it can get expensive at indoor playgrounds and gyms, so we've included an entire section of free indoor fun ideas to help you beat the heat without breaking the bank. And if you don't mind dishing out some dollars for fun indoor experiences, the second half of this list includes our favorite paid entry Houston-area venues where you can beat the heat this summer.

Find yourself in need of even more ideas? Be sure to check out our guide to free summer fun and full guide of things to do with Houston kids in the summer.

Cool Public Art to See in NYC with Kids This Summer

Submitted by Allison Steinberg on Fri, 07/12/2019 - 10:00am

Summer in the city means endless outdoor fun, countless street festivals, and some pretty rad splash pads. But summer also brings some seriously cool public art to the streets of NYC, making it easy to sneak some culture into a day of play. Check out our roundup of some of the many free art exhibits around town and dazzle your kids with colorful displays that also just happen to flex those left-brain creative muscles. And be sure to follow us on Instagram if you don't already—we're always finding new exhibits, pop-ups, and interactive installations to explore with kids.

Best Children's Museums for Families to Visit in New York City

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 06/24/2019 - 10:41am

New York City doesn't lack for world-class museums and cultural institutions. While I've been to The Met more times than I can count (and still haven't seen it all) and can while away an afternoon at The Whitney no problem, sometimes my kids need something with a little more action.

That's where New York City's many family-friendly children's museums come in. We've rounded up a dozen of our favorites, ranging from totally interactive playspaces to spots for making art, studying history, and much more. All of NYC's kid museums provide plenty of fun things to do, and are great indoor activities whether you're beating the summer heat or escaping winter's chill.

Inside Candytopia Houston: Is It Worth Visiting With Kids?

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Sun, 06/16/2019 - 10:55pm

If you are looking for an air-conditioned summer escape, then YES - Candytopia is definitely worth the money. It's a one-of-a-kind experience kids of all ages will be talking about for the rest of the summer.

8 Things to Love About Japan Society: Visiting the Japanese Cultural Center With Kids

Submitted by Suzy Q on Thu, 05/30/2019 - 10:00am

One of the best things about raising kids in New York City is that a unique cultural experience is usually just a short walk, bus, or train ride away. Most cultural institutions in NYC host special family programming, festivals, workshops and language programs, and NYC's Japan Society, formed in 1907, offers a varied and rich calendar of events for kids, all set against a beautiful backdrop of indoor gardens, including a waterfall.

If you are fascinated by Japanese food, film, and folklore, but short on time or money to travel abroad, the Japan Society is an affordable alternative for the culture-seeking family. During my visit, one Japan Society member and father of two children ages 3 and 4 put it best, “It gets me as close as I can to experiencing Japanese culture without having to go to Japan.”

13 Best Science Museums and STEM Spots for NYC Kids

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 05/28/2019 - 11:00am

Curious NYC kids never need to feel bored—not when there are so many places in New York that encourage kid-focused scientific exploration and creation. From science museums and maker spaces to brain-boosting playgrounds and STEM-focused camps, there are tons of spots for kids to get scientific in New York City. We've rounded up 13 of the best.

Find more great geeky ideas in our STEM Guide.

Autism-Friendly Museum Hours and Cultural Programs in NYC

Submitted by Sona Charaipotra on Wed, 05/22/2019 - 11:00am

New York City is one of the most bustling places in the world, which can make outings with any child tough, but things get particularly tricky for parents of kids on the autism spectrum, who might worry about overstimulation in kid-friendly settings. That’s why many museums and cultural centers have created comfortable, safe spaces for families with special needs to explore, often in tandem with educators and specialists.

We’ve gathered up some of the best of the bunch, from The Met to the Brooklyn Children's Museum to an after-school "Subway Sleuths" program, as well as several FREE options. Peruse our NYC Special Needs Guide for more helpful tips and local programs.