Tolly Wright

There are so many things to do with your dog in NYC. Whether you’re a local or staying at one of NYC’s pet-friendly hotels, you no longer have to leave your dog alone while you go out to drink or dine. Among the best restaurants in NYC are plenty of dog-friendly options with outdoor dining, where you and your pooch can comfortably hang in cozy heated patios, sidewalk seating and backyard gardens. While some NYC restaurants merely allow dogs, others celebrate them: a handful of these picks feature exclusive dog menus, while others count dogs as their raison d'etre. (You’re just the person who happened to walk your dog there.) If you’re planning a happy hour with friends, meeting someone who Must Love Dogs for a date or just spending some quality time with your dog after a long week at the office, these 10 dog-friendly bars and restaurants will please both you and your pooch. 

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of trying to see as much of New York as possible in a short time, the solution might be one of Gotham's best walking tours. NYC is one of the easiest cities to navigate on foot, and there's certainly no shortage of interesting sights around every corner, from awesome street art and graffiti to the most haunted places in NYC to beautiful NYC buildings to the most awe-inspiring New York attractions. New York natives and first-time tourists alike will discover parts of the city they’ve never seen before on the best walking tours in NYC. RECOMMENDED: 🗽See our full guide to New York City tours🚨Check out the best crime tours in NYC🏨Stay in the best hotels in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

The New York City skyline is iconic, and also ever-changing. Famous buildings like the Empire State, Chrysler and Flatiron still stand tall next to newer icons like One World Trade Center, the ICA building and the Spiral. Simply strolling the streets of New York, you’ll take in plenty of amazing views. But to get a better picture of the city, the best views in NYC are from up or out — whether atop a tall building, up in the sky, or out on the water. Taking in the view just might be one of the best things to do in NYC. The many incredible rooftop bars in New York offer spectacular views paired with tasty cocktails and bites. Other views can be had from atop the many beautiful buildings and towering skyscrapers in the city. Or for a more unique perspective, try viewing the skyline from the water, perhaps from a kayak (but save it for summer)? Our list of magical views in NYC will allow you to see the city in a new light. Check them out on your own, or visit a few with your special someone for a unique date option. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best New York attractions

From classic playgrounds to water playgrounds, NYC kids throughout the five boroughs have it made when it comes to outdoor playtime. The best playgrounds in NYC are places where the kids can gather, burn energy, have fun, make some memories and maybe get a little creative. The city is home to standard slides-and-swings playgrounds as well as innovative, design-forward playgrounds that stimulate the imagination. And who can forget the water playgrounds—featuring splash pads and sprinklers—that serve as summertime spots for staying cool. You’re never far from a playground in NYC, but some are worth a trip outside of the neighborhood. As fun as any kid-friendly attraction, these NYC playgrounds are sure to keep the kids entertained and help them burn off energy.

Ready to learn the ropes (or the stones) while rock climbing? NYC has excellent facilities where you can test your strength and crush your fear of heights. When yoga in NYC and scenic running routes aren’t enough, opt for an adventurous way to get toned, which works your muscles without sacrificing the fun. NYC has plenty of outdoor and indoor bouldering spots that will liven up your life. Whether you want a low-stakes, low-cost climb in one of the many NYC parks that offer great things to do outside, or if you want the full-fledged gym experience with classes, ropes and harnesses, here are the best places to go rock climbing in NYC.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to fitness classes and gyms in NYC

