Summer in the city means endless outdoor fun, countless street festivals, and some pretty rad splash pads. But summer also brings some seriously cool public art to the streets of NYC, making it easy to sneak some culture into a day of play. Check out our roundup of some of the many free art exhibits around town and dazzle your kids with colorful displays that also just happen to flex those left-brain creative muscles. And be sure to follow us on Instagram if you don't already—we're always finding new exhibits, pop-ups, and interactive installations to explore with kids.

How many Legos do you need to step on before you realize your kid probably doesn’t need another toy for their birthday? It’s not an existential question as much as it is a practical one. If your little one has already accumulated as many material goods as they could ever need or want (thanks, Grandma), try a different tack for birthday gift-giving this year. Why not pick a cool experience instead of a toy this birthday? 

Raising kids in the best city on the planet has its advantages, and there's no shortage of meaningful "experience gifts" to choose from for your city kid. Check out these birthday-worthy NYC experiences that range from totally free to a bit of splurge—and surprise your child with a fabulous birthday experience that is sure to be fun for them, and you too!