New York City | Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids

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.

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

NYC ushers in the holiday season with a weekend of fun so big it kicks off Wednesday!

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.

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Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun

From the Thanksgiving parade to the ball drop, NYC is magical during the holidays.

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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

GUIDE

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

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...

GUIDE

Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

Find crafts for kids and cool projects to spark kids' imaginations!

Find Things To Do In New York City

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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

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

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

No matter which direction you look, Rockefeller Center sparkles during the holiday season.

24 Things To Do at Rockefeller Center Beyond the Christmas Tree this Season

Jody Mercier, Nov 26 - Rockefeller Center sparkles during the holiday season. Here are the best things to do. READ MORE

More Latest

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

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.

GUIDE

Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide

Find the best FREE kids' activities in NYC. READ MORE

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

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

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

GUIDE

Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids

Find a great weekend getaway from NYC for the whole family. READ MORE