Diana Kim

Latest posts by Diana Kim

Visiting the Whitney Museum in NYC with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Submitted by Diana Kim on Tue, 10/18/2022 - 4:59pm

The Whitney Museum of American Art covers decades of contemporary work from American artists.

There's no shortage of art museums in New York City, but the Whitney Museum of American Art is the only one devoted to showcasing contemporary American art. While displaying the works of many well-established American artists, the Whitney Museum is unique in its dedication to presenting the works of living artists whose works often contains social messages.

The Whitney Museum in NYC is a must-see for families and kids to learn about important artists making their mark in the present day. Since modern art can be a bit intimidating even for grown-ups, we've gathered our top tips for a family-friendly outing to this unique museum and our favorite kids' activities to enjoy while you're there.

Read on for our top tips for visiting the Whitney Museum in NYC, and find all our top culture spots for kids in our New York City Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits Guide.

Best Observation Decks in NYC for Kids and Families

Submitted by Diana Kim on Thu, 10/13/2022 - 4:00pm

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt's observation deck in NYC brings the stunning skyline views inside. Photo by the author

New Yorkers and tourists alike love a view, and when it comes to finding an observation deck in NYC to take in the sights, there are five to choose from. Each offers breathtaking views of the iconic New York City skyline.

From Lower Manhattan's One World Observatory to the classic experience at Midtown's Empire State Building and the awesome inside-out immersion of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, how do you choose which observation deck in NYC to visit?

We've done the legwork for you, visiting each of NYC's iconic observation decks, and detailing the experiences so you can choose the best observation deck in NYC for you and your family. Take heart, though, no matter which NYC observation deck you choose, there's no bad view in sight.

19 Special Needs Programs in NYC for Kids

Submitted by Diana Kim on Mon, 09/26/2022 - 4:56pm

The Adaptive Climbing Group introduces kids of all ages to the adventure of rock climbing with its unique special needs program. Photo courtesy of the group

Finding the right special needs program for your child can be a challenge. Whether your child has a developmental challenge, disability, or disorder, it's important to find appropriate special needs programs that can accommodate their unique needs. Luckily, there are several special needs programs in NYC for children of every ability and interest.

We've rounded up 19 special needs programs in New York City. When reaching out to these venues, don't forget to ask about special needs summer camps and holiday mini camps. Many of these special needs programs offer them, too.

You can find more special needs programs for kids, and even book a class online, in our directory of classes and listings. Check our New York City Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for kids of all ages and interests. Bookmark our Special Needs Guide for more special needs programs in NYC, including sensory gyms, support groups, and sensory activities.

Top Magicians, Magic Shops, and Magic Shows in NYC

Submitted by Diana Kim on Thu, 09/22/2022 - 11:14am

The Brooklyn Magic Shop hosts classes, camps, and private birthday parties with Apolino the Magician. Photo by the author

Kids love all things magic, and parents can find a handful of magicians, magic shows, and magic shops in NYC. At these mystifying destinations, kids can attend magic shows in NYC staged by world-class magicians, plus stock up on all the tricks of the trade, and even enroll in a magic class to learn the craft themselves.

From Abracadabra to The Brooklyn Magic Shop and beyond, read on for the best magic shops in NYC, plus our favorite magic classes and New York City magic shows, then marvel when your kid learns to perform unbelievable sleight of hand tricks that'll leave you amazed. Find more offbeat classes for kids in our New York City Classes for Kids Guide.

Best of Queens, NY: 47 Things To Do in NYC's Largest, Most Diverse Borough

Submitted by Diana Kim on Tue, 09/20/2022 - 6:11pm

The TWA Hotel makes JFK a worthy destination for fun things to do in Queens. Photo by the author

If you're looking for family-friendly things to do in Queens, NY, you've come to the right place. Queens is a melting pot of people and communities from various cultures and backgrounds. Indeed, it's the city's most diverse borough, and that makes Queens a great place to explore with kids. Excellent museums and cultural institutions, like NYSCI and the Queens Museum, a wide array of family-friendly restaurants and cuisines to try, plus a very cool night market, top-notch parks and playgrounds, and a ton of kid-friendly activities can all be found in Queens.

While we've highlighted some of our favorite kid-friendly Queens neighborhoods in our Neighborhood Guide, below we're putting forth our best-of-Queens list. This list of the top 47 things to do in Queens with kids includes all our picks for destination-worthy fun and family-friendly places to eat in Queens.

Ninja Warrior Gyms and Parkour in NYC for Kids: Cool Classes for Your Little Daredevil

Submitted by Diana Kim on Mon, 09/19/2022 - 5:08pm

Take parkour in NYC with The Movement Creative, which offers classes in three NYC boroughs. Photo courtesy of the Movement Creative

If you've got an active kid who's looking for a physical challenge, why hit one of these ninja warrior gyms where they can learn parkour in NYC? These local parkour classes specialize in building the skills necessary to conquer ninja warrior obstacles and take place at ninja warrior gyms in NYC, plus parks in the great outdoors, helping kids build physical skills, push their limits, and gain confidence all while having fun in a safe and supportive environment. These ninja warrior gyms and parkour classes in NYC are sure to keep exercise fresh and exciting.

If you're looking to learn parkour in NYC, we've profiled several kid-friendly destinations that offer an introduction to the sport with classes and free play, including Area 53, and the New York Ninja and Brooklyn Ninja Academies. Many of these ninja warrior gyms and parkour classes accept kids as young as age 6, and some even teach parkour in NYC to adults.

You can find more sports classes for active kids in our directory of classes and listings. Check our New York City Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for kids of all ages and interests.

Best of Brooklyn: 50 Things To Do in the Family-Friendly Hipster Haven

Submitted by Diana Kim on Sun, 08/14/2022 - 8:33am

Prospect Park comes alive with the BRIC! Celebrate Brooklyn music festival each summer.

When it comes to things to do in Brooklyn, the borough has it all for families—great schools, iconic landmarks, great parks and playgrounds, eclectic dining, and the most interesting stores and museums. While we've covered a lot of our favorite things to do in Brooklyn and the borough's top neighborhoods in our Neighborhood Guides, ranging from the top things to do in Park Slope to the best of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn Heights, and beyond, consider this our best-of-Brooklyn list. Below, we've rounded up our top 50 best things to do in Brooklyn with kids. Our picks are a mix of old favorites and new classics.

Read on to discover our picks for Brooklyn's top attractions, the best playgrounds in Brooklyn, our top picks for family-friendly Brooklyn restaurants, museums, and the best things to do in Brooklyn with kids.

Virtual Reality for Kids in NYC: 8 Spots Where Kids Get Inside Games and Immersive Experiences

Submitted by Diana Kim on Mon, 07/11/2022 - 3:55pm

Ride a virtual roller coaster—at more—at Escape Virtuality, a virtual reality for kids destination in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier

Virtual reality for kids in NYC is becoming an increasingly popular activity. With gaming technology growing ever more sophisticated, spending a day immersed in one of these VR for kids outings allows visitors to enter an immersive and interactive new realm of fun.

When it comes to virtual reality for kids in NYC, there are a number of futuristic pop-ups and permanent exhibits catering to kids. Some of these VR for kids experiences are located within kid-friendly attractions, like those at Harry Potter New York, while others are standalone destinations all their own, including the brand new RiseNY in Times Square. Read on for seven picks for virtual reality for kids in NYC.