Spotlight New York
The Tianyu Lights Festival transforms the Citi Field parking lot into a magical holiday destination with larger-than-life lanterns and kid-friendly activities. Photo courtesy of the festival
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
Our 2024 holiday bucket list includes a mix of Christmas classics and brand new seasonal events.
Santa is a busy man, so reservations are required to visit Santland at Macy's Herald Square in New York City in 2024. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo
Macy's Santaland NYC: When and How to See Santa at Herald Square in 2024
Santa arrives Friday! Here's what you need to know to nab a reservation at Macy's.
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
From the Thanksgiving parade to the ball drop, NYC is magical during the holidays.
Enjoy the Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland experience at the Apollo for free. Photo courtesy of the Apollo
36 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids
Consider this our gift to you: We've rounded up the best FREE holiday events.
Bryant Park's Bumper Cars are a mainstay of late-winter fun in the park. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 49 Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC
Don't let the cold stop you: NYC is a wonderland of winter fun.
During Christmas in NYC, Midtown Manhattan is chock-full of glittery eye candy. Photo by Ally Noel
Christmas in New York: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
There's no place like the Big Apple at Christmas.
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 near NYC
Cue the holiday music, pack a thermos of hot cocoa, and hit the road for a holiday lights show.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is an iconic NYC holiday destination. Photo courtesy of Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 2024: A Local Parent's Inside Tips
The 74-foot spruce is the star of the season in NYC. Here's how to see it.
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Calypso, Carols, and Cocoa: The Dumbo Holiday Lighting. Photo by Hassan Mokaddam
Best Christmas Tree Lightings in NYC with Fun Activities for Kids, Plus Menorah Lightings, Too
Skip the Rockefeller Center crowds for one of these kid-friendly holiday lighting events.
Don't Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical takes the stage at the Queens Theater. Photo by Jeremy Daniel/TheaterWorks USA
22 Best Things To Do in NYC December 2024 with Kids
Our December calendar is packed with seasonal must-do's for Christmas, Hanukkah, and beyond.
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC to Book Now!
Grab your calendar and your cash. These tickets are going fast!
The 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2024-2025
Start planning your 2024-25 school year vacations now.
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
These weekend getaways offer nature, culture, art, and food and are well worth the trip.
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
We've scoured the city and swung on the monkey bars, and these are our favorite spots.
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
These indoor NYC activities guarantee a good time when the weather is a bummer.
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Discover awesome afterschool and weekend classes for kids in New York City.
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Some of NYC's most interesting kid-friendly museums aren't the ones you find in guidebooks.
Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin
Best New Broadway Shows This Season Plus Can't-Miss Classics for Families
Broadway is booming with new openings. Here are our top pick for families.
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
These NYC hotels house special perks for kids, from pools to bunkbeds.
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
These local destinations are guaranteed to please kids and kids at heart.
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
Find a great summer camp in NYC for kids of all ages and interests.
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
These NYC tours offer behind-the-scenes secrets, local lore, and get you off the beaten path.
Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
21 Top Indoor Play Spaces in New York City
A day indoors is a lot of fun at these local romper rooms.
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
Make art, explore the natural world, and enjoy science projects at NYC's top kid-friendly museums.
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
Find the best FREE kids' activities in NYC.
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Discover the best places for children's birthday parties in New York & throw a kids' party to...
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
These all-ages summer camp programs won't break the bank.
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
101 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Here's how to have fun as a family in NYC without spending a dime.
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
Go under the sea on a day trip to one of these local aquariums.
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
These celebration worthy spots are perfect for milestone meals.
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and Fun Zones in NYC
Where to go when it's too hot, too cold, or too rainy to play outside.
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
100 Things To Do in NYC With Kids Before They Grow Up
This is our NYC kids bucket list. How many have you checked off?
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
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
You can take a big bite out of the Big Apple in a short time with these tips.
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
NYC offers plenty of fun without breaking the bank. Here are our top tips for budget fun.
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
Enjoy a day of nature or culture without spending a dime.
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Bookmark this list of must-sees for the next time you host visitors to the Big Apple.
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
It's not a bad time to go back to basics, especially when we have the kids' full attention.
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Find a great weekend getaway from NYC for the whole family.
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Execute mind-blowing science experiments with stuff you have around the house.
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
100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up
Your ultimate bucket list of the best things to do in NY as a family.
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
NYC is a big concrete jungle, yes, but we've also got almost 30,000 acres of parkland. From grand...
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
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
Bookmark this blockbuster list of arts and crafts and never run out of ideas for creative play.
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids
Find crafts for kids, games, and more projects to spark kids' imaginations!
The Paley Center's must-see holiday extravaganza fills five floors of the Paley with holiday fun and winter wonderland magic. Photo courtesy of PaleyLand
Unsilent Night, Tuba Christmas, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids
From Nutcrackers to sufganiyot, this weekend has all the trappings of holiday fun.

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SEE ALL ACTIVITIES EVENTS CLASSES ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL CAMPS PARTIES
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal
Arsenal Gallery - 9:00 AM Pick
Family Story Time at The MoMA
Museum of Modern Art - 10:30 AM Pick
Celebrate the Holidays at PaleyLand!
The Paley Museum - 12:00 PM Pick
Gingerbread Decorating at Queens County Farm Museum
Queens County Farm Museum - 3:00 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
Gingerbread Decorating at Queens County Farm Museum
Queens County Farm Museum - 3:00 PM Pick
Family Pajama Party at Wave Hill
Wave Hill Garden and Cultural Center - 4:00 PM Pick
Broadway Under the Stars at the Shops at Columbus Circle
The Shops at Columbus Circle - 5:00 PM Pick
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Gingerbread Decorating at Queens County Farm Museum
Queens County Farm Museum - 3:00 PM Pick
Washington Square Christmas Tree Lighting
Washington Square Park - 5:00 PM Pick
Meteor Showers Viewing in Seba Playground
Seba Playground - 7:00 PM Pick
Macy's Santaland
Macy's Herald Square - various times Pick
Featured
Barbie: A Cultural Icon at Museum of Arts & Design
Museum of Arts and Design - various times
Re-creating Radio Workshops at Paley Center
Paley Center For Media - 10:30 AM Pick
Family Holiday Bird Count in Prospect Park
Prospect Park - 10:00 AM Pick
Family Art Project: Festive Food at Wave Hill
Wave Hill - 10:00 AM Pick
Empire Outlets Breakfast with Santa
Empire Outlets - 10:00 AM Pick
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
125th Annual Christmas Bird Count
Citywide - 8:00 AM Pick
Breakfast with Santa at the Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe New York - 10:00 AM Pick
Holiday Nostalgia Rides
- 10:00 AM Pick
Family Art Project: Festive Food at Wave Hill
Wave Hill - 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
Macy's Santaland
Macy's Herald Square - various times Pick
Sloomoo Institute
Sloomoo Institute - 10:00 AM
Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Gallery Annex - 10:00 AM
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal
Arsenal Gallery - 9:00 AM Pick
Nut/Cracked at the National Arts Club
National Arts Club - 6:30 PM Pick
A Christmas Carol
Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum - 7:00 PM Pick
Third Street Nutcracker at Manhattan Movement and Arts Center
Manhattan Movement & Arts Center - 7:00 PM Pick

Latest Articles

Toys for Tots brings Christmas joy to children in need. Photo courtesy of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
Toys for Tots 2024 Drop-Off Spots in NYC and More Places to Donate Toys
Vanessa Leigh, Dec 10 - If you have the means, consider giving back to one of these holiday toy drives in NYC. READ MORE
Eric Carle's colorful animals come to life on stage,
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show Soars in NYC
Drew Kristofik, Dec 10 - This show is colorful, artsy and will hold your kid in awe for 60 solid minutes. READ MORE
The Tianyu Lights Show lets visitors experience an enchanting night walk at Citi Field.
