Vivian Manning-Schaffel

For the quintessential New York (in summertime) experience, head to Coney Island to play the day away at the New York Aquarium, cruise the boardwalk, grab a sizzling hot dog and, if you play your cards right, even catch some beachside fireworks. Needless to say, Luna Park is also by far one of the best kids' amusement parks in town—and newbies, did we mention that it's right on the beach?  See below for our very favorite things to do around Coney Island during the summer months. It tops our list of amazing summer day trips to take with the kids. And never fear: If it's rainy, you can always hit up some of our favorite local indoor amusement parks.  

As rewarding as it can be, raising children is the ultimate Darwinist exercise—only the strong and resourceful survive. Heading to the coolest parks, beaches and even going picnicking used to be whole different different ballgame. You won’t really know what you’re capable of—until now. 1. You will question your beliefs on the daily. The weight of keeping another person alive can induce an existential crisis in even the most solid of humans. 2. You’ll bribe like a mafioso. Kids don’t generally eat, sleep, poop and behave just ‘cause. 3. Going to Target by yourself equals a restorative spa retreat. Completing a task or finishing a sentence without interruption is so damn freeing, where it happens is irrelevant. 4. Your arms will be stupidly buff. Hoisting a 20 lb. toddler, a stroller and two bags of groceries around town will leave you effortlessly cut. 5. Your calves will be even buffer. Pushing a stroller containing same toddler for countless hours almost eliminates the need for barre class.   6. You’ll be forced to wait in line for things you shouldn’t have to wait in line for. Like, after-school classes and ice cream. Shame no one’s figured out how to combine the two.  7. Your Netflix will only recommend kids’ shows. Greys Anatomy? Fuggetaboutit. Dora, The Magic Schoolbus and Curious George will be all up in your business, all the time. Time to make a separate profile? 8. A decent education is not a given. You’ll write an award-winning dissertation and kiss many an ass jus

When kids eat free, moms and dads everywhere are totally satisfied—and so are their wallets. NYC does boast some hefty price tags, particularly within the dining scene, but all you need to do is a little research to uncover perks at fun restaurants and family restaurants. Fortunately for busy parents, we've rounded up those sweet deals for you!  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to free activities for kidsin NYC If you're craving BBQ or want to enjoy a hearty pasta dish, check out our favorite eateries where you can make a reservation and not pay for some members of the party! Anyone else thinking about an evening out?  After you book a table at these great spots where kids eat free, check out one of the best kids' movies 2019 has to offer. 

Nothing beats a perfect summer day for all its potential. With so many outdoor activities for kids happening in (and around) our city (have you been to our favorite kids' playgrounds, kayaking spots or amusement parks?) you won't have to waste a second of sunshine on planning.

When the summertime heat (or cool weather chill) is just too much to bear, you may need to resort to indoor activities to keep the kids happy. Unlike giant megaplexes, these local theaters provide a personal touch with their carefully curated selection of the best kids' movies, ticket discounts and top-notch snacks that blow regular popcorn out of the water.

RECOMMENDED: The best places to visit in New York with kids We can name plenty of reasons why NYC is the best place to raise a family, but parenting in this city has its fair share of challenges. Between shuttling the kids to playdates and classes and hitting up all the great family attractions around town, it's easy for moms and dads to let time as a couple slip through the cracks. Next time you're due for a night out, try these sweet date ideas, including fun rendezvous two hours and under, dates that come to you and outings for parents with kid-inclusive options if you can't get child care.

No matter where you might live, the playground is a microcosm reminiscent of high school, with a cast of characters you’d just as likely find clustered around any set of lockers—save minding their mini mes instead of making out beneath the bleachers. Each type of parent operates within the confines of their own social style and strata, but New York City parents have cultivated a few unique affectations that are theirs and theirs alone. Next time your kids cruise the park for some play action, take a peek around and see who you might spot on the neighboring bench. Or, you might just see yourself in any or all of these peeps! The Hawk Perched on a centrally located park bench to survey their young, The Hawk is at the ready to swoop in to mend any bruise or scrape at any second. They’re your best bet to hit up for a damage control squirt of hand sanitizer, as they’re equipped with the contents of a doctor’s bag in the storage bucket of their stroller. Should another child get aggressive with their young, by say cutting them in the swing line or pushing them off a teeter totter, The Hawk is prepared to snatch them up and return them to the nest in seconds.  The Oblivious Parent The polar opposite of The Hawk, ask Oblivious where their child might be playing at any given time and you’re sure to be met with a smile and a shrug. Impervious to rules or even suggestions, personal freedom is their credo—especially their own, which in NYC most often results in an accidental Darwinist s