Danielle Valente

Kids today will never understand what it was like to not have every cartoon you could possibly want to watch available directly at their fingertips. In the pre-streaming days, children – and, by proxy, their parents – were effectively in thrall to whatever happened to be on Nickelodeon, Fox Kids or Disney Channel at any given moment. Most of the time, it was something loud, obnoxious and more interested in selling a toy than keeping your little one entertained. It’s much different now, and probably for the better. Today, parents can pick and choose what to put in their children’s eyeballs. Of course, the deluge of choice can also lead to feeling overwhelmed. So let us give you a hand. These are 31 of the best cartoons for kids currently streaming. Recommended: ✍ The 100 best animated movies of all-time👪 The best family movies of all time to stream👶 The best movies for toddlers

Whether by choice or cultural osmosis, if you’re alive today, you grew up on Disney. The House of Mouse is simply inescapable. Whether that’s good or bad is up for debate. What’s indisputable is that the country more or less invented modern animation in the United States, and has produced some of the greatest family films of all-time, from the 1940s all the way up to right now. Of course, you don’t become an entertainment monolith without producing a lot of crud along the way. The company’s long history is marked with crazy-high peaks and some very low valleys - after all, there’s a reason Disney has gone through several ‘renaissance’ periods. Nearly all of it is available on the treasure trove of Disney+, but that hardly means you can pick a flick at random and know you’re getting something of quality. To help you separate the classics from the direct-to-video cash-ins, we swan-dived into the catalogue a la Scrooge McDuck and rounded up 50 can’t-miss picks for your family movie night. From the Golden Age to the Renaissance to Pixar, these are the absolute best Disney movies ever. Recommended: ✍ The 100 best animated films of all-time👪 The 50 best kids movies to watch as a family🤣 The best family comedy movies

The biggest and best corn mazes in America aren’t your ordinary corn fields. No, these challenging trails can take up multiple football fields' worth of farm. After all, the States surely know how to do the fall season! So, if you’re the "go big or go home" type, you’re going to want to check out these gargantuan—and super creative—mazes in September, October and November. Whether they’re created with GPS by the professionals or mowed into the earth, these paths are designed to get you just lost enough to connect with nature, spend time with family and friends, and then find your way back to home base for some kettle corn or a frosty beverage. The following corn mazes take the autumnal season to the extreme as you participate in a host of other pastoral activities. Apple cannons, pig races, pumpkin picking and the main attraction, corn, round out the American fall tradition as you seek out the best corn mazes in America. RECOMMENDED: The best places to see fall foliage in the U.S.

Getting dressed up in a scary costume and heading to a Halloween party is fun no matter how old you are (especially when there are so many meme-able options kicking about), but does the spooky season hit the same as it did when you were a kid? Not quite.  Kids just love Halloween, what with all the pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating, so to help the little terrors really get their groove on this year, we’ve compiled a list of the very best kid-friendly Halloween songs. There’s kindie-rock darlings, sing-along hits and some ghosts of Halloween past on this list, so you’ll have plenty to keep ‘em moving while they dance through that sugar rush. Happy Halloween! RECOMMENDED: 👻The best scary movies for kids⚰️The best kids Halloween movies🎃The best Halloween songs of all time This list was written by Danielle Valente, who is Time Out New York’s former kids editor. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Bringing a furry, four-legged companion into your home is an incredibly rewarding experience, and local animal shelters are the perfect place to find your new pet. If you're considering dog adoption in NYC—or another lovable pet—there are plenty of shelters and rescue organizations dedicated to helping animals find their forever homes. These organizations not only provide adoption opportunities but also ensure that the right pet is matched with the right owner. NYC animal shelters guide you through the entire process, making sure your new companion’s age and temperament align with your lifestyle and preferences. Since many shelters are often full, they also rely heavily on volunteers who foster animals temporarily, providing a much-needed space while animals wait for their permanent homes. Donations of food, bedding and other supplies are always appreciated too, as these contributions help shelters continue their vital work. If you’re ready to welcome a cute, cuddly friend into your life, start by browsing online or attending a local adoption event. With plenty of animals eagerly awaiting their forever families, these adoption centers in NYC are some of the best places to find your new best friend.

