New York is "the city that never sleeps," especially for parents of young children. Kids can spend countless hours at parks and playgrounds, museums, play spaces, and more. But if you have an early riser, it's not always easy to find an age-appropriate play spot.

Toddlers and babies are often ready to start their day before sunrise, so we've put together a list of awesome places to go and things to see around NYC in the wee hours with your youngest New Yorkers.  

I hadn't been to the movies in 10 months since having a baby and I missed it. I missed debating over the listings with my husband. I missed smuggling in Duane Reade candy and rating the preview trailers. I missed the dark that settles over the theater like few other places in this city, allowing you to escape for two hours, even though you're rubbing elbows with a stranger in the next seat.

Still, while I miss Fandangoing, I have a hard time justifying a babysitter when there is Netflix, so I was intrigued when a friend told me about a local movie theater that not only allows, but encourages, parents to come with their babies, and there are actually several spots around New York City where new moms can arrive with infants and all the gear for a matinee showing—judgement free.

For kids, summer is 10 weeks that make the rest of the year worth enduring. For moms and dads, these two months stretch out like a lazy highway, waiting to be filled with activity before your home becomes a whining zone of boredom. Summer camp can be a significant investment, but some on Long Island summer camps are actually quite affordable; others offer scholarships and financial aid.

Here is our list of the most affordable summer camp programs on Long Island. Find more summer camp resources in our Guide to Summer Camps.

Amusement parks are a spring break and family vacation staple. From coast to coast, amusement and water parks abound, offering fun and thrills to parents and children ranging from toddlers to teens alike.

While there's never any shortage of excitement, having an opportunity to check out new attractions only adds to the kids' enjoyment. Take a look at which popular destinations are introducing everything from state-of-the-art roller coasters to gentle kiddie rides, and which are celebrating the opening of entirely new sections of their already-enticing parks in 2019. We've rounded up new rides (including water park fun) from California's Disneyland to Orlando, Florida and even along the New Jersey Shore boardwalks and in Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Texas.

Just three years after making waves with the debut of Titanosaur, one of our favorite family-friendly museums is upping the ante. The American Museum of Natural History is kicking off its 150th anniversary with a fantastic new exhibit dedicated to the ferocious king of all dinos. The interactive exhibit T. rex: The Ultimate Predator opens to the public on Monday, March 11—read on for more details on this not-to-be missed exhibition that will impress dinosaur-obsessed kids and adults alike.

*Note: This establishment is closed.*

SMASH, a new ping-pong house, kitchen, and bar, is serving up a unique indoor activity for Long Island families or couples seeking some out-of-the-box date-night fun. Head over to the Levittown hot spot for a smashing good time.

For more active fun, check out our guide to kids sports centers and fun zones on Long Island. 

A famous actor once said, "Spring is nature's way of saying 'Let's party!'" Well, from the list below of happenings in Houston this spring, that certainly seems to be true. I know my toddler thinks that any day with a trip to Noah's Ark at the Quillan Center is cause for celebration. But splash pads aside, whether you are looking for a theatrical experience, an outdoor festival, or new playground space, this list will put a spring in your step - your kiddo is already 10 steps ahead.

Remember running to the corner candy store for a treat after school or on the weekend when visiting grandma or grandpa? There was nothing like selecting penny candy from the counter or searching the shelves for candy cigarettes that puffed out a cloud of sugar, oversized bright-red wax lips, and sugar ball–filled Satellite Saucers that doubled as mini maracas.

Many of the old-fashioned candy items parents and grandparents enjoyed as kids are still available today at specialty stores. The throwback treats are a great way to relive your childhood with your own children— and bond over sugar. So, if your sweets supply has dwindled in the weeks between Valentine’s Day and Easter, here are some shops offering a variety of nostalgic fun and flavors.