New York’s Lower East Side isn’t typically the first neighborhood associated with families. But for those willing to look past the nightlife and narrow sidewalks, it offers a surprising number of things to do with kids.

The Lower East Side has long been shaped by generations of newcomers. That history remains visible in tenement buildings, immigrant-owned storefronts, and long-standing public spaces—but once again, the area has shifted.

Pocket playgrounds are tucked behind housing blocks. Public libraries hold free weekday programming. Markets sell ingredients from at least a dozen countries. Art spaces are small enough for a short visit and varied enough to hold a child’s attention. From climbing gyms to candy shops to museums that teach history through objects and lived experience, the Lower East Side offers a practical mix of indoor and outdoor options. Read on for our top things to do on the LES with kids and find more fun for kids in the neighborhood in our NYC Kids' Guide to the Lower East Side.

Playtime and snack time seemingly go hand-in-hand at these kid-friendly play cafes in NYC, which give parents a moment to enjoy a cup of joe—and more—while little ones let loose. These play cafes in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens offer welcoming environments, great food, and a caffeine jolt, as well as dedicated, safe indoor play spaces for your kids. Several of them are play spaces first, and cafes second.

So, turn your meal into a play date with a friend, or sit back and relax while your little one explores. Either way, you and your kids are sure to have a good time.

Check out our NYC Kids' Guide to Restaurants for more great family-friendly eateries, or our Play Spaces Guide for more romper rooms.

On Easter Sunday, many New York City families enjoy a neighborhood Easter egg hunt or mingle about at the wildly popular Easter Bonnet Parade and Festival. But there are plenty of other things to do in NYC on Easter Sunday.

Read on for 19 events, activities, and destinations open on Easter Sunday, which falls on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Find even more inspiration in our Family Activity Calendar or NYC Kids' Guide to Easter Activities.

Spring has (finally!) arrived in New York City, and families are taking advantage of the extra daylight hours to get outdoors and play. Springtime activities are abundant, from Earth Day festivals to Easter egg hunts. And colorful blooms are bursting from Brooklyn to the Bronx.

Read on for 50 of the best spring activities and adventures in NYC, and be sure to check out our NYC Kids' Guide to Spring Break Ideas for more seasonal happenings, including our bucket list for the spring break school vacation and our picks for the best spring day trips from NYC.

Viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms in New York City or attending a local cherry blossom festival is one of the most delightful rites of spring. In Japan, cherry blossom viewing is taken to almost religious heights. Blooming flowers are carefully watched, enjoyed, and celebrated. Traditional Sakura Hanami parties feature eating, drinking, and music.

There are many places to enjoy gorgeous cherry blossoms in NYC this spring, and take note—the cherry blossoms are just beginning to burst to life. Here are the best places to see cherry blossoms and celebrate with cherry blossom festivals in New York City this spring. Find more seasonal happenings in our NYC Kids' Guide to Spring Fun.

The National Museum of the American Indian in NYC has been around for more than 30 years, but is arguably one of the most overlooked museums in the city. With world-famous institutions like The Met, MoMA, and the American Museum of Natural History in the spotlight, the smaller and lesser-known American Indian museum doesn’t always make the list of NYC’s top destinations.

Until recently, my family was guilty of skipping over this museum despite walking past its stately exterior in Manhattan’s Financial District for years. When we finally visited, the understated power of this unique place instantly won us over. Read on to find out why and to get some insider tips on visiting this stunning museum. Find all our top picks for kid-culture spots in our NYC Kids' Guide to Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits.