Spotlight New York
The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows from NYC in 2025
Cue the holiday music, pack a thermos of hot cocoa, and hit the road for a holiday lights show.
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see holiday destination in NYC. Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Gardens
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
Our 2025 holiday bucket list includes a mix of Christmas classics and new seasonal events.
The Met Opera returns to the stage with The Magic Flute this holiday season. Photo by Richard Termine/courtesy of the Met Opera
20 Best Things To Do in NYC with Kids December 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors
Our December calendar is packed with seasonal must-dos for Christmas, Hanukkah, and beyond.
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
From the Thanksgiving parade to the ball drop, NYC is magical during the holidays.
Celebrate the shortest day of the year at Marine Park's Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the Marine Park Alliance
47 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids in 2025
Consider this our gift to you: We've rounded up the best FREE holiday events.
Enjoy the magic of Christmas in Dyker Heights as the neighborhood lights up for the festive season. Photo courtesy of Dyker Heights Lights
Best 2025 Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in NYC
Fifth Avenue isn't the only spot to see spectacular Christmas lights in NYC.
Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2025
Relive the classic story with one of these magical train rides.
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
NYC's Coolest Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out in 2025
Grab your calendar and your cash. These tickets are going fast!
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
Curious, culture-loving teens may just find their next gig on this list.
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Planning ahead? Here are the need-to-know dates for 2025-2026.
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
Find cool backpacks, back-to-school supplies, and tips for a new year.
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
This is our NYC kids bucket list. How many have you checked off?
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
Seeing a Broadway shows is a magical experience for kids and parents alike.
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Your ultimate bucket list of the best things to do in NY as a family.
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
These indoor NYC activities guarantee a good time when the weather is a bummer.
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Playground season is here, and these brand-new spots beg to be explored!
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
Find a great summer camp in NYC for kids of all ages and interests.
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
These NYC hotels house special perks for kids, from pools to bunkbeds.
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
We've scoured the city and swung on the monkey bars, and these are our favorite spots.
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Here's how to have fun as a family in NYC without spending a dime.
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
A day indoors is a lot of fun at these local romper rooms.
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Get out of the house—and the cold—with these free, kid-focused spots.
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Where to go when it's too hot, too cold, or too rainy to play outside.
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Find the best FREE kids' activities in NYC.
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
These weekend getaways offer nature, culture, art, and food and are well worth the trip.
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Some of NYC's most interesting kid-friendly museums aren't the ones you find in guidebooks.
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Discover awesome afterschool and weekend classes for kids in New York City.
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
These local destinations are guaranteed to please kids and kids at heart.
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
These NYC tours offer behind-the-scenes secrets, local lore, and get you off the beaten path.
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
Make art, explore the natural world, and enjoy science projects at NYC's top kid-friendly museums.
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Discover the best places for children's birthday parties in New York & throw a kids' party to...
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
These all-ages summer camp programs won't break the bank.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Go under the sea on a day trip to one of these local aquariums.
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
These celebration worthy spots are perfect for milestone meals.
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
You can take a big bite out of the Big Apple in a short time with these tips.
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
NYC offers plenty of fun without breaking the bank. Here are our top tips for budget fun.
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
Enjoy a day of nature or culture without spending a dime.
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
Bookmark this blockbuster list of arts and crafts and never run out of ideas for creative play.
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Bookmark this list of must-sees for the next time you host visitors to the Big Apple.
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
It's not a bad time to go back to basics, especially when we have the kids' full attention.
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NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Are you ready for the best summer vacation ever?
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
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Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Find a great weekend getaway from NYC for the whole family.
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Execute mind-blowing science experiments with stuff you have around the house.
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
NYC is a big concrete jungle, yes, but we've also got almost 30,000 acres of parkland. From grand...
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
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Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas
Find crafts for kids and cool projects to spark kids' imaginations!

