A visit to the High Line with kids is a treat for both residents and tourists alike. Like many native New Yorkers, I sometimes get caught up in my daily routine and forget all that this amazing city has to offer families, from unexpected museums to our mega-popular tourist-worthy top attractions that are always crowded, but for good reason. The High Line, a formerly-abandoned track of elevated railway on Manhattan's west side that's found new life as a public park, is one prime example.

Owned by the city, but maintained by the nonprofit Friends of the High Line in coordination with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, the High Line has developed a bit of a reputation as a tourist zone. But a visit to the High Line is well worth braving the crowds. It's both an amazing public art site and a community hub, with wonderful year-round programs for locals—and it's FREE. Plus, its proximity to the Chelsea Market, Hudson Yards, and Little island makes the High Line a perfect spot for a daycation—foodie-worthy snacks included

Here are all the must-see spots for children at this unique outdoor park, plus the kid-friendly High Line events you'll want to add to your family's calendar.

There is no shortage of warm-weather family activities in Brooklyn, but I find myself continuously making the trip to Brooklyn Bridge Park throughout the spring and summer months. Spanning 1.3 miles along the East River, Brooklyn Bridge Park is an 85-acre waterfront green space promising recreation, sustainability, and environmental exploration. Where else can you fish, roller skate, kayak, barbecue, hit some spectacular playgrounds, catch the ferry to Governors Island, see FREE outdoor movies, explore a sensory labyrinth, or visit an environmental education center? Plus, the Lower Manhattan skyline views never fail to impress.

We've rounded up our favorite things to do in Brooklyn Bridge Park with kids. Looking for more green spaces to explore? Bookmark our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds in NYC.

Ever think you would spot a seal in Manhattan or a giraffe in the Bronx? Did you ever hope you'd be surrounded by sharks at Coney Island? New York City zoos and the New York Aquarium offer families the chance to get up close and personal with animals from all over the world. From the Bronx Zoo to the Staten Island Zoo, each borough has its own unique zoo experience. Whether your children are big or small, there is a zoo in NYC suited to their age, interests, and attention span. Best of all, access to these creatures doesn't have to break the bank. Free admission can be as easy as picking the right afternoon to visit. Check out our insider tips for making the most of New York City's zoos and aquarium.

The South Street Seaport, one of New York City's oldest and most historic neighborhoods, is the perfect place for a family outing. Completely redeveloped in 2017, Pier 17 is its centerpiece and a massive, high-end retail and dining destination with a stunning rooftop space. Besides Pier 17's dining and shopping, there are plenty of other family-friendly things to do in this popular downtown Manhattan neighborhood.

A pair of exceptional play spots, including the Imagination Playground, an under-the-radar maritime museum, boat tours, landmarked buildings, a public pier with gorgeous views, and a slew of FREE programming makes the South Street Seaport a great place to visit this summer with kids—whether you're a tourist or a local.

There are so many beaches near NYC, and yet there's so little time to visit them each summer. If it's your first summer with little sunbathers in tow, you may be wondering which local beaches are the most toddler-friendly beaches near NYC. Each of these 11 beaches, which include some of our favorite beaches in NYC, plus fun Jersey Shore beaches and Long Island beaches, includes little-kid friendly fun beyond the sand and the surf, like playgrounds and aquariums along with great beach eats. Be forewarned, these extra perks might make it hard to lure your toddler away from all the fun in the sun.

So, pack your pails, picnic baskets, and beach babies, then plan a day trip to one of these toddler-friendly beaches near NYC. Find more great local beaches and water fun in our Guide to Beaches, Pools, and Water Parks near NYC.

My favorite part of camping is the s’mores, but my daughter loves the entire experience, no matter how muddy or muggy or cold it gets. If your kids are more like me—itching to get out of the city, but perhaps not prepared to truly rough it—there are lots of great campsites near NYC with family-friendly features to check out. These campgrounds all boast extra entertainment options for kids, like movie nights, petting zoos, or a nearby river for tubing. 

For more ideas on where to pitch a tent with the family, be sure to check out our rundown on where to go glamping with your family, and read our long list of camping games to play with kids.

Spring is in full swing and summer is just around the corner. It won't be long until Memorial Day weekend arrives. As the unofficial start of summer, many families head to one of our favorite Jersey Shore beaches, but that means traffic, crowds, and parking headaches. If you're looking for a different Memorial Day weekend getaway, we've found 12 fun day trip destinations in New York and New Jersey that aren't the beach.

These fun spots range from soaking up culture in NYC and beyond to outdoor pursuits that include hiking, exploring, paddleboarding, and more far from the sandy surf. Find more fun getaways in our Guide to Day Trips.