Jordana Drell Herman

Latest posts by Jordana Drell Herman

Spectacularly Decorated Holiday Pop-ups and Family-Friendly Restaurants in NYC

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Thu, 12/05/2024 - 5:19pm

Oscar Wilde offers a Victorian-era Christmas vibe and plenty of ambiance for a seasonal meal out.

Nothing is better than the twinkle of lights during the holidays, and these family-friendly restaurants in NYC really glow with seasonal splendor. They make for a perfect destination on a cold winter night. No matter which holiday your family celebrates, lean into the enchantment of one of these over-the-top holiday pop-ups and restaurants in NYC, where festive decorations turn dining into a full-on celebration.

Visitors are greeted by jaw-dropping displays—think towering Christmas trees, Instagram-worthy photo-ops, and extravagant winter wonderlands—that transport diners into a magical holiday world. Whether you're seeking an immersive experience complete with themed cocktails and holiday-inspired dishes, or just looking to soak in the festive cheer, these family-friendly restaurants and holiday pop-ups in NYC offer the perfect blend of seasonal spirit and culinary delight.

Keep reading for our picks for the best over-the-top holiday-decorated dining spots, and find more holiday bucket list ideas on our list of must-do Christmas events and holiday activities in New York City for Kids.

Horizon of Khufu Takes Visitors on a Ancient Egypt Adventure at New Midtown VR Space

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Thu, 10/31/2024 - 12:00pm

Travel back in time at the Horizon of Khufu experience.

Step into the wonders of ancient Egypt without leaving New York City through the ultimate VR experience at Horizon of Khufu. This newly opened, free-roaming, VR experience is the first-of-its-kind in NYC. The experience transports families 4,500 years back in time to explore the enchanting world of pyramids, mummification, and the legendary King Khufu himself.

I absolutely loved experiencing this VR adventure with my family—read on to discover what it’s like to traverse time and space in the heart of NYC. For more virtual reality experiences in NYC check out our roundup of the best virtual reality experiences in NYC.

Where to Play Pickleball, Tennis, and Other Paddle Sports in NYC

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Mon, 09/23/2024 - 12:52pm

During the summer CityPickle's outdoor courts transform Wollman Rink into a pickleball paradise. Photo by Jody Mercier

After the drama of the Summer Olympics and the thrill of the US Open, paddle sports are gaining in popularity. More people are picking up pickleball in NYC, plus other paddle sports, and enjoying their own fast-paced matches. If you're ready to dive into the action, check out the best places to play pickleball in NYC this season, plus some top picks for playing indoor tennis with kids in NYC. We've even got an entire list of the best tennis classes in NYC for kids to give you even more options to hit the courts with kids.

Best Farms with Family Entertainment near NYC

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Fri, 09/06/2024 - 8:55am

Harbes Farm offers a slew of kid-friendly attractions, including the speedy goat mountain slides. Photo by Jennifer Voit

There's no better way to welcome fall than with a visit to one of these farms near NYC that are chock full of kid-friendly activities. From our favorite farms near NYC for picking pumpkins and exploring corn mazes to getting hands-on with farm animals and savoring fresh apple cider, these local farms offer a wealth of get-out-of-the-city adventures.

Prepare to discover the cozy, seasonal delights and unique experiences that make a visit to these farms in New Jersey, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley a favorite family outing. If you are looking for even more farms to explore this season, check out our top picks for action-packed farms in New Jersey and activity-filled Hudson Valley farms.

Get Your Groove on at Xanadu the Wild New Bushwick Roller Rink that's an All-Ages Party

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Thu, 09/05/2024 - 2:01pm

Xanadu's all-ages skate parties are a perfect old-school outing with kids.

Get your roller skating groove on at Xanadu, a new roller skating hot spot with an old-school vibe that’s just opened in Bushwick, Brooklyn. With a mix of retro disco, hip-hop, and pop being spun, plus flashing lights and a classic roller skating rink setup, it marries a throwback experience with a modern club vibe.

This vibrant space brings plenty of kid-pleasing fun and is sure to become a neighborhood go-to whether you want to roller skate in NYC or just find your groove. So, get glammed up, don your neon, and check out what’s rolling at Xanadu. Find more roller skating rinks in NYC on our roundup of 13 family-friendly NYC roller rinks.

Unique Behind-the-Scenes Tours in NYC for Families

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 12:00pm

A visit to the Museum of Broadway highlights props, costumes, and personalities who make the Great White Way shine.

There are tons of wonderful tours in New York City that give families an unforgettable experience. But, who doesn’t love to peek behind the curtain for an inside scoop? From stepping into famous pizza kitchens to exclusive looks behind the scenes of a favorite Broadway show, these behind-the-scenes tours in NYC offer a treasure trove of adventures to spark curiosity and excitement, while giving you and your kids some street cred!

So, grab your calendar and start planning an adventure to one of these behind-the-scenes New York City tours. We've got more splurge-worthy experiences for families on this list of over-the-top NYC experiences for kids.

Unique Roadside Attractions You've Got to See on Your Next NY-Area Road Trip

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Sun, 07/07/2024 - 10:00am

The Big Duck greets visitors to Long Island for fun photo-ops and duck-themed goodies in its gift shop. Photo by Gina Massaro

Summer is the season for road trips, and adding a visit to these unique roadside attractions in New York and New Jersey is practically guaranteed to turn your next road trip into a family memory you will giggle about for years to come. If you need help planning an epic route, we've got ideas for the best summer road trips from NYC, plus plenty more getaway inspiration in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Best Venues for Sweet 16 Birthday Parties in NYC

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Mon, 06/17/2024 - 3:06pm

Grab your besties and celebrate a Sweet 16 in NYC at one of these local venues. Photo by Beah S,

What comes to mind when you think of a Sweet 16 birthday party? Black-tie? Formal? Boring??? Not true for Sweet 16 birthday parties in New York City. NYC teens—and their parents!—are a creative bunch. Sure, you can do the dressy party, but New York City teens know how to do it right, with sequin dresses paired with rockin’ sneakers and colorful blazers layered with awesome hoodies.

While we've got plenty of traditional venues where you can host an awesome dance party, our list of the best Sweet 16 birthday party venues in NYC includes a variety of destinations to celebrate this milestone in all kinds of experiential ways. Find more NYC birthday party venues for all ages in our NYC Kids' Guide to Birthday Parties, including our top 15 picks for teen birthday party places.

Latest posts by Jordana Drell Herman

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