Skateboarding is one of the few sports designed for urban spaces, and while the city is a playground, these skate parks in NYC up the fun factor setting the stage for tricks, flips, and high-flying fun. These NYC skate parks provide a perfectly designed place to practice those skateboarding fakie flips and to grab some air. These skate parks in New York City are great for beginners and seasoned skateboarders alike. Often, inline skaters and BMX bikers join in the fun.

All these skate parks in NYC put safety first. Athletes must wear helmets, kneepads and elbow pads, and kids under age 18 are also required to put on wrist guards. That said, most NYC skate parks are unsupervised and have an enter-at-your-own-risk policy. Some do require parents to sign waivers for children. For more outdoor sports and kid-friendly fun, see our NYC Kids' Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

Whether you think it's hopelessly romantic or a complete tourist trap, visiting the Empire State Building with kids is a can't-miss NYC moment. The landmarked building offers stunning views and a rich look at the city's history. A family visit to the Empire State Building—an Art Deco showpiece—is a timeless outing in NYC. Locals need not wait for out-of-towners to plan a trip. Here are our favorite reasons to visit the Empire State Building with kids, one of our favorite family-friendly attractions in NYC.

If visiting an outdoor water park is on your summer bucket list, Mountain Creek Waterpark in Vernon, NJ, is a great option for a day trip or an overnight.

On a recent summer Saturday, my family and I visited the park and had a blast, with plenty for my 9-year-old and 6-year-old to do separately and together. Here’s a closer look at how we spent the day, plus what to know as you plan your visit.

For even more theme park fun, check out our Guide to Theme Parks in the region.

Playgrounds, sprinklers, and cold, sweet ice cream are the perfect antidote to a hot summer day. We've found the best ice cream in NYC and rounded our favorite scoop shops for kids and adults alike.

These spots are destination-worthy and scooping up the best ice cream in NYC. With this list, we're skipping the big-time chains in favor of local purveyors. These NYC ice cream shops source ingredients locally, craft their treats in small batches, and give back to the community and beyond. So, you can feel a little less guilty about suggesting ice cream for lunch...or dinner...again.

Read on for 14 of the best scoop shops for ice cream in NYC and find more cold treats and kid-friendly eats in our NYC Kids Guide to Restaurants.

Whether your child already speaks two languages or you merely want to expand their intellectual horizons, dual-language preschools can help. These NYC preschools promote knowledge and language learning in one neat package. Lucky for us, NYC is packed with immersion preschools.

We've pulled together a sampling of immersion preschools in Brooklyn, the city's most populous borough. To find more preschools with dual-language programs or other preschool options, visit our NYC preschool directory.

Summer's in full swing, and if you haven't planned a great getaway, there's still time to pull off a memorable and budget-friendly family vacation on the East Coast. 

From Washington, D.C. to New England, there are lots of great places for East Coast families to unwind and enjoy some family time not too far from home. Here are 12 family vacation ideas that won't break the bank.

Find more great vacation ideas in our Family Travel Guide. 

We've rounded up the best family fun centers and indoor amusement parks in New York City so active kids—and their parents—can enjoy an indoor escape while still blowing off some steam. There's no need to compromise on wild romping at these family fun centers.

From bounce houses to trampolines to obstacle courses and arcades, we've got you covered for all the fun your kids need. And, if you have a family birthday coming up, most of these spots also host parties. Find more romping spots for all ages in our NYC Kids' Guide to Indoor Play Spaces and Fun Zones.

Wild animals, far-off lands, Instagram-friendly backdrops, and one seriously large ball pit come together this summer at Balloon Story, the inflatable wonderland that's transformed the Park Avenue Armory into an immersive experience that's a perfect diversion from summer's soaring temperatures.

Read on for a sneak peek at this pop-up experience that's only in town through August and find more kid-friendly immersive museums and pop-up experiences in NYC in our NYC Kids Guide to Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits.