There's a new scene-stealing dinosaur in town at the American Museum of Natural History, which announced today the arrival of Apex, a 150 million-year-old Stegosaurus fossil that's set to go on display in the lobby of the Richard H. Gilder Center for Science Education this weekend. We got a sneak peek at this new giant, who joins the already impressive ranks at one of our favorite museums for kids in NYC just in time for Christmas vacation visits!

Coney Island's Luna Park has proven it's more than a summer destination, jump-starting the holiday season with its second-annual Frost Fest. This winter celebration features select rides and attractions—including the new Candy Cane Chute—plus holiday lights and decor, photos with Santa, festive food options, and more.

The holidays are here and that means the scramble for last-minute gift ideas and then last-minute gift shopping is inevitable. Thankfully Amazon offers super quick delivery for most gifts...and you get to avoid chaotic stores, busy parking lots, and competitive shoppers. Procrastinators, forgetful gifters, and at-home shoppers: put your worries aside with our helpful guide to gifts that arrive soon after you place your order.

These last-minute gift ideas are all tried and true, tested and beloved. And to keep the love of reading alive at every age, we've included a great literary gift in each category.

Take a look at some of our favorite unique holiday gifts to satisfy every age group! For more great gift ideas, check out the Mommy Poppins Holiday Gift Guide 2024, including the hottest toys and Christmas gifts for kids, cool stocking stuffers, and much more.

Atlanta families can see the incredible acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil, with a holiday twist, at The Fox Theatre. ‘Twas the Night Before… is Cirque du Soleil’s first Christmas show, and it's at The Fox November 29 - December 15, 2024. Based on the classic poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement Clarke Moore, the show features Cirque's mesmerizing acrobatics, familiar Christmas songs, and a heartwarming tale. The show is a perfect Christmas event for the whole family! 

Part of what makes the holidays so special for families are their annual Christmas traditions. Some holiday traditions may have started when we were kids ourselves. Others might be new Christmas traditions we've created with our own children.

No matter what your holiday traditions are, you can rest assured your kids will remember them forever—and maybe continue them with their own children someday.

Here are 50 Christmas traditions that will help you make holiday memories with your family. For more ways to celebrate the season, check out our Guide to Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids, with includes our Holiday Gift Guide.

The Polar Express Experience in Port Jefferson Station on Long Island is an interactive holiday treat kids will love. The classic Christmas movie is brought to life for little ones on a charming, stationary antique train car. My kids have never been on a Polar Express movie adventure and enjoyed every merry moment of this one. 

This movie screening filled our family with the Christmas spirit, from golden tickets to hot chocolate to a surprise visit from Santa Claus himself. Read ahead for all the details to plan your Polar Express viewing experience.

For more seasonal festivities, check out our Long Island Guide to Holiday Fun, including our list of 25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities on Long Island.

From perpetually wet feet to relentlessly bundling (and unbundling) your kids with layer upon layer, the need to escape grows for many parents as the winter drags on. Even those families who don't live with the finicky four-season cycle might prefer their family vacation with a side of palm trees, rather than fur-trimmed snow boots.

So whether you're seeking to escape the cold or just don't want to spend your holiday season vacation in it, we've rounded up 42 of the best winter vacation ideas in the US and abroad filled with sun, fun, and warmth.

Read on to find great all-inclusive resorts, beaches, and charming cities teeming with culture that will give you a family vacation that’s sunny, not snowy. For even more winter vacation ideas, be sure to check out our Family Travel Destination Guide.

Though many of the restaurants and cafés surrounding Lincoln Center might seem too upscale for family dining or a quick, inexpensive snack, there are plenty of affordable, family-friendly restaurants near Lincoln Center hidden in plain sight. Most of these restaurants cater to the pre-theater crowd, know local productions and schedules, and are more than happy to make sure you're in and out with time to spare before the curtain rises.

Whether you're in the neighborhood for a concert, to see the Big Apple Circus, The Nutcracker, or just to check out the famous fountain, here are our favorite family-friendly restaurants near Lincoln Center to grab a bite without breaking the bank—or your patience.

Find more great kid-friendly eateries in our NYC Kids' Guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants.