Jordana Drell

Jordana Drell is a freelance Product Lead specializing in educational games who has previously worked for Sesame Workshop and Nickelodeon. Passionate about emerging tech and finding things to do with her family, Jordana lives in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn with her husband, daughters, and Bernedoodle, Foam.

Latest posts by Jordana

Puerto Rico with Kids: A 5-Day Itinerary for Off the Beaten Path Adventures

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Wed, 11/05/2025 - 11:00am

Explore cave systems of Puerto Rico while swimming and floating in turquoise fresh water. Photo courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico

Whether you’re looking for a beach retreat or an adventure-filled trip, Puerto Rico offers a variety of kid-friendly places and activities that turn family vacations into unforgettable experiences. There are so many amazing things to do in Puerto Rico with kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens—lush gardens and rainforests, beautiful beaches, zip lining, horseback riding, guided tours, and so much more.

We've created an unforgettable five-day Puerto Rico itinerary with our insider advice on how to best enjoy Puerto Rico with kids and family. It's filled with the best things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico (the capital city), as well as El Yungue National Forest, Rincon, bioluminescent bays, and more.

Find our best picks for family friendly hotels in Puerto Rico and visit our Caribbean Family Travel Guide for more tropical vacation ideas, including Mexico and Aruba.

Best Resorts and Hotels in Puerto Rico for Families

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Tue, 10/07/2025 - 12:00pm

Splash into the lagoon-style swimming pool and doze off under a beach cabana at Wyndham Rio Mar. Golf & Beach Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort

If you're looking for a tropical family vacation that balances relaxation and adventure—and requires no passport—Puerto Rico is the perfect location. Check out our five-day itinerary for visiting Puerto Rico with kids and you'll see why! But of course, no family vacation is great without finding an awesome place to stay.

Here are 10 great hotels in Puerto Rico for families, including resorts near the lush El Yunque National Forest, hotels in San Juan, and more. All of these hotels in Puerto Rico feature kid-friendly amenities like stunning pools, gorgeous beaches, kids' clubs, nature activities, and more.

Looking for more great places to stay with kids in the US and abroad? Check out our Guide to Family-Friendly Resorts and Hotels.

Madame Morbid’s Trolley Tours Bring Haunted History to Back from the Dead in Brooklyn

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Tue, 09/30/2025 - 2:01pm

Enter the Victorian-era trolley of Madame Morbid for a spooky history lesson you won't soon forget. Photo courtesy of Madame Morbid

New York City kids (and parents) who love spooky vibes with a side of history have a new experience to add to their must-do list: Madame Morbid’s Trolley Tours. Think of it as the city’s most stylish ghost tour—where Gothic charm meets Brooklyn grit—all aboard a custom-designed Victorian trolley that looks like it rolled straight out of a Tim Burton film.

Part history lesson, part ghost story, and part quirky field trip, Madame Morbid takes families and friend groups on a haunted ride through Brooklyn’s past. From tales of forgotten cemeteries to urban legends that refuse to die, it’s a delightfully eerie way to see the city from a new angle.

Find more fun for the spooky season in our NYC Kids' Guide to Halloween Fun, which includes all our top picks for the best things to do in NYC this Halloween.

Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery Is a Hidden Gem for Family Fun

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Mon, 09/22/2025 - 2:12pm

Green-Wood Cemetery is 478-acres of peaceful landscapes in the heart of Brooklyn.

While a cemetery might not be the first place you think of for a family outing, Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery is an unexpected treasure for parents looking to mix history, art, and the great outdoors. With sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty, fall foliage that rivals any city park, and unique events for kids and families, Green-Wood is far from spooky—it’s an inspiring, educational, and even playful destination.

Whether you’re pushing a stroller, chasing curious toddlers, or looking to spark older kids’ imaginations, here’s why Green-Wood Cemetery should be on your family’s fall adventure list. Find more green spaces to explore on this list of NYC's most underrated parks or bookmark our NYC Kids' Guide to Playgrounds and Parks for more hidden gem parks to explore.

Serve Up Some Fun Playing Pickleball, Tennis, and Pingpong in NYC

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Mon, 09/08/2025 - 12:33pm

When it's too hot to skate, CityPickle's transforms Wollman Rink into a pickleball paradise. Photo by Jody Mercier

While tennis has always been a popular sport in NYC, pickleball has been gaining in popularity. Many people are discovering that pickleball is a family-friendly activity and relatively easy to "pick up." If you're ready to dive into the action, check out the best places to play pickleball in NYC this season, plus some top picks for playing indoor tennis and other paddle sports with kids in NYC. We've even got an entire list of the best tennis classes in NYC for kids to give you even more options to hit the courts with kids.

The Rainbow Is an East Village Play Space as Cool as its Neighborhood

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Tue, 08/05/2025 - 10:15am

The Rainbow is the first indoor play space located in the heart of NYC’s East Village.

New York City families are always on the lookout for spaces that feel just as vibrant and creative as the kids who use them—and The Rainbow play space delivers. Situated in the East Village, this space was created for babies, toddlers, and children up to age 7 and their grown-ups.

Filled with iconic imagery from the local neighborhood, it's a beautifully curated new space. There are bold colors, cozy corners, and community-first vibes. Whether you’re seeking a calming nook for tummy time or a place where your preschooler can paint, dance, and build, The Rainbow reimagines what an indoor play can look like in NYC.

With daily open play, classes, and events that celebrate local families, this is one of those rare city finds that feels like an extension of home—only it's stocked with way more toys, and there's no cleanup required. It's surely destined for a place on our list of the top indoor playgrounds in NYC.

Mini Golf Like You've Never Seen It! NYC's Craziest Course Just Opened to Families

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Mon, 08/04/2025 - 1:00pm

Swingers brings energy and a hip vibe to mini golf.

New York City kids love trendy and cool experiences, and now you can add Swingers NoMad to your list of fun indoor attractions in NYC. If you think mini golf is just for kids, Swingers NoMad is here to change your mind. This out-of-the-ordinary destination takes putt-putt golf to wild new heights, mixing an immersive course design with a swanky clubhouse vibe, cocktails and mocktails served right on the course, and street food that hits way above par.

Originally opened as an adults-only spot, Swingers NoMad now allows families the run of its courses during its Family Sessions. If you’re teeing off on this mini-golf course with your mini-me, expect a full-sensory experience that feels like stumbling into a secret, special space.

Top Hands-On Cooking Classes for Kids in NYC

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Mon, 07/28/2025 - 11:28am

At Young Chefs Academy, kids are guided through a stage-by-stage cooking class that allows them to build on their newfound skills. Photo courtesy of Young Chefs Academy

Nothing stirs up the fun and creates memories quite like getting hands-on in the kitchen. Kids of all ages can stir, mix, roll, and bake their way to confidence and creativity with these cooking classes for kids in NYC. Whether your toddler is just starting to explore new tastes or your teen is ready to master serious skills, these children's cooking classes serve delicious fun for every age and ability. From sprinkle-covered cupcakes and global snacks to full three-course dinners, there’s a culinary adventure waiting to satisfy every appetite.

So, tie on those aprons and fire up the ovens, because these kid-friendly cooking classes are more than fun: They’re a recipe for learning, independence, and memories. Scroll down for a taste of some of the best NYC cooking schools for kids. For even more ideas, check out our NYC Kids' Guide to Classes, or visit our directory, where you can find tons of classes for kids no matter their age or interest.

Jordana Drell

Latest posts by Jordana

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