Spotlight New York
The Little Red Lighthouse welcomes fall with an all-ages, waterfront festival on Saturday, October 4. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks
Halloween and More Things To Do in NYC with Kids October 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors
We're dishing out the treats early with these curated October picks for family fun.
Kids can go apple picking near NYC at Alstede Farms, where low-to-the-ground trees are perfect for little pickers. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Apple Picking near NYC: Best Apple Farms and Apple Festivals for Kids
As the seasons change, it's time to plan your pick-your-own apple outing.
GUIDE
Halloween Events & Activities for NYC Kids
The best Halloween parades, events, and seasonal fun for NYC kids.
The Bronx Zoo celebrates Boo at the Zoo with family activities all October long. Photo by Julie Larsen Maher
Best Halloween Events in NYC 2025 for Kids and Families
The spooky season is upon us and these are the must-do's in NYC this Halloween.
Try your hand at corn husking and more analog entertainment during the Corn Fest at the Queens County Farm Museum. Photo courtesy of the Queens County Farm Museum
Best 2025 Fall Festivals and Fairs in NYC this September and October
Beat back-to-school blues with these fantastic family-friendly fall festivals.
Hit The High Line in costume to celebrate all things creepy and crawly on Saturday, October 25. Photo by Liz Ligon/courtesy of The High Line
Top Free Halloween Events in NYC in 2025: BAMBoo!, Great PUPkin, Labubu Fest, and More
Here's the best treat of all: A roundup of totally FREE Halloween events for families in NYC.
GUIDE
NYC Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2025
Best fall fairs, u-pick farms, art, and seasonal getaway ideas for NYC families.
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.
Tom's Restaurant is situated on a fairly sleepy corner in Morningside Heights despite its high-profile turn in Seinfeld. Photo by Jody Mercier
Lights, Camera, New York! Where to Find Iconic NYC Movie Sites with Kids
Pop-culture buffs take note: These NYC sites are the stuff of film legend.
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.
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.
GUIDE
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...
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas
Find crafts for kids and cool projects to spark kids' imaginations!
There's plenty of free fun to be had when we team up with Brooklyn Bridge Parents to host Playtopia at Atlantic Antic on Sunday. Photo courtesy of Playtopia at Atlantic Antic
Playtopia at Atlantic Antic, Blessing of the Animals, and More Things To Do this Weekend
Mommy Poppins throws a party Sunday, and we've got picks for a full weekend of fun here.

calendar icon Find Things To Do In New York City

SEE ALL ACTIVITIES EVENTS CLASSES ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL CAMPS PARTIES
Brooklyn Talks: Oliver Jeffers and Mary Annaïse Heglar at Brooklyn Museum
The Brooklyn Museum - 6:00 PM Pick
Sloomoo Institute
Sloomoo Institute - 10:00 AM
Tunes & Tales for Toddlers in Teardrop Park
Teardrop Park - 3:00 PM
P.S. Art: Celebrating the Creative Spirit of NYC Kids at The Met
The Metropolitan Museum of Art - various times
Cityside Pumpkin Patch
The Summer Club - various times
Stargazing on The High Line
The High Line - 7:30 PM Pick
Sloomoo Institute
Sloomoo Institute - 10:00 AM
Celebrate Latinx Heritage Week at CMOM
Children's Museum of Manhattan - 10:00 AM
P.S. Art: Celebrating the Creative Spirit of NYC Kids at The Met
The Metropolitan Museum of Art - various times
Waterfront Walks
Brooklyn Bridge Park - various times
Sloomoo Institute
Sloomoo Institute - 10:00 AM
Celebrate Latinx Heritage Week at CMOM
Children's Museum of Manhattan - 10:00 AM
Tunes at The Triangle
6th Avenue Triangle - 4:00 PM
Cityside Pumpkin Patch
The Summer Club - various times
Pumpkin Patch at Greenside Up Garden Center
Greenside Up Garden Center - various times
Sing with Suzi in JJ Byrne Playground
JJ Byrne Playround - 10:00 AM Pick
Anti-Racist Family Day at Brooklyn Children's Museum
Brooklyn Children's Museum - 2:00 PM Pick
The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at the New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden - 6:00 PM Pick
Sloomoo Institute
Sloomoo Institute - 10:00 AM
Celebrate Latinx Heritage Week at CMOM
Children's Museum of Manhattan - 10:00 AM
The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at the New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden - 6:00 PM Pick
Fall Movie Nights at Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards - 6:00 PM Pick
How to Train Your Dragon in Sol Lain Playground
Sol Lain Park - 6:30 PM Pick
Village Ghost Tours in Historic Richmondtown
Historic Richmond Town - various times Pick
Sloomoo Institute
Sloomoo Institute - 10:00 AM
Rockefeller Center Skating Rink Opening Week
Rockefeller Center - 9:00 AM Pick
Red Riding Hood: The Musical at 92Y
92nd Street Y - 10:30 AM Pick
Wonderspark Puppets at Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards - Public Square and Gardens - 11:00 AM Pick
Raptorama at Salt Marsh Nature Center
Salt Marsh Nature Center - 12:00 PM Pick
Pumpkin Palooza in St. James Park
St. James Park - 12:00 PM Pick
Rockefeller Center Skating Rink Opening Week
Rockefeller Center - 9:00 AM Pick
Indigenous Peoples Day at Brooklyn Children's Museum
Brooklyn Children's Museum - 10:00 AM Pick
Red Riding Hood: The Musical at 92Y
92nd Street Y - 10:30 AM Pick
Free Second Sunday at the Whitney
Whitney Museum of American Art - 10:30 AM Pick
Día de los Muertos at The Met Cloisters
Cloisters, Fort Tryon Park - 11:00 AM Pick

