Spotlight New York
The Bronx Zoo lights up at night during the 2024 holiday season. Photo by Ally Noel
Holiday Light Shows, Luna Luna, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids
It's an action-packed weekend of pre-holiday fun for NYC kids.
The Tianyu Lights Festival transforms the Citi Field parking lot into a magical holiday destination with larger-than-life lanterns and kid-friendly activities. Photo courtesy of the festival
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
Our 2024 holiday bucket list includes a mix of Christmas classics and brand new seasonal events.
All aboard a festively decorated Polar Express train ride for some holiday magic and memories. Photo by Gwendolyn Tundermann
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC
Relive the classic story with one of these magical train rides.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0
See the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids
Watching the parade balloons inflate is an only-in-NYC experience: Here's all you need to know.
Many organizations throughout New York City are offering free turkey giveaways, plus full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season. Photo by John McCarten for the New York City Council
Where To Find Free Turkey in NYC This Thanksgiving
These generous local spots won't let New Yorkers go hungry this holiday season.
See the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC with our insider's guide and tips!
GUIDE
Guide to Thanksgiving in NYC for Kids and Families
Everything you need to have a great Thanksgiving Day parade and long weekend in NYC.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Leuca. Photo courtesy of the Noho Hospitality Group
26 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in NYC
Skip the cooking and head out for a family-friendly Thanksgiving Day meal.
Experience the magic of the Tianyu Lights Festival at Citi Field this holiday season. Photo courtesy of the festival
21 Best Things To Do in NYC November 2024 with Kids
NYC is ready to turn on its holiday charm with these top November events.
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC to Book Now!
Grab your calendar and your cash. These tickets are going fast!
GUIDE
NYC Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2024
Best fall fairs, u-pick farms, art, and seasonal getaway ideas for NYC families.
Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 11. Photo by Heidi Lee
39 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC this November with Kids
We've found tons of fun things to do this month—without dropping a single penny.
Join Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero on a walk of wonders at NYBG's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. Photo by Ally Noel
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 35 Top Things To Do in NYC this Fall
Here are the seasonal favorites and new debuts that have us excited for fall.
Classics, like Tom Turkey, and newbies alike take flight in the 98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024: Where to Watch, What's New
This is your go-to guide for seeing the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with kids in tow.
The 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2024-2025
Start planning your 2024-25 school year vacations now.
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
These weekend getaways offer nature, culture, art, and food and are well worth the trip.
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
We've scoured the city and swung on the monkey bars, and these are our favorite spots.
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
These indoor NYC activities guarantee a good time when the weather is a bummer.
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Discover awesome afterschool and weekend classes for kids in New York City.
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Some of NYC's most interesting kid-friendly museums aren't the ones you find in guidebooks.
Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin
Best New Broadway Shows This Season Plus Can't-Miss Classics for Families
Broadway is booming with new openings. Here are our top pick for families.
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
These NYC hotels house special perks for kids, from pools to bunkbeds.
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
These local destinations are guaranteed to please kids and kids at heart.
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
Find a great summer camp in NYC for kids of all ages and interests.
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
These NYC tours offer behind-the-scenes secrets, local lore, and get you off the beaten path.
Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
21 Top Indoor Play Spaces in New York City
A day indoors is a lot of fun at these local romper rooms.
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
Make art, explore the natural world, and enjoy science projects at NYC's top kid-friendly museums.
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Find the best FREE kids' activities in NYC.
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Discover the best places for children's birthday parties in New York & throw a kids' party to...
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
These all-ages summer camp programs won't break the bank.
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
101 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Here's how to have fun as a family in NYC without spending a dime.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Go under the sea on a day trip to one of these local aquariums.
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
These celebration worthy spots are perfect for milestone meals.
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and Fun Zones in NYC
Where to go when it's too hot, too cold, or too rainy to play outside.
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
100 Things To Do in NYC With Kids Before They Grow Up
This is our NYC kids bucket list. How many have you checked off?
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
You can take a big bite out of the Big Apple in a short time with these tips.
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
NYC offers plenty of fun without breaking the bank. Here are our top tips for budget fun.