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SEE ALL ACTIVITIES EVENTS CLASSES ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL CAMPS PARTIES
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
Macy's Santaland
Macy's Herald Square - various times Pick
Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Gallery Annex - 10:00 AM
Sloomoo Institute
Sloomoo Institute - 10:00 AM
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
Tree Lighting Skate-tacular at Bryant Park
Bryant Park - 5:30 PM Pick
St. Bart's Carol Sing-Along
St. Bart's - 5:45 PM Pick
Annual Seaport District Tree Lighting
South Street Seaport - 6:00 PM Pick
Featured
Bay Ridge Prep Upper School Open House
Bay Ridge Prep Upper School - 9:00 AM
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting 2025
Rockefeller Center - 7:00 PM Pick
Macy's Santaland
Macy's Herald Square - various times Pick
Warm and Cozy at CMOM
Children's Museum of Manhattan - various times Pick
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
NYSE 102nd Annual NYSE Christmas Tree Lighting
NYSE - 3:30 PM Pick
Calypso, Carols, and Cocoa: The Dumbo Holiday Lighting
The Archway Under The Manhattan Bidge - 4:00 PM Pick
Magical Lights at Lincoln Square
Lincoln Square - 4:30 PM Pick
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal
Arsenal Gallery - 9:00 AM Pick
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
Traditional Tree Lighting in Historic Richmond Town
Historic Richmondtown - 4:00 PM Pick
Magical Lights at Lincoln Square
Lincoln Square - 4:30 PM Pick
Featured
Family Saturdays at L'Alliance
L'Alliance New York - various times
Christmas Party at Washington Market Park
Washington Market Park - 10:30 AM Pick
City Hall World Tour at the Skyscraper Museum
The Skyscraper Museum - 10:30 AM Pick
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
Santa in the Park - Marine Park
Carmine Carro Community Center - 11:00 AM Pick
Featured
North Pole Express in Manhattan
TopView Sightseeing - various times
Double Decker Christmas Carousel
Greeley Square Plaza - 10:00 AM Pick
St. Nicholas Day at Onderdonk House
Onderdonk House - 12:00 PM Pick
Winter Wonder at the Queens Botanical Garden
Queens Botanical Garden - 2:00 PM Pick
Family Holiday Celebration at The Castle in Fort Totten
Fort Totten Park - 3:00 PM Pick

Latest Articles

Catch a
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants near Rockefeller Center
Jody Mercier, Dec 1 - Heading to Midtown to see the sights? Refuel at these kid-friendly spots. READ MORE
The Met Opera returns to the stage with The Magic Flute this holiday season. Photo by Richard Termine/courtesy of the Met Opera
20 Best Things To Do in NYC with Kids December 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors
Drew Kristofik, Nov 30 - Our December calendar is packed with seasonal must-dos for Christmas, Hanukkah, and beyond. READ MORE
The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows from NYC in 2025
Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner, Nov 28 - Cue the holiday music, pack a thermos of hot cocoa, and hit the road for a holiday lights show. READ MORE
Santa rolls into town at the tail end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and starts taking gift requests at Santaland on Friday. Photo by Jody Mercier
Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in NYC: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and More Things To Do
Drew Kristofik, Nov 28 - NYC ushers in the holiday season with a weekend of fun so big it kicks off Wednesday! READ MORE
Sit on Santa's lap at Historic Richmond Town, which transforms into an old-time Dickens Village for the holidays. Photo courtesy of Historic Richmond Town
Where to Take Photos with Santa in NYC 2025
Anna Fader, Nov 27 - Cozy up to Santa for a seasonal photo session at these local NYC spots. READ MORE
Get gooey for Slime Day! Make your own at home, or get that goop out of your house at a local slime museum. Photo by Kylie Williams
Slime Day, Llama Day, and More Holidays & Activities for December 2025
Meghan Rose, Nov 27 - December is the month of Llama Day and Walt Disney Day! READ MORE
More Latest

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Holiday Fun in NYC
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see holiday destination in NYC. Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Gardens
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
Our 2025 holiday bucket list includes a mix of Christmas classics and new seasonal events.
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
From the Thanksgiving parade to the ball drop, NYC is magical during the holidays.
Santa is a busy man, so reservations are required to visit Santland at Macy's Herald Square in New York City in 2025. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo
Top Tips for Visiting Macy's Santaland in 2025
Santa arrives Friday! Here's what you need to know to nab a reservation at Macy's.
Experience the all-time classic, A Christmas Carol, performed in a reimagined production all the way from London. Photo by Manuel Harlan
17 Best 2025 Holiday Shows in NYC for Families
Here's a holiday treat: 16 family-friendly stage shows to celebrate the season.
During Christmas in NYC, Midtown Manhattan is chock-full of glittery eye candy. Photo by Ally Noel
Christmas in New York: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
There's no place like the Big Apple at Christmas.
Enjoy plenty of sweet treats during breakfast with Santa at Stella 34 Trattoria. Photo courtesy of Stella 34 Trattoria
Breakfast with Santa in NYC in 2025
Enjoy a sit-down meal and some special time with Santa this season.
Guides for NYC Families
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Find the best FREE kids' activities in NYC. READ MORE 
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
NYC is a big concrete jungle, yes, but we've also got almost 30,000 acres of parkland. From grand... READ MORE 
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Where to go when it's too hot, too cold, or too rainy to play outside. READ MORE 
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Discover awesome afterschool and weekend classes for kids in New York City. READ MORE 
Science experiments and STEM activities for kids entrance children with their
GUIDE
Guide to Science Experiments for Kids and Fun STEM Activities
Easy experiments and activities to have fun and learn something new. READ MORE 
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Find a great weekend getaway from NYC for the whole family. READ MORE