Kristy Etheridge

Kristy Etheridge is a Brooklyn-based writer/editor and NYC’s resident tourist, exploring the city with her husband and kids. A Syracuse grad with a background in broadcast journalism, she spent her early career reporting in Wilmington and Charlotte. Now an editor for Christianity Today, Kristy freelances for Mommy Poppins, sharing her family-friendly NYC finds since moving to Brooklyn in 2018.

Latest posts by Kristy

Christmas Towns and Festive Hotels near NYC that Will Blow Your Mind

Submitted by Kristy Etheridge on Sun, 11/02/2025 - 10:27am

Hershey Park's Candy Cane Lane is the stuff of sweet, holiday memories. Photo courtesy of Hershey Park

If you’re a New York-area parent looking for magical, over-the-top holiday destinations within driving distance, look no further. We’ve rounded up Christmas towns near NYC where you and your kids can see incredible decorations, visit Santa, enjoy seasonal activities, and maybe even turn your trip into a memorable overnight getaway.

Read on for some of the most festive destinations in the northeast, and don't miss our Ultimate Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for all the seasonal fun close to home.

Step Into Halloween Town with NYBG’s Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail

Submitted by Kristy Etheridge on Mon, 09/29/2025 - 1:48pm

Jack Skellington and friends are back at the New York Botanical Garden for another seasonal run after dark. Photo by author

A delightfully spooky Halloween trail is back at the New York Botanical Garden. The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail features characters from Disney’s 1993 Tim Burton movie of the same name, set against the backdrop of a dark, wooded trail.

Read on for everything you need to know about this creepily fun nighttime experience. And find more hair-raising activities across all five boroughs on our list of NYC’s best Halloween events of 2025.

Arte Museum Is Stunning, But Should You Visit with Kids?

Submitted by Kristy Etheridge on Tue, 09/23/2025 - 12:53pm

The visuals at Arte Museum wow visitors, but we urge caution if you plan to visit with little kids.

Arte Museum New York is NYC's newest immersive experience, and it's completely screen-scentric. My husband and I had the chance to check out the eye-popping displays during a nighttime preview event before its grand opening.

While it made for a unique date night, we walked away with some key points for parents to consider before bringing their kids along. Read on to find out whether Arte Museum is a good fit for your next family outing, and bookmark this list of NYC's most kid-friendly museums for our favorite local culture spots to see with kids.

What Does New York's Cell Phone Ban Look Like at Your School?

Submitted by Kristy Etheridge on Mon, 08/25/2025 - 9:47am

When NYC kids head back to the classroom, cell phones must be out of sight. Photo via Canva

When nearly 1 million NYC public school students head back to class in September, they’ll be entering a no-phone zone.

A new state law in New York bans students from using cell phones and all personal internet-enabled devices during the school day. The law goes into effect at the start of the 2025-26 school year, which kicks off Thursday, September 4, for public school kids.

Read on to find out what the ban might look like at your school, and check out our list of 57 screen-free activities for all ages.

Prospect Park's LeFrak Center Reopens with New Management and Exciting Upgrades

Submitted by Kristy Etheridge on Tue, 08/05/2025 - 12:00pm

The water is flowing once again at the LeFrak Center in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, which is reopened under new management.

Two little New Yorkers gripped their own pairs of golden scissors to help cut the ribbon at the reopening of one of Brooklyn’s most popular attractions. The young Brooklynites joined local officials Saturday, August 2 to celebrate a new chapter for the Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park—and so far, it looks like a promising one for NYC families.

Since its opening in 2013, the LeFrak Center has been a huge draw for families in the amenity-filled Prospect Park, and Saturday's event marked the beginning of a new chapter for LeFrak.

Four Hidden Gem Parks to Seek Out this Summer with Kids

Submitted by Kristy Etheridge on Tue, 07/29/2025 - 11:00am

Pier 57's rooftop park offers lush landscaping, plenty of seating, and views of the city and sea. Photo courtesy of Pier 57

One of my favorite things about raising children in NYC is the sheer number of parks, playgrounds, and hidden gems to explore. When my kids and I get bored with our local haunts, we hop on the train to check out a new-to-us space.

If the summer doldrums are kicking in and you’re ready to break out of your routine, head to one of these hidden parks in NYC for a breath of fresh air. And, for more summer fun, check out our epic NYC summer bucket list or our ultimate guide to NYC splash pads and water playgrounds.

My Perfect Day in NYC: Exploring Central Park

Submitted by Kristy Etheridge on Tue, 07/22/2025 - 10:00am

Climb to Belvedere Castle for a stunning view and a fun photo-op.

When it comes to experiencing quintessential New York City, you can’t beat a trip to Central Park. The 843-acre green space in the middle of Manhattan stretches from 110th Street down to 59th Street and from Eighth Avenue to Fifth Avenue. It’s full of opportunities for adventure.

I’ve spent many happy hours enjoying Central Park with my children, and I'm sharing my favorite destinations on this itinerary for a perfect NYC day. These plans are customizable and include ideas to suit all ages.

Discover more activities on our list of the best things to do in Central Park with kids, or explore more of the Big Apple with this 3-day NYC itinerary from a local mom.

51 Spring Bucket List Ideas for Kids in NYC

Submitted by Kristy Etheridge on Fri, 04/04/2025 - 9:35am

Dinosaur Safari returns to the Bronx Zoo this spring. Photo courtesy of the zoo

Spring has (finally!) arrived in New York City, and families are taking advantage of the extra daylight hours to get outdoors and play. Springtime activities are abundant, from Earth Day festivals to Easter egg hunts. And colorful blooms are bursting from Brooklyn to the Bronx.

Read on for 50 of the best spring activities and adventures in NYC, and be sure to check out our NYC Kids' Guide to Spring Break Ideas for more seasonal happenings, including our bucket list for the spring break school vacation and our picks for the best spring day trips from NYC.

Kristy Etheridge

Latest posts by Kristy

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