Sara Gramling

15 Secret Gardens in NYC to Explore With Kids

Submitted by Sara Gramling on Mon, 10/25/2021 - 10:57am

The Ford Foundation Atrium houses a spectacular, indoor, secret garden to explore. Photo courtesy of the foundation

While we love an action-packed park or playground, there's something magical about an off-the-beaten-path enclave, too, and New York City streets are packed with them. These secret gardens, hidden on busy city streets, and overflowing with lush greenery and beautiful flowers make for a different kind of escape and cool way to commune with nature. We've scoured the city blocks to find some hidden gardens and botanical wonders for you and your family to enjoy. Here are 15 secret gardens for your next outdoor adventure.

Boxing Classes for Kids in New York City

Submitted by Sara Gramling on Wed, 09/15/2021 - 12:01pm

You're never too young to learn to box at Eastern Queens Boxing Club. Photo courtesy of the club

As summer turns to fall and a new school year is about to begin, parents everywhere are looking for after-school classes. Now entering the ring: boxing. These boxing classes for kids in New York City are a great option. The sport helps kids to build confidence, patience, fitness, and learn self-defense.

We've rounded up seven boxing gyms in NYC offering boxing classes for kids. Find more enrichment opportunities in our Guide to Classes and Activities for New York City kids.

25 Indoor Places to Play in NYC to Beat Summer's Heat

Submitted by Sara Gramling on Fri, 08/06/2021 - 12:57pm

Find the perfect hue for you at The Color Factory. Photo by Janet Bloom

Summer is traditionally the season for spending as much time outside as possible. Except sometimes it’s just so…hot. Our top picks to beat summer's heat include indoor play spaces, museums, and local shopping destinations where kids can play—all while enjoying some industrial AC. Find more fun things to do inside—in any season—in our Guide to Indoor Fun.

Where to Barbecue in NYC Parks: 13 Family-Friendly Spots

Submitted by Sara Gramling on Thu, 07/01/2021 - 1:03pm

Enjoy the cool breeze coming off New York Harbor while barbecuing in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo by Etienne Frossard

It is officially summer in the city, and there’s no better way to kick off the season than by having a barbecue. While most New Yorkers don’t have the outdoor space (or grill, for that matter) to host a cookout at home, there are plenty of parks that offer beautiful picnic areas and public grills to gather around with family and friends. And thankfully for those traveling with little ones, many of these parks are near our favorite playgrounds.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite locations in the five boroughs where you can plan a cookout. If a day of sun and fun hasn't tuckered everyone out, stick around after dark to check out these FREE outdoor movies in NYC.

10 Waterfront Playgrounds in NYC

Submitted by Sara Gramling on Mon, 05/31/2021 - 4:37pm

Explore the seaside Rockaway Park. Photo by Malcolm Pinckney

After months of being stuck at home—or at least sticking to your home neighborhood—summer calls for adventure. It's easy to forget New Yorkers have miles of waterfront within city limits, so you don't have to go far to enjoy a cool breeze and beautiful water views. Even better, spend an afternoon at one of these 10 waterfront playgrounds and feel like you’ve escaped the city without ever leaving the five boroughs.

Find more fun places to play this season in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

Sara Gramling

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