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
Enjoy a day of nature or culture without spending a dime.
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Bookmark this list of must-sees for the next time you host visitors to the Big Apple.
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
It's not a bad time to go back to basics, especially when we have the kids' full attention.
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Find a great weekend getaway from NYC for the whole family.
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Execute mind-blowing science experiments with stuff you have around the house.
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up
Your ultimate bucket list of the best things to do in NY as a family.
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
NYC is a big concrete jungle, yes, but we've also got almost 30,000 acres of parkland. From grand...
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
Bookmark this blockbuster list of arts and crafts and never run out of ideas for creative play.
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids
Find crafts for kids, games, and more projects to spark kids' imaginations!

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SEE ALL ACTIVITIES EVENTS CLASSES ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL CAMPS PARTIES
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Nature Story Time in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park Environmental Education Center - 3:00 PM Pick
Broadway Under the Stars at the Shops at Columbus Circle
The Shops at Columbus Circle - 5:00 PM Pick
The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at the New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden - 6:00 PM Pick
+ERBA: A Forest in the City at Lincoln Center
Clark Studio Theater - various times Pick
Featured
The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at the New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden - 6:00 PM
Fall Family Movie Night: Fantastic Mr. Fox at Midwood Library
Midwood Branch of the Brooklyn Library - 3:30 PM Pick
PaleyLand Opening Week
The Paley Museum - various times Pick
The Nutcracker at Brookfield Place
Winter Garden at Brookfield Place - various times Pick
Flutter: A Discovery Play about the Seasons for Tots (Brooklyn)
Mark Morris Dance Center - various times Pick
Featured
Broadway Magic Hour at the Broadway Comedy Club
Broadway Comedy Club - 2:00 PM
Family Art Project: Whimsical Windchimes at Wave Hill
Wave Hill - 10:00 AM Pick
Le Carrousel Extravaganza in Bryant Park
Bryant Park Carousel - 12:00 PM Pick
Lenfest Kids: Big and Small
Lenfest Center For the Arts - 12:00 PM Pick
The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at the New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden - 6:00 PM Pick
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Family Art Project: Whimsical Windchimes at Wave Hill
Wave Hill - 10:00 AM Pick
Le Carrousel Extravaganza in Bryant Park
Bryant Park Carousel - 12:00 PM Pick
The Rock n Roll Playhouse Presents The Music of Creedence Clearwater Revival
Brooklyn Bowl - 12:00 PM Pick
Native American Heritage Month: Lenape of Staten Island in Von Briesen Park
Von Briesen Park - 1:00 PM Pick
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
ArtLab: Sound Opening Week at MOMA
Museum of Modern Art - 11:00 AM Pick
Kid Create: Marbled Leaves at the Kensington Library
Kensington Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library - 3:15 PM Pick
Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Gallery Annex - 10:00 AM
Sloomoo Institute
Sloomoo Institute - 10:00 AM
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
DTBK Gets Lit: Holiday Lighting Ceremony at Albee Square
Albee Square - 5:00 PM Pick
New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
The New York Botanical Garden - 10:00 AM
Sloomoo Institute
Sloomoo Institute - 10:00 AM
Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Gallery Annex - 10:00 AM
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Marching Bands at the Seaport Museum
South Street Seaport Pier 16 - 10:00 AM Pick
Family Story Time at The MoMA
Museum of Modern Art - 10:30 AM Pick
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation
Balloon Inflation - 12:00 PM Pick
Sloomoo Institute
Sloomoo Institute - 10:00 AM

Latest Articles

The Bronx Zoo lights up at night during the 2024 holiday season. Photo by Ally Noel
Holiday Light Shows, Luna Luna, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids
Drew Kristofik, Nov 20 - It's an action-packed weekend of pre-holiday fun for NYC kids. READ MORE
Peppa Pig fans can play in the precious pink pigs treehouse and other well-know spots when Legoland New York's new Peppa Pig Playground opens in 2025. Photo courtesy of Legoland New York
Peppa Pig Playground Coming to Legoland New York in 2025
Miao Li, Nov 19 - Peppa Pig fans might want to secure their 2025 season passes now for this fun, new attraction. READ MORE
With a little know how, you'll know where to go the next time a potty emergency strikes.
