Hannah Doolin

As any parent will tell you, kids shows aren’t just for kids. At least, the good ones aren’t. Any children’s programming worth plopping your wee ones down in front of recognises that there’s going to be adults in the room, too, and adjusts accordingly. That’s not to say they have to entertain the oldies necessarily, but they do need to convince us that they’re not rotting the developing brains of the target demographic. They need to educate, or teach important life lessons, or inspire creativity – or at the very least not just rely on fast movement and fart noises to keep their attention. These 37 hit the spot in one way or another. Recommended: ✍ The 100 best animated movies🐭 The best Disney movies of all-time🧒 The best kids cartoons to stream right now👶 The best movies for toddlers the whole family will love

Whether you're hunting for the perfect gift or letting your little one choose their next favorite toy, just head to one of these toy stores in NYC. From the latest must-haves to toys that boost STEM skills and age-appropriate options that make birthday shopping a breeze, these spots are more than just shops—they're destinations. But don’t think it’s all about filling a shopping bag. Many of these toy stores offer interactive activities, fun events, story times, arts and crafts and more. Got a rainy day ahead? Spending a few hours here is one of the best indoor activities for kids in NYC. Honestly, toy shopping is one of the best things to do with kids in the city, rain or shine! Whether you're mesmerized by the magic of FAO Schwarz, diving into the world of American Girl Place or building up excitement at the LEGO flagship store, these NYC toy havens are must-visits. Not only will you find entertaining and educational toys, but your little one might just discover a new passion while they're at it.

Picture it: a fun family vacation where all you need to do is pack your bags and get there. No planning, no corralling, no cooking, no decision-making… That’s the beauty of a family-friendly resort. Just check in and everything is taken care of. These family resorts in New York and beyond offer tons of fun for the kids—from horseback riding to water activities to themed events—plus plenty of opportunities for relaxation for the grownups. You’ll find cozy cabins and spacious suites, all designed for family comfort. There are activities for kids of all ages, and supervised activities that give parents well-deserved downtime. Dining is a breeze too, with on-site restaurants that are sure to please. A weekend getaway at one of these NYC-area resorts is a perfect blend of relaxation, recreation and convenience, and you’re sure to make plenty of memories. 

Looking for ways to keep the kids cool during the summer? While outdoor activities like hiking and visiting PYO farms for fresh strawberries or blueberries are classic summer activities, sometimes you just need to find a place to beat the heat. Water playgrounds and beaches are options, but for an all-around cool summer activity, there’s nothing better than heading to a water park near NYC. These NYC-area water parks offer a thrilling escape with water slides, wave pools and more. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, there are lazy rivers and shallow pools perfect for cooling off. From the largest water park in New York to toddler-friendly spots in Pennsylvania, these destinations are ideal for a family day trip or weekend getaway. Make a splash (and some amazing summer memories) with the family at one of these water parks near NYC.

Because crop availability varies, always call first! One of the most beloved summertime rituals is picking fresh fruit from a farm. Spend the day harvesting the ripest fruits and enjoying them fresher than you’ll have them anywhere else. Cherry picking season in New York starts in early June or July, so there’s time to plan your trip to the best cherry-picking spots. There are plenty of options in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, all within a few hours’ drive from the city. These farms offer more than just PYO cherries: you’ll find hayrides, farm stands and even petting zoos. Make a day of it and you’ve got a perfect family day trip. While you wait for the cherries, you can also check out the best spots for strawberry picking and blueberry picking near NYC.

Reunid a la familia y coged un buen bol de palomitas: ¡las mejores películas familiares os están esperando! Hemos cogido un poco de todo: clásicos, de dibujos animados, películas de princesas Disney, niños de los 90... ¡y todo lo que os podáis imaginar!. ¿Lo que queréis es reíros? Poneos 'Los Goonies'. ¿Lo que os apetece es ver a Fido? Poneos 'Mi perro Skip'. Os garantizamos que tenemos películas para todos los gustos. RECOMENDADO: Juegos de mesa para toda la familia. 

A cold, rainy or crazy hot day doesn’t mean you have to scrap plans with the kids. They can still have plenty of energy-burning fun at a slew of indoor activities for kids around the city. From bowling and laser tag to indoor amusement parks, there’s no shortage of weather-proof fun. But for a year-round taste of summer, there’s nothing better than an indoor water park. Kids can splash around, zoom down water slides and have an all-around good time regardless of the weather. These indoor water parks near NYC are an easy day trip—or excellent weekend adventure—and fun for the whole family. Whether it’s the dead of winter or a scorching summer, head to one of these indoor water parks for some serious splashy fun, no sunscreen required.

Feeling hungry? NYC's best cooking classes for kids will help cure the munchies!  In these courses, children of all ages will learn new recipes, master different meals and feel comfortable handling kitchen equipment. Essentially, you're going to have a Top Chef in the making, so get ready to hand over the dinner reins to your brood. From the offering at Freshmade NYC to Taste Buds Kitchen, Gotham's cooking classes for kids are the best of the best. Buy a few aprons and let the youngsters do the rest. Bon appétit! If your kids feel like taking a night off from their culinary duties, check out fun restaurants around town, grab a cone at NYC's best ice cream shops and take advantage of these cookie delivery services. 

Seguro que más de una vez habéis hecho u os han hecho esta pregunta: ¿Qué película me recomiendas para ver en familia? Pues aquí tenéis medio centenar de recomendaciones de cine del bueno, para todos los públicos, claro. Reunid a los vuestros y coged un buen bol de palomitas: ¡las mejores películas familiares os están esperando! Hemos reunido un poco de todo: clásicos, de dibujos animados, películas de princesas Disney, niños de los 90... ¡y todo lo que os podáis imaginar! ¿Lo que queréis es reíros? Poneos 'Los Goonies'. ¿Lo que os apetece es una de animales? Poneos 'Mi perro Skip'. Os garantizamos que tenemos películas para todos los gustos y aunque no tengáis pequeñajos y pequeñajas cerca, recordad que la mayoría de estas películas también merecen un lugar en la historia del séptimo arte. NO TE LO PIERDAS: Las mejores comedias y otras películas de buen rollo para ver en Netflix

Segur que més d'una vegada heu fet o us han fet aquesta pregunta: Quina pel·lícula em recomanes per veure en família? Doncs aquí teniu mig centenar de recomanacions de cinema del bo, per a tots els públics, és clar. Reuniu els vostres i agafeu un bon bol de crispetes: les millors pel·lícules familiars us estan esperant! Hi hem posat una mica de tot: clàssics, de dibuixos animats, pel·lícules de princeses Disney, nens dels 90... i tot el que us pugueu imaginar! El que voleu és riure? Poseu-vos 'Els Goonies'. El que us ve de gust és una d'animals? Poseu-vos 'Mi perro Skip'. Us garantim que tenim pel·lícules per a tots els gustos i encara que no tingueu xicotets i xicotetes a prop, recordeu que la majoria d'aquestes pel·lícules també mereixen un lloc en la història del setè art. NO T'HO PERDIS: Les millors comèdies i altres pel·lícules amb bon rotllo per veure a Netflix  

For most of us, brunch is a celebratory late morning meal punctuated with mimosas and bloody marys, enhanced by the company of friends. But brunch isn’t just for adults — kids can enjoy this leisurely weekend tradition too. Fortunately there are plenty of options for a kid-friendly brunch in NYC where the vibe is relaxed and the little ones will be entertained. These brunch spots range from casual joints with classic diner fare to upscale brunch destinations that welcome families. The kids can dig into pancakes and waffles and you can sip your breakfast cocktail with an indulgent eggs benny. For more ways to enjoy a meal with the little ones, check out these family-friendly restaurants in NYC.

