Hop the ferry to Governors Island to explore all the island has to offer. Photo by Diana Kim
33 Spring Staycations and Spring Day Trips from NYC for Families
Th Gilder Center makes a stunning backdrop for the Earthfest activities at the American Museum of Natural History on Saturday. Photo by A. Keding/courtesy of AMNH
Earthfest, Black Comic Book Fest, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids
Enjoy a tropical spring break daycation with a trip to DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream Mall in New Jersey. Photo by the author
Spring Break 2024: 49 Fun Things To Do in NYC
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The popular Big Umbrella Festival blooms as a free campus takeover at Lincoln Center full of relaxed spaces with multi-sensory experiences. Photo by John Altdorfer
25 Best Things To Do in NYC April 2024 with Kids
Celebrate spring at the Queens County Farm Museum's Apple Blossom Children's Festival. Photo courtesy of the QCFM.
19 Best Spring Festivals and Fairs in NYC this April for Families
Enjoy a delicious Mother's Day brunch at Victory Garden Cafe in Astoria. Photo by Sydney Ng
Best Mother's Day Brunch in NYC
The stunning tulip blossoms spread out row-by-row in every direction at Holland Ridge Farms. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Beautiful Flower Farms near NYC for Pick-Your-Own Blooms
Beautiful blooms and family time are guaranteed to make mom smile at the New York Botanical Garden's Mother's Day Weekend Garden Party. Photo by Marlon Co/courtesy of the New York Botanical Garden
25 Things To Do on Mother’s Day 2024 in New York City
The Green-Wood Cemetery has gorgeous cherry blossoms and amazing views. Photo by Amy Nieporent
Cherry Blossoms in NYC: Cherry Blossom Festivals and Where to See the Blooms
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
21 Top Indoor Play Spaces in New York City
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
43 Things To Do on a Rainy Day Indoors in NYC
Kids can climb the walls—and more—at the Play Lab, one of our top picks for the best indoor playgrounds in Brooklyn.
Best Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Brooklyn for Kids
Take to the skies on Legoland New York's new Minifigure Skyflyer. Rendering courtesy of the resort
From Six Flags' The Flash to Legoland's Minifigure Skyflyer Here Are the Top Attractions Coming to Theme Parks near You
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
101 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
DOROT's Manhattan Teen Internship Program pairs teens with older adults in need of companionship and aid.
Teens Can Apply Now for Summer Internships in NYC
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
NYC school kids head back to school on Thursday, September 7, 2023, according to the newly released NYC public school calendar. Photo by Al De Ingeniis
2023-24 NYC Public School Calendar: New Holidays, Plus 2024 & 2025 Calendars
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Big-name Broadway shows like &Juliet come at a premium prices, but there are ways to save on Broadway tickets. Photo by Aka NYC.
Discount Broadway Tickets: Six Ways to Save Big on Broadway Shows
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
100 Things To Do in NYC With Kids Before They Grow Up
The Brooklyn Museum is a premier art museum, with floors of treasures and outdoor art, too.
Brooklyn Museum Guide For Kids - Everything You Need to Know Before Your Family Visit
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine in
Guide to the Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families
Enjoy a wild visit to the Philadelphia Zoo during a weekend getaway to the City of Brotherly Love. Photo courtesy of the zoo
13 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
26 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
Top Attractions in NYC: Best Things To See and Do With Kids
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones in NYC
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting.
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids

Essex North Pole Express Train Tickets on Sale for 2023

9/5/23 - By Rose Gordon Sala

The ever-popular Essex North Pole Express train ride is back for the 2023 holiday season! It's arguably one of the most popular Polar Express holiday train rides in the country and certainly in the Northeast, so we expect tickets to sell out fast.

Tickets are for sale online only this year, with no phone or in-person sales. Partial and full car tickets are available starting Tuesday, September 12 at 9am and all remaining tickets go on sale Wednesday, September 13 at 9am—so set your alarms now.

 
Kids can wear their Christmas PJs and bring along a favorite stuffed animal. Photo courtesy of the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

This famed Christmas train runs about 90 minutes, departing from the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat station in Essex, Connecticut, not far from New London and Old Saybrook.

Expect a live musical performance of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to dance down the aisle of every car. There will be a visit from Santa on the Essex North Pole Express, a small gift for each child passenger, cookies, sing-alongs, and plenty more seasonal merriment. Kids usually wear their Christmas PJs and bring along a favorite stuffed animal.

Rides begin November 17 and run through December 23, 2023. Kids ages 1 and up must have a ticket to board, and infants on laps under the age of one do not require tickets–but do not get a seat. Coach seating starts at $50 per person.

Read our review of the Essex Polar Express train ride for more info, too!

Places featured in this article: