Things to do with kids in NYC
Best upcoming events and festivals
There’s nothing that screams summer quite like ice cream! Head to the Saks Fifth Ave's flagship store for a cool and creamy treat from Magnum. Saks will take down its glass windows to transform the store into an interactive ice cream bar where you can sample all the delicious flavors Magnum offers. Shoppers will be able to snag a Magnum Mini Ice Cream Bar while supplies last! All ages.
Coney Island’s answer to Greenwich Village’s infamous Halloween parade might be a little risqué for some tiny ones, but plenty of families scope out King Neptune and Queen Mermaid as they presides over wacky floats, marching bands, drill teams, vintage cars and a dazzling array of scantily clad seafaring sirens. From W 21st St and Surf Ave to the Boardwalk at W 10th St, Coney Island, Brooklyn. All ages.
It's finally summer! Celebrate the vibrant waterfront of Randall's Island with this outdoor festival, which includes nature crafts and activities, face painting and music. Learning about science is made even more fun with a live bubble demonstration from Bubbledad (yes, you can expect some very large bubbles!), while the folks from Arm-of-the-Sea Theater promise to put on a spectacular puppet performance. All ages.
The Big Bounce America—which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest bounce house in the world—will delight urbanites with a summer experience like no other. We guarantee 2019's bouncing activities will have you jumping for joy...literally. The Bouncer is a massive, multi-colored castle complete with inflatable basketball hoops, slides, a ball pit and more exciting features. Though it's certainly a big draw, we'd be remiss not to swoon over The Giant, a 900-foot inflatable obstacle course, and airSPACE, an interactive, intergalactic jumping adventure fit for an alien thanks to spaceships, moon craters and other-worldly features. All ages.
This feast for the eyes (and Instagram feeds) will feature 100 hot air balloons from around the globe that take flight twice each day—a scene the whole family will certainly appreciate. You and the family can make your way nearby to the Solberg Airport in Readington, NJ (July 26–28) for the jaw-dropping display. (And yes, there's an option to ride the balloons, too.) But the balloons are but one part of this exciting festival. What better way to ring in the summer with a performance from none other than The Beach Boys? This is the perfect way to celebrate the season! Additionally, ABBA the Concert tribute band (performing July 26 at 8pm) and kids' musicians Dan Zanes and Claudia Eliaza (performing July 26 at 7:30pm) will take the stage. Families can also look forward to a lot of other exciting entertainment such as amusement park rides, food vendors, crafters and more. All ages.
This wacky one-wheeled weekend rolls into town and begins with a pitstop in Battery Park (10 am on Aug 29), followed by a ride over the Brooklyn Bridge and ending with a stage show at Coney Island (Aug 30, meet at 2pm in front of City Hall in Manhattan on the base of the Brooklyn Bridge). Don't miss the main event—a giant festival on Governors Island with races, competitions, exhibitions, unicycle sports (basketball, hockey and sumo on wheels!), music, live performances and more one-wheeled activities for the whole family (Aug 31 and Sept 1 from noon–5pm). Learn more about the lineup on the festival's website. All ages.
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For the next month, we’re offering readers the chance to enter the Bowlero sweepstakes. We've teamed up with the worldwide leader in bowling entertainment to give one lucky winner a $250 gift card that can be redeemed at any Bowlero center across the country, including Bowlmor, AMF and Brunswick Zone (you can find your nearest one right here). Use it over a few visits or drop it all on one major blowout with your buds – the choice is yours. Bowlero isn’t just about bowling; it’s about combining the classic sport with game-changing upgrades. So forget harsh strip-lighting and worn-out shoes and make way for something unique. Think black lights, eclectic artwork, signature cocktails, tasteful retro decor and lanes worthy of everyone from league leaders to total first-timers. But bowling is just the beginning. Expect arcades with Mario Kart and other classic, old-school games as well as laser tag (at select locations) and great-tasting food that’ll definitely satisfy big appetites – we’re talking 6lb Behemoth Burgers and 2ft Coney Mega Dogs. Plus they’re ace at hosting parties – complete with custom packages, dedicated party planners and personalized menus. And if you just want to lounge laneside? You can do that, too. It’s time to get the party started, people. To bag this bangin’ Bowlero prize, all you have to do is click the link below. Good luck! ENTER NOW
This musical prequel to The Wizard of Oz addresses surprisingly complex themes, such as standards of beauty, morality and, believe it or not, fighting fascism. Thanks to Winnie Holzman’s witty book and Stephen Schwartz’s pop-inflected score, Wicked soars. The current cast includes Jackie Burns as Elphaba and Amanda Jane Cooper as Glinda.
Give city kids a chance to explore lush landscapes on this 250-acre expanse
Theater review by Adam Feldman The world of Harry Potter has arrived on Broadway, Hogwarts and all, and it is a triumph of theatrical magic. Set two decades after the final chapters of J.K. Rowling’s world-shaking kid-lit heptalogy, the two-part epic Harry Potter and the Cursed Child combines grand storytelling with stagecraft on a scale heretofore unimagined. Richly elaborated by director John Tiffany, the show looks like a million bucks (or, in this case, a reported $68 million); the Lyric Theatre has been transfigured from top to bottom to immerse us in the narrative. It works: The experience is transporting. Jack Thorne’s play, based on a story he wrote with Rowling and Tiffany, extends the Potter narrative while remaining true to its core concerns. Love and friendship and kindness are its central values, but they don’t come easily: They are bound up in guilt, loneliness and fear. Harry (Jamie Parker) is weighted with trauma dating back to his childhood, which hinders his ability to communicate with his troubled middle son, Albus (Sam Clemmett); it doesn’t help that Albus’s only friend is the bookish outcast Scorpius Malfoy (the exceptional Anthony Boyle), son of Harry’s erstwhile enemy, Draco (Alex Price). Despite the best intentions of Harry’s solid wife, Ginny (Poppy Miller), and his friends Hermione (Noma Dumezweni) and Ron (Paul Thornley), things turn dark very fast. Set designer Christine Jones and lighting designer Neil Austin keep much of the stage shroude
Get in on a cool indoor hangout at Grand Central! This event transforms Vanderbilt Hall into a fun–filled dining area with live, family-friendly entertainment. Kiddos can make arts & crafts and get their faces painted courtesy of Kidding Around Toys, dance and sing along in the event's Jam to the Music perfomance courtesy of Brooklyn Children's Museum, watch performances from Grammy Award–winner Tim Kubart (Aug 24) and cast members of Wicked (Aug 25) and Something Rotten (Aug 26), too. There's also great food from the likes of Shake Shack and Zaro's Family Bakery available for purchase! Event located in Grand Central's Vanderbilt Hall. All ages.
Your favorite show has been extended due to popular demand! This 60-minute performance adapts four of Eric Carle's most timeless tales.
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Itching to get out of town? The newly opened Kartrite Indoor Resort & Waterpark has made quite a splash in the Catskills, so plan those family weekend getaways accordingly! Vacationers are treated to a dose of summer fun year-round, and the resort is one of the coolest indoor water parks New York families can find. With action-packed features, comfy amenities and mountain views from the (indoor) beach, what's not to love? The Empire State's largest indoor water attraction will be a hit for fishes of all ages. Thrill-seekers will opt for the twists and turns of the Nor'easter and race with their friends down the gnarly Jiggerty-Jaggerty. Swimmers can also hang 10 on the waves of the Flowrider and athletes can score a slam dunk in an aqua version of a basketball court! Have tiny ones in tow? Not to worry! The gentle Puddle Ducks or the low-key Empire Bay lazy river are great picks for the smaller set. Photograph: Courtesy The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark Fortunately for vacationers, the fun doesn't stop after the water park. Options are aplenty at this entertainment oasis, thanks to other cool features such as laser tag, a virtual reality experience, rock climbing, a bowling alley and so much more! Don't forget to take a look at the calendar for fun activities and workshops! Photograph: Courtesy The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark Plus, there are plenty of perks for parents. The serene Affinity Springs in the water park is perfect for m
Summer is within reach, and the return of our favorite outdoor activities is proof. On May 30 at 5:30pm, Brooklyn Bridge Park will kickstart its 2019 season of free kayaking in NYC. Spectacular views of lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge make the East River one of our favorite places to paddle. From now until August, park-goers are welcome to take advantage of the sport (at no cost!) on Thursdays from 5:30–6:45pm and weekends from 10am–2pm. Venture to Pier 2 and get ready to float across the water. Photograph: Courtesy Etienne Frossard If you're planning to travel with kids, here are few things to know before making a visit to the boathouse: A guardian must be present at all times for kayakers who are under 18. Single kayaks are for adults or any participant with a guardian present who is at least 14 years old. Doubles are for one adult and no more than one child under 14. Regardless of experience levels, everyone from experts to first-timers are welcome to participate in the fun. Anxious to hit the water? We can't blame you! Make sure to arrive at least one hour before closing time to snag a spot. While you're visiting the park, make sure to check out some of the best kids' playgrounds NYC has to offer and one of our favorite water playgrounds for kids in all of Gotham—this Brooklyn hotspot has it all. Visit the park's website to learn more about kayaking. While you and the fam are spending the day in Dumbo, don't forget to grab a bite at the Time Out Mar
We never decline a trip to fun bounce houses and exciting water parks near NYC, so when the best of both worlds join forces, you better believe we are ready for the grand adventure. Grab those goggles and towels! According to Patch.com, our Jersey neighbors are in store for an inflatable water park on Barnegat Lake. In late June or early July, Lacey Township will unveil this extraordinary new project, which was created with the help of Commercial Recreation Specialists and Wibit. We definitely sense a few summer day trips in the future. Wait until you feast your eyes on this inflatable water park jungle gym! There are plenty of fun components in store for the young and the young at heart. Check out a few of the features little fishes can expect this season. Not only will the attraction make for a fun family outing, but it'll keep kids plenty active (and wipe them out just in time for bed). Start-Up Get the party started with features you can climb, slide and enjoy with the whole family. Photograph: Courtesy Wibit Monkey bars The playground crowd-pleaser gets an aqua makeover. Photograph: Courtesy Dann_Ilicic + Wibit FastTrack Think you and the kiddos can master this obstacle course? Photograph: Courtesy Wibit Halfpipe No need for a skateboard on this river-based halfpipe! Photograph: Courtesy Dann_Ilicic + Wibit We don't know about you, but we're SO ready for summer! To learn more about the project and its opening, visit laceytownship.or
Looking for fun things to do with dinosaur-loving kids? Do we have some news for you!
This feast for the eyes (and Instagram feeds) will feature 100 hot air balloons from around the globe that take flight twice each day.
Central Park plans to reopen the playground in the afternoon on Thursday, May 9. For any changes, visit centralparknyc.org. Any adventurous tyke will tell you that Safari Playground is one of the best things to do in Central Park. Now that the weather is somewhat cooperating, we suggest you make a visit. Some stellar upgrades will certainly entice your little jumping beans! The scenic grounds with views of the Reservoir boast plenty of lovable amenities. The famous kid's playground (which is best for ages 2–5) focused on entertainment and inclusivity during its reconstruction phase. To ensure that the Upper West Side play oasis is accessible, The Central Park Conservancy regraded the entrance path to the playground from W 90th St and built a wheelchair-accessible ramp. Perhaps the most notable part of the playground—the cool hippo structures—also received some TLC. The original sculptures by artist Bob Cassilly were donated to the St. Louis’s City Museum last year, but pint-sized New Yorkers will still get a taste of the wild. The hippos, which foster creative thinking and climbing, have been replicated and reinstalled on safety surfacing that changes color (blue to represent a river and brown to represent land). See? We really are in the safari! Photograph: Courtesy Central Park Conservancy But of course, the new features deserve some time in the spotlight, too! Youngsters can expect a new play canoe—which any faux safari adventure needs—wood-climbing features,
The attraction just announced that it will set up shop in Brooklyn from July 26–28 at Aviator Sports, so start planning your summer bucket list and book those tickets ASAP!
One of our favorite family attractions just revealed a super-cool perk, and we're totally on board. In efforts to increase community engagement, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will launch a new Free Fridays series on April 26. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities for patrons to participate. From April until October, one Friday each month will be free from 5–9pm. (General admission is $33 for adults and $24 for children ages 5–12.) Who are we to resist free museum days? While visitors will have access to the flight deck, awesome scenes and indoor exhibits, there are a few more bonuses to look forward to with this new series, including performances, educational talks, film screenings and telescopes for stargazing, which will be a hit over the summer. The schedule is as follows: April 26 May 31 June 21 July 19 Aug 16 Sept 27 Oct 25 Even better? There will be a variety of different programs unique to each session. For the inaugural event, visitors can explore the Intergalactic Travel Bureau, learn about satellites at the Space Shuttle Pavilion for Innovators and so much more. There's also an opportunity to watch Dunkirk from the flight deck (which definitely beats a small screen at home) on May 31. All activities are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We're so stoked! Who else is putting Free Fridays on their list of things to do this spring? Sign up to receive great Time Out New York Kids deals in your inbox each day
Like Katz’s Deli, Delmonico’s, and Lombardi’s, Eddie’s Sweet Shop on Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills is one of New York City's oldest eateries. It's also the city's oldest ice cream shop! Believe it or not, Eddie’s has been scooping homemade ice cream and toppings from behind the same marble countertops since around 1925! (Though other folks might claim otherwise: A publication innacurately reported that it opened in 1909, and the news spread quickly). After the original Jahn’s franchise locations closed, Eddie’s unofficially became the oldest ice cream shop in New York City, but owner Vito Citrano won’t own up to the superlative and does not advertise it anywhere. “We just keep doing what we’re doing day by day and don’t think about it,” he said. “We don’t change much, so you always know what you’re gonna get here.” Photograph: Joanna Fantozzi When you walk into the unassuming corner store, the first thing you might notice is that Eddie’s does not look like the typical retro ice cream parlor. Other soda fountains might have 1950s decor with chrome counters and bright red booths, but Eddie’s wooden and marble interior has not changed since it opened. Even the refrigerator is more than 80 years old. “When we bought this shop in 1968, it was already nostalgic,” Citrano said. The Citrano family and their team of scoopers make all 18 flavors of ice cream from scratch, using the same recipes that Giuseppe, Vito’s father, inherited (and perfected) from the shop’s prev
