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

New Year's Eve Drone Shows, Balloon Drops, and Celebrations for Kids in NYC

The big ball drop in Times Square is an unforgettable New Year's Eve sight, if you can handle the crowds! Photo by Michael Hull

New Year's Eve Weekend 2024 in NYC: Drone Show, Noon Year's Eve, and More Things To Do

Roebling Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park welcomes visitors to skate under an NYC landmark.

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Ice Skate Under the Brooklyn Bridge at the Newly-Opened Roebling Rink

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

One of the most spectacular holiday displays in NYC, Shine Bright features over 2 million holiday lights illuminating the entire neighborhood. Photo courtesy of Hudson Yards

Christmas Vacation in NYC: 38 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do with Kids

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

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

18 Best Things To Do in NYC January 2025 with Kids

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

Join Manhattan Country School for its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative March. Photo courtesy of the school

35 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC in January with Kids

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

Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort

14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC

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

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

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

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Guide to NYC Classes for Kids

Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.

Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love

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

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

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

Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun

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NYC Summer Camp Guide

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

Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.

21 Top Indoor Play Spaces in New York City

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

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

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Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC

Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.

Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids

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

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

Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.

Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC

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Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and Fun Zones in NYC

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

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

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

These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.

75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day

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

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

65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age

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

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

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

Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide

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

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Boredom Busters for Kids

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC

All aboard a festively decorated Polar Express train ride for some holiday magic and memories. Photo by Gwendolyn Tundermann

10/25/24 - By Drew Kristofik

BAM | Brooklyn Academy of Music

The Mark Morris Dance Group's boisterous reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker comes to BAM for the holidays Dec 12-22. Filled with whimsical visuals, dynamic dance, and buoyant melodies, The Hard Nut delights all ages. LEARN MORE

These Polar Express train rides near NYC bring the magic of Chris Van Allsburg’s popular Christmas picture book, The Polar Express, to life each winter. We've found festive Polar Express train rides, Christmas trains, and holiday trolleys all within a whistle's blow of the New York City metro area.

A huge hit with kids and parents alike, these Christmas trains near New York City spark the imagination and holiday spirit with seasonal snacks, stories, and even gifts—not to mention a visit from Santa himself. You can even find a North Pole Express bus right in the heart of Manhattan.

No matter which Polar Express train ride you choose, your family can combine your outing with an annual Santa Claus photo-op and bring home the lasting memories of a holiday adventure.

These Christmas train rides sell out quickly, often months in advance, so book now if you want to go. Find more regional Polar Express and Christmas train rides in our roundup of New Jersey Christmas trains and Philadelphia Polar Express rides, plus plenty more local seasonal offerings in our Christmas Guide.

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