When it comes to kid-friendly amenities, Little Italy, New York, can get a bad rap. Frequented by tourists, locals might be inclined to avoid this Manhattan micro-neighborhood, but it's a beloved go-to for my family, and whether you're here on vacation or a local looking for a daycation destination, I invite you to read on to find out why Little Italy is worth a visit.

Whether we're making our annual trek for the over-the-top Feast of San Gennaro, enjoying a casual dinner on the charming Mulberry Street, or grabbing a slice of Little Italy pizza at the famous Lombardi's, plus visiting its playgrounds, mom-and-pop shops, and enjoying plenty of sweets and treats, here are our favorite things to do in Little Italy with kids.

Find more fun things to do nearby in our NYC Kids Guide to Soho, Hudson Square, and Little Italy, where we've outlined our top picks for family-friendly Little Italy restaurants.

It's time to get a hop on Easter Bunny pictures in NYC. After all, with Easter just weeks away, the Easter Bunny is getting ready to make appearances all over New York City this spring, including on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025—so, you'll have plenty of opportunities to pose for Easter Bunny pictures in Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island.

Our picks for the best places to take Easter Bunny pictures in NYC include everything from professional shots to DIY Easter Bunny pictures at local egg hunts. But, beware: Many of these Easter Bunny pictures require reservations, so book now. You're likely to find the Easter Bunny at local Easter brunches or Easter egg hunts in NYC, too!

Get ready to make a splash! Splish Splash Water Park, New York's largest water park, is opening on Saturday, May 24, 2025, and bringing with it a brand-new attraction: a water playground named Stingray Bay! This isn't just any water playground; it's a splash-tastic zone designed with kids in mind.

There are more than 15 ways to stay cool, including three pint-sized water slides, interactive sprays, and a giant dumping bucket. Little ones will be hooked on the silly, soaking fun, which is great, because there’s a FREE pass for the preschool crowd. 

Read on for the details…

Aviator Sports and Events Center, which has schooled a generation of NYC kids in sports ranging from hockey and gymnastics to volleyball and rock climbing announced Monday that its indoor facility will close on Monday, April 14, 2025.

News of its closure means its indoor sports programs will also cease operations on that date. Its popular sports summer camp programs are also unlikely to return. The announcement—shared on its social media platforms and website—was met with shock and disappointment from parents.

Spring break 2025 is barreling toward us. If you're worried about keeping the kids entertained over NYC's spring break, we've got you covered. If you're sticking around the city for a spring staycation, there's plenty to keep every age group busy. From exploring our favorite kid-friendly museums to playgrounds worthy of a subway schlep, and destination-worthy tourist attractions, we've rounded up 49 things to do with kids in New York City during the upcoming public school spring break.

New York City's spring break runs from Monday, April 14-Friday, April 18, 2025. Add in two weekends, and you've got nine days to fill with fun. Some of our picks only take place on specific dates; others run the entire duration, but all are engaging ways to get out and celebrate spring.

If you're hoping to get out of town, be sure to visit our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for inspiration or consider booking a last-minute spring break vacation on the cheap.

Every parent wants the same thing when it comes finding the perfect place to get your child's ears pierced: a professional, welcoming, and sanitary experience. Whether you're after a stylish NYC ear piercing studio with a modern vibe or a more traditional setting, there are plenty of ear piercing places in NYC offering top-notch services to make this milestone memorable.

Picture this: clean, comfortable ear piercing studios with friendly staff, an array of jewelry options, plus an atmosphere that makes you and your child feel at ease. Whether you’re looking for a simple ear piercing in NYC with high-quality materials or a more adventurous look with trendy styles, these local ear piercing studios have you covered.

Ready to add a little sparkle to your kids' look? Here are our picks for the best places to get ears pierced in NYC. For more local business recommendations, bookmark our Guide to NYC Stores and Services for Families.