Midtown East

8 Things to Love About Japan Society: Visiting the Japanese Cultural Center With Kids

Submitted by Suzy Q on Thu, 05/30/2019 - 10:00am

One of the best things about raising kids in New York City is that a unique cultural experience is usually just a short walk, bus, or train ride away. Most cultural institutions in NYC host special family programming, festivals, workshops and language programs, and NYC's Japan Society, formed in 1907, offers a varied and rich calendar of events for kids, all set against a beautiful backdrop of indoor gardens, including a waterfall.

If you are fascinated by Japanese food, film, and folklore, but short on time or money to travel abroad, the Japan Society is an affordable alternative for the culture-seeking family. During my visit, one Japan Society member and father of two children ages 3 and 4 put it best, “It gets me as close as I can to experiencing Japanese culture without having to go to Japan.”

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.

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.)

19 Best Family Hotels in New York City With Perks for Kids

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Thu, 03/14/2019 - 10:30am

As a born and bred New Yorker who is raising children here myself, my out-of-town friends always ask my advice when planning their NYC family vacation. They want to know everything: the best things to do, places to eat, museums to explore and, perhaps most important, where to stay.

New York City is, of course, loaded with hotels, many of which are kid-friendly. And while it's nice to have options, there are so many it can feel overwhelming. That's why we've compiled this list of 19 NYC hotels for families based on a combination of personal experience, trusted recommendations from friends, and great reputations. These hotels offer kid-friendly amenities such as pools, free strollers, and even bunk beds. A number of our choices are located right next to top kid attractions; some are more budget-friendly and others a splurge.

Our picks aren't all in Midtown Manhattan. We included places to stay with kids in Lower Manhattan, the Upper West Side, and Upper East Side, and even hotels that are in hot neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens.

Great Art Camps for NYC Kids: Paint, Sculpt, Sing, Perform

Submitted by Anna Fader on Mon, 02/25/2019 - 6:45pm

There's really no place like New York City for kids to learn about art. There are many professional artists who moonlight as a talented pool of teachers. The demand for art programs has created an amazing wealth of exceptional art classes and camps. After evaluating a myriad of creative arts camps, we have selected 11 exceptional camps which excel for different reasons.

We found visual arts camps, dance and theater camps, music camps, and even creative writing camps. There are also camps that have programs in cool stuff like circus arts and art camps that allow kids to sample a little of everything. We found programs that run all summer as well as week-long intensives. No matter their age, if your child is ready to dive into a summer of artistic expression, read on to find the perfect camp.

If you need more ideas, check out our Camp Guide and full Directory of Listings for dozens more great camp.

Play Retro Video Games at These Family Arcades

Submitted by Andy Fenwick on Thu, 02/21/2019 - 8:00am

Does it bother you that your kids don't know all four of the ghosts in Pac-Man (say it with me: Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde), or all the characters in Mortal Combat, or what the game Asteroids even is? We're here for you. We've found a handful of old-fashioned family-friendly arcades around NYC, some straddling the line between retro and cutting-edge video games.

Of course, you can also find arcade games at Chuck E. Cheese's and Dave & Buster's. Check out our roundup of more birthday-oriented video game spots with laser tag and cheesy pizza for more of these game fun zones. You can also find small arcades at many of the city's bowling alleys.

But consider one of the retro spots below if you're in the market for some parental nostalgia and old-school family fun.

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.

Museum of the Dog Opens Near Grand Central

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 02/12/2019 - 4:00pm

Dog lovers rejoice: New York City has a brand new museum to visit and it's dedicated to man's fluffy, four-legged best friend. Opened last week, just steps away from Grand Central Terminal, the Museum of the Dog is the latest addition to the quirky museum scene in this city that loves its culture...and its dogs.

14 Fun and Offbeat NYC Stores to Visit With Kids

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 01/29/2019 - 4:00pm

New York City is famous for its shopping options, and for good reason—but some stores are a cut above and worth the schlep, even with kids. If you've got a big birthday to celebrate with a gift, or just need an indoor diversion from a gloomy winter day, these retail spots are sure to put a smile on your face, whether you're just a lookie-loo or decide to splurge on a special treat. Find more local shopping ideas in our NYC Local Shopping Guide.

10 Must-See Offbeat Museums NYC Kids Will Love

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 01/21/2019 - 4:01pm

New York City doesn't lack for world-class cultural institutions, amazing children's museums, or cool immersive art experiences, but sometimes you just. can't. deal. with the crowds. And sometimes, let's face it, you and your hard-to-impress NYC kids might just be in the mood for something a little different or off the beaten path...a little weird, even. After all, what do we live in New York City for?

For those days, we present our list of weird, wacky, and wonderful under-the-radar museums city kids will love. Read on for 10 picks you're unlikely to find in the tourist guidebooks.