Ski season is here, and it’s time to plan an epic winter getaway that the whole family will love. Skiing is fun for all ages, and these family ski resorts near New York offer plenty of adventure for all skill levels. Whether your family includes a beginner who’s hitting the slopes for the first time out or a black-diamond speed demon, these resorts fit the bill. Not only do they have excellent skiing, these spots offer ski lessons, snow tubing, entertainment like story time and crafts, dining options and plenty of aprés-ski relaxation options for the adults, especially if you choose to stay on-site for a weekend of fun. These family-friendly ski resorts are all within a manageable drive from the city, so your next winter adventure can be closer than you think.

Midwestern hospitality reaches new heights at this impressive urban hotel along the Mississippi River. St. Louis’ iconic Gateway Arch has never looked better than from the contemporary guest rooms and suites, outfitted with spacious, marble baths and floor-to-ceiling windows. Kick back on the eighth floor Sky Terrace, where you’ll find an expansive outdoor pool, chic cabanas and sweeping city views. The 12,000-square-foot spa offers relaxing massages, facials and other treatments, while Cielo bar and restaurant provides cooking classes allowing visitors to learn about the art of authentic Italian food. The concierge can help to arrange off-site activities from tickets to a Cardinals game to an outing at the Lumière Place Casino. From $250 per night

The eclectic, artsy vibe of downtown Austin comes through in the country-chic décor at this upscale resort. Perched above the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, the tricked-out hotel boasts a luxury spa, organic farm and an infinity-edge pool overlooking Texas Hill Country. Choose from a variety of fitness classes, from typical yoga and Pilates to adventurous challenges like a mechanical bull–riding workout class. Outdoor offerings include dirt biking, circuit training the Prickly Pear ropes course. Locally grown, organic food at The Preserve Kitchen + Bar onsite, plus bioenergetic toiletries lessen your footprint and let you relax even more during your stay in peaceful canyon- and nature-view rooms.

Rosewood Hotel’s flagship property in the heart of Dallas was home to a cotton magnate in 1925 before opening as a hotel decades later in 1981. The 16th century Italian Renaissance–style structure welcomes visitors to its 143 rooms and suites with thoughtful touches like hand-written notes and complimentary refreshments. Carefully preserved historical details and greenery throughout the scenic grounds make it easy to forget about the uptown location, which draws celebrities, artists and other socialites year-round. The Mansion Restaurant is renowned for its contemporary American cuisine, which is made with ingredients from local ranchers and purveyors and rivals the fare served at restaurants across the state. Venture out to the lantern-lit terrace to dine fireside and sample the Mansion Bar’s extensive cocktail list, including the signature gin and tonic, mixed with house-made tonic. From $330 per night

Once a center for conversations surrounding literature, art, science and politics, this historic apartment-hotel remains an important landmark of the D.C. area. John Hay, Abraham Lincoln’s personal secretary, and Henry Adams, historian and Harvard professor, once resided on the grounds where the current Italian Renaissance–style structure was later built in 1928. Now 145 exquisitely detailed rooms overlooking Lafayette Square allow visitors to reside across the street from POTUS during their stay. Dine on upscale American cuisine at The Lafayette, then grab a cocktail and rub shoulders with big political players at Off The Record. If you need to work off your indulgences, hit up the fully equipped fitness facility or take to the streets of D.C. on one of the hotel’s complimentary bicycles for a self-guided tour of the area’s popular sites. From $329

This centrally located gem has prime real estate along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The incredible gilded ceiling in the lobby is a bustling gathering place for guests enjoying an afternoon tea. The 20-foot-high, floor-to-ceiling windows overlook an al fresco dining area attached to the Shanghai Terrace restaurant, serving dim sum and more Asian-inspired fare in a smart-casual setting.  All 339 stately rooms are decked out in simple and chic décor and feature bedside tablets that let guests adjust the temperature, lighting and music in their cozy quarters. Stay active during your stay thanks to the state-of-the-art fitness center and glass-enclosed pool with views of Lake Michigan—after a sweat session you can indulge your sweet tooth at the decadent chocolate bar on Friday and Saturday evenings. From $374–$1,950 per night

Just blocks from the best-known address in Washington, D.C., this storied boutique hotel transports visitors back in time. Built in 1923, the gorgeous Beaux Arts building features furnishings and décor inspired by its namesake, Thomas Jefferson, with layered influences from his Monticello plantation home throughout its 95 rooms. Guests can learn plenty about our founding fathers and the capital’s monuments during their stay via chats with in-house historians or by skimming the leather-bound volumes stocked in the beautiful Book Room. Six documents signed by Jefferson himself hang in the lobby, adding to the authenticity of the space, while seasonal dishes at Michelin-starred Plume and cocktails accompanied by live piano tunes amp up the modern elegance. From $305–$675

Getting scared is a big part of the fun of Halloween—but parents shouldn't have to be frightened about their youngster's safety when they head out to trick-or-treat. Kids who have food allergies need to be extra cautious before they chow down on their candy haul, and a nationwide campaign called the Teal Pumpkin Project is trying to ensure a sweet and safe Halloween for kids everywhere. To provide options to those who can't enjoy certain sweets due to food allergies, families are urged to stock up on non-food items to drop in kids' treat bags. Those participating should put a teal painted pumpkin out front alongside their jack-o'-lanterns to alert little ghouls and goblins passing by. Don't have a pumpkin? Food Allergy Research & Educate (FARE), the nonprofit leading the project, has printable signs available for use. Get fun non-food treat ideas and pledge to participate online at tealpumpkinproject.org, then make sure to hit up these free Halloween events in NYC! Sign up to receive great Time Out New York Kids deals in your inbox each day.

Say it ain't so! Could it really be time to send the kids back to school already? Though some youngsters look forward to picking out new school supplies and getting back to the books, most kids (and parents, too!) dread the end of summer. In the video below, four-year-old Andrew is interviewed by a news station on his first day of pre-K, and he seems excited to head to class...at first. As the reporter questions him, he goes from smiley to distraught in a matter of seconds. We feel you, Andrew!  Watch the adorable video and share it if you've got the first-day jitters too! Don't worry, there are still a few more weeks packed with fairs and festivals to round out a fantastic summer.

We've all had clothing envy when it comes to celebrities, and now the stars are even turning their kids into little fashionistas! The good news is, you can dress your tot to the nines too—without breaking the bank. Swedish-based children's clothing line, Livly, recently set up shop in a gorgeous Tribeca storefront, displaying their cute and comfy styles. The clothes are made with organic, Peruvian Pima Cotton, and you can get everything from casual pajamas and cotton T-shirts to tailored jackets and sweet party dresses for reasonable prices under $200. Celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Alba, Miranda Kerr and Neil Patrick Harris are already fans of the brand—who knows, maybe you'll even spot them when you drop by the 1,500-square-foot space!   Photograph courtesy of Livly             Stop in to browse the adorable getups at the NYC flagship store (the only one in the US so far), located at 108 Reade St—there's even a little play space in the store to entertain the little ones while you shop! While you're in the area, visit other kids clothing stores like Jacadi and Gymboree—with so much to offer, Tribeca could soon become one of the best New York City neighborhoods for families. Need some kicks to go with the new outfit? Check out the best kids' shoe stores in NYC.