Latest Articles

Head through the bright yellow door to see the treasures of the Coney Island Museum—as unique as the neighborhood it pays homage to!
Coney Island Museum Preserves the Magic of NYC's Amusement Park History
Yuliya Geikhman, Oct 6 - The fascinating history of the People's Playground gets its due at this local hidden gem. READ MORE
Blood Manor isn't for the faint of heart—or those under age 14—as it serves up some serious scares. Photo courtesy of Union Square Advertising
Creepy and Cool Teen-Approved Halloween Events in NYC
Diana Kim, Oct 5 - Teens deserve their own fun on the season's spookiest holiday. READ MORE
Día de los Muertos in the Flatiron District kicks off Friday, October 10, with interactive activities and events running all month long. Photo courtesy of the Flatiron NoMad Partnership
Best 2025 Día de los Muertos and Day of the Dead Celebrations in NYC for Kids
Drew Kristofik, Oct 3 - Día de los Muertos is a joyful celebration of the dead, with sugar skulls, flowers, and parades. READ MORE
There's plenty of free fun to be had when we team up with Brooklyn Bridge Parents to host Playtopia at Atlantic Antic on Sunday. Photo courtesy of Playtopia at Atlantic Antic
Playtopia at Atlantic Antic, Blessing of the Animals, and More Things To Do this Weekend
Drew Kristofik, Oct 3 - Mommy Poppins throws a party Sunday, and we've got picks for a full weekend of fun here. READ MORE
Cirque Kikasse brings its zany show—with a food truck as a stage—to Lincoln Center for one weekend only. Photo by Doug Combe/courtesy of Lincoln Center
62 Top Free Activities in NYC October 2025 for Kids
Drew Kristofik, Oct 2 - Leave your wallet at home. There's lots of FREE fun in October in NYC. READ MORE
Enter the Victorian-era trolley of Madame Morbid for a spooky history lesson you won't soon forget. Photo courtesy of Madame Morbid
Madame Morbid’s Trolley Tours Bring Haunted History to Back from the Dead in Brooklyn
Jordana Drell Herman, Sep 30 - See NYC's spooky side with this off-the-beaten-path tour in Brooklyn. READ MORE
More Latest

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Top NYC Attractions for Families
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A visit to the Museum of Broadway highlights props, costumes, and personalities who make the Great White Way shine.
Unique Behind-the-Scenes Tours in NYC for Families
Pull back the curtain on all NYC offers with the special sneak peek tours.
Fall and Frights in NYC
Kids can go apple picking near NYC at Alstede Farms, where low-to-the-ground trees are perfect for little pickers. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Apple Picking near NYC: Best Apple Farms and Apple Festivals for Kids
As the seasons change, it's time to plan your pick-your-own apple outing. READ MORE 
Apple picking is one of the family-friendly fall activities you can enjoy in the Hudson Valley with Kids. Photo courtesy of the author
Your 2-Day Itinerary for a Kid-Approved Fall Weekend in the Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley makes for a cozy, kid-friendly escape in the fall. READ MORE 
Pick pumpkins and enjoy plenty of fall fun at Outhouse Orchards—no car required. Photo courtesy of the farm
Best Pumpkin Patches near NYC worth the Drive
Pick a perfect pumpkin at one of these patches in Westchester, New Jersey, and on Long Island. READ MORE 
Don your costumes and get your hands on some pumpkins and plenty of seasonal fun at Brooklyn Bridge Park's annual Harvest Festival. Photo by Etienne Frossard/courtesy of the park
Best 2025 Pumpkin Patches and Harvest Festivals in NYC
Farm fun comes to the heart of NYC with these pumpkin patches and harvest celebrations. READ MORE 
The Bronx Zoo celebrates Boo at the Zoo with family activities all October long. Photo by Julie Larsen Maher
Best Halloween Events in NYC 2025 for Kids and Families
The spooky season is upon us and these are the must-do's in NYC this Halloween. READ MORE 
Green-Wood Cemetery is 478-acres of peaceful landscapes in the heart of Brooklyn.
Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery Is a Hidden Gem for Family Fun
Explore art, history, and nature during a visit to this Brooklyn landmark. READ MORE 
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