New Yorkers often dismiss Times Square as too crowded, touristy, and overpriced, but if you look a little closer, there is plenty of kid fun to be found around this NYC hub—even for the most jaded urban dwellers.

We're not talking about the typical tourist attractions such as Madame Tussauds, the Hard Rock Cafe, and Ripley's Believe It Or Not, which do have plenty for kids to do. Instead, we've got the scoop on 14 cool, under-the-radar things to do with kids near Times Square, whether you're entertaining out-of-towners or just find yourself in this NYC neighborhood.

Yes, the country’s only construction-themed amusement park is now serving up some serious aquatic fun with two acres of splash pads, water slides, family and leisure pools, and other attractions for all ages. The brand new water park at Diggerland USA, appropriately dubbed The Water Main, has officially opened its doors just in time for the rising temperatures. With the purchase of regular admission or a season pass, you actually get access to both parks.

When I heard there was an opportunity to head to The Water Main for opening weekend, I jumped at the opportunity to take my two daughters, ages 5 and 7. We packed up the car and headed out to West Berlin, New Jersey to splash, slide, and soak up everything the brand new water park has to offer. Read on to learn all about the park's main attractions, what to expect on your visit, and how to prepare for your big adventure.

Bookworms rejoice! Brooklyn families can finally browse and borrow books from some of their favorite public libraries, including the newly reconstructed Greenpoint Library and Environmental Center, one of a handful of Brooklyn Public Library branches that have reopened for browsing and computer use after completely closing down last year. Across all boroughs and public library systems—NYPL, BPL, Queens Public Library—select branches have reopened. Still, none of the debuts is quite as exciting as the multi-million dollar overhaul in the heart of Greenpoint. Read on for details on this new community hub.

Westchester is home to so many amazing family-friendly towns, and Tarrytown is definitely one of our favorites. One of Westchester's scenic Rivertowns right on the Hudson River, Tarrytown has a population of about 11,000 and checks all the boxes for a great day trip: parks and green space for kids to run around, a cute downtown that's easily walkable, and a slew of adorable shops and restaurants to visit. Plus, there are some great family-friendly events and cultural spots to round out your experience.

Here, we've rounded up 20 of our favorite things to do in Tarrytown with kids from toddlers to teens.

Grab your house robes and get in line because Harry Potter New York, the 21,000-square-foot store dedicated to all things Wizarding World is ready to make its magical debut. Opening to the public on Thursday, June 3, we got a sneak peek behind the doors at all the fun that awaits in one of our most anticipated openings of the year.

For a camping, beach-loving, amusement or waterpark-going family like mine, CaliCase is the summer staple we never knew we needed until we tried it for ourselves. Yes, the world-famous, wearable, waterproof phone pouches truly live up to the hype, enabling you to go handsfree while keeping one of your most prized possessions safe—but also easily available for fly fishing photos and splash pad selfies.

Here are the reasons why my family will be stashing these little lifesavers in our beach bags and backpacks all summer long. And don't miss our exclusive discount for Mommy Poppins readers!

After months of being stuck at home—or at least sticking to your home neighborhood—summer calls for adventure. It's easy to forget New Yorkers have miles of waterfront within city limits, so you don't have to go far to enjoy a cool breeze and beautiful water views. Even better, spend an afternoon at one of these 10 waterfront playgrounds and feel like you’ve escaped the city without ever leaving the five boroughs.

Find more fun places to play this season in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

Who says you need an ocean to go to the beach? Chicago families can get their swimming fix by taking advantage of the “Midwest Coast” of Lake Michigan, or the many smaller lakes (and even repurposed former quarries) dotted throughout the suburbs. The best Chicago beaches for families include easy parking, bathrooms with changing facilities, concession stands for little snackers, and maybe a playground for when kids get tired of the water. Pack up your favorite beach gear and hit one of the best family-friendly beaches in Chicago and the suburbs.