Snowstorms and blizzards are typically part of winter here in New York City, whether we like it or not. Except for last year, that is, when we saw nary a flake. For this year, however, the Farmer's Almanac expects a lot of snow, slush and ice—maybe even as soon as early January! When it starts falling, there's nothing to do but enjoy a mug of the best hot chocolate or get cozy in a bar with a fireplace. And once the worst has passed, it's time to enjoy the snow day—those park hills won't sled themselves. Sometimes we get more than we bargained for. Over the course of history, we've gotten sometimes up to two feet of the white stuff.  Check out the worst blizzards in NYC, ranked by how much snow was measured in Manhattan:  Biggest snowstorms in NYC 1. February 12, 2006 The North American Blizzard of 2006 hit East Coast cities from Baltimore to Boston with enough winter weather to cancel school for days, but few places got more than the Big Apple. A full 26.9 inches dumped on NYC, the highest snowfall ever counted by government records. Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/ skidder 2. January 23-24, 2016 Winter Storm Jonas, Snowzilla, whatever other hashtags you decided to use—the January 2016 blizzard was enough of a monster to force 11 governors and the Washington, D.C., mayor to call a state of emergency leading up to the storm. Travel was banned in New York and New Jersey for two days, and 26.8 inches fell in the city, just a tenth of an inch short of the record.   Photogra

For most of us, brunch is a celebratory late morning meal punctuated with mimosas and bloody marys, enhanced by the company of friends. But brunch isn’t just for adults — kids can enjoy this leisurely weekend tradition too. Fortunately there are plenty of options for a kid-friendly brunch in NYC where the vibe is relaxed and the little ones will be entertained. These brunch spots range from casual joints with classic diner fare to upscale brunch destinations that welcome families. The kids can dig into pancakes and waffles and you can sip your breakfast cocktail with an indulgent eggs benny. For more ways to enjoy a meal with the little ones, check out these family-friendly restaurants in NYC.

The idea of a fun day in the water isn’t the same for everyone — some people love hitting up a beach, other people love to lay by a pool, and certain folks are all about heading to a water park. Water parks, after all, offer a little bit of everything: places to be adventurous (thrilling rides and slides), places to relax (lazy rivers and lounge chairs) and even sometimes a place to party (need we say swim-up bar?) Another perk: They don't have to be outdoors. Indoor water parks are a perfect aquatic solution when it’s not bikini weather. Their climate-controlled environment and warm waters allow year-round amusement. Even when it is warm outside, inside, you don't have the worry of applying sunscreen or a chance of rain. Whether it's the dead of winter or the peak of summer, the best indoor water parks in the USA allow families a fun day year-round.

There are plenty of places in NYC that give us the willies any time of year, but we think Halloween is the best time of year to visit the spookiest places in NYC. From a historic cemetery to haunted mansions to a crumbling hospital that housed smallpox victims, these places are sure to chill you to the bone. When Halloween rolls around and our attention turns to the ghosts and goblins, it’s time to start thinking about costumes and decorations and where to go for some screams or a good old fashioned haunting. Some might go for NYC’s best haunted houses, designed to induce high levels of terror, while others seek out the real-life haunted places right in our own backyard. NYC’s best ghost tours will give you a first-hand look at scary spots around the city, complete with terrifying tales of true crimes, dastardly deaths and ghostly hauntings. If you’re brave, you can visit these spooky NYC places on your own. But once you learn where to find all these sites of horrors and paranormal activity, you may want to reconsider where you go after-hours in the future. Not into up-close-and-personal scares? Keep your screams at home with the best scary movies of all time. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Halloween in NYC

Lights flickering, floorboards creaking, doors slamming shut, shadowy figures passing by—are all eerie and inexplicable occurrences people have claimed to witness within historic homes over the years. In these abodes, they believe spirits, ghosts or supernatural entities still linger within the walls. The idea of a haunted house spans cultures and centuries. In the tapestry of American folklore, certain homes have become famous for the tales of the restless spirits within their walls, and each has a spine-chilling story to tell. From the LaLaurie House in New Orleans, where real-life socialite and serial killer enslaved people, to the Joshua Ward House in Salem, MA, where a prominent figure in the Salem Witch Trials resided, to many spooky homes in between, America's most infamous haunted houses continue to intrigue and attract visitors. If you're looking for more spooky properties, try an overnight stay in a haunted Airbnb or haunted hotel.

Every town has a past worth exploring—both pleasant and sinister. If you want to learn about a city’s dark side, consider signing up for a ghost tour. These tours mesh history, mystery, and entertainment all in one evening as guides tell tales of the supernatural, take you by haunted sites and often show you mysterious local cemeteries. In New Orleans, stroll the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter while learning about the world of voodoo, haunted mansions, and even pirate legends. In San Francisco, board a ferry to Alcatraz for a gripping night tour of the former prison to hear tales of daring escapes and those who disappeared without a trace. Other choices include the eerie "Trolley of the Doomed" in Key West, a chilling Chicago bus tour, or a family-friendly tour to hear about the ghosts of Colonial Williamsburg. No matter which ghost tour experience you choose, be prepared to learn something new, visit sites that will make you shiver—and maybe even encounter a ghost or two.

A three day weekend is the perfect opportunity to bid farewell to summer. While we’re sad for summer to end, Labor Day gives us a chance to celebrate with one last hurrah. It’s never too soon to start planning an amazing Labor Day getaway from NYC, so check out these options, from relaxing to adventurous. While there are plenty of day trips from NYC that can scratch the itch, the long weekend is enough time to squeeze in a weekend getaway. Looking for some culture? Head to the Hamptons. Partial to the outdoors? The Adirondacks are for you. If you’re more of a shorebird, consider Wildwood or Fire Island. Sure, you could hit up the best beaches in NYC or salute the summer at an outdoor bar or beer garden, but to squeeze every last drop out of summer, start planning one of these Labor Day getaways from NYC today. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Labor Day in NYC

Turn your trip to Sin City into a family affair when visiting Circus Circus’s 5-acre indoor desert theme park, Adventuredome. While little ones go around the carousel or the gentle Miner Mike train ride, visitors with a need for speed will go wild for the extreme vertical drops of El Loco and the world's only indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster Canyon Blaster. Then get into some friendly competition over rounds of lazer tag, mini golf and mini bowling.

Beyond the iconic, show-stopping displays–the grizzly bear in the Hall of North American Mammals, the 94-feet long blue whale, the prehistoric Barosaurus skeleton rearing up as if to scare the adjacent Allosaurus skeleton–is an expertly curated, 150-year-old museum that fills visitors of all ages with a curiosity about the universe. Whether you’re interested in the world below our feet, or the cultures of faraway lands or the stars light-years beyond our reach, your visit is bound to teach you a few things you never knew. With four floors filled to the brim with artifacts, you could spend a whole day just looking at the taxidermied animals that hail from from North America, Asia, Africa, rain forests and the ocean. Or, conversely, spend a day like an anthropologist, studying just the human species, with halls dedicated to different cultures of American Indians (Eastern Woodland, Plains, North West Pacific), Asian peoples, African Peoples, Pacific Peoples, and, before these rich cultures existed, the evolutionary origins of humans and our near (now extinct) cousins, like neanderthals. Someone with an inner-geologist, or just a love of sparkly rocks, will feel like a kid in the hall of gems and the hall of minerals. And nearly everyone is filled with child-like awe in the presence of the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Wooly Mammoth and the Apatosaurus in the fourth floor’s world-renowned fossil collection. For locals, admission is pay-what-you-wish, which gets you access to permanent exhib

UPDATE: From April 1–8, 2020, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will light the USS Intrepid in red and white to honor work from healthcare professionals the arrival of the USNS Comfort. “Lighting Intrepid is a symbolic way to say thank you to those near and far who are putting their own health at risk for the greater good,” the museum's president, Susan Marenoff-Zausner, said in a statement. “We are also grateful for the USNS Comfort and to those serving on board, who are coming to aid New York City and provide relief during this crisis.” Although the museum is currently closed, you can check out its virtual offerings online.  For little ones, the highlight of the aircraft carrier turned science museum is the Exploreum, an indoor activity zone divided into areas with nautical, aviation, cosmos and life themes. In traversing the zone, kids get to board small boats, learn why huge metal ships don't sink, wander around the living quarters of the Intrepid's former crew and try on astronaut gloves.

Start your family’s celebration of Purim a bit early this March with a rollicking fun concert at the Jewish Museum. Grammy-nominated childrens’ music band The Pop Ups bring silly puppets, live-drawings, and other colorful props to the stage as they perform a live acoustic set. Kids should come ready to laugh and dance while dressed in Purim costumes. After the show be sure to check out the museum’s Studio Art Session where little once can illustrate accordion books. Ages 3 and up.

After a winter of being cooped up in New York, celebrate the great outdoors with this kids’ dance show. This imaginative show features a cast of both disabled and non-disabled dancers from the inclusive dance company Indepen-dance 4 and reminds the audience about the wonders of nature by using foliage and fun, playful choreography. Ages 3–5.

At this family workshop from the Japan Society, children learn about how the movements of nature and animals can be found throughout the history of traditional Japanese dance.  The Hanagasa Kai group from the Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York will be there to help teach this beloved art and inspire participants of all abilities to create with them. Ages 6–10. 

If you find the battle over screen time to be an ongoing frustration, this talk might be perfect for you. During this intimate conversation, Maria Russo and Pamela Paul, the co-authors of How to Raise a Reader who are also both mothers, give insights on how to instill a love of books in children and answer questions about various young-reader dilemmas. Ticket price includes a copy of the book. Note that this will take place in Bravo's Book Nook at The Players Theatre. 

Let the world believe the Empire State Building has the best view of New York City–it keeps the crowds slightly more manageable at 30 Rockefeller Center’s spectacular open air observation deck. The bird’s eye view of Gotham from 70 stories up allows visitors to not only see other landmark skyscrapers around midtown–including the aforementioned Empire State building–but also to see the full sprawl of Central Park. Not quite as expensive as that other observation deck (Adults $38, seniors $36, children 6-12 $32), and for those who don't want to wait in line, there's a VIP ticket ($75) that gives guests the chance to skip lines and get priority elevator access. If you’re willing to splurge don’t forget to dress up and stop by the Rainbow Room–the historic lounge on the 65th floor–for exceptional cocktails, fine dining, live music and spectacular sightlines that rival the deck’s, albeit a few stories lower.

When booking a trip to Miami, bring your pet along and stay at this beachside P.A.Q. (Pets Are Welcome) hotel. Nearly anything you might need to keep your dog or cat comfortable and safe (leashes, litter boxes, waste scoopers, Bow-ow and Meow-ow kits) is accessible with just a call to the front desk. The W South Beach is ready to provide you with contacts for any pet sitting and pet walking services you might need while you hit the nearby Bass Museum of Art or relax by the ocean—the sand is just a short walk out the front door. Rooms start at $440 a night with an additional $25 pet fee per night and $100 cleaning deposit.

Though the decision to move the Barnes Foundation’s world-renowned collection from its original home in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, to its current location on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in 2012 was controversial, the merits of its art holdings are undoubtedly staggering. The founder, Albert C. Barnes, a wealthy chemist who invented the medicine Argyrol, amassed one of the leading collections of works by impressionist and modernist masters, including Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Henri Rousseau. The Barnes also has the distinction of housing the largest single collection of paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Paul Cézanne—including the latter’s ultra-famous works The Card Players and The Large Bathers. With so many noteworthy artists, it’s no wonder that the museum’s 4,000 works are worth an estimated $25 billion.

UPDATE: Make sure to check for changes in its reopening plan here. It would take multiple visits to fully appreciate this sprawling–as in 13-acres of Central Park sprawling–collection of over 5,000 years of art from every corner of the world. As one of the biggest museums in the world, the gorgeous late 19th century neo-classical institution displays some of the finest examples of art spanning from mummified royalty of ancient times to avant garde fashion couture from last year’s runway. Visitors young and old are mesmerized by the Temple of Dendur, an Egyptian temple from 10 B.C. that was transposed from its Nile-side location to the bright, sun drenched Sackler Wing overlooking a reflective pool. Other highlights include the impressive array of European and Asian armor, Grecian sculptures, medieval art and contemporary photography. After hours of exploring relax by a fountain in the indoor sculpture garden or ponder what it all means in the Astor Chinese Garden Court, nestled off the Asian Art galleries. Advanced online tickets will allow museum-goers to skip the lines, but, word of warning you’ll have to pay the full suggested donation ($25, seniors $17, students $12). Budget-conscious art fans should come early on weekdays, pay what they wish and come often–the special exhibits change every few months and vary from big-name retrospective block busters to displays of little-known gems. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things do in NYC

