Sydney Ng

Latest posts by Sydney Ng

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.

30 Best Things to Do in Queens with Preschoolers and Toddlers

Submitted by Sydney Ng on Thu, 03/07/2019 - 10:00am

Living in or visiting the borough of Queens is a nonstop international learning experience for little kids, filled with diverse sights, sounds and tastes—and it's super family-friendly.

It's famous for being the most ethnically diverse county in the United States where hundreds of languages are spoken daily. From eating dumplings in Flushing to feeding a goat on a farm, Queens can inspire, teach and feed the spirits of your little ones.

Children of all ages can enjoy Queens, but traveling around the city with a kid 4 or younger can be a challenge. We’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in seasonal order, so you can enjoy Queens like a king, including parks and playgrounds, museums and play spaces, the beach, and even amusement parks perfect for toddlers and preschool-age kids.

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

Submitted by Sydney Ng on Tue, 01/15/2019 - 3:53pm

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. A 2018 study by Sun Trust Bank found that a majority of parents spend at least $1,000 a year per child on extracurricular activities. And let’s face it New Yorkers, we’re most likely paying much more than that.

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 free within free-to-access stores and public places, but there are also plenty of free and low-cost activities inside of NYC museums and gardens that have monthly memberships. Don't forget that 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.

Winter Fun for NYC Toddlers That Beats Another Barnes & Noble Visit

Submitted by Sydney Ng on Mon, 12/31/2018 - 12:20pm

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 constructed this list of 25 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 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!

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

Submitted by Sydney Ng on Mon, 09/10/2018 - 3:00pm

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 three-acre corn maze in the middle of Queens and letting their imaginations run wild. The Queens County Farm Museum's Amazing Maize Maze opens for the season September 22, 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 just about one hour—even with a pair of 8-year-olds leading the way. That left us plenty of time to enjoy other farm fun. We've got some tips for how 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!

Candytopia Arrives in NYC for Hungry Fans: Is It Worth a Visit?

Submitted by Sydney Ng on Fri, 08/17/2018 - 10:16am

There’s always something exciting and exclusive going on in NYC – something a little more special than another trip to the playground. Whether it be an outdoor concert, a Broadway show, or a special pop-up museum event, there’s an endless supply of something "new."

Candytopia, made famous during its run in Los Angeles, has made its way to New York City. Tucked inside Penn Plaza, over a dozen rooms are lined up for your candy-filled enjoyment. The tasty extravaganza opened on August 15 and runs through January 6, 2019. Read on for details of my family’s Candytopia NYC visit.

New Kidz Fun Palace in Queens Is Hours of Nonstop Indoor Play

Submitted by Sydney Ng on Tue, 07/24/2018 - 10:00am

In the summer heat, sometimes a playground or park just won’t cut it. Queens has plenty to offer when it comes to places to cool off, whether it be a museum, an indoor playhouse, or a food hall. Corona and Jackson Heights families can add Kidz Fun Palace to that list. Open since January 2018, the cute and fun-packed indoor playspace is a welcome addition to this family-friendly neighborhood.

My son and I found ourselves at the Kidz Fun Palace in Jackson Heights on a blazing June afternoon. Read on to hear about the highlights of our visit.

Family Getaway to Hershey, PA: Hersheypark, Chocolate World, Zoo

Submitted by Sydney Ng on Thu, 05/31/2018 - 2:01pm

While there are plenty of family vacation options in our area, my family's destination of choice this year was Hershey, Pennsylvania. The town, smack dab in the center of the state, has been dubbed the Sweetest Place on Earth thanks to the region's namesake chocolate factory and iconic candy bar.

The main attraction, Hersheypark, is the perfect short-week or long weekend getaway solution for kids who aren't ready for a long car, train, or plane trip. It’s just over three hours away from the New York City area and barely two hours from Philadelphia. (Tip: Leave before dawn and the kids will sleep through half of it).

I was hesitant that my 5- and 2-year-old boys would be too small to enjoy the trip, but Hershey offers much more than just roller coasters. There's water park fun, a zoo and gardens, chocolate galore, and plenty of great places to stay, including right on site with the treat-filled amusement park. There are even additional family sights in nearby Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Here is a breakdown of the top sights to see with kids.

Sydney Ng

Sydney Ng

Latest posts by Sydney Ng

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