New York City

Park Slope Restaurants: Where to Eat With Kids

Terre is a Park Slope neighborhood gem that's a great place for a family meal or incredibly scrumptious gelato.

Brownstone-lined Park Slope has long been known for its family-friendly vibe, boasting plenty of fun indoor play spots, playgrounds, kid events—and great Brooklyn eats. We've pulled together this list of family-friendly Park Slope restaurants perfect for locals or those visiting the area after an energy-burning romp in Prospect Park.

Our curated list of Park Slope restaurants includes the best dining spots for kid staples like pizza, tacos, and gelato, but also more exotic fare for adventurous NYC eaters. Plus we tell you who has highchairs and where the baby changing tables are (and are not). Read on and you might just discover your new go-to Brooklyn eatery.

12 Must-See Museum Exhibits in NYC This Fall

Christian Dior's wearable artwork is the subject of an installation at the Brooklyn Museum. Photo by author

The fall brings with it not only a smattering of seasonal changes and outdoor fun like apple picking but New Yorkers can also look forward to an exciting roster of new museum exhibits to explore at NYC's top culture spots.

We've rounded up 12 exciting museum exhibits citywide that we can't wait to see with kids this season. From museum exhibits honoring history makers like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the Obamas, to interactive picks at our favorite children's museums, and two huge fashion installations, there's something on this list for everyone, from toddlers to teens.

Midtown Gets Spectacular New NYPL Branch With Rooftop Reading Room

See Patience and Fortitude—in Lego form—at the newly remodeled Stavros Niarchos NYPL branch in Midtown.

You won't find Manhattan's newest, coolest rooftop hang out at a swanky eatery. Instead, this cool view comes at no cost, atop the newest NYPL. A trip to the library has never been so cool as it is with a visit to the newly remodeled Stavros Niarchos Foundation branch. Housed in the old Mid-Manhattan Library Building, and catty-corner from the main NYPL branch's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, this completely reimagined space houses 400,000 books spread over eight floors. Enviable features include the aforementioned alfresco reading room overlooking Fifth Avenue and spectacular new spaces for children and teens. Add in some inventive programming, and this new library is sure to land on our list of NYC libraries with great play spaces and children's rooms.

Read on to learn more about all the services offered at this NYPL branch.

Boxing Classes for Kids in New York City

You're never too young to learn to box at Eastern Queens Boxing Club. Photo courtesy of the club

As summer turns to fall and a new school year is about to begin, parents everywhere are looking for after-school classes. Now entering the ring: boxing. These boxing classes for kids in New York City are a great option. The sport helps kids to build confidence, patience, fitness, and learn self-defense.

We've rounded up seven boxing gyms in NYC offering boxing classes for kids. Find more enrichment opportunities in our Guide to Classes and Activities for New York City kids.

Family-Friendly Hiking Trails in NYC to Tackle This Fall

Let your kids loose to run free on the hiking trails right here in NYC. Photo by Sara M.

At least once a quarter, usually coinciding with the change of seasons, someone in my family decides it's time to escape to the woods and hit the hiking trails. But really, there's no need to head upstate or to the 'burbs to get your outdoor fix. Our fair city is home to more than 300 miles of hiking trails and 10,000 acres of unencumbered nature.

We have sampled enough parks around NYC and spent enough time exploring the great outdoors to confidently share this list of family-friendly hiking trails within city limits. These hiking trails vary in length, scenery, and difficulty. Some are just right for little legs, and all reward hikers with views of water, bridges, and yes, gorgeous fall foliage. No matter what borough you call home, we hope you have a blast lacing up and hitting one of these hiking trails. You can find more outdoor places to play and explore in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

Family-Friendly Wineries and Cider Mills for a Fun Getaway Near NYC

Enjoy a family-friendly winery visit at Harbes Vineyard in Mattituck.

It’s that time of year—there’s a hint of fall in the air. The leaves are on the brink of changing, and pumpkin flavors are already wafting through the air and filling store shelves. While apple picking outings might already be on your calendar, don't overlook a seasonal fall trip to a local winery, cider mill, or vineyard.

Fall is the perfect time to check out this different kind of harvest, and we've found nine cider mills, wineries, and vineyards near New York City that are happy to welcome you and your kids. We’ve organized these wineries and cider mills by the approximate distance from NYC, beginning with the closest sites. For more options, visit these spots in Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island. Be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide for more autumnal entertainment.

Forest Schools and Nature Classes in NYC for Toddlers and Beyond

It's hands-on work and play in the garden in the Garden Buds program at the Queens Botanic Garden.

Nature provides the perfect classroom for kids. New York's little urbanites love to jump in puddles, make mud pies, climb trees, and dig for worms. Nature preschools and forest schools have gained in popularity recently. If you're looking for preschool classes in New York City that draw lessons from nature, we've rounded up the city's best nature preschools, forest schools, and toddler classes which allow little ones to spend a significant part of each session outdoors interacting with the natural world. As these nature classes are often held rain or shine, proper outdoor gear is a must, so get some sturdy boots and rain pants and let your kids explore with the help of these forest schools.

If you've got older kids, take note. Several of these forest schools offer classes for older kids, including after-school nature classes. Find more preschool classes for NYC kids and classes for all ages in our Guide Classes and Activities in New York City.

Pages