While the Guggenheim’s collection of modern art works is certainly impressive, it is impossible to separate the museum’s contents from its form with architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s brilliant and controversial design. Opened in 1959 on Fifth Ave across from Central Park, just months after Wright’s death, the concrete inverted ziggernaut (a Babylonian step pyramid), stomped on the expectations and tradition of clean square galleries exemplified and cherished by the neighboring Upper East Side museums, like the nearby Metropolitan Museum. Instead Wright combined his use of geometric shapes and nature, to create a gallery space that presented art along a flowing, winding spiral, much like a nautilus shell, with little in the way of walls to separate artists, ideas or time periods. Best experienced as Wright intended by taking the elevator to the top of the museum and following the gentle slope down, the art is revealed at different angles along the descent and across the open circular rotunda in a way that even the most well known Monet landscape might seem like a revelation. This unusual, bold way of approaching art, both as it is displayed and viewed, has inspired spectacular exhibits by highly-conceptual contemporary artists such as a series of films by Matthew Barney and hundred of Maurizio Cattelan's sculptures hanging from the ceiling. Considering the steep price of admission ($25, students and seniors $18, children under 12 free), make sure to take a break from the captivat

Though global warming is more of a federal issue, there are still plenty of ways to advocate for new energy sources and to keep the earth we have happy with cleaner water and less waste. “Local, city and state changes are going to be important,” explains Nicole Crescimanno, coleader of Citizens’ Climate Lobby’s NYC chapter. “You can’t rely on other people,” she says. “You have to take ownership of the cause you believe in.” And the people have spoken: Instead of the usual trickle of one or two new chapter members per week to the lobby, Crescimanno has seen about 100 people join over the past month. If you care about this planet’s future, get your hands literally dirty, or flag down your local representative and tell ’em your fears.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to activism in NYC Big Reuse While it can seem like a daunting task to try to save the planet, Big Reuse (formerly Build it Green! NYC) helps New Yorkers make a difference on a local—but vital—level. Bring your food scraps for composting to the Big Reuse’s 14 drop-off locations in Brooklyn and Queens to reduce waste in the landfills and enrich the soil. Or participate in a regular volunteering day. Citizens’ Climate Lobby The CCL wants to create a carbon-free infrastructure by giving alternate-energy sources a better chance at overtaking the market. Join an active and engaged community during the group’s monthly meet-ups to discuss upcoming legislation, write letters to representatives and, once a year, take a trip to Washi

'Tis the season for a good scare, and NYC is ready to deliver.  We're just one day away from Oct 31, and homes across NYC are certainly prepared to welcome trick-or-treaters. From eerie spiders and smiling skeletons to clowns more frightening than Pennywise and zombies that have seen better days, spooky Halloween decorations have taken over the five boroughs. Though some might induce a few screams, we're willing to brave the creepiness in order to score some candy.  Have a look at some of our favorite Halloween decorations from 2018!  View this post on Instagram 🎃Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going to fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why. - Eddie Cantor A post shared by New York City by Numyi Lee (@colorofnewyork) on Oct 29, 2018 at 9:17pm PDT View this post on Instagram The whole family is here to soak up the last of that sun! 🌞 . . . . . #Manhattan #newyork #newyorkcity #nyc #timeoutnewyork #halloween #westvillage #halloweendecorations #clown #skeleton #stoop #stoppgame #townhouse #decorations #fall #autumn #scary #spooky A post shared by Michael Tatasciore (@enterthedreamers) on Oct 30, 2018 at 7:34am PDT View this post on Instagram One of my favorite Brooklyn Halloween houses #windsorterrace #halloween #brooklynhalloween #windsorterracehalloween A post shared by Doozies Vintage (@doozies_vintage) on Oct 31, 2017 at 8:56am PDT

