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

The Paley Center's must-see holiday extravaganza fills five floors with holiday fun and winter wonderland magic. Photo courtesy of PaleyLand

Unsilent Night, Tuba Christmas, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids

From Nutcrackers to sufganiyot, this weekend has all the trappings of holiday fun.

Santa is a busy man, so reservations are required to visit Santland at Macy's Herald Square in New York City in 2024. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo

Macy's Santaland NYC: When and How to See Santa at Herald Square in 2024

Santa arrives Friday! Here's what you need to know to nab a reservation at Macy's.

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

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 49 Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC

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

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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.

Toys for Tots brings Christmas joy to children in need. Photo courtesy of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

Toys for Tots 2024 Drop-Off Spots in NYC and More Places to Donate Toys

If you have the means, consider giving back to one of these holiday toy drives in NYC.

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.

Enjoy the Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland experience at the Apollo for free. Photo courtesy of the Apollo

36 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids

Consider this our gift to you: We've rounded up the best FREE holiday events.

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.

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 near NYC

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

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is an iconic NYC holiday destination. Photo courtesy of Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 2024: A Local Parent's Inside Tips

The 74-foot spruce is the star of the season in NYC. Here's how to see it.

Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Calypso, Carols, and Cocoa: The Dumbo Holiday Lighting. Photo by Hassan Mokaddam

Best Christmas Tree Lightings in NYC with Fun Activities for Kids, Plus Menorah Lightings, Too

Skip the Rockefeller Center crowds for one of these kid-friendly holiday lighting events.

Don't Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical takes the stage at the Queens Theater. Photo by Jeremy Daniel/TheaterWorks USA

22 Best Things To Do in NYC December 2024 with Kids

Our December calendar is packed with seasonal must-do's for Christmas, Hanukkah, and beyond.

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 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

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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

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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

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Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids

Find the best FREE kids' activities in NYC.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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

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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.

GUIDE

Boredom Busters for Kids

Find crafts for kids, games, and more projects to spark kids' imaginations!

Find Things To Do In New York City

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Featured

North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times

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

Gingerbread Decorating at Queens County Farm Museum
Queens County Farm Museum - 3:00 PM Pick

Family Pajama Party at Wave Hill
Wave Hill Garden and Cultural Center - 4:00 PM Pick

Broadway Under the Stars at the Shops at Columbus Circle
The Shops at Columbus Circle - 5:00 PM Pick

Featured

North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times

Gingerbread Decorating at Queens County Farm Museum
Queens County Farm Museum - 3:00 PM Pick

Washington Square Christmas Tree Lighting
Washington Square Park - 5:00 PM Pick

Meteor Showers Viewing in Seba Playground
Seba Playground - 7:00 PM Pick

Macy's Santaland
Macy's Herald Square - various times Pick

Featured

Barbie: A Cultural Icon at Museum of Arts & Design
Museum of Arts and Design - various times

Empire Outlets Breakfast with Santa
Empire Outlets - 10:00 AM Pick

Family Holiday Bird Count in Prospect Park
Prospect Park - 10:00 AM Pick

Family Art Project: Festive Food at Wave Hill
Wave Hill - 10:00 AM Pick

Re-creating Radio Workshops at Paley Center
Paley Center For Media - 10:30 AM Pick

Featured

North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times

125th Annual Christmas Bird Count
Citywide - 8:00 AM Pick

Breakfast with Santa at the Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe New York - 10:00 AM Pick

Holiday Nostalgia Rides
- 10:00 AM Pick

Family Art Project: Festive Food at Wave Hill
Wave Hill - 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

Macy's Santaland
Macy's Herald Square - various times Pick

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

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

Nut/Cracked at the National Arts Club
National Arts Club - 6:30 PM Pick

A Christmas Carol
Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum - 7:00 PM Pick

Third Street Nutcracker at Manhattan Movement and Arts Center
Manhattan Movement & Arts Center - 7:00 PM Pick

Featured

North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times

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

Family Story Time at The MoMA
Museum of Modern Art - 10:30 AM Pick

Calypso, Carols, and Cocoa: The Dumbo Holiday Lighting
The Archway Under The Manhattan Bidge - 4:00 PM Pick

Island of Warmth Campfire at Manhattan West
Manhattan West - 5:00 PM Pick

Latest Articles

Take a magical one-hour trip to the North Pole on the Polar Express in Whippany, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Morristown and Eerie Railway

Enchanting Christmas and Holiday-Themed Day Trips from NYC

Sonia Gonzalez, Dec 12 - Head over the river and through the woods to enjoy one of these seasonal day trip destinations. READ MORE

Unsilent Night, Tuba Christmas, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids

Drew Kristofik, Dec 11 - From Nutcrackers to sufganiyot, this weekend has all the trappings of holiday fun. READ MORE

Toys for Tots 2024 Drop-Off Spots in NYC and More Places to Donate Toys

Vanessa Leigh, Dec 10 - If you have the means, consider giving back to one of these holiday toy drives in NYC. READ MORE

Eric Carle's colorful animals come to life on stage,

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show Soars in NYC

Drew Kristofik, Dec 10 - This show is colorful, artsy and will hold your kid in awe for 60 solid minutes. READ MORE

The Tianyu Lights Show lets visitors experience an enchanting night walk at Citi Field.

Dazzling, Dynamic Tianyu Lights Festival Takes Over Citi Field

Jody Mercier, Dec 9 - From interactive elements to an infinity room, this fest is a big hit with kids. READ MORE

Il Gattopardo serves a seafood-inspired feast in honor of the Christmas holiday.

21 Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in New York City

Rosalind Muggeridge, Dec 8 - When it comes to holiday dining, the time to place orders and book reservations is now. READ MORE

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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

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.

36 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids

Consider this our gift to you: We've rounded up the best FREE holiday events.

Best Christmas Tree Lightings in NYC with Fun Activities for Kids, Plus Menorah Lightings, Too

Skip the Rockefeller Center crowds for one of these kid-friendly holiday lighting events.

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.

At the Apollo's Winter Wonderland, guests can take pictures with Santa and enjoy live performances. Photo courtesy of the Apollo

Pictures with Santa Claus in NYC in 2024

Cozy up to Santa for a seasonal photo session at these local NYC spots.

Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2024-2025

Start planning your 2024-25 school year vacations now. READ MORE

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

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

GUIDE

Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids

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

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

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