As the sweltering summer days fade away and cooler breezes sweep in, it’s time to embrace the season of hot cider, vibrant foliage and one of fall's sweetest traditions: apple picking. Much like summer’s juiciest fruits—strawberries, cherries and blueberries—apples are best enjoyed when picked straight from the tree. Luckily, there’s no shortage of orchards and farms that offer PYO apple picking near NYC. Take an autumn adventure into New York, Connecticut or New Jersey, and you'll find plenty of apple orchards that let you fill a whole bushel with your hand picked haul. Perfect for both snacking and baking, these apples are only half the fun of a fall family outing. Many farms also feature hayrides, corn mazes, farm-fresh treats (hot cider donuts, anyone?) and even petting zoos. Just be sure to check crop availability before you go, then get ready to savor the best of fall’s flavors. Looking for more PYO action? Head out to these pumpkin patches near NYC to find your perfect Halloween pumpkin.

As fall sets in, the crisp air and vibrant leaves bring cozy thoughts of hayrides, hot apple cider and fall harvests. Just as summer is the time for picking blueberries and strawberries, autumn is the perfect time to head out and pick the season’s most iconic fruits: apples and pumpkins. Luckily, there are several farms for apple and pumpkin picking near NYC that are perfect for this seasonal activity, offering an easy escape to fill up on that cozy autumn spirit. Biting into a freshly picked apple or selecting the perfect Halloween pumpkin straight from the vine adds a special touch to your fall traditions. These farms offer a variety of apples and pumpkins, plus extras like hayrides, corn mazes and petting zoos. Stick around to grab some fresh-made treats like cider doughnuts and hot apple cider at the farm stands. There's no better way to enjoy autumn than with a day of apple and pumpkin picking near NYC.

Lest we forget, Halloween is predominantly a holiday for children. That’s why it’s important not to ignore the little ones when putting together your month-long horror movie marathon. Thankfully, Disney Plus makes it easy to throw your little ghosts a few bones – and maybe a skull or two. You might not associate Disney with horror, but even their most gentle animated classics contain some unsettling moments. (‘Pink Elephants on Parade,’ anyone?) Here, we’ve compiled 15 of the spookiest movies currently streaming on the platform. Don’t worry: true to the House of Mouse, they’re more fun than frightening. Recommended: 🎃 The best Halloween movies for kids of all-ages👻 The best scary movies for kids of all-ages 🐭The best movies to watch on Disney+ right now

Contrary to conventional wisdom, not every animated movie is meant for the whole family – and as every parent eventually realises, neither are the cartoons aimed explicitly at kids. It takes a truly special film to entertain all demographics in the house. These 50 animated gems, though, are guaranteed to keep every age group engaged on family movie night. They include the most timeless offerings from Disney’s golden age, Pixar classics, eye-popping stop-motion adventures and goofy comedies sure to make the whole brood erupt in laughter – and maybe shed a few tears, too. Recommended: ✍ The 100 best animated movies of all-time👶 The best movies for toddlers🐭 The 50 best Disney movies for family night

There are a lot of great reasons to have a kid: they’re sweet, hysterical and if you don’t screw up, maybe they’ll even take care of you one day. Here’s another excellent reason: family movie night. Honestly, what’s more fun than gathering together the whole brood, popping some corn, cracking a few sodas, and spending the evening laughing, gasping, maybe even crying a bit together? But it’s not always that easy. If you choose the wrong movie – one that only appeals to one demographic on the couch, or only to yourself – then no amount of sugary treats will save you from distracted blabbering and grunts of annoyance. Don’t worry, though: these 50 films are certified fresh for every generation, and run the gamut from animated classics to live-action adventures, silly comedies to light dramas with important messages to share about family, togetherness and not putting your tongue on a frozen light pole.  RECOMMENDED: ✍ The 100 best animated films of all-time👪 The 50 best kids movies to watch as a family💻 The best family movies on Netflix for all-ages🤣 The best family comedy movies🧒 The best kids’ movies from the ’90s