Slides, swings and seesaws are great fun, but for big kids who would rather roll up their sleeves and build their playground themselves, look no further than The Yard. Previously known as Play:ground, The Yard is a 50,000 square foot adventure playground on Governors Island that is well stocked with donated materials children can use to create their own playscapes. It gets its new name as a homage to the first "junk playground" in the United States that opened in Minneapolis in 1949, which was also called the "Yard." It opens for the 2018 season on May 5 at noon. Rebecca Faulkner, Executive Director of play:ground NYC, told Time Out New York, "As far as opening day goes, we can't wait to see what the kids will build this year!" Now in its third year, the playground has quickly become a local favorite. Children over 6 years old enter the kids-only space while caregiver remain outside to allow for maximum freeplay. There they use loose parts like cardboard, rope, wood planks, tires, discarded plastics, fabrics and more to construct pirate ships, vehicles, shelters, hats and whatever else they can imagine. Trained playworkers are inside the space to help facilitate collaboration and friendly play, and instruct the young visitors on how to safely use the available (real, not plastic!) tools, including hammers, nails, saws, tape, glue, paint, chalk and mud. Younger siblings and families with children ages 5 and younger can explore the family adventure play area where parents and k

Millions of people who have children, or were kids themselves, in the past few decades fully understand the draw of a McDonald's Happy Meal. This delicious—and definitely not good for you—option has been a staple among families looking for cheap and quick treat to fill empty bellies. However, the menu as you have come to know it over the years is in for a change. In an effort to offer more healthy options to families, McDonald's will no longer be listing cheeseburgers on its Happy Meal menus, reports Bloomberg. With this change, all listed Happy Meals, starting in June will come in at less than 600 calories. Kids will still get a choice between a box of chicken nuggets or the classic hamburger, and all meals come with fries, a side of apples or yogurt and a drink (milk, chocolate milk or apple juice). The fast food chain is also reportedly cutting the amount of sugar in the chocolate milk and will begin offering bottled water as a drink option. But don't worry—if your child absolutely must have a cheeseburger, the less healthy kids' entree will still be available upon request.  According to First We Feast, as of 2014, there's 767 McDonald's locations in New York State alone. However, it behooves us to point out that there are at least 50 family restaurants in New York City we'd recommend if you're not craving McDonalds. There's even kid-friendly restaurants with play areas for a special treat, or maybe try a great family dinner recipe to consider!     Sign up to receive great

While New Yorkers may pride themselves on knowing more about this city than anyone else, Gotham still presents plenty of riddles. Luckily, Google has the answers. Whether you're looking to fix your latest pest problem or figuring out a new commute route, you're not the only one asking your device to solve your problems. Here are some things we've all searched for at least once: 1. How to get rent-stabilized apartment NYC fast 2. Can I bring wine to a New York City park? 3. How many people in New York 4. How many rats in New York 5. Closest Trader Joe's 6. Non-crowded rooftop bars NYC 7. What do bed bugs look like? 8. What are signs of a bed bug infestation? 9. How do you get rid of bed bugs? 10. Is the L train F’d? 11. New York tenant rights 12. Can my landlord evict me? 13. Can I sue my landlord? 14. Do I qualify for a housing lottery? 15. What’s the weather like today in Los Angeles? 16. Cost of living NYC vs. LA 17. Is it safe to drink New York’s tap water? 18. Best non-touristy restaurant near Times Square 19. Is commuting by UberPool cheaper than NYC subway? 20. How much should you tip for Seamless? 21. Restaurants open near me after midnight? 22. Reasons why you should never leave New York

