Astoria

10 New and Updated NYC Playgrounds You (Probably) Haven't Visited Yet

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 05/21/2019 - 4:00pm

Are your kids suffering from a bit of "been there, climbed that" playground fatigue at their tried-and-true favorite play spot? It may be time to explore a new romping ground. Fortunately, the NYC parks are ever changing. Here, we present 10 new (or nearly new) and updated playgrounds you probably haven't visited yet.

And of course, you can find all our favorite spots, old and new, in our Parks and Playgrounds Guide.

13 Brain-Boosting NYC Playgrounds That Build Physical and Mental Skills

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 05/05/2019 - 10:54am

Playtime should be fun, but that doesn't mean you can't learn a few lessons along the way. In an age when STEM activities are all the rage, and we race our kids from class to class, sometimes it's worth slowing down and setting the kids free in a park or playground to see what skills they pick up on their own.

We've rounded up a baker's dozen NYC play areas that foster old-fashioned playground skills—like balance, strength, and coordination—while also offering unique features that encourage brain-boosting skills—like problem-solving, engineering, physics, cooperation, imagination, resilience, and teamwork. Plus, they're some of the coolest play zones in the city.

Queens Party Places: 33 Top Spots for Kids' Birthdays

Submitted by Kelly O on Wed, 04/17/2019 - 11:30am

We've profiled cool NYC party places in the past, but there are so many awesome birthday spots in good old Queens alone that it deserves a post of its own.

These Queens birthday party places cater to all kinds of kids, from active to artsy to animal lovers. As a Queens mom with two children, I've been to many of these spots personally. You can find additional birthday inspiration in our NYC Party 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.

16 Great Parks and Playgrounds for NYC Kids' Birthdays

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 04/09/2019 - 3:20pm

Savvy DIY parents know that during the warmer months, New York City's parks make a fun (and inexpensive) backdrop for a birthday bash. Granted, this type of party requires more work than booking one of those all-inclusive packages, but you get to control most of the details, including the cost (though sadly, not the weather).

Find more party spots in our NYC Birthday Guide, including inexpensive room rentals for when bad weather threatens the fun.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at These NYC Spring Brunches

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on Sun, 03/17/2019 - 9:13am

Looking to kick off your Easter celebrations by hanging with the Easter Bunny? Get into the springtime spirit by joining one of the city's handful of Bunny brunches for kids this April. We've rounded up several festive New York City meals—from inexpensive pancake affairs to a lavish spread at a high-end restaurant—where families can take pictures with the Easter Bunny along with other kid-friendly springtime activities. Bring your camera, and your appetite.

Easter falls on Sunday, April 21 in 2019. Tickets for these meals always sell like hotcakes, so get them before they're gone. (And be sure to check our Event Calendar for more seasonal and holiday fun.)

12 Favorite Baby and Toddler Classes in Queens

Submitted by Rosalind Muggeridge on Mon, 02/25/2019 - 8:00am

Searching for an engaging baby and me class in Queens to take with your infant, crawler, or toddler? This diverse and ever-changing NYC borough offers up plenty of options for the littlest ones including music, art, movement, and even science.

We've rounded up a dozen of the most popular and unique baby and toddler classes in Queens, including an outdoor nature program and an infant movement session. If you call Queens home, check out these classes, and find one that works best for you (or your caretaker) and your child. And don't forget to check out the other drop-in play spaces in this family-friendly borough.

Need more inspiration? Check out our NYC Baby Guide or directory of classes across NYC.

Indoor Swimming Pools in NYC That Offer Day Passes

Submitted by Raven Snook on Sun, 02/17/2019 - 9:00am

There are plenty of FREE swimming pools in NYC for kids during the summer months, but if you're looking for year-round options, or less crowded waters, the options are a bit limited. We've rounded up the best bets, from private pools offering day passes, to off-the-beaten-path community spots. All are kid friendly and welcome families for swimming and other water fun.

Read on for where to get swimming in NYC now.

Get Out and Drop In! Best Queens Play Spaces and Gyms for Kids

Submitted by Kelly O on Wed, 02/13/2019 - 9:15am

From Queens' formerly industrial waterfront to deep in the borough, family-friendly spots and amenities are on the upswing. There are wide-open spaces to run with abandon, playgrounds aplenty, and indoor play spaces with open play hours are strong in number: In fact, Queens has more indoor play zones than Manhattan and is gaining on Brooklyn.

We found 20+ indoor romping locations in the borough that offer drop-in sessions open to the public (no membership required). Bonus: All of these spots host birthday parties, too, and most are much more affordable than their Manhattan competitors.

NYC Bowling Alleys That Welcome Kids and Families

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on Fri, 02/01/2019 - 9:00am

Bowling is a perfect indoor family activity when you find yourself with some spare time (sorry—couldn't resist). At about age 5, children really start enjoying it, making it an ideal family outing. Bowling birthday parties are a hit for the school-age set and most venues offer special packages and pricing.

There are traditional bowling alleys—think leagues, snack bars, pro shops—in the outer boroughs, but Manhattan's spots tend to cater to grown-ups. Don’t worry though: Kids can still find lanes—you just have to know when to go. Here are 16 places to bowl with kids all across New York City.