A kids’ first scary movie is a major milestone that parents shouldn’t take lightly. It’s all about picking the right flick. Choose correctly, and you can spend every October introducing the young’un to your own favourites while cranking up the frights a little each year. Go too scary, and your wee one is liable to spend the next few weeks curled in the foetal position at the foot of your bed.  It’s a fine line to walk, but we’re here to help. To turn your sweet angel over to the dark side of cinema, we’ve gathered up the best lightly spooky fare for all ages. No crazed murderers or child-eating monsters here – well, maybe a few – but you will find just enough scares to introduce your tot to the thrill of fear.  Recommended: 🎃 The best Halloween movies of all-time👻 The best Halloween movies for kids of all-ages👪 The 50 best family films to stream on movie night

You’re never too old to get into the Halloween spirit, but let’s be real: spooky season is mainly for the kids. That point can sometimes get lost in the horror movie marathon that frequently leads up to the big day. So if you have young’uns in the house, why not put the gore on hold and spend a few evenings prioritising the viewing entertainment of your tiny monsters? And if you subscribe to Netflix, you really have no excuse not to, as the streamer is packed with kid-friendly, Halloween-themed content. So grab a pillowcase full of candy and toss on one of these scary (but not too scary) flicks for your little ghouls.  Recommended: 🎃 The best Halloween movies of all-time👻 The best Halloween movies for kids of all-ages👪 The 50 best family films to stream on movie night

Color us curious: AMNH is unpacking the meaning behind blues, reds, yellows and so on in its new exhibit, "The Nature of Color." Along with cool interactive features (think color-changing rooms, floor-to-ceiling color play and a light lab), photo-worthy moments and yes, even some live critters, visitors can expect to delve deep into their favorite hues. "Color is one of these under-appreciated things; we take it for granted," said the exhibit's curator, Rob DeSalle. "What we hope that visitors get from this show is a better understanding of color and one that is not just 'Oh, It hits my retina and does stuff to my brain,' but  also that there are far-reaching contexts for color: the cultural context, the social context and the history of our species on this planet through color." All ages. 

Oui, oui. The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) will present Animation First, NYC's French animation festival, and it promises to be tres chic. Families are invited to check out various screenings of feature-length and short films, virtual reality and video games with a French flair. You'll want to catch The Bears’ Famous Invasion of Sicily (Friday Feb 7), The Prince’s Voyage (Saturday, Feb 8, ages 7 and up) and so much more. Check the website for a full schedule Ça te dit? All ages.    

Spring is in the air! Families can make their way to the Brooklyn Children's Museum for Holi Hooray!, a spring Indian Color Festival that will include a day of art, dance and food. The highlight of the afternoon is the outdoor color powder procession and extravaganza, so come dressed in white and ready to get completely covered in (non-toxic, washable) powder to look like a walking rainbow. All ages. 

Each child gets a little taste of the arts, nature, history, culture, technology, literature and science when spending a summer at BCAP. This award-winning camp—which works alongside institutions such as the Brooklyn Children's Museum and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden—allows kids to explore, play games and visit two institutions on the program's Cultural Campus. An unforgettable experience is guaranteed. Ages 7–12.  

The Prospect Park Alliance is celebrating the Year of the Pig with good-luck crafts, treats and other fun activities that will kickstart Lunar New Year with positive vibes. Additionally, those who attend will have the opportunity to head to the Prospect Park Audubon Center for nature-related games and activities. All ages. 