Video game lovers young and old will enjoy the Museum of the Moving Image's special exhibit of mini games, "Multibowl." This interactive installation combines 30-second snippets (about one level) of over 300 two-player video games that were released between 1976 and 2000. The players are "dropped" into the round, with little introduction beyond the game's name, publisher and goal (like knock out the other player, win a race, collect the most points, or get a basketball into a net). They only have the allotted 30 seconds to complete the game before the "Multibowl" fires off another completely different challenge. The game includes some classic favorites of yesteryear like NBA Jam, Dr. Mario, Tetris, Balloon Fight, and Space Invaders. While young visitors will likely be unfamiliar with nearly all of the offerings, since they were published long before they were born, those older and more experienced gaming aficionados will likely discover some titles they've missed. "Multibowl" creators Bennett Foddy and AP Thomson set out to collect an incredibly eclectic experience, and avoided adding any copy-cats that were obvious rip-offs of already established games. The result is an experience that encapsulates the vast array of arcade history and culture. In an interview with Eurogamer, Foddy explained his intentions for developing Multibowl. "What if you didn't have to go through the process of starting a game and going through the tutorial level and all of that sort of boring stuff t

Psst! Are you and your little wizards and witches super excited to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway? Well, you don't have to have any special magic for an opportunity to score your tickets early. On February 7th, Ticketmaster verified fans will have access to seats one day before all those other muggles.  Perhaps one of the most anticipated plays in Broadway history, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child boasts an original story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany that picks up 19 years after the last book in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The West End smash hit won a record-breaking nine Olivier awards (the British version of the Tonys) and is opening for previews at the Lyric Theater on March 16. Several members of the critically acclaimed London original cast are on board for the Broadway production. Tickets go on general sale on February 8th, but fans who get verified by Ticketmaster can get an access code to buy seats a day early. The verification process is a way to weed out ticket scalpers and bots, though be forewarned, when the play released a first batch of tickets to these fans back in October, there were still plenty of wait times and seats sold out fast. The full play is in two parts, which can be seen over consecutive nights or in one sitting. Ticket prices for part one and two start at $40 ($20 for each part) and go up to $400 ($200 for each part).  For more information on how to become a Ticketmaster verified fan check

During Governor Cuomo's State of the State speech on Wednesday, the politician proposed a brand new subway line connecting Lower Manhattan and Red Hook. If the plans go through that will make taking advantage of the buzzworthy river-side Brooklyn neighborhood so much easier. While the nabe is currently accessible by ferry (which is awesome in the warm, sunny weather) and by bus (great for people already nearby), families can look forward to much easier travel and faster commuter times with a designated subway stop. Here's five fantastic, noteworthy Red Hook spots we'd be much more likely to visit if there was a subway. Ikea For some families, traveling via the screaming yellow water taxi from Pier 11 to the Red Hook Ikea is not only a rite of passage but also on their person 101 things to do with kids in New York before they grow up list. But what about when it's snowing outside and you desperately need affordable, colorful kitchen utensils or a new rug? While you take care of furnishing the apartment your potty trained little one can enjoy free supervised play at the store's Småland. It's a win-win.   Brooklyn Crab Up your weekend brunch game, or bring your kids to an early happy hour (we won't judge), at this massive three-story Maryland-style crab shack. Not only does it has delicious seafood, but it also boasts some family fun everyone can enjoy with its lawn games, including a small putt-putt course, corn hole and shuffleboard.  Dessert galore Reward your kids for good b

If the rest of January is anything like the start of this month, we're in for some bone-chilling, freezing weather. Luckily warmth (and deliciousness) is on its way with the third annual Valrhona Hot Chocolate Festival. The fest runs from January 20 through February 4, and with over two dozen bakery locations participating in Manhattan and Brooklyn, you'll never be too far from your family's favorite winter-time treat.  Spearheaded by Valrhona, the luxurious French chocolate company, several leading bakeries and chocolatiers take part in the festivities each year by offering original flavors and recipes exclusively available for the occasion. Some of the city's best hot chocolate spots are on the list of participating pastry shops, which includes Ladurée, Fika, La Maison du Chocolat, Baked, Dominique Ansel Kitchen, Epicerie Boulud, Daily Provisions and Brooklyn Roasting Company. 50 cents from each hot chocolate are donated to support C-CAP's (Careers through Culinary Arts Program) job training program, a program that provides low-income students with professional training and internships in the culinary field.      Satisfy your sweet tooth with even more delicious treats from our favorite cookie delivery services, candy stores and hot chocolate spots. Sign up to receive great Time Out New York Kids deals in your inbox each day.​

