Awesome Indoor Rock Climbing Walls in NYC for Families

VITAL Climbing Gym offers youth classes, camps, competitive teams, and plenty of birthday party options, too. Photo by Julia Jin Wolfson

Indoor rock climbing is an excellent way for kids to get some needed activity in the dead of winter, though it can be enjoyed year-round. Plan a visit to one of these rock climbing walls in New York City and let kids scale someone else's walls for a change. Major bonus: The sport takes concentration, discipline, and strength; all skills you'll be more than happy to help them build.

New York City boasts more than a dozen indoor bouldering and rock climbing spots. While a couple of these are only open during the summer, most are year-round destinations. The best part? Kids tend to love the activity, and it isn't too pricey. Try a drop-in program or sign up for one of the many after-school classes or school break camps offered at these rock climbing gyms for kids profiled below.

Find more active fun in our NYC Kids Guide to Sports Centers.

Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Westchester

The Play Place in Elmsford is one of Westchester's top indoor play spaces.

Indoor playgrounds and play spaces have long been the stuff of winter fun for Westchester kids. These local play spaces from Yonkers up to Mount Kisco are ready to meet the moment for the times when you need a change of scenery to beat the winter blues.

If you're looking for other ways to keep kids busy indoors this winter, check out our Westchester & Hudson Valley Winter Activities Guide, and bookmark our Family Activity calendar for more resources.

Trampoline Parks and Inflatable Fun Centers on Long Island

Deer Park's Sky Zone includes a sports court with trampolines. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

From inflatable slides to ninja courses and high-flying trampolines, Long Island is home to great play spaces that allow your active kiddos to jump into the action. These indoor play spaces are perfect places to play no matter the weather. 

Most venues offer play options and birthday party packages that kids will love. The venues usually require signed parental waivers before participation that can be filled out on the business' websites. Kids will need to wear socks or buy special ones on-site, depending on the location. Read ahead for all the details you'll need before your visit. 

For even more fun check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces on Long Island and other ideas for active fun in our Guide to Long Island Sports Centers

Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining

The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Rainforest Cafe

Many New Jersey restaurants offer themed and interactive dining experiences for the entire family, from knights and horses to model trains. So if you're looking for some fun along with your food, read on for more than a dozen restaurants in New Jersey that will make your next family meal a bit more magical.

Check out our Family-Friendly New Jersey Restaurant Guide for more ideas for kid-friendly restaurants, including places where kids eat free and more.

Presidents Day Weekend 2025: 15 Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Warm up with everyone's favorite winter beverage at the Hot Chocolate Fest at the Ashokan Center. Photo courtesy of the Ashokan Center

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this Presidents Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list this holiday weekend!

This Presidents Day weekend families can enjoy some of the coolest events of the month, including a meet and greet with Elephant and Piggie at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum. Or, enjoy the outdoors at the Ashokan Center's Hot Chocolate Fest in Olivebridge, where there will be live music, aerialist performances, campfires, and decadent sips.

And, lest we forget that Monday’s holiday is intended to honor George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, celebrate accordingly with a cool Presidents Day commemoration in Mount Vernon or at Washington's birthday celebration at New Windsor Cantonment.

Presidents Day Weekend 2025: 15 Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids

Check out "Star Light Star Bright," a new public art installation on the Hoboken waterfront. Photo by David Sepa

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this Presidents Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the long holiday weekend.

This long weekend is full of heart, kicking off with Valentine's Day and ending with Monday in honor of Presidents Day. Celebrate an Old-Fashioned Valentine's Day with sleigh rides and crafts at Howell Living History Farm. Keep busy over the extended weekend at Trailside Nature & Science Center's February Festivities and with a visit to Hoboken's new Star Light Star Bright Installation

Find more fun to fill the long weekend, and any additional days off, on our list of 25 things to do over the February Winter Break.

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