As irresistible as the fresh carrots that grow in Mr. McGregor’s garden, Peter Rabbitgives Beatrix Potter’s classic a modern makeover, complete with intricate animation, cute quips for older audiences and a sweet-natured journey that has you rooting for a happy ending for all involved. Vying for gorgeous grounds and his human next-door neighbor (Rose Byrne), the audacious Peter Rabbit (confidently voiced by James Corden) goes head-to-head with sour Thomas McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson), who unexpectedly inherits the beautiful property of his estranged late uncle. The only thing the finicky Londoner detests more than the English countryside is the “vermin” inhabiting the land, so naturally we’re braced for a duel. Peter’s shenanigans, though certainly adorable, could have been curtailed for the sake of pacing: One electrocuting gag is plenty. But the lovable supporting crew—Flopsy (Margot Robbie), Mopsy (Elizabeth Debicki), Cotton-Tail (Daisy Ridley) and Benjamin (Colin Moody)—makes up for any overdone mischief. Some may cringe at director-cowriter Will Gluck’s modifications (a bunny that twerks, music from the likes of Vampire Weekend and the ubiquitous Rachel Platten), and the heart-wrenching backstory of Peter’s parents might not be appropriate for the smallest of bunnies. (Save this one for young rabbits who can handle more mature content.) It’s certainly a new spin, but those who make the leap will do so vigorously.  

  Irresistible como un manojo de zanahorias recién recogidas del huerto, 'Peter Rabbit' da al relato ilustrado de Beatrix Potter una nueva vida, y una actualización de las acuarelas tradicionales a través de una animación preciosista y encantadora. Esta vez, el conejo de la chaqueta azul se las ingenia para comer lechugas y zafarse de la ira de Thomas McGregor, que acaba de heredar la granja de su tío, de manera inesperada. La audacia de Peter y sus travesuras nos sumergen en un viaje a través de los colores del campo inglés. Es cierto que hay partes que pueden resultar poco indicadas para los espectadores más pequeños –que es a quien parecería que va dirigida la películ-a, y que hay algún gag recurrente que se puede hacer un poco pesado. Pero los personajes son simpáticos y entrañables –las hermanas de Peter tienen momentos deliciosos–, y el espíritu de los cuentos originales que tantas veces hemos visto en las librerías no podría haber encontrado, en nuestros días, un mejor homenaje. 

Irresistible com un manat de pastanagues acabades de collir de l’hort, Peter Rabbit dona al relat il·lustrat de Beatrix Potter una nova vida, i una actualització de les aquarel·les tradicionals a través d’una animació preciosista i encantadora. Aquest cop, el conill de la jaqueta blava se les empesca per menjar enciams i escapolir-se dels renecs de Thomas McGregor, que acaba d’heretar la granja del seu oncle, de manera inesperada. L’audàcia d’en Peter i les seves entremaliadures ens submergeixen en un viatge a través dels colors del camp anglès. És cert que hi ha parts que poden resultar poc indicades per als espectadors més petits –que és a qui semblaria que va adreçada la pel·lícula–, i que hi ha algun gag recurrent que es pot fer una mica pesat. Però els personatges són simpàtics i entranyables –les germanes d’en Peter tenen moments deliciosos–, i l’esperit dels contes originals que tantes vegades hem vist a les llibreries no podria haver trobat, en els nostres dies, un millor homenatge.   

You don't have to feel guilty about dropping the kids off on Saturday night thanks to Ashley Swagerty's event. In Kid's Night Out, which takes the first and third Saturday of every month, your crew will learn some kitchen skills and work on a few crafts. Cooking, crafting and snacking—what could be better? March 3, ages 3–5 and March 17, ages 6–8. Register online. 

Want to play with over 4 million LEGOs? Now's your chance. At LEGO Live NYC! you'll be able to get your hands on interactive games, watch demonstrations, take selfies with life-size models of your favorite characters and so much more. Make sure to talk to the LEGO master builders for fun LEGO tips and tricks! All ages. 

If your tots love to explore different fabrics and want to create a masterpiece, Pins & Needles gives them the perfect opportunity to take their DIY skills to new levels. Birthday parties offer options for little ones to explore with machine sewing by creating a cross-body purse or lets them use their hands while creating objects such as emoji pillows. Your youngster will love taking home a hand-crafted souvenir when all is said and done. Ages 7–14. 

Equipped with real tools—hammers, nails, wrenches—children gain the confidence and problem-solving abilities that come from building a finished project from scratch. Each week, campers will work on creating a different masterpiece. Young attendees (4–6) are separated from more advanced builders (7–9) when working on these various projects. Ages 4–6, 7–9. 

It looks like there's a new Muppet in town.  Meet Foley, the host of Audible's exclusive Sesame Street Podcast with Foley and Friends. Debuting Oct 15, this new offering allows tots (particularly those in pre-k) to enjoy interactive games, listen to music, and tag along with familiar pals like Elmo and Cookie Monster. Plus, it's the first time our go-to kids' show is dipping into the podcast world. It's just another way to enjoy our favorite friends! “We’re thrilled to expand our children’s content with this exceptional release," Rachel Ghiazza, Audible's executive vice president and head of US content said in a statement. "The Sesame Street Podcast with Foley & Friends delivers what parents need most now: educational entertainment that little ones will love, guaranteed.”  Foley takes the lead with her sidekick Mikee the Microphone during each 15-minute episode to introduce little ones to a variety of topics, some of which include birthdays and the alphabet. We're particularly looking forward to the reoccurring “Elmo’s Joke of the Day" podcast game show, which is sure to deliver laugh-out-loud material.   Download Audible and enjoy! For more ways to keep kids busy during this unusual school term, check out fall 2020 activities—virtual classes, pods and more!  Most popular on Time Out - NYC DOE reaches a new decision about the return to school - Will NYC teachers go on strike? Here’s what you need to know - The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is opening a second location this year

On Nov 19, the NYC DOE went remote for a second time in 2020. Now, the question on everyone's mind is, "When will NYC schools reopen?"  Although there isn't a particular date for parents to mark in their calendar, Mayor Bill de Blasio did provide an update on what it will look like to return to buildings. "We can and we will bring back our schools. It will take a lot of work. I just want people to understand that from the beginning," he said during his Nov 23 press briefing.  Join me at City Hall for the latest on #COVID19 in New York City. https://t.co/ZZ3aR7o07e — Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) November 23, 2020 The core vision will intensify the health and safety measures already in place, which will include a lot more testing in schools. The mayor urged parents to fill out the DOE's COVID-19 testing request form, as it is required for all those who plan to return to buildings. (If your child is one of the 35,000 students who opted back into hybrid learning, this is a must.)  Although the mayor acknowledged that there are still details to work out between the city and state, reopening schools will most likely happen in phases, with a focus on D75 schools, 3k, pre-k and elementary school getting back to the classroom first. As we know, a lot could change in a short amount of time. Should NYC be upgraded to an orange zone by state standards, extra precautions will be required.  For the latest information, visit the NYC DOE online.  Most popular on Time Out - The best fal

American Dream is keen on setting records.  The Jersey activity oasis—home to North America's largest indoor water park and the nation's first indoor snow park, among other facilities—is kicking off the new year with a focus on food. Taking a page from its neighbor's book, American Dream has welcomed Van Leeuwen and Best Pizza, two NYC eateries, to their first locations outside of the Empire State. Polishing off an afternoon of entertainment with a New York slice and a scoop or two of creamy goodness is certainly the way to go, if you ask us. At Van Leeuwen, visitors can expect classic and vegan flavors, sundaes, shakes and other goodies. Current specials include chocolate key lime pie and royal wedding cake. A menu for Best Pizza isn't available just yet, but if the regular and white pies are anything like their counterparts at the Williamsburg flagship, customers are in for a treat.  Like its extensive food options, which is expected to grow in the coming weeks, American Dream offers a lot of other things to do on its menu.  Out of This World Blacklight Mini Golf Photograph: Courtesy American Dream Make your way to the new intergalactic-themed mini golf course. Catch 3-D astronaut sculptures, planet murals and a splash of color at every hole while you work your way toward victory. Oh, did we mention that it's completely glow in the dark? Angry Birds Not So Mini Golf Photograph: Courtesy American Dream Kids will love taking a swing amongst familiar friends of the Angry B

It's time to channel your inner HGTV, Mom and Dad.  Following the delay of its summer 2020 debut, IKEA will open the doors to its Rego Center store—its first location in Queens— later this month. The small shop is meant to embrace New Yorkers' lifestyles and cater to their specific needs. One feature we're anxious to explore? Appointment planning.  Currently, shoppers are able to book free online appointments with IKEA employees to help map out a room of their choice: children's rooms, bedrooms, home offices, storage areas and even entire apartments. We're so ready for those tips and tricks!  Since it's likely that your little scholars are still learning remotely, you'll also want to take a few pointers from Apartment Therapy CEO Maxwell Ryan while you redecorate: Keep a desk as close to natural light as possible and make sure your academics have two options: a sturdy desk and comfortable chair. You never want them to end up sitting in history class in bed under the covers! Even if your space is comfy and functional, chances are high that the kiddos are still driving you a bit crazy. Although there might not be a home design solution for that (or is there?), NYC's best parenting bloggers will help you navigate this unusual WFH environment.   Most popular on Time Out - Awesome things NYC families can’t miss in 2021- New kids’ movies coming out in 2021 that you can’t miss- The best places for snow tubing near NYC- The best hot chocolate in NYC- January events calendar for kids

The new year is bringing changes to the classroom. The New York City Department of Education has announced that it reduced the number of days school communities need to quarantine if they're exposed to the coronavirus. As of Jan 3, it has dropped from 14 to 10 days. This complies with changes from the CDC and New York State.  Earlier this week, families were made aware of other revised regulations: According to Governor Andrew Cuomo's Jan 4 press conference, schools in counties across New York State will be able to stay open if the virus positivity rate exceeds the 9 percent threshold—a plan that was once reverse. If testing in a particular school shows that its positivity rate is below the community average, it is permitted to stay open. This will be at the district's discretion.  Currently, the United Federation of Teachers is fighting against this plan: On Jan 2, the Solidarity Caucus of the UFT started a petition on Change.org that urges the mayor and governor to close all NYC school buildings and switch back to remote learning. Stay tuned for more forthcoming information.  UFT President Mulgrew makes it clear the UFT will oppose any attempt to keep schools open if the city infection rate hits 9%. pic.twitter.com/UDxclgT033 — UFT (@UFT) January 5, 2021 Most popular on Time Out - Awesome things NYC families can’t miss in 2021- New kids’ movies coming out in 2021 that you can’t miss- The best places for snow tubing near NYC- The best hot chocolate in NYC- January events c

Brownstone Brooklyn's newest attraction is a win-win for kids and parents.  While you're sipping a hot chocolate (perhaps with a shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream), your kiddos can whip around Court Street Tavern's debut ice skating rink. The newly opened Carroll Gardens restaurant has taken outdoor accommodations and upped the ante; while most eateries have opted for heated tents, this South Brooklyn spot has created its own destination for winter fun.  Meet the Court Street Ice Rink. Photograph: Time Out / Danielle Valente Photograph: Time Out / Danielle Valente Photograph: Courtesy Emily Bartlett Perfect for ages 13 and under, the super-cute "glice" rink from Matt Shendell of Paige Concepts is open daily from 12:15–7:15pm for $25 per child (including skate rentals). Parents can make reservations on Resy for 45-minute sessions and walk-ins are welcome. For an additional $10, moms and dads can rent a skate aid seal—an adorable buddy looking to help your little skaters keep their balance. Note that lockers are not available, so be prepared to hang onto those winter boots.  Plus, there's more good news. TVs are stationed right above the rink, so you can have your eyes on the game, your lil' winter Olympian and that tasty Hot Toddy. We told you this would be a win-win for everyone! Court Street Tavern is located at 449 Court St in Carroll Gardens.  Most popular on Time Out - Awesome things NYC families can’t miss in 2021- New kids’ movies coming out in 2021 that you can’t miss

NYC schools are back after winter break, and questions are already swirling about what's to come.  According to Governor Andrew Cuomo's Jan 4 press conference, schools in counties across the state will be able to stay open if the virus positivity rate exceeds the 9 percent threshold—a plan that was once reverse. If testing in a particular school shows that its positivity rate is below the community average, it is permitted to stay open. This will be at the district's discretion. (Look for the information at the 24-minute mark of the news conference.)  In Albany holding a COVID briefing. Watch live: https://t.co/OG0KlkQrUQ — Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) January 4, 2021 So what does that mean for NYC schools? During Mayor Bill de Blasio's Jan 4 press briefing, he stated that children have started returning to class (though middle school and high schools are still remote) and that the the positivity rate in NYC schools is at 0.68 percent—"much, much, much lower than anything we're seeing in NYC." Several weeks ago, he has indicated that he'd like NYC schools to remain open, even if the city enters a shutdown similar to last spring.  Happy New Year, New York City! Join us at City Hall. https://t.co/F3xnVrlW1G — Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) January 4, 2021 The United Federation of Teachers, however, disagrees. On Jan 2, the Solidarity Caucus of the UFT started a petition on Change.org that urges the mayor and governor to close all NYC school buildings and switch back to remo

We can all agree that 2020 was the pits. But fortunately, great reads kept us going when we needed it most.  If you're searching for things to do with kids in NYC this winter break wanting to spend some time in, we have good news. The New York Public Library joined forces with the Brooklyn Public Library and the Queens Public Library to reveal the top checkouts of the year. The lists for adults are stellar (so make a mental note, Mom and Dad), but we're particularly jazzed about the children's books and YA selections.  If your kiddos need some reading inspo while they're off from school, have a gander at the titles below. (You'll notice some of our favorite kids' books of all time are on the list!) Pick 'em up at using the grab-and-go app or download the books with SimplyE. NYPL: Children's books  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK RowlingWonder by R.J PalacioGuts: Smile Series, Book 3 by Rena TelgemeierWrecking Ball (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 14) by Jeff KinneyHarry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK RowlingThe Giver by Lois LowryDog Days: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series, Book 4 by Jeff KinneyCabin Fever: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series, Book 6 by Jeff KinneyThe Ugly Truth: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series, Book 5 by Jeff KinneyThe Meltdown (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 13) by Jeff Kinney NYPL: YA books American Royals by Katharine McGeeThe Hate U Give by Angie ThomasThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne CollinsChildren of Blood and Bone: Legac

Update: Hours for meal pick-ups are changing for the holidays. The hours are as follows:  December 23: 3pm-5pmDecember 24: 12pm-3pmDecember 25: no serviceDecember 28-31: 12pm-3pmJanuary 1: no service REMINDER: Free holiday meals to go will be available to ALL New Yorkers this season:🔹December 23: 3pm-5pm🔹December 24: 12pm-3pm🔹December 25: no service🔹December 28-31: 12pm-3pm🔹January 1: no serviceLearn more: https://t.co/ZOQdtTFMTQ. pic.twitter.com/NbGXPWV38m — NYC Public Schools (@NYCSchools) December 23, 2020 As of Nov 19, families can pick up meals from 9am–noon on the weekdays at any school and members of the community can get grab and go meals from 3–5pm at various locations throughout NYC. Learn more about times, availability and rules on the NYC DOE website.  ----- Whether your child is learning remotely this fall or participating in the blended learning model, he or she will have access to free grab-and-go meals from the NYC DOE.  Meal hubs, which are listed on the DOE's website by borough, will operate Monday through Friday from 7:30–11:30 for children and families and 11:30am–1:30pm for adults. Identification is not required and those who stop by will be able to pick up several meals at a time. Vegetarian and Halal options are up for grabs, as well as pizza kits.   The health of our students is our first priority this fall, and that includes making sure every student has access to nutritious meals no matter where they are learning-- remotely or in-person. pic.