The city's dads, grandpas and other male caregivers can rejoice! New York's City Council passed a bill on Monday that requires many major businesses to provide changing tables in both men's and women's bathrooms, reports Patch.  The bill requires new and renovated buildings that are open to the public, like movie theaters, department stores and restaurants, to have at least one bathroom accessible to women and men with a diaper-changing station on each floor. If Mayor Bill de Blasio signs the piece of legislation into law, that would mean the men would no longer have to get creative when trying to change their babies and toddlers in public. According to Patch, Councilman Rafael Espinal, who represents Bushwick, introduced the bill after he witnessed another man attempting to change a diaper over a bathroom sink. Espinal was inspired by a similar policy President Obama passed in 2016, the Bathrooms Accessible in Every Situation Act, which applied to all publicly accessible federal buildings.   Looking for things to do with your freshly-changed tot? Check out the 101 things to do with kids in NYC or hit up one of the best playgrounds. Or stay (mostly) indoors with 50 winter activities. Sign up to receive great Time Out New York Kids deals in your inbox each day.​

There's nothing quite as magical as waking up on December 25 to see a city blanketed in snow. It's the perfect excuse to (post opening presents, of course) head out into the the world for a trip down one of the best sledding hills in New York. But what are our chances for getting a white Christmas in 2017? Unfortunately, it's not looking good.  According to an interactive map from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, via Patch, that utilizes historic data of past instances of one inch or more of accumulation in different areas on the holiday, New York City has about a 10 percent chance. Long Island and most of New Jersey have a similar likelihood, but things start to look snowier as you head upstate. Just up the Metro North Hudson Line in Poughkeepsie, there's a 35 percent chance, while Albany, the state capital, is at 49 percent. If you're really chasing the flurries, however, your best bet is a visit to Lake Placid. Not surprisingly, the home of the 1980 Winter Olympics has an 87 percent chance of snow. NYC's 10 percent chance looks particularly unlikely given the current forecast. Weather.com is predicting rain showers on Dec 24 and 25. On Christmas Eve, the low is forecasted to be 35 degrees Fahrenheit, too warm for snow. The temperature on Christmas day could be chilly enough with a low of 31 degrees, but the high is 42 degrees. But, hey! Who knows. We're not going to stop you from going to bed wearing your pajamas inside out with a spoon under your pillow,

If you haven't checked out Times Square's newest family-fun attraction, Gulliver's Gate—or just want to go again—make sure to visit sometime in December for a super cute holiday-themed scavenger hunt. As the country's largest display of miniatures, Gulliver's Gate boasts thousands of tiny models, including scaled down versions of iconic buildings from around the world, quaint itsy-bitsy villages, chugging toy trains and the Lilliputian people that call this magical world home. Among the mind-boggling displays are hidden holiday-related scenes that will be sure to delight grown-ups and kids alike. Buy tickets now with a special discount! Photograph: Courtesy Gulliver's Gate While you adventure through the halls of the 50,000-square-foot project, keep your eyes peeled for the Grinch in Whoville, a sunbathing Santa, Elsa from Frozen, a couple kissing under the mistletoe and mini Maccabees under a giant (to them) menorah. There's even a particularly silly scene based on the Christmas novelty song, "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer."   Photograph: Courtesy Gulliver's Gate   The "iSpy" style game is free with admission and runs through December 30. Guests are given a checklist of characters and scenes to look out for, and it's up to them to look closely at the tiny displays to find each item. If you successfully complete the list, then you can enter for a chance to win a 3D model version of yourself, created using a 3D printer (a $130 value).    Photograph: Courtesy Gulliver