Diana Kim

Latest posts by Diana Kim

20 Top Attractions in NYC Worth Visiting—Even for Jaded Locals

Submitted by Diana Kim on Sun, 08/22/2021 - 5:40pm

When's the last time you rode the 101-year-old Deno's Wonder Wheel on Coney Island? Can't remember? There's no better time than the present to visit this tourist attraction. Photo by author

There's so much to see and do in New York City on any given day that it can be a little overwhelming. There are world-class museums, restaurants, and attractions in every borough. Special events are a seemingly everyday occurrence, yet New Yorkers can be guilty of avoiding some of the city's best attractions—labeling them as just for the tourists. But, we're here to tell you those tourist attractions are part of the allure of living in this metropolitan mecca, and to prove it, we've come up with this list of 20 tourist attractions even jaded locals should visit regularly.

Karate and Taekwondo Classes for Kids in NYC

Submitted by Diana Kim on Fri, 08/20/2021 - 11:26am

Kids as young as age 3 are welcomed to martial arts classes at Eagles Taekwondo in Flushing.

Whether it's for self-defense or just for fun, karate classes and martial arts classes for kids offer a great way for your child to get exercise, learn discipline, and gain self-confidence. Karate and taekwondo seem to top the list for most popular practices in NYC, and we've found studios offering both to NYC kids.

Find more enrichment opportunities in our guide to the Classes and Activities for New York City Kids.

Glamping at Collective Governors Island: A Luxurious Urban Retreat

Submitted by Diana Kim on Thu, 07/22/2021 - 10:00am

Collective Governors Island is an enchanting escape from the hustle and bustle of NYC.

Governors Island is one of my family’s favorite New York destinations. Located a mere 800 yards from Manhattan in New York Harbor, you feel like you’re in a different world devoid of cars and traffic. It’s one of New York’s most unique green spaces with a variety of activities, entertainment, food, and art exhibits, and now, it's not just a daytime destination, thanks to Collective Governors Island, a full-service glamping resort with stunning views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and New York Harbor.

Forget make-shift tents, sleeping bags, and canned food synonymous with old-school camping. At Collective Governors Island, you're welcomed with upscale accommodations, plush beds, spa-like amenities, and artisanal meals and snacks. I recently “glamped” with my family, and we had an amazing time at this urban escape—despite hurricane-like weather.

Read on for more details and what you need to know about glamping on Governors Island.

Outdoor Swimming Pools and Beach Clubs Offering Day Passes in NYC

Submitted by Diana Kim on Mon, 07/19/2021 - 4:00pm

Silver Gull Beach Club offers tons of waterfront fun, whether in its pools or its private stretch of sandy beach.. Photo by Sara Maretette

Sometimes all you want to do during New York's hot and humid summer is lounge around a pool all day. While New York has plenty of FREE public swimming pools, the rules can be overbearing, and it's nice to have some options that offer more amenities. At these beach clubs and private pools, you'll find extras like food, lounge chairs, cabanas, beach access, and amazing views. We've rounded up seven outdoor, family-friendly swimming pools offering day passes, and we even include a trio of state park pools to deliver big fun without breaking the bank. Find more cool options for the season in our Summer Fun Guide.

Hit the Roll-A-Rama Rink at the TWA Hotel for Retro Fun

Submitted by Diana Kim on Wed, 06/09/2021 - 11:25am

The Roll-A-Rama Rink is the latest addition to the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport.

The opening of the TWA Hotel has made JFK more than an airport—it's now a destination in its own right. There's the rooftop pool, swanky hotel rooms, trendy restaurants, museums, cool design and architecture, and now, a seasonal outdoor roller skating rink smack in the middle of the tarmac. Riding the roller skating craze that's taken over New York of late, the TWA's new Roll-A-Rama Runway Rink is the perfect way to stretch your legs before getting on your flight or following a long ride on the A train. Read on for the details on this retro-inspired destination. If you're not up for a trip to JFK, we've got the details on more roller skating rinks in the city and nearby 'burbs, too.

Greenpoint Public Library and Environmental Center Begins Welcoming Visitors

Submitted by Diana Kim on Thu, 06/03/2021 - 12:26pm

The Greenpoint Public Library and Environmental Center is striking indoors and out.

Bookworms rejoice! Brooklyn families can finally browse and borrow books from some of their favorite public libraries, including the newly reconstructed Greenpoint Library and Environmental Center, one of a handful of Brooklyn Public Library branches that have reopened for browsing and computer use after completely closing down last year. Across all boroughs and public library systems—NYPL, BPL, Queens Public Library—select branches have reopened. Still, none of the debuts is quite as exciting as the multi-million dollar overhaul in the heart of Greenpoint. Read on for details on this new community hub.

Laser Tag, Paintball, and Adventure Await at Area 53 NYC

Submitted by Diana Kim on Fri, 05/28/2021 - 12:59pm

Hone your ninja warrior skills at Area 53 NYC's Adventure Park in Williamsburg.

If your tween or teen has the energy to burn, we have found the place for them: Area 53 NYC is home to a ton of action-packed adventures spread over three locations in two boroughs. Area 53 NYC offers laser tag, paintball, water sports, and even an indoor adventure park with a dozen games and activities. Read on for our review of these thrilling new attractions—with two locations in Brooklyn and one in the Bronx—as well as our parent-tested, know before you go intel, pulled together after visiting with three kids ages 4-13.

Alley Pond Park in Queens: 10 Things to Do in the Sprawling Urban Green Space

Submitted by Diana Kim on Mon, 05/03/2021 - 6:15pm

Alley Pond Park is spacious and filled with old-growth trees making it easy to forget the urban jungle is just beyond its borders.

Spanning nearly 657 acres, Alley Pond Park is Queens' second-largest public green space behind Flushing Meadows Corona Park. While there are plenty of traditional, urban park attractions, like playgrounds and sports fields, what makes Alley Pond unique is its natural wonders—the forests, meadows, ponds, and wetlands. Its famous Adventure Course is the first challenge course in New York City and the largest challenge course in the metropolitan region.

Separated into three distinct sections by highway crossings, Alley Pond has an Environmental Center in its northern section, a Sports Center in its southern area, and in the middle section of the park, the oldest nature trails in NYC. With so much to do and see, Alley Pond Park is a perfect daycation. Here are our top 10 things to do with kids in Alley Pond Park.