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

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.

Discover the Beauty of Bugs at Imaginari a Brand-New Insect-Inspired Exhibit

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Mon, 06/10/2024 - 11:00am

Imaginari illuminates the beauty of bugs with artistic installations. Photo courtesy of Imaginari Co.

You might not think much of bugs, but the newly opened Imaginari exhibit aims to change that. Located on the northern tip of the family-friendly Tribeca neighborhood, Imaginari has collaborated with artists of different mediums to bring you a little closer to the world of insects, inviting you to take a look at the hidden beauty behind these ubiquitous critters. The exhibit is fun for all ages, bringing kids (and adults!) eye-to-eye with some of the smaller inhabitants of our planet. Here's what to expect from this buggy new exhibit.

Guide to Visiting Island Waterpark in Atlantic City with Kids

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Fri, 06/07/2024 - 8:06am

Island Waterpark, at Atlantic City's Showboat Hotel, boasts 11 waterslides and four restaurants. Photo courtesy of the park

Atlantic City's new Island Waterpark at the Showboat Hotel opened in summer 2023, and this new indoor water park is quickly becoming a family fan favorite.

Featuring 11 water slides, four restaurants, and access to the "world's largest arcade," it's easy to see why!

Here's everything you need to know about the ins and outs—and slips and slides—of this super kid-friendly water attraction in Atlantic City. Find tons more entertaining options in our Jersey Shore Family Guide.

Top Florida Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Trips for Kids

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Sat, 05/25/2024 - 12:00pm

Get close to sea turtles and other marine life when snorkeling in Florida.

Scuba diving or snorkeling in Florida is one of the best things to do during a family vacation to the Sunshine State. There is so much to explore under Florida's warm, clear waters, including spectacular coral reefs, shipwrecks, and underwater museums and memorials.

Here's everything you need to know about scuba diving and snorkeling in Florida with kids, from age requirements to the best places to dive and snorkel in and around the Florida Keys, Miami, and Destin. Our Florida Family Travel Guide will tell you even more great places to visit and fun things to do with kids in the Sunshine State.

Find Your New Best Friend at These NYC Animal Shelters

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Mon, 04/29/2024 - 3:25pm

Add an animal member to your family from a shelter in NYC. Photo courtesy of Bideawee

A pet can be a friend for life and these animal shelters in NYC help families find the perfect addition. So, if your home has room for a furry friend, here are the NYC animal shelters where you can adopt a new dog or cat. Plus, we've got the lowdown on some lesser-known options for pet adoption and things to consider before taking the plunge if you're a first-time pet owner.

If you're not quite ready to bring home a furry friend of your own, you can explore breeds at the AKC Museum of the Dog in Midtown East or visit one of these cat cafes throughout the five boroughs.

Yuliya Geikhman

Latest posts by Yuliya

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