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Celebrate Hanukkah at the Jewish Museum's Family Day program Saturday. Photo by Matthew Carasella courtesy of the Jewish Museum
Hanukkah, Unsilent Night, Nutcrackers, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see holiday destination in NYC. Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Gardens
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
Until January 4th, The Paley Museum has been transformed into a five-story winter wonderland.
SPONSORED
Santa Photos, Classic Movies, and More Holiday Magic at PaleyLand
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
Celebrate the shortest day of the year at Marine Park's Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the Marine Park Alliance
47 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids in 2025
Santa is a busy man, so reservations are required to visit Santland at Macy's Herald Square in New York City in 2025. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo
Top Tips for Visiting Macy's Santaland in 2025
Sit on Santa's lap at Historic Richmond Town, which transforms into an old-time Dickens Village for the holidays. Photo courtesy of Historic Richmond Town
Where to Take Photos with Santa in NYC 2025
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  VIDEO
Don’t Miss Holiday Circus Spectacular Merry Mayhem at the New Victory Theater
Hundreds of tuba players converge on Rockefeller Center each December for a merry afternoon of carol playing. Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer
NYC's Most Unusual Christmas Events
The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows from NYC in 2025
The Met Opera returns to the stage with The Magic Flute this holiday season. Photo by Richard Termine/courtesy of the Met Opera
20 Best Things To Do in NYC with Kids December 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors
Enjoy the magic of Christmas in Dyker Heights as the neighborhood lights up for the festive season. Photo courtesy of Dyker Heights Lights
Best 2025 Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in NYC
Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2025
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
NYC's Coolest Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out in 2025
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by  Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
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There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
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Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
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Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
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These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
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The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
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Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
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This Week In
New York City
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal
Arsenal Gallery - 9:00 AM Pick
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
Magical Lights at Lincoln Square
Lincoln Square - 4:30 PM Pick
Winter Wonderland at Williamsbridge Oval
Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center - 4:30 PM Pick
Featured
Broadway Magic Hour at the Broadway Comedy Club
Broadway Comedy Club - various times
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
Testing the Ice Storytime at the Jackie Robinson Museum
Jackie Robinson Museum - 11:30 AM Pick
Lenfest Kids: Klaus
Lenfest Center For the Arts - 12:00 PM Pick
Gingerbread House Workshop at Butternut Bake Shop
Buttermilk Bakeshop - 12:00 PM Pick
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Christmas Bird Count in NYC
Citywide - 10:00 AM Pick
Hanukkah Extravaganzukah at 92NY
92NY - 10:30 AM Pick
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
Hanukkah Jam at Brooklyn Brewery
Brooklyn Brewery - 10:00 AM Pick
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal
Arsenal Gallery - 9:00 AM Pick
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
Menorah Lighting at Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards - 4:30 PM Pick
Magical Lights at Lincoln Square
Lincoln Square - 4:30 PM Pick
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal
Arsenal Gallery - 9:00 AM Pick
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
Menorah Lighting at Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards - 4:30 PM Pick
Magical Lights at Lincoln Square
Lincoln Square - 4:30 PM Pick
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal
Arsenal Gallery - 9:00 AM Pick
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
Menorah Lighting at Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards - 4:30 PM Pick
Magical Lights at Lincoln Square
Lincoln Square - 4:30 PM Pick
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal
Arsenal Gallery - 9:00 AM Pick
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
Menorah Lighting at Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards - 4:30 PM Pick
Broadway Under the Stars at the Shops at Columbus Circle
The Shops at Columbus Circle - 5:00 PM Pick
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The Nutcracker at the Lehman Center
Lehman Center for the Performing Arts
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing
Santa Fun Cruise with Kids Activities
Event Cruises NYC
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Our Best Family Travel of 2014: Top Family Resorts, Beach Towns and Super Cities

1/4/15 - By Anna Fader

2014 was a great year for travel. Our bloggers visited dozens of southern cities, mountain towns, Caribbean beaches, and kid-friendly resorts so we could share some of the best travel destinations for families with you. We discovered fantastic new beach resorts, revisited great national parks and broadened our horizons at new destinations. Whether you’re planning your next trip, or you just want to do a little armchair travel through our photo galleries, here are our top ten travel destinations from 2014.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Click through each link to read our full experience and see more photo galleries. 

  1. Beaches Turks and Caicos
    In a year of great travel, my family unanimously agrees that Beaches Turks and Caicos firmly stood out as the winner. The absolutely breathtaking beaches, the plethora of activities for everyone in our group and the seamless ease of all inclusive travel. New in 2014, the brand new Key West section of the resort offers large airy rooms and suites. A splurgy trip, but worth every penny. 
     
  2. Yosemite National Park
    The natural beauty of Yosemite National Park can’t be beat. Our blogger Jennifer shares tips on how to plan the perfect family trip to this iconic destination.
     
  3. Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica
    Anyone who’s been to Costa Rica probably has it on their top vacation destination list. The only thing that could make a Costa Rica vacation better would be the absolutely beautiful and luxurious Andaz Papagayo Resort. From the modern organic rooms to the sweeping swimming pools and the thoughtful dining and treetop spa, there’s everything to love about this stunning new property. My new personal fave.
     
  4. Montreal
    We enjoyed Montreal so much we visited in the winter and again in the summer so you can find out what to do any season of the year. Montreal boasts great food, culture and a touch of Europe so close to home.
     
  5. Asheville, NC
    Asheville has become one of the hottest little cities around and we found out why. Stuffed with indie eateries, breweries, loads of outdoor adventures and a grand historic home, we discovered all the secrets to a family vacation in Asheville that everyone will love.
     
  6. El Conquistador Resort, Puerto Rico
    Another over-the-top fun resort we loved was Puerto Rico’s El Conquistador. The family-friendly resort has a 2.4 acre water park, a private island to enjoy water sports, kids’ programs, a marina, golf course, Waldorf Astoria spa and loads of great dining options.
     
  7. Lake George, NY
    Lake George has been a favorite summer resort town for over a hundred years and it’s charm never fades. We finally got a taste of the fun in this Adirondack lake town and share the skinny on everything to do for your family getaway.
     
  8. Richmond, VA
    Another southern town we fell in love with this year was Richmond, Virginia. With loads of outdoor activities, grown-ups can enjoy nature and culture without making the kids stir crazy. Enjoy a sculpture garden, a grand historic mansion, wildlife tours, parks and more in lovely Richmond.
     
  9. Napa Valley, CA
    If good food and wine are what spells vacation to you, then Napa is your travel Mecca. Not typically a destination for children, but our run-down of family friendly vineyards will help you plan a vacation that everyone will enjoy.
     
  10. Jamaica
    Of all the Caribbean islands, Jamaica stands out for the great variety of activities. In one vacation you can zip line over a waterfall, swim with dolphins, visit an historic haunted mansion and pet a crocodile, not to mention enjoy beautiful beaches.

One of the basic principles behind Mommy Poppins is that memories can be made every time you step outside your door, whether it’s a trip around the corner or around the world. Check our travel site to find dozens of vacation ideas, city guides, and resort reviews or subscribe to our travel newsletter to get updates whenever we post new travel content. We wish you many adventures in 2015 and beyond.

Beaches & Lakes Family Travel City Guides Hotels & Resorts Hotels & Resorts Family Travel City Guides Baby Preschoolers Kids Tweens & teens Canada Montreal Northeast Caribbean South California Jamaica Southwest and Rockies United States

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