Spring Activities

Best Carousels in NYC: 13 Merry-Go-Rounds City Kids Love

Submitted by Anna Fader on Mon, 06/17/2019 - 11:30am

There's something wonderfully nostalgic about kids getting a thrill from a ride on a carousel. It's the simplest of amusement park attractions, and there are more than a dozen merry-go-rounds in New York City alone. It's easy to stumble upon them on your next park outing.

Each city carousel offers a unique spin on this traditional kiddie ride, from harbor views to a ride inside an iridescent fish. We've rounded up the best merry-go-rounds in all five boroughs.

10 Queens Restaurants with Backyards for Kid Friendly Outdoor Dining

Submitted by Sally Chaffin Brooks on Tue, 06/11/2019 - 7:30am

Nothing beats outdoor dining in warmer months, especially with kids in tow, and in family-friendly Queens, there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy alfresco eats. We don't mean a sidewalk table or two—we're talking an actual yard with ample seating and room for families to enjoy a meal. Outdoor dining often provides a more relaxed atmosphere, where kids can be entertained by simple pleasures like a passing butterfly or flowers on a nearby plant, and city noises offer cover for little ones who may forget to use their indoor voices.

We've highlighted several NYC eateries with outdoor seating options in the past (including a whole slew of outdoor eating options in Brooklyn), as well as exceptional spots where kids and families can eat and play. Read on to take a closer look at restaurants in Queens with backyards for dining.

Register for Free Summer Swim Lessons for NYC Kids

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on Thu, 06/06/2019 - 5:30pm

The New York City Parks Department offers FREE swim lessons for children and adults all year round, but you have to apply through an online lottery for each session. The FREE summer swimming lessons are on the horizon, and the lottery for registration opens Monday, June 10, 2019, at 7am.

Read on for the details on where to swim for free, or check our directory of paid kids' swim classes, and mommy-and-me swim lessons for babies and toddlers, including those in Brooklyn and in Queens.

Historic Carousel and New Ferris Wheel in Forest Park Are Sweet Rides for Preschoolers

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on Wed, 06/05/2019 - 10:00am

Good news for pint-sized thrill seekers in Queens: There's a new ferris wheel just for kids at the preschooler-friendly Forest Park Carousel Amusement Village, now open for the season. This leafy, old-fashioned mini amusement park in Forest Park (located in the park on the bandshell side of Woodhaven Boulevard) has long been a hidden-gem favorite of Queens families, with its historic carousel, rides, and games. The opening of a ferris wheel specifically designed with little ones in mind makes the park the perfect activity for a slow summer's day. Here's what to know before you go.

The Best Fairs and Festivals for Long Island Families in June

Submitted by Rebekah Yahoves on Fri, 05/24/2019 - 1:45pm

Kids, teachers, and parents all relish that intoxicating start-of-summer feeling. When the trees are budding and you’re trading in your heavy socks for flip-flops, it’s time to get outside and drink in all the buzzing freshness of the season. Long Island’s June Fairs and festivals are ripe with strawberries, crafts, and rides.

Waterfront or countryside, there is something for everyone to play on, purchase, or savor. And for more summer sweetness, check out our guide to Long Island pick-your-own strawberry farms and our spring and summer fun guides for Long Island kids.

51 Things We Are Excited To Do with Philly Kids This Summer

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 05/17/2019 - 4:30pm

The dog days of summer are almost here! With less rigid schedules and more daylight hours, Philly families have time to create their own personalized Summer 2019 Bucket List, unique to their family. But, don't think you have to go it alone. Mommy Poppins has rounded up a ton of exciting summer activities such as nature programs, outdoor concerts, theater productions, educational opportunities (Bonus: The kids won't even realize they are learning) and free movies. There will be no time for children to be bored!

Be sure to browse our ultimate bucket list, 100 Things to Do with Philly Kids Before They Grow Up. Make this summer the best one yet.

Memorial Day Parades and Fairs in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 05/17/2019 - 1:33pm

Memorial Day is more than just the unofficial start to summer. While many families may be beach-bound, bringing kids to a parade or memorial service is a good way to express gratitude for our fallen heroes and to demonstrate ways to show respect for those who've served in the military. Below is a guide to some of the many Memorial Day parades and services happening in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this year. Some even add a shot of levity to round out the day.

Looking for other ways to spend the long weekend? Consult our Event Calendar and sign up for our newsletters.

Where To Pick Strawberries with Kids Near Boston

Submitted by Audrey Trieschman on Fri, 05/17/2019 - 8:00am

When it comes to pick-your-own produce, I don't think there's a better fruit for kids to pluck than the strawberry. The plants are close to the ground, and the berries are accessible without having to reach way into the plant. Ripe berries are clustered together, so kids have the satisfaction of picking a lot in a short period of time. Searching for ripe, jewel-colored specimens feels like an exciting treasure hunt. And no prickers!

June is "strawberry month" and most farms are open for picking by mid-month, but some are ready even sooner. Read on for farms where you can plan a trip to pick your own strawberries, followed by tips for getting the most out of the experience.