New York City

Prospect Park's LeFrak Center Reopens with New Management and Exciting Upgrades

The water is flowing once again at the LeFrak Center in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, which is reopened under new management.

Two little New Yorkers gripped their own pairs of golden scissors to help cut the ribbon at the reopening of one of Brooklyn’s most popular attractions. The young Brooklynites joined local officials Saturday, August 2 to celebrate a new chapter for the Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park—and so far, it looks like a promising one for NYC families.

Since its opening in 2013, the LeFrak Center has been a huge draw for families in the amenity-filled Prospect Park, and Saturday's event marked the beginning of a new chapter for LeFrak.

The Rainbow Is an East Village Play Space as Cool as its Neighborhood

The Rainbow is the first indoor play space located in the heart of NYC’s East Village.

New York City families are always on the lookout for spaces that feel just as vibrant and creative as the kids who use them—and The Rainbow play space delivers. Situated in the East Village, this space was created for babies, toddlers, and children up to age 7 and their grown-ups.

Filled with iconic imagery from the local neighborhood, it's a beautifully curated new space. There are bold colors, cozy corners, and community-first vibes. Whether you’re seeking a calming nook for tummy time or a place where your preschooler can paint, dance, and build, The Rainbow reimagines what an indoor play can look like in NYC.

With daily open play, classes, and events that celebrate local families, this is one of those rare city finds that feels like an extension of home—only it's stocked with way more toys, and there's no cleanup required. It's surely destined for a place on our list of the top indoor playgrounds in NYC.

Mini Golf Like You've Never Seen It! NYC's Craziest Course Just Opened to Families

Swingers brings energy and a hip vibe to mini golf.

New York City kids love trendy and cool experiences, and now you can add Swingers NoMad to your list of fun indoor attractions in NYC. If you think mini golf is just for kids, Swingers NoMad is here to change your mind. This out-of-the-ordinary destination takes putt-putt golf to wild new heights, mixing an immersive course design with a swanky clubhouse vibe, cocktails and mocktails served right on the course, and street food that hits way above par.

Originally opened as an adults-only spot, Swingers NoMad now allows families the run of its courses during its Family Sessions. If you’re teeing off on this mini-golf course with your mini-me, expect a full-sensory experience that feels like stumbling into a secret, special space.

Don't Let Summer End Without Doing These 40 NYC Activities with Your Kids

Hit one of the amazing beaches in NYC, by train, ferry, bike, or car. Photo by Sara Marentette

With August upon us and the start of a new school year looming, my kids and I are in a panic about all the fun, summery things to do in NYC we haven't yet crossed off our NYC summer bucket list.

Sure, we've had a lot of fun tooling around the city, enjoying our favorite local swimming pool, reigniting a love for some of the best playgrounds in NYC, chilling out with some kid-pleasing ice-cold treats, and soaking up all the FREE things to do in NYC with kids in the summer. But, there are plenty of great activities we haven't gotten to. So, we've crafted this list of 40 can't-miss activities to do before the school bell rings in September.

For more ideas from Brooklyn to the Bronx, and even at home, check out our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide. Soon summer vacation will be a mere memory.

Where To Go Peach Picking near NYC in 2025

Get your hands on some juicy stone fruits at family-friendly farms for peach picking near NYC like Johnson's Corner Farm.

The season for peach picking near NYC is upon us, and nabbing these sweet stone fruits is the perfect excuse for local families to plan a summertime day trip. Starting in July or early to mid-August—depending on the farm and the weather—the peaches begin to ripen, and peach-picking season typically runs into September.

Peach picking near NYC follows berry picking season. It is often a less commercial and more straightforward outing than some of the more popular fruit seasons like apple picking, meaning you're not going to run into as many hayrides, face painters, or crowds. Still, you will get a more authentic farm experience.

We've rounded up 13 orchards offering peach picking near NYC, all less than two hours by car from Midtown Manhattan. Several are even accessible by mass transit. You can find more farm fun in our Guide to Farms and Pick Your Own Fun for Families.

109 Free Activities for Kids in NYC: Best Things To Do in August 2025

When Broadway’s dark, the waterfront is alive at Hudson River Park’s Clinton Cove. Photo courtesy of Hudson River Park

NYC empties in August, but free fun abounds for those who stay in town. The lull before back-to-school is anything but dull, and we've found more than 100 fun, free August activities in NYC for families, including Summer Streets, which sets kids loose with awesome activities at rest stops along the way, the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Fest, and the always-lovely Hindu Lamp Ceremony.

Plus, Shakespeare shimmers in free outdoor performances all around town—including at the newly renovated Delacorte Theater with The Public's version of Twelfth Night, and you can end the month love all, when Arthur Ashe Kids' Day returns during the US Open Fan Week.

Step Into the Future: Tomorrow Brings Mind-Blowing Tech Experience, Shopping to Midtown

Tomorrow is a brand-new retail concept that's part experience, part innovation, and plenty of eye candy.

Midtown Manhattan overflows with fun, destination-worthy stores where kids can play for free, but the newest retail addition to the Crossroads of the World is unlike anything we've ever seen before.

Tomorrow—or tm:rw—celebrates its grand opening today as a 20,000-square-foot retail experience. So, what exactly, does the Tomorrow experience bring to the heart of Times Square? Read on to find out.

Top Hands-On Cooking Classes for Kids in NYC

At Young Chefs Academy, kids are guided through a stage-by-stage cooking class that allows them to build on their newfound skills. Photo courtesy of Young Chefs Academy

Nothing stirs up the fun and creates memories quite like getting hands-on in the kitchen. Kids of all ages can stir, mix, roll, and bake their way to confidence and creativity with these cooking classes for kids in NYC. Whether your toddler is just starting to explore new tastes or your teen is ready to master serious skills, these children's cooking classes serve delicious fun for every age and ability. From sprinkle-covered cupcakes and global snacks to full three-course dinners, there’s a culinary adventure waiting to satisfy every appetite.

So, tie on those aprons and fire up the ovens, because these kid-friendly cooking classes are more than fun: They’re a recipe for learning, independence, and memories. Scroll down for a taste of some of the best NYC cooking schools for kids. For even more ideas, check out our NYC Kids' Guide to Classes, or visit our directory, where you can find tons of classes for kids no matter their age or interest.

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