New York City | Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids

The Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo shine brightly into the new year. Photo by Terria Clay/Bronx Zoo

New York City's Top Things To Do Between Christmas and New Year’s with Kids

Start plotting your NYC winter break activities now.

Bryant Park's Bumper Cars are a mainstay of late-winter fun in the park. Photo by Janet Bloom

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 47 Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC

Don't let the cold stop you: NYC is a wonderland of winter fun.

The ball drops at noon at CMOM! Photo courtesy of the museum

New York City New Year’s Eve Guide 2025 for Families: Kid-Friendly Events, Fireworks & More

Welcome 2026 with slime drops, balloon drops, fireworks, and more.

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Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun

From the Thanksgiving parade to the ball drop, NYC is magical during the holidays.

Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue

23 Fun Winter Day Trips from NYC

These winter day trip destinations in the tri-state area are great family fun.

The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows from NYC in 2025

Cue the holiday music, pack a thermos of hot cocoa, and hit the road for a holiday lights show.

Enjoy the magic of Christmas in Dyker Heights as the neighborhood lights up for the festive season. Photo courtesy of Dyker Heights Lights

Best 2025 Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in NYC

Fifth Avenue isn't the only spot to see spectacular Christmas lights in NYC.

See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo

Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 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?

Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center

Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens

Curious, culture-loving teens may just find their next gig on this list.

The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.

Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026

Planning ahead? Here are the need-to-know dates for 2025-2026.

Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.

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Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026

Find cool backpacks, back-to-school supplies, and tips for a new year.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025

Seeing a Broadway shows is a magical experience for kids and parents alike.

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

Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State

Your ultimate bucket list of the best things to do in NY as a family.

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.

Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila

Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now

Playground season is here, and these brand-new spots beg to be explored!

Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun

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NYC Summer Camp Guide

Find a great summer camp in NYC for kids of all ages and interests.

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.

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.

There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier

100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids

Here's how to have fun as a family in NYC without spending a dime.

Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.

24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC

A day indoors is a lot of fun at these local romper rooms.

Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys

38 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

Get out of the house—and the cold—with these free, kid-focused spots.

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Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC

Where to go when it's too hot, too cold, or too rainy to play outside.

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

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Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide

Find the best FREE kids' activities in NYC.

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.

Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop

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Guide to NYC Classes for Kids

Discover awesome afterschool and weekend classes for kids in New York City.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do

Are you ready for the best summer vacation ever?

Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.

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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.

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...

GUIDE

Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

Find crafts for kids and cool projects to spark kids' imaginations!

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.

Find Things To Do In New York City

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Featured

Broadway Magic Hour at the Broadway Comedy Club
Broadway Comedy Club - various times

Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal
Arsenal Gallery - 9:00 AM Pick

Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick

Kids Week: Natural Dyes in Sunset Park
Sunset Park Playground - 11:00 AM Pick

Kids Week: Kids Science Fair at Blue Heron Nature Center
Blue Heron Nature Center at Blue Heron Park - 11:00 AM Pick

Featured

Broadway Magic Hour at the Broadway Comedy Club
Broadway Comedy Club - various times

Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal
Arsenal Gallery - 9:00 AM Pick

Winter Recess in Prospect Park
Prospect Park - 10:00 AM Pick

Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick

New Year's Countdown Party with Fyütch at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) - 11:00 AM Pick

Featured

North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times

Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal
Arsenal Gallery - 9:00 AM Pick

Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick

NYE Origami Fortune Cookies at the Stavros Niarchos Library
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library - 10:00 AM Pick

Noon Year's Eve Family Celebration at the Tremont Library
Tremont Library - 10:00 AM Pick

Featured

North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times

Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal
Arsenal Gallery - 9:00 AM Pick

Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick

Space Glide at the NY Hall of Science
New York Hall of Science - 10:00 AM Pick

123rd Annual Coney Island Polar Bear Club Plunge
Coney Island Boardwalk - 11:00 AM Pick

Featured

North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times

Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal
Arsenal Gallery - 9:00 AM Pick

Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick

Space Glide at the NY Hall of Science
New York Hall of Science - 10:00 AM Pick

Kids Week: Deer Exploration in Pelham Bay Park
Pelham Bay Park Park - 1:00 PM Pick

Featured

Broadway Magic Hour at the Broadway Comedy Club
Broadway Comedy Club - various times

Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick

Space Glide at the NY Hall of Science
New York Hall of Science - 10:00 AM Pick

Three Kings Day Celebration in Battery Park City
6 River Terrace - 3:00 PM Pick

Knots and Notions at the Children's Museum of Manhattan
Children's Museum of Manhattan - various times Pick

Featured

North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times

Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick

Space Glide at the NY Hall of Science
New York Hall of Science - 10:00 AM Pick

Celebrate the Holidays at PaleyLand: Three Kings Day
The Paley Museum - 12:00 PM Pick

Knots and Notions at the Children's Museum of Manhattan
Children's Museum of Manhattan - various times Pick

Latest Articles

Seeing the drones take flight at the NYBG last summer was a memorable family outing. Photo by author

The Best Family-Friendly Openings of 2025—Plus What’s Coming in 2026 Across NYC, NJ & Beyond

Jody Mercier, Dec 29 - It's time to reflect, review, and rev up for the fun that was and is to come. READ MORE

Museo del Barrio's The Three Kings Day Parade takes over the streets of East Harlem Photo by Mommy Poppins

Top Things To Do with Kids in NYC in January 2026, from MP Editors

Drew Kristofik, Dec 28 - Usher in 2026 with Three Kings Day, MLK tributes, and more seasonal fun for kids. READ MORE

New York City New Year’s Eve Guide 2025 for Families: Kid-Friendly Events, Fireworks & More

Drew Kristofik, Dec 26 - Welcome 2026 with slime drops, balloon drops, fireworks, and more. READ MORE

Central Park has some great hills for a fast ride. Photo by Jody Mercier

Best Sledding Hills in NYC

Anna Fader, Dec 26 - Hit these neighborhood hills across the five boroughs when the snow falls. READ MORE

The eye-popping displays of the Dyker Lights are a holiday must-see in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier

Christmas Weekend 2025 in NYC Top Things To Do: Caroling, Kwanzaa, and More

Drew Kristofik, Dec 26 - Enjoy these ideas for festive fun this Christmas weekend: Ready, set, jingle! READ MORE

America turns 250 this year and there are extra-big celebrations all across the country! Photo by Kent Miller for Macy's Inc.

A Guide to Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary in the US with Kids (2026)

Nicole O'Donnell, Dec 25 - The upcoming year will be a big one for America—the country is celebrating America 250, its... READ MORE

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Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide

Find the best FREE kids' activities in NYC. READ MORE

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

GUIDE

Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC

Where to go when it's too hot, too cold, or too rainy to play outside. READ MORE

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

GUIDE

Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids

Find a great weekend getaway from NYC for the whole family. READ MORE