Kristy Etheridge

Kristy Etheridge is a Brooklyn-based writer/editor and NYC’s resident tourist, exploring the city with her husband and kids. A Syracuse grad with a background in broadcast journalism, she spent her early career reporting in Wilmington and Charlotte. Now an editor for Christianity Today, Kristy freelances for Mommy Poppins, sharing her family-friendly NYC finds since moving to Brooklyn in 2018.

Latest posts by Kristy

Where to Find Family-Friendly Christmas Masses and Church Services in NYC

Submitted by Kristy Etheridge on Thu, 12/11/2025 - 1:49pm

The soaring Cathedral of St. John the Divine hosts several family-friendly church services this holiday season.

There’s a reason millions of people travel to the Big Apple during the holiday season—there’s just nothing like Christmas in New York City. Families can ice skate outdoors, watch eye-popping holiday performances, and take in the sights of the city at its brightest.

New York is also home to a vibrant and diverse church community, with hundreds of congregations housed in soaring cathedrals and hole-in-the-wall storefronts. Below is a sampling of some family-friendly Christmas church services in New York City, along with some insider tips for making the most of your visit. Find all our ways to celebrate this season in our New York City Kids' Guide to Christmas and the Holidays.

Best Gift Shops for Kids in NYC for Cool Local Finds

Submitted by Kristy Etheridge on Mon, 12/08/2025 - 3:02pm

Economy Candy is more than an emporium of sweets; it's a Lower East Side landmark! Photo by Jody Mercier

If you’re looking for unique, local gifts for your kids, NYC is brimming with possibilities. It feels great to think outside the box—and the big box retailers—by shopping local. Read on for suggestions that will delight your favorite little scientist, gamer, superhero, bookworm, card collector, or candy lover. And for more ideas, check out our Local NYC Kids' Guide to Shopping, which includes picks for top toy stores, clothing shops, and our favorite baby boutiques.

Christmas Towns and Festive Hotels near NYC that Will Blow Your Mind

Submitted by Kristy Etheridge on Sun, 11/02/2025 - 10:27am

Hershey Park's Candy Cane Lane is the stuff of sweet, holiday memories. Photo courtesy of Hershey Park

If you’re a New York-area parent looking for magical, over-the-top holiday destinations within driving distance, look no further. We’ve rounded up Christmas towns near NYC where you and your kids can see incredible decorations, visit Santa, enjoy seasonal activities, and maybe even turn your trip into a memorable overnight getaway.

Read on for some of the most festive destinations in the northeast, and don't miss our Ultimate Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for all the seasonal fun close to home.

Step Into Halloween Town with NYBG’s Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail

Submitted by Kristy Etheridge on Mon, 09/29/2025 - 1:48pm

Jack Skellington and friends are back at the New York Botanical Garden for another seasonal run after dark. Photo by author

A delightfully spooky Halloween trail is back at the New York Botanical Garden. The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail features characters from Disney’s 1993 Tim Burton movie of the same name, set against the backdrop of a dark, wooded trail.

Read on for everything you need to know about this creepily fun nighttime experience. And find more hair-raising activities across all five boroughs on our list of NYC’s best Halloween events of 2025.

Arte Museum Is Stunning, But Should You Visit with Kids?

Submitted by Kristy Etheridge on Tue, 09/23/2025 - 12:53pm

The visuals at Arte Museum wow visitors, but we urge caution if you plan to visit with little kids.

Arte Museum New York is NYC's newest immersive experience, and it's completely screen-scentric. My husband and I had the chance to check out the eye-popping displays during a nighttime preview event before its grand opening.

While it made for a unique date night, we walked away with some key points for parents to consider before bringing their kids along. Read on to find out whether Arte Museum is a good fit for your next family outing, and bookmark this list of NYC's most kid-friendly museums for our favorite local culture spots to see with kids.

What Does New York's Cell Phone Ban Look Like at Your School?

Submitted by Kristy Etheridge on Mon, 08/25/2025 - 9:47am

When NYC kids head back to the classroom, cell phones must be out of sight. Photo via Canva

When nearly 1 million NYC public school students head back to class in September, they’ll be entering a no-phone zone.

A new state law in New York bans students from using cell phones and all personal internet-enabled devices during the school day. The law goes into effect at the start of the 2025-26 school year, which kicks off Thursday, September 4, for public school kids.

Read on to find out what the ban might look like at your school, and check out our list of 57 screen-free activities for all ages.

Prospect Park's LeFrak Center Reopens with New Management and Exciting Upgrades

Submitted by Kristy Etheridge on Tue, 08/05/2025 - 12:00pm

The water is flowing once again at the LeFrak Center in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, which is reopened under new management.

Two little New Yorkers gripped their own pairs of golden scissors to help cut the ribbon at the reopening of one of Brooklyn’s most popular attractions. The young Brooklynites joined local officials Saturday, August 2 to celebrate a new chapter for the Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park—and so far, it looks like a promising one for NYC families.

Since its opening in 2013, the LeFrak Center has been a huge draw for families in the amenity-filled Prospect Park, and Saturday's event marked the beginning of a new chapter for LeFrak.

Four Hidden Gem Parks to Seek Out this Summer with Kids

Submitted by Kristy Etheridge on Tue, 07/29/2025 - 11:00am

Pier 57's rooftop park offers lush landscaping, plenty of seating, and views of the city and sea. Photo courtesy of Pier 57

One of my favorite things about raising children in NYC is the sheer number of parks, playgrounds, and hidden gems to explore. When my kids and I get bored with our local haunts, we hop on the train to check out a new-to-us space.

If the summer doldrums are kicking in and you’re ready to break out of your routine, head to one of these hidden parks in NYC for a breath of fresh air. And, for more summer fun, check out our epic NYC summer bucket list or our ultimate guide to NYC splash pads and water playgrounds.

Kristy Etheridge

Latest posts by Kristy

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