Yuliya Geikhman

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.

“Drop it, or you’ll drop it.”

Ha! Funny, right?

Wait, what do you mean you don’t get it?

Let’s try that again, in Russian this time:

Брось, а то уронишь. (Drop it [on purpose], or you’ll drop it [by accident].)

Hmm. Some things just don’t translate well, do they?

See these beautiful paper cranes (birds)?

They’re going to help you double or even triple your English vocabulary!

Spending a lot of time online? Then you’ve probably started seeing the same pictures over and over again. Welcome to the internet! You’ve discovered memes.

Are you having trouble remembering the vocabulary words on your flashcards? Do you feel ready to give up?

Mallory Cooper lives in the sleepy town of Great Wharf, Maine, where nothing ever happens. The most exciting news is a new store opening. The most dangerous crime spree is a recent string of shoplifting incidents. Yet Mallory finds herself growing more and more uneasy, faced with the debilitating fear that the world is not a safe place to be.

In the modern world, we’re constantly looking at some screen or other. And while it’s a good idea to disconnect once in a while, there’s nothing wrong with embracing the age of technology and making the most of the amazing power available at our fingertips.