Riverdale

9 NYC Batting Cages That Hit It Outta the Park

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 07/09/2019 - 8:30am

For my family, no season is as sacred as the spring and summer baseball season, with its hours spent watching the game and playing Little League at our local ball fields. My son, who is serious about baseball, is always itching to get some real reps in, but there's only so much that can be tackled within the four walls of a cramped New York City apartment.

Luckily, the city has a slew of batting-cage options. Some even include private instruction and facilities where players can work on their fielding skills. Batter up!

Best Family Restaurants Near the Bronx Zoo and Botanical Garden

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Fri, 07/05/2019 - 10:30am

It's no secret that the New York Botanical Garden, the Bronx Zoo, and Wave Hill are all cultural gems and year-round destinations for families, all located in our city's northernmost borough. The real question on many parents' minds, however, might actually be, “but where do we eat?” As a mother of three in the Bronx, that question is easy to answer. The hard part is narrowing down the plentiful options.

The surrounding neighborhoods of Riverdale and the Bronx Park area are just as picturesque and wonderful, with a wide variety of spots to stop off for a bite. So we've rounded up several dining options near each destination where families can fill up before or after a fun-filled day.

Find more great eats in our guide to Family-Friendly NYC Restaurants, including more near uptown city hot spots like the American Museum of Natural History and Lincoln Center.

Bronx Water Playgrounds and Sprinklers to Cool Off the Kids

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Wed, 06/26/2019 - 8:30am

As much as the kids might beg, not every summer day can be a pool day. That's why water playgrounds with jets, misters, and refreshing splash pads are essential to summer survival in NYC. Kids (and their grown-ups) can frolic in sprinklers and spray showers, many with nifty features like footbridges, geysers, and themed settings. We've told you about some of our favorite playgrounds with water features citywide, but the Bronx deserves a shout-out all its own. Read on for details on nine of our favorite splash pads in NYC's northernmost borough.

Find more water fun in our Beaches, Pools, Water Parks Guide, or cool NYC activities in our Summer Fun Guide.

Nature Programs for NYC Toddlers and Preschoolers

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on Thu, 06/20/2019 - 4:00pm

When your city kid has exhausted every museum, show, and playground option in town, it’s nice to be able to get a dose of nature thanks to NYC’s array of zoos, gardens, and parks. And for nature-loving, dirt-loving, mud-loving, bug-loving city kids, the good news is there's no shortage of programming for toddlers and preschoolers in each borough.

We've rounded up our top places in New York City where your toddler or preschooler can marvel at, learn about, and connect with nature. See our guides for even more camps and classes aimed at toddlers and preschoolers.

10 Underrated NYC Parks You (Probably) Haven't Visited Yet

Submitted by Raven Snook on Tue, 05/14/2019 - 4:00pm

Central Park, Prospect Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park—even if you only just arrived in NYC, we probably don't need to tell you that these are all must-see green spaces. But did you know that according to the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, 14 percent of the city is parkland? That's more than 30,000 acres!

So if you're looking for a new-to-you outdoor destination to explore, we've got 10 off-the-beaten-path parks worth putting on your NYC family bucket list. Some are massive and boast a wide array of attractions for all seasons; others are small but picturesque and host popular annual events for families. With months of outdoor play weather ahead of us, check out this list and visit some of the city's best hidden gems.

7 Best Children's Gardens in NYC Where Kids Can Dig, Grow, Explore, and Play

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on Tue, 05/14/2019 - 10:00am

While we’re beyond grateful to live in a city with endless amounts of theater and museums to expose little ones to, sometimes it’s essential to get outside and let them be one with nature. Thanks to beloved children's gardens throughout New York, our city kids have a chance to explore different plants, participate in workshops, and get their hands in the dirt.

Now that the city is in full bloom, it’s the perfect time to head to one of the many children’s gardens in NYC. So bring your nature-obsessed kiddos to one of these top children’s gardens in NYC.

Best Destination Sandboxes at Local Parks for NYC Kids

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 04/22/2019 - 1:30pm

There's no denying it—kids love diving into a sandbox, running their shovels and hands through the grains of sand, dumping a full bucket over and generally getting their hands dirty.

Though NYC parents might get grossed out at the thought of what could be lurking in our uncovered, urban sandboxes, it's hard to refuse one of a preschooler's most beloved sensory experiences. So pull up a bench (and your cup of coffee; you'll be here a while!), and check out these eight toddler-tested, mom-approved NYC sandboxes. We've done our best to find the cleanest ones across the city. Besides, you can always wash their hands in the nearby sprinklers or park bathrooms when you're finally able to get them out.

And hey, you don't have to hoof it out to the local beach to reach this sand, which just means more time for other NYC kid activities. Find more destination playgrounds in our NYC Parks & Playgrounds Guide.

Best Mother's Day Brunch Restaurants for Families Across NYC

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 04/11/2019 - 4:00pm

Mother's Day is fast approaching, on Sunday, May 12, 2019, which means it's time to start planning a special day for the well-deserving mom(s) in your life. Speaking from experience, all moms really want is a little time off. You could choose breakfast in bed, but why not instead forgo chores altogether and hit one of NYC's many delicious brunch spots?

We've rounded up a host of scrumptious, kid-friendly places throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. As if that wasn't enough, we've got tons more picks in our Family-Friendly Restaurant Guide. Pinpoint your special lady's preference, make reservations, and get ready to dig in.

After brunch, head out to one of these great family events happening that Sunday. However you decide to spend the day, Happy Mother's Day from your peers at Mommy Poppins.

Macy's Flower Show and 6 More NYC Spots to See Spring's Blooms

Submitted by Sarah G on Tue, 03/19/2019 - 3:40pm

After so many hours spent indoors during cold winter months, springtime in New York City is one of my family’s favorite seasons. Besides the warmer weather and increased outdoor playtime, we love spotting the season’s first snowbells, crocuses, and blossoming trees.

While plenty of flowers poke through the earth in neighborhood parks and along city sidewalks—not to mention community gardens—there are a few spots in the city where spring blooms are downright outstanding. Springtime also brings the annual flower show at Macy's, which kicks off this weekend on Sunday, March 24. To celebrate the arrival of spring, we've rounded up our favorite places to enjoy springtime.

February Break Camps for NYC Kids: 10 Affordable Midwinter Recess Programs

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on Mon, 02/04/2019 - 2:00pm

Midwinter recess always seems to be the black-sheep break: It sneaks up on you and you have no idea how to handle it once it arrives. Here are 10 budget-friendly camp programs for the week. If you need more options, check with your local museum, playspace or enrichment center to see if they're offering coverage.

If you're able to take a few days off and spend quality time with the kids enjoying winter in NYC, check out our list of 35 Fun Things to Do Over February Break.