Dazzling, Dynamic Tianyu Lights Festival Takes Over Citi Field
Jody Mercier, Dec 9 - From interactive elements to an infinity room, this fest is a big hit with kids. READ MORE
Il Gattopardo serves a seafood-inspired feast in honor of the Christmas holiday.
21 Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in New York City
Rosalind Muggeridge, Dec 8 - When it comes to holiday dining, the time to place orders and book reservations is now. READ MORE
During Christmas in NYC, Midtown Manhattan is chock-full of glittery eye candy. Photo by Ally Noel
Christmas in New York: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
Jody Mercier, Dec 7 - There's no place like the Big Apple at Christmas. READ MORE
Bryant Park's Bumper Cars are a mainstay of late-winter fun in the park. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 49 Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC
Jody Mercier, Dec 6 - Don't let the cold stop you: NYC is a wonderland of winter fun. READ MORE
More Latest

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Christmas in New York City
The magic of the holiday season at the Lotte New York Palace begins in its beautifully decorated courtyard.
Most Festive Family-Friendly NYC Hotels for Christmas and the Holidays
These NYC hotels are packed with festive perks and worth the seasonal splurge.
Enjoy the Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland experience at the Apollo for free. Photo courtesy of the Apollo
36 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids
Consider this our gift to you: We've rounded up the best FREE holiday events.
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Calypso, Carols, and Cocoa: The Dumbo Holiday Lighting. Photo by Hassan Mokaddam
Best Christmas Tree Lightings in NYC with Fun Activities for Kids, Plus Menorah Lightings, Too
Skip the Rockefeller Center crowds for one of these kid-friendly holiday lighting events.
The Yorkville Nutcracker stars talented local dancers in an NYC-centric version of the classic tale. Photos by Eduardo Patino
The Best Nutcracker Ballets in NYC for Kids
Wondering which Nutcracker ballet is best for your brood? Here are our top picks.
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
From the Thanksgiving parade to the ball drop, NYC is magical during the holidays.
At the Apollo's Winter Wonderland, guests can take pictures with Santa and enjoy live performances. Photo courtesy of the Apollo
Pictures with Santa Claus in NYC in 2024
Cozy up to Santa for a seasonal photo session at these local NYC spots.
School Days in NYC
The 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2024-2025
Start planning your 2024-25 school year vacations now. READ MORE 
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Discover awesome afterschool and weekend classes for kids in New York City. READ MORE 
The Children's Aid Society provides free and low-cost after-school classes to kids in New York City.
Best Free and Cheap After-School Classes in NYC for Kids
Affordable after-school programs do exist is NYC. Find them here. READ MORE 
A perfectly packed lunchbox helps kick the school blues. Photo courtesy of www.YumboxLunch.com
100 School Lunch Ideas for Kids: Back-to-School Lunches Kids Will Actually Eat
A lunchbox doesn't have to contain a sandwich! READ MORE 
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2024-2025
Find cool backpacks, back-to-school supplies, and tips for a new year. READ MORE 
Forget regular pencil cases, this
Not Your Usual Back-to-School Supplies List: Actually Useful Ideas from a Teacher
You've got pencils and notebooks. Here are the things you didn't know you needed. READ MORE 
Guides for NYC Families
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
Find the best FREE kids' activities in NYC. READ MORE 
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
NYC is a big concrete jungle, yes, but we've also got almost 30,000 acres of parkland. From grand... READ MORE 
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and Fun Zones in NYC
Where to go when it's too hot, too cold, or too rainy to play outside. READ MORE 
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Discover awesome afterschool and weekend classes for kids in New York City. READ MORE 
Science experiments and STEM activities for kids entrance children with their
GUIDE
Guide to Science Experiments for Kids and Fun STEM Activities
Easy experiments and activities to have fun and learn something new. READ MORE 
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Find a great weekend getaway from NYC for the whole family. READ MORE