New Museums and Culture Destinations

Marvel at amazing art and stunning views of downtown Manhattan at the relocated Whitney Museum.

Whitney Museum of American Art — Meatpacking District
Towering between the High Line and the Hudson River, this world-class museum opened in May and is breathtaking inside and out. Families can check out its thought-provoking exhibits and marvel at gorgeous views from its large terraces. If possible, plan your visit around one of the Whitney's frequent family programs, including stroller tours, family fun fests, open studio hours, Whitney Wees workshops and sketching sessions. FREE for children under age 18

Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor — Staten Island
This longtime SI culture hub opened a second location in a landmarked Snug Harbor building in September. School-age kids can explore rich exhibits about art, natural science and local history. Highlights include the life-size replica of a prehistoric mastodon crashing through a wall and an immersive 3D movie about the borough's evolution. FREE for children under age 13

Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling — Harlem
Tots can enjoy colorful art and stories, or create their own at this 17,000-square-foot interactive culture spot, which debuted in October. Child-size tables invite kids to make masterpieces, while books beg to be taken to reading nooks carved into the hallway. Frequent readings and open-studio sessions let children learn from the pros. FREE for children under age 9

Environmental Education Center — Dumbo
Kids can get up close and personal with East River critters at Brooklyn Bridge Park's Environmental Education Center, which opened in September. A variety of interactive stations and programming school budding scientists in the ecology and history of the surrounding waterfront habitat. The 250-gallon, fish-filled aquarium and a touch tank where children can feel aquatic plants, shells and creatures are highlights. Note: Closed December 24-January 3, so check it out in 2016! FREE

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Kids can get their hands dirty at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden's completely revamped Discovery Garden. Photo by Liz Ligon, courtesy of the BBG.

Discovery Garden at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden — Crown Heights
In June, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden debuted its expanded, one-acre Discovery Garden with a focus on hands-on exploration. Kids can check out meadow, marshland and woodland habitats, fruit and vegetable and four seasons gardens, and even roll up their sleeves to dig, plant and harvest. FREE for children under age 12

Renovated Children's Zoo at the Bronx Zoo — the Bronx
After a careful renovation, the iconic Children's Zoo at the Bronx Zoo reopened in May with new residents including a giant anteater, a Linne's two-toed sloth and a pudú, aka the world's smallest deer. Although the habitats and infographics were spruced up, the exhibit maintained its popular play features, including a tree house and prairie dog holes. Note: Closed until May 2016.

New Places to Play Indoors

Tots love romping in Queens' brand-new indoor play space, Sabrina's Play Studio.

Sabrina's Play Studio — Woodside
A local Woodside mom and daycare operator opened this 1,900-square-foot play space in July. Catering to ages 0 to 9, the indoor romping spot offers a two-level maze, a small bounce house, a play kitchen, toys, dress-up clothes and a gated "baby zone." Drop-in hours abound, even on weekend mornings.

The Playroom NYC — Upper East Side
A pair of Upper East Side sisters with four children under age 4(!!) opened this 3,000-square-foot play space featuring a climbing structure, pretend play areas and a dedicated toddler room. To keep tots safe, 5 is the strict age maximum, and drop-in hours are plentiful on weekdays and weekend mornings.

Recess d.u.m.b.o. — Dumbo
This loft-like, 2,200-square-foot indoor play space is home to custom-made wooden structures that encourage kids to climb, shimmy, slide and explore. Opened by a pair of local moms and aimed at children ages 6 months to 6 years, Recess reflects the funky, artsy aesthetic of its Dumbo neighborhood and offers membership packages as well as drop-in hours.

New Places to Play Outdoors

The SeaGlass Carousel may be NYC's most expensive merry-go-round, but as you can see from the video, it's worth the $5!

SeaGlass Carousel — Financial District
Go on a virtual underwater journey at this one-of-a-kind sea-themed ride, which debuted this August in Battery Park. No horses going round and round here; instead, riders step into 30 tall, iridescent fish that seem to swim inside a giant nautilus shell. Glowing lights, soothing classical music and aquatic sound effects complete the unforgettable experience.

Brooklyn Bike Park — Williamsburg
Located on the banks of the East River, this 16,000-square-foot bike park debuted in August. Riders of all levels are welcome, from BMX pros to toddlers on push bikes. Inline skates and skateboards are also allowed during designated hours. To speed things up, be sure to register and sign the waiver before you arrive.

Hudson Yards Park Playground — Hudson Yards
Part of the transformation of the industrial West 30s into the Hudson Yards neighborhood, this playground debuted in August with a giant climbing dome jam-packed with a challenging series of ropes for climbing, lounging and monkeying around. A trio of decorative fountain and lots of bright-yellow benches enhance the recreation area. Bonus: The closest subway station is the stunning new 34th Street-Hudson Yards 7 stop, so you get to gawk at that, too!

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Interactive Treat Spots

Make your treat and eat it, too, at Voilà Chocolat.

Voilà Chocolat — Upper West Side
Why just eat chocolate when you can make your own? At this DIY sweet spot, kids (and grown-ups) can mold and decorate a variety of confections, from simple chocolate lollipops to truffles and bars. The drop-in sessions are fun but demanding, so you really work up an appetite (for sugar).

Milk & Cookies Kids Spa — Upper East Side
In addition to manicures, pedicures and haircuts, this spa also offers its title treats. After whatever service your kid (or you) enjoy, hit the snack bar for a cookie and a glass of milk—chocolate, strawberry or straight. If someone in your party isn't into pampering, there's a lounge area with a Wii and Netflix.

Koneko Cat Cafe — Lower East Side
If you ever need a reminder of how cool NYC is, pop into one of Manhattan's two cat cafes: Meow Parlour, which opened in December 2014, and Koneko, which debuted a few blocks away this past November. You can play with friendly shelter kitties (and even go about adopting one) at both spots, but only Koneko lets you enjoy its array of Japanese pastries and beverages on-site. (Meow Parlour's felines and food are in separate locations).

All photos by Mommy Poppins writers unless otherwise noted.