Yuliya Geikhman

Yuliya Geikhman is a freelance writer and parent based in NYC. She's been writing professionally since 2009 and editing since 2018 and has a degree in English education that's gathering dust in a drawer.

Latest posts by Yuliya

Best Play Cafes in NYC for Kids and Families

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Mon, 04/07/2025 - 1:41pm

At Good Day Play Cafe, parents and caregivers can sit back in the cafe at still keep an eye on their kiddos in the play space. Photo by Louise Trapasso

Playtime and snack time seemingly go hand-in-hand at these kid-friendly play cafes in NYC, which give parents a moment to enjoy a cup of joe—and more—while little ones let loose. These play cafes in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens offer welcoming environments, great food, and a caffeine jolt, as well as dedicated, safe indoor play spaces for your kids. Several of them are play spaces first, and cafes second.

So, turn your meal into a play date with a friend, or sit back and relax while your little one explores. Either way, you and your kids are sure to have a good time.

Check out our NYC Kids' Guide to Restaurants for more great family-friendly eateries, or our Play Spaces Guide for more romper rooms.

Where to Take Easter Bunny Pictures in NYC

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Tue, 03/25/2025 - 5:08pm

Enjoy a special photo session with the Easter Bunny plus a beautiful breakfast spread at Stella 34 Trattoria. Photo by Jody Mercier

It's time to get a hop on Easter Bunny pictures in NYC. After all, with Easter just weeks away, the Easter Bunny is getting ready to make appearances all over New York City this spring, including on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025—so, you'll have plenty of opportunities to pose for Easter Bunny pictures in Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island.

Our picks for the best places to take Easter Bunny pictures in NYC include everything from professional shots to DIY Easter Bunny pictures at local egg hunts. But, beware: Many of these Easter Bunny pictures require reservations, so book now. You're likely to find the Easter Bunny at local Easter brunches or Easter egg hunts in NYC, too!

Top Kid-Friendly Science Museums in New York City

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Fri, 03/07/2025 - 9:54am

Kid can immerse themselves in the Connected Worlds Exhibit at the New York Hall of Science. Photo by David Handschuh

Curious kids and budding scientists have so many options when it comes to science museums for kids in New York City. From the well-known American Museum of Natural History to smaller museums with interactive science exhibits for kids, there are tons of spots for toddlers through teens to get scientific in New York City. Whether they're into ecology or archaeology, there are plenty of educational activities for kids in NYC. We've rounded up the best science museums for kids in New York City that the whole family can enjoy together.

Get more great geeky inspiration in our Guide to Science Experiences for Kids and find more cool children's museums in NYC in our NYC Kids Guide to Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits.

Most Unique Destinations to See Fall Leaves from NYC

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Thu, 09/26/2024 - 1:21pm

Mountain Creek provides an unrivaled view from above the fall leaves by taking a ride along its zipline course. Photo courtesy of Mountain Creek

The tri-state area has some of the most spectacular fall leaves in the US. Families looking to peep some fall leaves near NYC can head out to some amazing, unique, fall foliage-filled locations in NYC, Long Island, New Jersey, and the Hudson Valley.

Our list of where to see fall leaves near NYC includes something for all autumn connoisseurs, from adventurous views from above to more leisurely fall foliage frolicking. The best time to see fiery fall leaves in New York and the surrounding areas is likely early October.

For even more seasonal activities, don't miss our Guide to Fall Fun and Day Trips.

Haunt the Hudson: Spooky Day Trips near NYC for Ghostly Adventures and Paranormal Thrills

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Sun, 09/08/2024 - 10:00am

Take in the Legend of Sleepy Hollow on a spooky fall day trip in the Hudson Valley. Photo by Darren McGee/NYS Dept. of Economic Development

Family-friendly scares abound during a fall day trip to one of these awesome haunted locations and spooky spots in the Hudson Valley, on Long Island, in New Jersey, and even right in NYC. Plan a spooky day trip the whole family can enjoy and visit eerie mansions, hear ghostly tales, and follow expert guides on tours of some creepy locations near NYC.

Although these are awesome Halloween destinations for a fall day trip near NYC, most of the locations and events on this list are available year-round, so you can enjoy a haunted adventure in any season. If this isn't enough spine-tingling fun, consider booking one of these ghost tours in New Jersey and visit our Halloween Guide for more spooky season fun.

10 Dual-Language and Immersion Preschools in Brooklyn

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Tue, 07/23/2024 - 10:00am

These NYC preschools promote knowledge and language learning in one neat package.

Whether your child already speaks two languages or you merely want to expand their intellectual horizons, dual-language preschools can help. These NYC preschools promote knowledge and language learning in one neat package. Lucky for us, NYC is packed with immersion preschools.

We've pulled together a sampling of immersion preschools in Brooklyn, the city's most populous borough. To find more preschools with dual-language programs or other preschool options, visit our NYC preschool directory.

Atlantic City with Kids: 34 Top Things To Do in Atlantic City, NJ

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Fri, 07/12/2024 - 8:16am

Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.

Atlantic City isn't the first shore town to come to mind when you think kid-friendly, but beyond the casino lights, this Jersey Shore town packs plenty of family-friendly fun, including an action-packed boardwalk with a legendary amusement park and a sandy shoreline.

Read on for our favorite things to do in Atlantic City with kids, and find lots more entertaining options in our Jersey Shore Family Guide.

Best Family-Friendly Beer Gardens in NYC Where Kids Are Welcome

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Fri, 06/21/2024 - 12:12pm

Great eats and fun await at Radegast Hall & Biergarten. Photo courtesy the venue

When you're looking to grab a drink outside with the kids in tow, these family-friendly beer gardens in NYC are a great option. Beer gardens offer plenty of space for little ones and menus packed with hearty fare that's sure to please picky palates. As it turns out, NYC could give Bavaria a run for its money when it comes to kid-friendly beer gardens. So, whether you have a special occasion to celebrate, or you're simply saluting the fact you've made it through another day, here are some of the best NYC beer gardens and halls where families can raise their glasses.

For more dining options, check out our roundup of 20 restaurants in NYC offering outdoor dining, and visit our Restaurant Guide for NYC Families for even more picks.

Yuliya Geikhman

Latest posts by Yuliya

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