New York City

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.

Best Things To Do in NYC with Kids August 2025

See Double Dutch routines from championship teams at Lincoln Center. Photo by Photo by Kevin Yatarola

Summer's not over, and there are so many fun things to do in New York City this August! Enjoy outdoor movies and concerts, summer festivals, and the best beach days.

Back-to-school season is right around the corner, but it's not here quite yet. August is the perfect time to coast down traffic-free Summer Streets, cheer athletes at the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Fest, and discover your inner Michelangelo while making sand sculptures on Coney Island. Kids' Night on Broadway's summer edition offers free tickets for kids.

Plus, Shakespeare in the Park is back at the newly remodeled Delacorte with a dazzling production of Twelfth Night.

Heat Wave Hot List: 51 Cool Things To Do in NYC with Kids

Make a splash at Coney Island when you need to beat the heat in NYC. Photo by author

As summer weather sizzles, we're searching for the best things to do to beat the heat in New York City. 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 a visit to a local ice cream parlor.

While we enjoy hitting NYC's FREE public pools and running around the sprinklers (oh yes, I get in there, too), lately, we've been longing for more diverse destinations to keep kids cool during a heat wave. That inspired us to round up 51 cool places to beat the heat in New York City this summer.

Best Summer Fairs and Street Festivals in NYC August 2025

The annual Aarti Hindu Lamp Ceremony returns to Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pebble Beach! Photo by Etienne Frossard

August ushers in the final round of summer festivals in NYC. This last gasp of summer celebrations includes some of our favorite summer festivals in NYC like Summer Streets, which stretches nearly the length of Manhattan, Brooklyn's gorgeous Hindu Lamp Ceremony, the Sand Sculpting Contest on Coney Island, the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Fest, and, of course, Arthur Ashe Kids' Day at the US Open. We've found more than two dozen summer festivals in NYC this August and the best part: They're (almost) all FREE.

My Perfect Day in NYC: Exploring Central Park

Climb to Belvedere Castle for a stunning view and a fun photo-op.

When it comes to experiencing quintessential New York City, you can’t beat a trip to Central Park. The 843-acre green space in the middle of Manhattan stretches from 110th Street down to 59th Street and from Eighth Avenue to Fifth Avenue. It’s full of opportunities for adventure.

I’ve spent many happy hours enjoying Central Park with my children, and I'm sharing my favorite destinations on this itinerary for a perfect NYC day. These plans are customizable and include ideas to suit all ages.

Discover more activities on our list of the best things to do in Central Park with kids, or explore more of the Big Apple with this 3-day NYC itinerary from a local mom.

Best Prenatal Massages in NYC for Prenatal Pampering

The Prenatal Massage and Movement Center offers gentle massages and movement therapies designed to support the well-being of pregnant individuals. Photo by Your Cherish/courtesy of the business

Being an expectant mother isn't easy, and it's so important to give yourself some "me" time as your body adjusts to carrying a tiny New Yorker. Take a much-needed break by indulging in some of the best prenatal massages NYC has to offer. Whether you need relief from back pain, want to reduce swelling, or crave a moment of calm, these spots for prenatal massage in New York City soothe your body and mind. Find the most relaxing pregnancy massage locations where skilled massage therapists will help you relax, recharge, and find a moment of rest along your incredible journey to motherhood.

Mothers to be can find more help for the changes on the horizon in our NYC Baby Guide, which is packed with helpful ideas for everything from baby registry must-haves to our mom-tested tips for raising little New Yorkers.

Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up

See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo

Check out these iconic things to do in New York City with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that every native New Yorker really must experience!

The number of family-friendly happenings in New York City on any given day is enough to overwhelm most parents. Our city plays host to top-notch museums for kids, creative play spaces and indoor playgrounds, amazing parks and playgrounds, and even amusement parks, all of which pump out fun children's programming year-round.

Yet, every year, our kids grow up on us a little more. They age out of one activity after another, whether it's storytime at the library, riding a favorite carousel, or just needing to hold our hand as they cross the street. That's why we're focused on finding ways to take advantage of all the amazing things to do in New York City with kids, creating meaningful memories as we go. I created this "life list" of all the things I want to experience with my kids before they grow up. It's not just the stuff that is fun to do, but also the stuff I think will be important to do with them—things that will shape them and be formative in their experience as little New Yorkers. We're also big fans of FREE fun in NYC, so we included as many FREE things to do in NYC as possible!

Without further ado, enjoy this list of 100 things to do in NYC with kids, whether you're a local or a visitor trying to experience the very best of our city. Now, off I go to wring every drop of goodness from the damp, dirty rag that is New York City.

Hidden Gem in NYC for Families: Discovering Hi Bye Tiles in Gowanus

The Hi Bye Tiles have been popping up all over Gowanus making for a whimsical art scavenger hunt.

If you're looking for a new twist on the classic city walk with your kids, the Hi Bye Tiles art scavenger hunt in Gowanus, Brooklyn, is a magical surprise waiting to be discovered. The artist behind the Hi Bye Tiles—whose identity remains delightfully low-key—secretly installs tiny ceramic messages and characters on street corners, brick walls, and lampposts across the family-friendly neighborhood. Each tile is delightfully whimsical, sometimes sweet, sometimes sassy, always smile-inducing. Hi Bye’s art focuses on imagination, humor, and world-building through an ongoing “hidden in plain sight” series of ceramic street art tiles. She’s currently in the middle of a 100-tile project.

On a recent sunny Saturday, my 7-year-old and I found ourselves turning a corner on 3rd Avenue only to spot a yellow banana tile smiling at us while we waited for the bus. Instantly, the walk turned into a hunt. We found six tiles in total that day, and each one sparked a burst of excitement. We've got the lowdown on how to start your own Hi Bye Tile art hunt below, plus more fun secret spots for NYC kids to discover.

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