Itineraries

Walking around NYC seems to always lead to some adventure or another. One of the things I particularly love is when we stumble upon some cool street art. When we do we always make sure to stop and enjoy it. Last Friday we came across an interactive video art piece which is installed in an empty storefront on Lexington and 33rd St. The kids had a great time playing with it (see video below) and it inspired me to share some other cool public artworks that you might want to check out.

Going to visit the holiday light displays in neighborhoods around New York City has become a popular Christmas activity. It seems like every year the displays get more and more elaborate and there are even tour buses that will take you to some of the most popular neighborhoods. We've rounded up the best ones from all over the NYC area, including a cool new Grinch-themed house display we just discovered in Brooklyn. Maybe this year you'll start your own Holiday tradition too with a tour of the best Holiday Light Displays in and around NYC.

Many New Yorkers associate City Island with summertime (that is, if they even know about it).  Afterall, the main cuisine offered is seafood, there are panoramic water views, and sailboats galore.  However, we find the best time to visit City Island is a) anytime but a Friday or Saturday night (lunchtime is fine) and b) off-season!  Therefore we're recommending it as a perfect Columbus Day weekend daytrip. 

Many people want to know where you can pick your own organic apples near NYC. I've asked the farmers about this and they say that in our climate it's very hard to farm apples organically and nobody really does it. Instead what you'll find is farms that use low-spray or sustainable farming practices.

While apples are one of the foods that are recommended that we eat organic because of the high amounts of pesticides and fungicides generally used, if you can't get organic local apples, at least know that picking your own apples or buying local apples is much better for the environment than buying organic apples shipped in from distant climes and supports small local farmers.

Here are a couple of places where you can pick your own not-quite-organic apples in New York:

We love Astoria as a family friendy destination neighborhood, but what do you do once you're there? Astoria is best known for its Greek culture and places to eat. Take the N/W train to the Broadway stop for the best kid friendly Greek food this side of the Mediterranean and some fun places to visit after your meal.

We've been having a great time hanging out in Red Hook, Brooklyn lately. The neighborhood has become quite the destination what with Ikea, Fairway, a new pier park and beach, lots of yummy food, and, of course, the free Ikea Water Taxi and buses make it even easier to get there.

Whether you are anchoring your trip to Red Hook around a pragmatic trip to Fairway for groceries or Ikea for household goods, or just heading to the neighborhood for fun, there's tons to do that's fun for kids and parents alike. Here are the top spots in Red Hook for family fun:

Things to do with kids in Red Hook, Brooklyn:

During our most recent giveaway bonanza, we asked our readers to share your favorite day trips from New York City--and you really went all out! From safaris and water parks to scenic trips and beaches, you let us in on the mother lode of great getaway ideas for the whole family. There were so many great ideas in there, we had to share them.

Here they are, the Top 30 Reader Suggested Day Trips from New York City: 

A beach probably isn't the first thing that pops into most people's heads when they think of the Boogiedown Bronx... but Orchard Beach, which is part of Pelham Bay Park and weighs in at 115 acres, provides an invigorating beach getaway each weekend for thousands of NYC residents.

Often thought of as the real “Little Italy” of NYC, Arthur Avenue is a wildly popular destination for foodies from all over.  There are countless Italian restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and bars along Arthur Avenue, as well as its lesser known counterpart, 187th Street.  Arthur Avenue is quite a popular day trip for families with small children because it is just a few blocks away from the world-famous Bronx Zoo. 

Bicycling is having a real renaissance in New York City. We're seeing more bike paths and more nice places to bike, plus more resources and programs to make biking easier, more affordable and fun. Find out below some of the best resources for New York City Bikers from the best places to bike with kids, where to get New York City bike maps, bike rentals, free bikes to borrow and more.