Yuliya Geikhman

Sprinklers, dump buckets, and loads of fun
As the temps are creeping up, an NYC park with a sprinkler where the kids can cool down is a lifesaver. New York is home to playgrounds and splash pads of all kinds, and you can find these refreshing spots of all shapes, sizes, themes, and intensity in every borough. We’ve rounded up our favorite playgrounds with water features in NYC, including parks for tiny tots, the best Central Park sprinklers, places to spend almost the whole day, and more!

Axe-throwing and blindfolded sculpting are definitely going on our list
NYC is full of fun family-friendly activities to involve the kids in. But sometimes, you just want to leave the kids with the babysitter and head out there for a solo parents night out. Why stick to the same-old dinner and a drink when you live in the insanely unique New York City? Whether you’re adrenaline junkies or crafty creatives, you’ll find a fitting parents-only date night idea for you below!

Your options include a train caboose, a jungle room, a lighthouse, and even a helicopter
Looking for a way to take your next family vacation to the next level? We suggest booking a stay in a hotel that’s extra special. We found unique and fun hotels near NYC with themed rooms (forest, treehouse, jungle); hotels in trains, boats, and a helicopter, and even a hotel created by one of the members of the B-52s.

Nature and relaxation are waiting at these kid-friendly vacation spots
Need a family vacation but don’t want to head out too far from NYC? We’ve hand-picked the best destinations in the Hudson Valley and the Catskills. Slide, dive, ride, and hike your way into the top destinations of the region, all located under three hours away from the center of NYC. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure or a relaxing retreat, check out these family hotels and resorts to visit with the fam!

From the Catskills to the Colombia River Gorge, the leaves are changing
There’s something about the crisp, fresh air of fall that makes us ready for a road trip. If you’re itching to find some spots that really know how to do fall right from colorful drives to hikes full of fallen leaves, this list will get you started. Our travels have taken us to ski resort towns and lakeside villages, where you’ll find apple festivals, Oktoberfest celebrations, and tons of leaf piles for jumping in.

From stargazing meet-ups to museum events, these are the best astronomy activities around town. Do you have a budding astronomer in your family? Is your little one always looking to the stars? New York City has plenty to offer to kids interested in space and the universe. We’ve rounded up the best family-friendly places to visit with kids who are obsessed with space.

As we head into the holiday season, it seems this year, more than any in recent memory, is one to reach out and support others in our communities. Of course, it’s more difficult to gather and volunteer in person in 2020, but you and your kids can still make a difference from home. Read on for ideas on how to volunteer with kids in NYC and support local causes, even if you can’t physically be there.

Never mind the snow: spring is coming! It might seem early to be making plans to garden with the kids, but the truth is, it’s almost time to start seeds indoors! (A cool, educational thing to do with kids in the final days of winter.) Lots of families learned the joy of urban gardening when it swept NYC last year, and rest assured: anyone can grow and nurture plants with some research and the right advice.

Birding, or birdwatching, is the type of thing that you don’t really notice if you’re not aware of it; if you are, you see it everywhere—either in the form of birds roosting and passing through, or people pointing cameras with really big lenses skyward. Believe it or not, NYC is a fantastic place for birding, and birdwatching is a great activity to do with kids. And now, on the cusp of the annual spring migration, is a superb time to start.

Since its opening to the public in 2003, Governors Island has become a favorite summer getaway from the city for many families. The island now offers yet another reason to hop a ferry: The Hills, a brand new 10-acre park that features art, stunning harbor views and — most importantly — some seriously super slides.

From artisanal chocolates to yummy gummies, well-known hotspots to well-kept secrets, NYC’s got the perfect candy store to satisfy your sweet tooth. We’ve uncovered the best spots to fill up on candy and chocolates for you and your budding candy connoisseurs.

You’ve braved the city streets and the wilderness of the city’s parks. You may have even gone on a nature walk. But if you’re still itching to step off the beaten path you may want to pack up some gear and the kids, and take a hike.

What’s the difference between synthetic and natural vanilla? What’s the deal with umami? Just how well do you know what’s in your food? The Museum of Food and Drink addresses all these questions and more, in a family-friendly, bias-free way that will leave everyone, uh, hungry for more.

The Coop in Bay Ridge goes beyond high chairs and French fries to deliver a truly kid-friendly cafe that families adore. This cozy cafe has a bar-like vibe and friendly staff, delectable food and drinks, and plenty of space to sit back and relax. What really sets it apart from other cafes, though, is the kid-friendly play area in the back. The Coop welcomes parents to relax and dine while their children play in a safe and fun space—all within arm's reach. Peace for the parents, fun and games for the kids.