New York City is famous for its shopping options, and for good reason—but some stores are a cut above and worth the schlep, even with kids. If you've got a big birthday to celebrate with a gift, or just need an indoor diversion from a gloomy winter day, these retail spots are sure to put a smile on your face, whether you're just a lookie-loo or decide to splurge on a special treat. Find more local shopping ideas in our NYC Local Shopping Guide.

An entertainment Mecca for Manhattanites and tourists, Lincoln Square is a vibrant, bustling and sought-after community for families and professionals. It offers luxurious shopping, upscale dining and entertainment options, alongside top-notch family friendly amenities. Lincoln Square, the southern-most section of the Upper West Side, begins at Columbus Circle at 58th Street and continues north to West 70th Street. It’s bordered by Amsterdam Avenue on the west and Central Park, just blocks to the east!

Families who yearn to make Lincoln Square their home should check out the apartment rentals One Columbus Place. This family-friendly luxury building offers no fee apartments with select units offering up to 1.5 months rent free. The building offers a host of amenities such as an apple seeds® playroom, private outdoor spaces, and a wellness center with Peloton bikes. Read on for the 45 best reasons to make Lincoln Square your next stop for family fun and fabulousness. 

When the snow starts to fly during a Long Island winter, a tasty hot chocolate can help to take the chill away.

Adults and kids across Long Island enjoy hot chocolate, especially when it’s topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, or both. And while you can make it at home, isn't it nice to get out of the house with the kids? It squashes cabin fever, and there’s no cleanup for you. With that in mind. here are 18 places across Long Island that serve up delicious hot chocolate and other tasty treats.

If hot chocolate isn’t your thing, why not try one of these spots for afternoon tea with the kids? See our guide to family-friendly restaurants for even more dining ideas on Long Island. And for more seasonal possibilities, check out our Winter Fun Guide and Long Island events calendar.

Amsterdam is a wonderful city to visit on a European family vacation. The city is kid friendly with lots of fun things to do for families, including wonderful parks, engaging museums, and many delicious restaurants to try. It's also relatively easy to navigate with children in tow.

The city is full of canals, which is another plus for kids as they often love to watch the boats or even take a ride. One of the most special (and affordable) ways to visit Amsterdam is to stay on an actual houseboat instead of in a hotel. 

When you visit Amsterdam, you can’t help but notice these charming houseboats lining the canals and Amstel River. They look so cozy, and many even have gardens growing around them. Our family stayed on a houseboat in Amsterdam for a long weekend and found it to be a comfortable and fun way to visit the city with children.

There is no shortage of great indoor play spaces around the greater Houston area, that's for sure. And unique additions like Glowzone are what make that play scene so great - this indoor spot is lit by black lights and glowing colored lights and full of fun. From the go-karts to geometric climbing walls, there is so much to do it's impossible to feel bored. It's a great indoor playground for families with preschool-age children through teenagers. (And even just adults!)

Your little one's birthday is coming up, and the pressure is on. There are seemingly countless places to hold your birthday bash, but which ones will keep your guests happy and engaged (without breaking the bank)? From toddlers to teens, we've compiled a list of some of the newest party options throughout the great Garden State, including indoor play spaces, a trampoline park, art studio, and more. For even more ideas, check out our birthday party guide.

Are you crowd-sourcing to find a fresh venue for hosting your next birthday party? We know the drill. Despite the scores of party venues in Westchester, there’s often a desire for something new. Fortunately, a bunch of new venues opened in Westchester in the last year that offer kids’ birthday parties. From sweet shops to swimming, climbing adventures to cartooning, this new mix offers a variety of activities. Your kids might even be grown-ups by the time you try them all!

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