Sydney Ng

Latest posts by Sydney Ng

NYC's Only Corn Maze and More Fall Fun at the Queens Farm Museum

Submitted by Sydney Ng on Fri, 09/25/2020 - 10:36am

There aren't many better ways to get the family excited for the fall in NYC than taking the kids for a tour through a 3-acre corn maze in the middle of Queens and letting their imaginations run wild. The Queens County Farm Museum's Amazing Maize Maze opened for the season Friday, September 18, and it's just one of the quintessential fall activities happening at this New York City institution.

The Amazing Maize Maze is the only corn maze in the city. My family and I have conquered lots of these mazes and can happily say that the one at the Queens County Farm Museum is just as much fun as its country counterparts. We made it through in about an hour—even with a pair of 8-year-olds leading the way. That left us plenty of time to enjoy other farm fun. If you plan to visit later in the season, be sure to save time to check out the very colorful floral installation debuting Friday, October 2.

Read on for our tips to make the most of your visit to the farm and the corn maze. But no, we aren't giving you the route. You'll still need to figure that out yourself!

Where to Find Free Classes for Kids at NYC Stores and Public Spaces

Submitted by Sydney Ng on Mon, 01/06/2020 - 5:36pm

We'll just say it: Raising a kid is expensive. Weekend classes, summer camp, after-school care, and dance and music lessons can add up. And let’s face it, as New Yorkers, we’re most likely paying much more than the average parent.

That’s why we’ve rounded up more than a dozen FREE classes that run year-round in NYC to lighten the financial load. All the classes listed here are within free-to-access stores and public places, but there are also plenty of free and low-cost activities inside NYC museums and gardens that have monthly memberships. Don't forget your IDNYC card will give you free or discounted access to many cultural institutions.

Check out our Free in NYC Guide for more budget-friendly family fun.

37 Things To Do in NYC This Winter with Your Toddler (Beyond Another Storytime)

Submitted by Sydney Ng on Tue, 12/31/2019 - 9:20am

Once the holiday season starts to fade and winter sets in, it's hard not to find yourself in a rut with your little one. We've built this list of 37 things to do with your toddler around New York City that will keep those blizzard blues away, from warm and toasty indoor activities to get-up-and-moving outdoor frolics. Eight of the suggestions are FREE activities.

Everything included below is just the right speed and time commitment for the toddler set—and won't have you dreading another trip wandering around the children's section of B&N, restocking the books as your little one pulls them down one after another!

6 Things To Love about The Museum of the Moving Image

Submitted by Sydney Ng on Tue, 09/24/2019 - 9:30am

The Museum of the Moving Image is one of Astoria's hidden gems. Situated right next to Kaufman Studios—the home of Sesame Street and nearly a century of film and television history—the museum features an amazing permanent exhibit as well as an ever-changing roster of special exhibitions, series, and events, including family movie showings and film series. There's something for every age range, making it one of our top NYC museums to visit with kids, and a favorite go-to spot for my Queens family.

Read on for details on what to see at the Museum of the Moving Image, plus other useful tips for making the most of your visit with kids, including the best time to visit, and the scoop on family programming.

The Best Playgrounds in Queens

Submitted by Sydney Ng on Thu, 08/29/2019 - 10:00am

Although every pocket and corner of Queens has a neighborhood playground, we’ve taken the time to scout the cream of the crop for NYC kids. Whether you're visiting from another borough or just want to explore a new-to-you-neighborhood, here are 11 of our favorite romping spots in Queens, from Astoria to the Rockaways. These parks offer clean, safe equipment with innovative and fun details that go beyond the jungle gyms of the past, like rope spider webs, kid-sized Ferris wheels, and super cool sprinklers.

Looking to make more of a splash? Check out our roundup of the top water playgrounds in Queens or find more playgrounds across the five boroughs in our NYC Parks & Playgrounds guide.

5 Kid-Friendly Urban Farms Right Here in New York City

Submitted by Sydney Ng on Mon, 08/12/2019 - 12:15pm

Times—and the food industry—have changed from when I was a kid. In the 1980s, everything we ate came from the freezer section, cans, and boxes. Microwaves were hot kitchen appliances. I didn't even know what an unpicked strawberry looked like or what type of plant blueberries grew on. Trees, maybe? Now, knowing where your food comes from, understanding sustainability, and eating local are all hot topics that parents are passionate about. New York City offers plenty of farmers' markets, gardens, and parks to get close to nature. But did you know there are plenty of farms, too?

We've compiled a list of open-to-the-public farms within NYC that all deserve a visit. Each one has a special and interesting hook. Make sure to check seasonal hours/days-of-operation before you travel.

If you really want that full country vibe, you can always head out to the nearby farms of Long Island, New Jersey, and Westchester for pick-your-own apples, tractor rides, and petting zoos.

25 Things to Do With Kids in Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Submitted by Sydney Ng on Tue, 07/30/2019 - 4:30pm

Expansive and diverse (much like Queens itself), Flushing Meadows Corona Park is arguably the main family attraction among many in Flushing. With so much to see and do here with kids—including the New York Hall of Science, the Queens Museum, a zoo, a botanic garden, a carousel, an amusement park, and multiple playgrounds, plus the famous Unisphere fountains—it's more than a single-day excursion. So pick out a few things to do and save the rest for next time. My family has explored the park time and again, and there is always something new to see and old favorites to revisit.

NYC's High Line: The Best Sights and Events for Families

Submitted by Sydney Ng on Tue, 05/07/2019 - 4:00pm

Like many native New Yorkers, I sometimes get caught up in my daily routine and forget all that this amazing city has to offer families, from unexplored treasures to mega popular tourist destinations that are always crowded, but for good reason. The High Line, a formerly-abandoned track of elevated railway on Manhattan's west side that's found new life as a public park, is one prime example.

Owned by the city, but maintained by the nonprofit Friends of the High Line in coordination with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, the High Line has developed a bit of a reputation as a tourist zone. But a visit to the High Line is well worth braving the crowds. It's both an amazing public art site and a community hub, with wonderful year-round programs for locals—and it's FREE. Plus, its proximity to both Chelsea Market and Hudson Yards makes the High Line a perfect city adventure (snacks included).

Here are all the must-see spots for children at this unique outdoor park, plus the kid-friendly events you'll want to add to your family's calendar.

Sydney Ng

Sydney Ng

Latest posts by Sydney Ng

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