A digital ocean experience complete with faux sea lions, a coral reef, and sharks will open October 6, 2017 in the Times Square area. National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey will make use of a host of technology (plus award-winning designers) to create a multiroom experience that visitors will travel through for a glimpse of deep sea life.

It will open just a few doors away from the new Gulliver’s Gate, ramping up Times Square’s attractions for families and kids.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, July 11, so we wanted to provide a few more details on what to expect at Ocean Odyssey, especially for those who want to be first in line.

When a female subway rider offered her seat on the uptown 6 train to one of our Mommy Poppins editors who was well into her third trimester of pregnancy, the gentleman beside her suddenly came to life.

"Oh sorry, didn't know if you were pregnant or just fat." Dude. A new MTA pilot program launched on Mother’s Day 2017 aims to clear up that, ahem, confusion.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which includes NYC’s subways and buses, but also the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad, will provide two types of wearable buttons for anyone who requests them due to a temporary or permanent disability: “Baby on Board!” or “Please offer me a seat.” Both buttons carry the slogan “Courtesy Counts,” and are designed to “encourage customers to move their feet and offer a seat for pregnant riders, seniors and those with a disability who are seeking seats,” according to a MTA statement.

NYC families turned out in droves for the city's annual Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival, from babies in strollers to groups of moms in long gloves and neon-hued hats. Bedecked in all manner of costume and creative bonnets, the Easter Sunday revelers mingled along Fifth Avenue in Midtown, gathering near St. Patrick's Cathedral across from Rockefeller Center. 

The energy was pure positivity with spring colors and flowers, as well as NYC's theatrical streak on full display, reports our videographer and photographer who attended this year's fun on April 16. She described it as a "bit like a fashion show." It's FREE silly fun and uber family friendly with balloon artists, dancing, and puppetry; no wonder it's one of our top recommended things to do with NYC kids in April and this spring.

Check out the video and photos below of some of the coolest kids and families at the beloved annual fest.