Jordana Drell Herman

Get Your Groove on at Xanadu the Wild New Bushwick Roller Rink that's an All-Ages Party

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Thu, 09/05/2024 - 2:01pm

Xanadu's all-ages skate parties are a perfect old-school outing with kids.

Get your roller skating groove on at Xanadu, a new roller skating hot spot with an old-school vibe that’s just opened in Bushwick, Brooklyn. With a mix of retro disco, hip-hop, and pop being spun, plus flashing lights and a classic roller skating rink setup, it marries a throwback experience with a modern club vibe.

This vibrant space brings plenty of kid-pleasing fun and is sure to become a neighborhood go-to whether you want to roller skate in NYC or just find your groove. So, get glammed up, don your neon, and check out what’s rolling at Xanadu. Find more roller skating rinks in NYC on our roundup of 13 family-friendly NYC roller rinks.

Unique Behind-the-Scenes Tours in NYC for Families

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 12:00pm

A visit to the Museum of Broadway highlights props, costumes, and personalities who make the Great White Way shine.

There are tons of wonderful tours in New York City that give families an unforgettable experience. But, who doesn’t love to peek behind the curtain for an inside scoop? From stepping into famous pizza kitchens to exclusive looks behind the scenes of a favorite Broadway show, these behind-the-scenes tours in NYC offer a treasure trove of adventures to spark curiosity and excitement, while giving you and your kids some street cred!

So, grab your calendar and start planning an adventure to one of these behind-the-scenes New York City tours. We've got more splurge-worthy experiences for families on this list of over-the-top NYC experiences for kids.

Unique Roadside Attractions You've Got to See on Your Next NY-Area Road Trip

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Sun, 07/07/2024 - 10:00am

The Big Duck greets visitors to Long Island for fun photo-ops and duck-themed goodies in its gift shop. Photo by Gina Massaro

Summer is the season for road trips, and adding a visit to these unique roadside attractions in New York and New Jersey is practically guaranteed to turn your next road trip into a family memory you will giggle about for years to come. If you need help planning an epic route, we've got ideas for the best summer road trips from NYC, plus plenty more getaway inspiration in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Best Venues for Sweet 16 Birthday Parties in NYC

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Mon, 06/17/2024 - 3:06pm

Grab your besties and celebrate a Sweet 16 in NYC at one of these local venues. Photo by Beah S,

What comes to mind when you think of a Sweet 16 birthday party? Black-tie? Formal? Boring??? Not true for Sweet 16 birthday parties in New York City. NYC teens—and their parents!—are a creative bunch. Sure, you can do the dressy party, but New York City teens know how to do it right, with sequin dresses paired with rockin’ sneakers and colorful blazers layered with awesome hoodies.

While we've got plenty of traditional venues where you can host an awesome dance party, our list of the best Sweet 16 birthday party venues in NYC includes a variety of destinations to celebrate this milestone in all kinds of experiential ways. Find more NYC birthday party venues for all ages in our NYC Kids' Guide to Birthday Parties, including our top 15 picks for teen birthday party places.

Best Art You Can See for the Cost of a MetroCard Swipe

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on Tue, 05/07/2024 - 12:00pm

Nick Cave's “Each One, Every One, Equal All,” is a stunning subway art installation in one of the city's busiest stations.

I love the subway. It’s one of the best parts of living in New York. You won’t convince me otherwise. For the cost of a MetroCard swipe, I can give my children a world of experiences—including viewing a collection of impressive NYC subway art!

When my children were little, they loved looking out the train windows. As they got older, reading the ads delighted them. Now, we revel in the stations themselves for their wealth of free subway art, culture, and conversation. So, next time you swipe your MetroCard, take note: We've rounded up the best NYC subway art to see with kids below. Of course, if you're searching for a more traditional art gallery experience, we've got tons of kid-friendly picks in our NYC Kids Guide to Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits.

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