The Bronx Zoo comes to life after dark during its annual Holiday Lights event. Photo by Terria Clay/courtesy of the Bronx Zoo
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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
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The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0
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Classics, like Tom Turkey, and newbies alike take flight in the 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025.
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Many organizations throughout New York City are offering free turkey giveaways, plus full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season. Photo by John McCarten for the New York City Council
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Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
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See your favorite characters come to life at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation. Photo by Eugene Gologursky/courtesy of Macy's.
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Enjoy a cozy, French-style Thanksgiving meal at Le Rivage. Photo by Evan Sung
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Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
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Volunteer to help feed families in New York this Thanksgiving.
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Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 10. Photo by Heidi Lee
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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
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The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
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See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
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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
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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
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Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
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Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
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Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
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There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
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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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Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
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Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
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For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
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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
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The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
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Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
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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
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Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
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The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
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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
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No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
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Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
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Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
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Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Portland Maine Family Travel Guide

Photo by Stephen Ritchie/CC BY-NC 2.0
Photo by Stephen Ritchie/CC BY-NC 2.0
8/9/19 - By Rose Gordon Sala

The charming coastal city of Portland, Maine, has undergone something of a revival in the last couple of decades, racking up awards for its restaurants and breweries. Families-in-the-know have always been drawn to its down-to-earth vibe and kid-friendly outdoor and indoor attractions, including a great children's museum, railroad museum, lighthouses, parks, and boat and ferry rides.

Portland is also a great destination for families seeking to explore the rest of Maine. Travel Down East to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park or drive south to the family-friendly beaches of York, Kennebunk, and Old Orchard Beach. The latter includes a full-size amusement park right along the beach. Don't forget to stop at the various lobster shacks that dot Maine's coast for a roadside treat.

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The play-focused Children's Museum is the perfect spot for a rainy day. Photo by Shira Kronzon
The play-focused Children's Museum is the perfect spot for a rainy day. Photo by Shira Kronzon

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Take a hike in Acadia for a view of Bar Harbor. Photo by Kelley Heyworth
Take a hike in Acadia for a view of Bar Harbor. Photo by Kelley Heyworth

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