Most of us were raised on kids’ movies depicting the love stories of handsome princes and beautiful princesses—Cinderella and Prince Charming, Sleeping Beauty and Prince Phillip—but times have changed since then. Frozen fanatics are now pleading for Queen Elsa to have a girlfriend in the sequel, and it seems that, more than ever, there’s a need for LGBT representation in animated flicks. Luckily, there’s a heartfelt fairytale with a different kind of heroine to answer the call! Rosaline, a brand-new animated short on Hulu, tells the story of a brave girl who ventures through the woods on the way to her sweetheart. But Rosaline doesn’t face a tricky witch and a hungry wolf in pursuit of a prince—another young lady has stolen her heart!   Michael Scanlon Written by best-selling children’s author, Daniel Errico (who also wrote the storybook and Hulu series The Bravest Knight Who Ever Lived), Rosaline features the familiar voice of Teri Polo (Meet the Parents, The Fosters) as narrator—an actor also known for her advocacy for equality. The film might help youngsters to better understand their identity or even spark family discussion of LGBT issues, so check out the video below (and on Hulu) for a first look at the adorable short. It’s the perfect flick to hold you over while we wait for Disney’s first lesbian princess to come along!

The BAMkids Film Festival is a hot-ticket event that draws young cinephiles to Brooklyn each year, and we’ve got a sneak peek of the 2016 lineup! The 18th annual fest returns over the weekend of Feb 27–28, screening 71 films from 25 different countries. Get ready to see animated and live-action feature films as well as themed collections of shorts—many even include dialogue in foreign languages to stimulate your little one’s noggin. Check out some highlights to look forward to below, and hold yourself over until then with our list of the 50 best kids movies and the best family movies on Netflix. Grab tickets early for feature flicks like The Secret Society of Souptown—a quirky story about four brave kids who use their hide-and-seek skills to help save their city. It's perfect for kids ages 8 and up and will definitely remind moms and dads of Little Rascals with a mysterious twist. Don't miss Miffy the Movie, an adorable animated movie starring the lovable rabbit from Dutch author Dick Bruna's baby books. Youngsters ages 4–7 will love the interactive aspects as they follow Miffy and her friends on a fun-filled treasure hunt through colorful landscapes. Northwest Film Forum curated several themed series of shorts with motifs such as "Magic Potion" and "Imagine That!" There's something for every age, from mini animal adventures to make-believe worlds to secrets and spells. Make sure to check out more shorts, pulled together by TIFF Kids International Film Festival! Tiny tots age

Finding Nemo is high up on our list of the 50 best kids' movies to watch as a family, and we've been waiting patiently for a sequel since its release. Good news—the wait is almost over! Pixar finally released a trailer for Finding Dory, a follow-up focusing on our favorite forgetful fish, voiced by Ellen Degeneres. Marlin, Nemo and more lovable sea creatures will swim back onto the big screen on June 17, 2017 to dive further into Dory's history, including the story of where she came from and who her family is. Watch the trailer below for a sneak peek and get ready for the film to hit theaters this summer. Until then, keep busy by watching the best family movies on Netflix and seeing real fish at the New York Aquarium—and don't forget to just keep swimming!

Spring is taking a bit longer than usual to arrive this year, but in our opinion, it's never too chilly for ice cream! Ben & Jerry’s is bringing everyone a weekday pick-me-up by doling out free scoops of their wacky flavors on April 12 from noon to 8pm. We know from our ice cream taste test that kids love the stuff, but there's no reason moms and dads can't grab a free scoop, too! Head to the location nearest you to claim your treat—participating shops in NYC include Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Upper West Side (104th and Broadway), Penn Station, the Jamaica Multiplex, Concourse Plaza Multiplex in the Bronx and even JFK Airport. And if Phish Food isn't your favorite, you can always hit up the best ice cream shops in NYC to try other inventive flavors, then keep the day cheap by hitting up these 50 free things to do with kids in the city.

Say it ain't so! After waving farewell to F.A.O. Schwarz last summer, New Yorkers now must say goodbye to another beloved NYC toy store—Toys "R" Us Times Square. A visit to the glitzy, three-story location is on our list of 101 things to do with kids in NYC, so make sure to stop by before the store closes its doors on Dec 30, 2015. Though other Toys "R" Us locations will remain in the city, this one is outfitted with a way-cool, 60-foot ferris wheel that kids adore. Make a final trip this month to take one last spin and, of course, pick up some holiday gifts for kids. Luckily, once the behemoth store is gone, you'll still have these fantastic toy stores in NYC to peruse.