Little thrill seekers have a lot to look forward to in the year ahead.  Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park will add a new ride to its roster in 2021, a 68-foot-tall, 34-mile-per-hour roller coaster named Phoenix—a sign of rebirth. The Coney Island attraction announced the big news following USA Today's roundup of the country's most anticipated new coasters.  We're thrilled to announce exciting news for 2021 via @USATODAY's @AboutThemeParks: A new roller coaster, Phoenix at @WonderWheelPark! “It’s an important time to rebuild,” says DJ Vourderis. “We’re betting on the future of New York City and Coney Island.” https://t.co/5pUZcTyj2V pic.twitter.com/uTXt0bkCi8 — Denos Wonder Wheel (@WonderWheelPark) December 21, 2020 Although fun and exciting, Phoenix is meant to be a family-friendly attraction (or suitable for those who are too afraid to visit the neighboring Cyclone at Luna Park). Guests will fasten themselves into ski lift-like cars of the suspended coaster and let their feet dangle as they whip about. We're getting anxious just thinking about it!  Kids' amusement parks in New York had a difficult year, as they were not permitted to open for the 2020 season. But as we start to heal and return to a somewhat normal lifestyle, this gives kiddos (and parents) a lot to look forward to during the summer. Might we suggest a visit to Nathan's after a ride on Phoenix?  Most popular on Time Out - The coolest drive-thru Christmas lights near NYC- Where to find a Christmas tree farm

One thing's for sure: Snow days are off the table in NYC this year.  After a delayed start to the 2020-2021 term, NYC schools are now required to spend "snow days" learning remotely. This will ensure that the requirement for 180 days of instruction is fulfilled. (We know, it's a bummer.)  Although kiddos will still be studying hard while the snowflakes fall, they do not have to report to buildings tomorrow. Those who are participating in hybrid learning will be learning remotely. Additionally, Meal Hubs will be closed according to the DOE.  With a powerful winter storm on the way, we're going to CANCEL in-person learning for @NYCSchools on Thursday, December 17.I know we all grew up with the excitement of snow days, but this year is different. Tomorrow will be a FULL REMOTE learning day for our students. — Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) December 16, 2020 ⚠️ UPDATE: Due to inclement weather, @NYCschools buildings will be closed tomorrow Thursday, December 17, 2020. All students will learn remotely, and are expected to log on and engage with their work from home as they do on other remote days. All Meal Hubs will also be closed. pic.twitter.com/IDZ6QVrmJn — NYC Public Schools (@NYCSchools) December 16, 2020 Meanwhile, the debate is on whether or not students will attend school if NYC faces a second shutdown. Mayor Bill de Blasio would like to keep schools open, but ultimately it will be the state's call.  "Right now we're seeing extraordinary success in keeping our school

Vaccinations have begun in New York, but virus cases are on the rise.  Both Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo are alluding to the possibility of another shutdown after the holidays.    "I don't say it with anything but sorrow, but I do think it’s needed. We're going to need to do some kind of shutdown in the weeks ahead—something that resembles the pause we were in in the spring," the mayor said during his Dec 15 press briefing.  So what does this mean for NYC schools? Younger students and all grade levels in District 75 schools have begun returning to class following the November closures, though middle school and high school students are still learning remotely. The city is working to bring back in-person learning for five days per week, but another shutdown would seemingly put a stop to this plan.  Although the final decision will be up to the state, Mayor de Blasio said on Tuesday that he would like to leave the schools open.  "Right now we're seeing extraordinary success in keeping our schools safe. I want to keep them open," he said. "If we do have a pause that will be a decision the state makes, as I said, that could be as soon as right after Christmas, but the schools with all the layer upon layer of health and safety measures with this gold standard of health protections that we've put in place, schools can effectively keep serving kids and kids need it." The United Federation of Teachers, however, disagrees with this proposal. Michael Mulgrew, the presi