NYC Public Restrooms: Apps, Maps, and Best Bets to Find Bathrooms on the Go
Anna Fader, Nov 19 - Bookmark this post for the need-to-know info for when the kids gotta go! READ MORE
Bring your skates and you can hit the ice for free at Bryant Park. Photo by Colin Miller for the Winter Village
What's Open Thanksgiving Day in NYC: Best Things To Do with Kids
Rosalind Muggeridge, Nov 18 - What's open on Thanksgiving Day in New York City? Plenty for kids! READ MORE
Enjoy the magic of Christmas in Dyker Heights as the neighborhood lights up for the festive season. Photo courtesy of Dyker Heights Lights
Best Neighborhood Christmas Lights Displays and Holiday Lights in NYC
Rosalind Muggeridge, Nov 17 - Fifth Avenue isn't the only spot to see spectacular Christmas lights in NYC. READ MORE
Share a special holiday experience with your child at American Girl New York's Santa brunch. Photo courtesy of American Girl
Breakfast with Santa in NYC
Drew Kristofik, Nov 15 - Enjoy a sit-down meal and some special time with Santa this season. READ MORE
More Latest

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Christmas in New York City
During Christmas in NYC, Midtown Manhattan is chock-full of glittery eye candy. Photo by Ally Noel
Christmas in New York: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
There's no place like the Big Apple at Christmas.
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC to Book Now!
Grab your calendar and your cash. These tickets are going fast!
The magic of the holiday season at the Lotte New York Palace begins in its beautifully decorated courtyard.
Most Festive Family-Friendly NYC Hotels for Christmas and the Holidays
These NYC hotels are packed with festive perks and worth the seasonal splurge.
The Yorkville Nutcracker stars talented local dancers in an NYC-centric version of the classic tale. Photos by Eduardo Patino
The Best Nutcracker Ballets in NYC for Kids
Wondering which Nutcracker ballet is best for your brood? Here are our top picks.
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
From the Thanksgiving parade to the ball drop, NYC is magical during the holidays.
The Tianyu Lights Festival transforms the Citi Field parking lot into a magical holiday destination with larger-than-life lanterns and kid-friendly activities. Photo courtesy of the festival
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
Our 2024 holiday bucket list includes a mix of Christmas classics and brand new seasonal events.
School Days in NYC
The 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2024-2025
Start planning your 2024-25 school year vacations now. READ MORE 
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Discover awesome afterschool and weekend classes for kids in New York City. READ MORE 
The Children's Aid Society provides free and low-cost after-school classes to kids in New York City.
Best Free and Cheap After-School Classes in NYC for Kids
Affordable after-school programs do exist is NYC. Find them here. READ MORE 
A perfectly packed lunchbox helps kick the school blues. Photo courtesy of www.YumboxLunch.com
100 School Lunch Ideas for Kids: Back-to-School Lunches Kids Will Actually Eat
A lunchbox doesn't have to contain a sandwich! READ MORE 
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2024-2025
Find cool backpacks, back-to-school supplies, and tips for a new year. READ MORE 
Forget regular pencil cases, this
Not Your Usual Back-to-School Supplies List: Actually Useful Ideas from a Teacher
You've got pencils and notebooks. Here are the things you didn't know you needed. READ MORE 
Guides for NYC Families
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Find the best FREE kids' activities in NYC. READ MORE 
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
NYC is a big concrete jungle, yes, but we've also got almost 30,000 acres of parkland. From grand... READ MORE 
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and Fun Zones in NYC
Where to go when it's too hot, too cold, or too rainy to play outside. READ MORE 
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Discover awesome afterschool and weekend classes for kids in New York City. READ MORE 
Science experiments and STEM activities for kids entrance children with their
GUIDE
Guide to Science Experiments for Kids and Fun STEM Activities
Easy experiments and activities to have fun and learn something new. READ MORE 
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Find a great weekend getaway from NYC for the whole family. READ MORE