A new baseball-themed indoor entertainment center in Katy.

New York’s Lower East Side isn’t typically the first neighborhood associated with families. But for those willing to look past the nightlife and narrow sidewalks, it offers a surprising number of things to do with kids.

The Lower East Side has long been shaped by generations of newcomers. That history remains visible in tenement buildings, immigrant-owned storefronts, and long-standing public spaces—but once again, the area has shifted.

Pocket playgrounds are tucked behind housing blocks. Public libraries hold free weekday programming. Markets sell ingredients from at least a dozen countries. Art spaces are small enough for a short visit and varied enough to hold a child’s attention. From climbing gyms to candy shops to museums that teach history through objects and lived experience, the Lower East Side offers a practical mix of indoor and outdoor options. Read on for our top things to do on the LES with kids and find more fun for kids in the neighborhood in our NYC Kids' Guide to the Lower East Side.

If you're looking for a fun and exciting way to challenge yourself while spending quality time with your family, the Adventure Park at Long Island in Wheatley Heights is a great option. 

We brought six teens with varying comfort levels on heights to this adventure park in early spring and the entire bunch was electric afterwards, boasting about their course conquests and lightning finishing speeds. I would highly recommend the Adventure Park at Long Island for active kids and small groups.

Read on for what to expect during your visit, plus tips for making the most of this high-flying family adventure.

There are lots more destinations on Long Island for thrill-seeking families. Check out our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks on Long Island, or take a look our rundown of birthday party venues that are perfect for any adrenaline junkies in your house. 

Enjoy world-class cherry blossoms this spring in New Jersey at one of the region's premier festivals. The 2025 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, held in Newark's Branch Brook Park from Saturday, April 5 through Sunday, April 13, 2025, allows you and your family to revel in rows and rows of gorgeous cherry blossoms. There's definitely no need to travel to D.C. to see a stunning display of lush blooms! 

The event features two festivals-within-the-festival, the Essex County Family Day and Bloomfest. Both Family Day and Bloomfest offer plenty of family fun, including performances, bounce houses, a nearby playground, live music, and Japanese cultural demonstrations. It all takes place under the fragrant canopy of the sprawling park's 5,000 cherry blossom trees—the largest cherry blossom tree collection in the country.

Read on for an overview of Branch Brook Park and the cherry blossom festival, along with tips for visiting with kids, and find more seasonal must-dos in our Guide to Spring Activities in New Jersey.

Playtime and snack time seemingly go hand-in-hand at these kid-friendly play cafes in NYC, which give parents a moment to enjoy a cup of joe—and more—while little ones let loose. These play cafes in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens offer welcoming environments, great food, and a caffeine jolt, as well as dedicated, safe indoor play spaces for your kids. Several of them are play spaces first, and cafes second.

So, turn your meal into a play date with a friend, or sit back and relax while your little one explores. Either way, you and your kids are sure to have a good time.

Check out our NYC Kids' Guide to Restaurants for more great family-friendly eateries, or our Play Spaces Guide for more romper rooms.