Have Some Fun with the Kids

You know a carousel must be quite special if it is the first to make the National Register of Historic Places. Jane's Carousel, located in Brooklyn Bridge Park in the DUMBO section of Brooklyn, is truly unique. The fully-restored antique carousel...

Liberty State Park is an ideal way for families to spend the afternoon or evening overlooking Manhattan's landmark triumvirate (including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the New York City skyline). The long boardwalk/pier is a great...

The price of everything is always going up, up, up in New York City . . . with one exception. The Staten Island Ferry, which started operating in 1905, remains the best deal in the Big Apple: it's free. The 25-minute ride between Whitehall...

The Irish potato famine ("An Gorta Mor") is in the mid 1800s saw the migration of a million people to America following a blight destruction of potato crops in Ireland. Visitors to Battery Park City can appreciate the depth and beauty of Ireland...

The Hudson Bowling Center in Jersey City is ideal for a family outing or just a little competitive fun. There are 60 lanes, so you can bring the entire crew. In the middle of the alley, you'll find a bar and lounge, where you can grab a snack in...

If you're a naturalist, you'll love the eco kayaking options at the Hudson River Estuary. Expect to see marshes, egrets, and cormorants and get a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty surrounding the estuary. Tours are given at the south side...

Whether you're a novice or a professional weaver, the Textile Arts Center has you covered. Created in 2010 with the vision of providing a communal style studio with classes and plenty of looms for people to come and make textiles themselves, the...

At Makeville Studio in Gowanus, Brooklyn, you need to BYOW (Bring Your Own Wood). That, and a creative mindset. Everything else--from classes, tips to tools--the studio provides. Started by creatrix Robin Mierzwa, Makeville is one of those place...

Brimming with unique gifts, Kidding Around is not to be missed when traveling with your family through Grand Central station. Unlike kitschy tourist shops, most toys here are made to last a childhood. Their towering window display even lured me...