Even before the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation opened, the American Museum of Natural History was one of NYC's most iconic cultural institutions, so hulking in its square footage you'd be hard-pressed to see it all in one day. That statement is doubly true now that the Gilder Center is set to debut on Thursday, May 4, 2023.

A modern-looking new wing, the Gilder Center adds a whopping 230,000 square feet to AMNH and, for the first time, allows visitors to traverse the entire 10-building campus without hitting a dreaded dead end.

We got a sneak peek at the brand-new building and walked away in awe and anxious for a return visit with kids in tow. Read on for our review of the Gilder Center, which further cements AMNH's place on our list of the best museums in NYC for kids to visit, and learn about all the family-friendly attractions this brand new wing houses, including a year-round butterfly vivarium, 18 species of live insects, and an impressive, immersive exhibition backed by the science and data the American Museum of Natural History holds at the core of its mission.

Madison Square Garden is a hub of activity no matter the season. Whether you've caught playoff fever and are cheering on the Knicks and Rangers or are seeing the latest family-friendly show on stage at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, when you hit the Midtown West hot spot, you're likely going to need a meal!

Avoid paying those sky-high stadium prices by opting for lunch or dinner out at one of these family-friendly restaurants near Madison Square Garden before or after the main event. Our picks include everything from fast-casual spots and excellent pizza—by the slice or pie—to unique sit-down establishments that will make your trip to Madison Square Garden a truly special occasion. All our top picks are below, but you can find more kid-friendly picks for many NYC destinations in our Guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants in NYC.

Williamsburg, Brooklyn has a reputation as a haven for the hipster set, but families are just as at home in this buzzy, culture-rich neighborhood. Sprinkled in among all the nightlife and trendy boutiques are lots of family-friendly restaurants, shopping, and activities. And the neighborhood is home to some of NYC's most action-packed parks: McCarren Park, a 35-acre green space with playgrounds, sports fields, and a pool; Marsha P. Johnson East River State Park, home to Smorgasburg and skyline views; and Domino Park, the exciting waterfront play space inspired by the former Domino Sugar refinery, a neighborhood landmark, that's getting a new lease on life.

Williamsburg is easily accessible by subway from the G, J, M, Z, and L lines, so even if you don’t live in the neighborhood, you can experience all of the culture and color of this unique Brooklyn neighborhood. Here are our picks for the best things to do with kids in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Find more new-to-you neighborhoods to explore in our Guide to NYC Neighborhoods.

Belmont Park makes for a charming destination for an old-fashioned family-friendly day trip. Located in Elmont, New York, this thoroughbred horse racing track is centrally located for families traveling from New York City and Long Island, and yet a day at the races is far from an ordinary outing.

My mom grew up as a certified country girl, riding horses and watching the rodeo circuit, and though she—and I—have raised a family of city kids, I try to keep my kids connected to our country roots. Spending a day admiring the horses at Belmont Park is one of our favorite you're-not-in-NYC-anymore outings.

Belmont Park receives tons of attention on the second Saturday in June when the Belmont Stakes—the final leg of racing's Triple Crown—brings the top racehorses to its starting gates, but its racing season debuts in early May and runs through mid-July each year. From food trucks to fillies, here are all the fun things to do during a family-friendly day trip to Belmont Park. Our Guide to Local Farms and Pick-Your-Own Produce offers even more agritainment for families.

Booking a great, family-friendly NYC hotel might be the most difficult part of a family trip to New York City. After all, it's easy to formulate an action-packed itinerary, but finding a hotel with rooms bigger than a shoebox, located in a central location, that doesn't break the bank is more challenging. Enter Virgin Hotels New York City. The Richard Branson-backed chain recently opened a new location in the heart of New York City and it’s a great NYC hotel for families that checks all the boxes.

Read on to find out what we loved about our stay at Virgin Hotels New York City and find more parent-tested picks for family-friendly hotels in New York City in our Guide to Weekend Trips and Getaways.

Getting your kid's hair cut can be hard. Even a harmless trim can turn into an ordeal if you have a little one who squirms and squeals and refuses to sit still. Have you ever seen a stylist try to snip a moving target? Thankfully, NYC's top children's hair salons pull out all the stops to turn haircuts into a fun experience for families, plying young clients with balloons, bubbles, cartoons, toys, funky chairs, and lots of coddling.

Why trust us? As native New Yorkers with more than 15 years of experience sharing the best of NYC with kids, our editorial team has tried nearly all these kid salons and more firsthand. Here are our recommendations for the top eight kid-friendly salons where you can take your tot for (hopefully tear-free) haircuts in New York City. Plus some tips on how to pick the right hairstyle for your kid and hair-cutting tips for kids with anxiety or sensory issues. If you'd rather DIY, we've got some tips for at-home haircuts, too.