The latest and greatest holiday gifts for kids have changed a ton over the years, which has a lot to do with the evolution of toys. This way-cool video, created by Mode, reminds us which toys were coveted during each decade, from 1910 through the present. Some old-school playthings like marbles lost their luster as time passed, but a few are still childhood favorites decades later—I mean, who doesn’t still love a Slinky? Check out the video below to revisit beloved toys like Tinkertoy, Etch A Sketch, Beanie Babies and beyond. All the nostalgia will have you running to the best toy stores in NYC—don’t forget to stop by Toys “R” Us Times Square before it closes at the end of the month!

Apparently delivering all those iPads and PlayStations each year got Santa Claus thinking about ways to become more tech-savvy! Instead of writing out and mailing their Christmas wish lists, kids can get in touch with the big guy via text this holiday season. Zipwhip, a Seattle-based text messaging provider, hooked him up with a toll-free phone number so youngsters can get their requests to the North Pole at lightning speed (with help from Mom and Dad, of course).  Are your kids ready to send their list? Shoot a text to the Wish List Texting Line at 844-YO-SANTA (844-967-2682), and even include a picture of a Rudolph drawing to help him decorate his North Pole call center! Santa can receive up to 1,000 texts per second, so kids all over the world will be able to reach him. Make sure to keep the phone on hand to see Santa's response—the kids will receive a confirmation text with a link to a video message from Kris Kringle himself. What a fun way to kick off Christmas for kids! For more ways to get in the spirit, check out our favorite Christmas books and Christmas movies for kids.

If your little ones love listening in at story time events, they'll flip for the chance to attend this extra-special gathering with Elmo and his friends from Sesame Street! In celebration of new episodes of the iconic series coming to HBO in January, the furry gang will stop by the New York Public Library to put on a super story time and live performance for families. Youngsters will also have the chance to join the new Everyday Heroes Club, which just requires small acts of kindness to become a member. To reserve a spot at story time, call 866-717-6106, then head to the Celeste Bartos Forum in NYPL's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on December 8 to visit with the friendly characters from 1–2pm. Make sure to tune in to HBO to see exclusive 30-minute episodes starting January 16 (at 9am), and keep an eye out for changes including new themes, fresh opening and closing songs, an updated set and a brand-new castmember named Nina! To keep the tots occupied until then, check out more family-friendly programming from HBO Kids and tune into some of the best kids' shows on TV.

With so many amazing after-school programs on offer in this city, it can be difficult for your youngster to choose just one or two. Luckily, a way-cool, Brooklyn-based startup makes it so they don't have to! The Kid's Passport is virtually ClassPass for kids, allowing families to try out all types of classes (not just at the gym!) in their neighborhood when they pay a flat membership fee. For $99 per month, kids can get in on five classes, ranging from tennis and soccer lessons to theater workshops or music classes—there are even some Mommy and Me classes for parents who want to participate with their little ones. Families can sign up multiple children under one account, so siblings and friends can give it a try, too! Sign-up is easy through the online schedule, which provides information on the class time and location, appropriate age range and what activities or themes to expect. Parents can register their kids as far as two weeks in advance and if you need to cancel, just make sure to do so at least an hour before class time. Though most Kid's Passport classes are currently offered in Brooklyn (Park Slope, Dumbo, Fort Greene, and everywhere in between) you can find classes at a few Manhattan venues on the schedule. Some of our favorite local learning centers, including Baby DJ School, Carmelo the Science Fellow and Super Soccer Stars are offering classes through the system already—your kiddos will have an endless supply of indoor activities to keep them busy all winter!