New York City

Arte Museum Is Stunning, But Should You Visit with Kids?

Submitted by Kristy Etheridge on

The visuals at Arte Museum wow visitors, but we urge caution if you plan to visit with little kids.

Arte Museum New York is NYC's newest immersive experience, and it's completely screen-scentric. My husband and I had the chance to check out the eye-popping displays during a nighttime preview event before its grand opening.

While it made for a unique date night, we walked away with some key points for parents to consider before bringing their kids along. Read on to find out whether Arte Museum is a good fit for your next family outing, and bookmark this list of NYC's most kid-friendly museums for our favorite local culture spots to see with kids.

Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery Is a Hidden Gem for Family Fun

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on

Green-Wood Cemetery is 478-acres of peaceful landscapes in the heart of Brooklyn.

While a cemetery might not be the first place you think of for a family outing, Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery is an unexpected treasure for parents looking to mix history, art, and the great outdoors. With sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty, fall foliage that rivals any city park, and unique events for kids and families, Green-Wood is far from spooky—it’s an inspiring, educational, and even playful destination.

Whether you’re pushing a stroller, chasing curious toddlers, or looking to spark older kids’ imaginations, here’s why Green-Wood Cemetery should be on your family’s fall adventure list. Find more green spaces to explore on this list of NYC's most underrated parks or bookmark our NYC Kids' Guide to Playgrounds and Parks for more hidden gem parks to explore.

Best Halloween Events in NYC 2025 for Kids and Families

Drew Kristofik's picture Submitted by Drew Kristofik on

The Bronx Zoo celebrates Boo at the Zoo with family activities all October long. Photo by Julie Larsen Maher

Halloween is one of the best nights to be a kid in NYC, and our 2025 list of the best Halloween events in New York City includes can't-miss Halloween activities from Manhattan to Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and even some top-notch picks in the 'burbs.

We've rounded up our favorite 2025 Halloween events in NYC for families, including perennial kid-pleasers, like BAMBoo!, Boo at the Zoo, and the big Village Halloween Parade. 

So, read on for our curated list of the best Halloween events in New York City for kids, and start planning your spooky fun. Our Family Activity Calendar, and our New York City Kids' Halloween Guide are jam-packed with more seasonal fun, including top pumpkin patches and the best local costume stores to get you ready for the big night.

NYC Hotels with Views of the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

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Take in views of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade at the JW Marriott Essex House New York.

Chances are you're not even thinking about the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade yet. After all, we still have Halloween to get through! But anyone familiar with NYC hotels will tell families looking to book an NYC hotel room where they can watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2025 to begin doing so up to a year ahead of time. If you want to score one of these NYC hotels with a view of Snoopy, Spidey, Bluey, and friends, you've got to plan in advance.

It's not just NYC tourists who splurge on hotels for the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. We've had many New Yorkers write in asking which NYC hotels look out on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade route. While some of these NYC hotels still have availability as of this writing, call right away, as everything will likely sell out. If you do get shut out, it's worth checking closer to Thanksgiving since there are sometimes last-minute cancelations.

Best 2025 Pumpkin Patches and Harvest Festivals in NYC

Drew Kristofik's picture Submitted by Drew Kristofik on

Don your costumes and get your hands on some pumpkins and plenty of seasonal fun at Brooklyn Bridge Park's annual Harvest Festival. Photo by Etienne Frossard/courtesy of the park

If you think harvest festivals are the stuff of far-flung farmland, we're here to tell you that you don't have to leave NYC for an authentic harvest experience. NYC is jam-packed with fall activities, including pumpkin patches, hayrides, and even our very own corn maze. So, grab the kids and get primed for fall fun, no car rental necessary.

Of course, if you're looking for a more traditional pumpkin-picking experience, be sure to check out our favorite pumpkin patches near NYC. You can find more seasonal picks in our NYC Kids' Guide to Fall Fun, including our favorite fall festivals in NYC.

Hidden Gem for Families in NYC: Hallett Nature Sanctuary in Central Park

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The buildings of midtown feel a world away when you're immersed in the Hallett Nature Sanctuary.

You've probably seen the Hallett Nature Sanctuary in Central Park without even realizing it. The 4-acre green space is located across from the Pond in the southeastern corner of the park, and serves as a scenic, lush backdrop for the body of water. What most visitors don't realize is that this space has been open to the public for nearly a decade. The Hallett Nature Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Central Park, and it's a perfect NYC space to explore with kids for a moment of peace that transports you out of the city.

17 Things To Do in Crown Heights, Brooklyn with Kids

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on

The Brooklyn Children's Museum is a cornerstone of fun in the Crown Heights neighborhood. Photo by Winston Willams/courtesy of the museum

Crown Heights, Brooklyn may be well known for its rich cultural history and tree-lined blocks, but it also boasts plenty of under-the-radar gems for families looking for a fun outing. Whether your crew is into exploring world-class museums, discovering neighborhood playgrounds, or grabbing a sweet treat after a day of adventure, Crown Heights offers plenty of kid-friendly activities well worth the trip.

Crown Heights is easy to reach by subway, making it a great option for a full day of exploring. Families find plenty of opportunities to learn, play, and unwind together—plus plenty of delicious food to fuel the fun. From iconic institutions, like the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, to local neighborhood spots like community markets and family-friendly restaurants, here are our picks for the best things to do in Crown Heights, Brooklyn with kids. Find more Brooklyn enclaves to explore in our Brooklyn Kids Guide.

Best Pumpkin Patches near NYC worth the Drive

Katie Nave's picture Submitted by Katie Nave on

Pick pumpkins and enjoy plenty of fall fun at Outhouse Orchards—no car required. Photo courtesy of the farm

These local pumpkin patches make for a perfect fall day trip. Since we can't fight the arrival of the Halloween season, we might as well celebrate it. And what's the holiday without a perfect pumpkin plucked from the vine at one of these pumpkin patches near NYC?

Sure, you can grab a pumpkin from the local farmers market, grocery store, or one of the pumpkin patches in New York City, but for a more immersive experience, head to the country and visit one of these family-friendly pumpkin patches near NYC.

In addition to pumpkin picking, many of these local farms and orchards in the Hudson Valley, on Long Island, and in New Jersey offer additional activities for kids, including hayrides, corn mazes, and apple picking.

These 12 pumpkin patches near NYC are all about an hour from Midtown Manhattan by car. We even found a few reachable via public transportation. You can find even more options in our Guide to Farms and Pick-Your-Own Fun near NYC, and find plenty of New York City Halloween activities in our New York City Kids Halloween Guide.

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