American Dream Mall

East Rutherford, NJ

American Dream Mall

There’s nothing much I can say here except for: HOLY MOLY! As of December 2019, the Rink, Nickelodean Theme Park, and Snow Slopes are open. The indoor water park is slated to open by year’s end. This is not a day trip people. It is several day trips. I highly suggest booking a nearby hotel for a couple days and experiencing this mall over several visits. Of course there is an admission price to these all. Check the website linked above for details and prices. When I went to scope it out over thanksgiving weekend, all that were officially open were the ice skating rink and the Nickelodeon Theme Park. Every person (minus babies) who enters the theme park must pay an admission price, even if they are not going to be going on any rides. It is not ticket based so be ready to spend around $44 a head to enter! Also, the stores and food court won’t be open until March of 2020. Google as much as you can before you go so you are in the know.

See the jaw dropping videos below for a better idea!

 

CoolMess

Roslyn, NY

free parking lot

www.coolmess.com

A fantastic activity with kids any age or gender, this is both an ice cream shop and a diner in one! Whether you just want to buy some ice cream and chose from a variety of toppings including candy, chocolate and cereal. Or if you want to actually make your own and pay to sit a table and get an ice cream making machine. You can chose vanilla or chocolate ice cream as a base and three topping. This is super fun any season and a great space. They also have a birthday party room as well as a side room with some toys.

View the gallery above and videos below for a better idea.  Please add your feedback in the comments section and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for live adventures.  And don't forget to share with your friends if you appreciate this page. 

 

Active Kidz Long Island

Jericho, NY

Admission Fee, free parking lot

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

www.activekidzlongisland.com

I was always interested in visiting this place with my young boys. There were always Groupon deals available, but I wasn’t willing to take the risk to drive 40 minutes and be disappointed. So when my older son was invited to a birthday here, it was the perfect opportunity to go scope out the scene. This is by far may favorite indoor space on Long Island for the children! It has an inflatable fun zone, an adventure maze, laser tag, an arcade, rock climbing and more. Your entry fee is based on what activity you prefer to do the given day. At the birthday party, we had access to the adventure maze and laser tag which were fantastic. The adventure maze is perfect for kids I’d say up to ten years old and the laser tag for five and older! Adults can play too! Definitely check out this place on a weekend or a school break!

View the videos below for a better idea.  Please add your feedback in the comments section and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for live adventures.  And don't forget to share with your friends if you appreciate this page. 

 

Oculus

New York, NY

Free admission

www.wtc.com

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

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If you are visiting NYC for a short time, squeeze this in your itinerary.  If you live here and haven't seen this recently opened World Trade Center Transportation Hub, put it on the list of things you must see once in your lifetime.  This is truly one of the most unique structures I've ever seen (the inside is as breathtaking if not more than the outside).  Think Grand Central Terminal meets the 21st century.  Not only will you marvel at the architecture, you are also able to shop at boutique and specialty stores here, visit the Freedom Tower, and enjoy the rest of the beauty Downtown Manhattan has to offer.  

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

Nearby:

Battery Park

Staten Island Ferry

Brooklyn Bridge

South Street Seaport and The Circle Line

 

Brooklyn Museum

Brooklyn, NY

www.brooklynmuseum.org

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See Brooklyn Botanical Gardens for more information.

Chelsea Market

Chelsea, NY
 

Optimum Season:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

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See The High Line for more information.

Jewish Children's Museum

Crown Heights, Brooklyn

Street Parking

Optimum Season:  Fall, Winter, Spring

Jewish Children's Museum

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I was beyond impressed with this museum.  It is probably my favorite in all of New York for the children (it is just a great testament to Judaism and so kid-friendly and interactive).  And as an orthodox Jew who is glatt kosher, this is the best place to go and easily find restaurants to dine with the kids afterwards (as long as you have your admission bracelets, you can walk back into the museum after you have had a lunch break).  There is a Mendy's and a kosher bakery on the first floor of the building, a boutique kosher supermarket a block a way, and Basil (for great kosher italian food)  and Boeuf and Bun (my personal favorite hamburger join in NYC) just steps away.  

Parking happened to be easy the day we went.  I chose this particular Sunday in February because they had a Hamantash preparing workshop.  Definitely visit this museum when there are specific events related to the Jewish holidays.  Makes the experience extra special.

There is miniature golf on the 5th floor on an enclosed deck (there was slight drizzle the day we went and a bit too cold but we were able to play anyway).  I loved the life-like kosher supermarket with children sized carts and cashiers, the recreation of the Western Wall with paper and pencil available to write your prayers, the 7 days of creation exhibit, the Noah's ark play area and every other single inch!  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Prospect Park, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park Zoo and the must see neighborhood of Park Slope are just a few blocks away.  If you go in the Spring, Summer or Fall, it's worth hitting up both places!  Trust me!

View the gallery above and videos below for a better idea.  Please add your feedback in the comments section and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for live adventures.  And don't forget to share with your friends if you appreciate this page.  

 

F Train (Elevated in Brooklyn)

Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens

Subway (elevated in some parts of Brooklyn)

Metrocard

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

www.mta.info

A few stops into Brooklyn, the F train emerges from its tunnel into the picturesque neighborhood of Carroll Gardens, where it rises and runs elevated over Park Slope.  Get out at the beautifully renovated Smith-9th Street stop and enjoy the views across Brooklyn to Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty from the platform--the highest elevated point of New York's train system.

This subway also makes a stop at Prospect Park so if you don't have a car, don't feel like looking for parking, and live close enough to the F train in any of the aforementioned boroughs, definitely pay for a MetroCard and visit this park at least once in your life!  The last stop from Manhattan to Brooklyn is Coney Island.  How many cities in the world can you access a beach by a subway system? New York City offers it all!  

I grew up in Kew Gardens, Queens.  I grew up on the F train!  Unfortunately, living in a suburb on Long Island, my children don't get this experience that is so uniquely New York.   One day when we were in the city enjoying Central Park, I decided that it was the perfect day just to introduce my children to NYC's subway system!   Check the video below for the views of the Statue of Liberty when riding on the F train, and the excitement on my kids' faces!

Click on the gallery above to view pictures, the video below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

Muddworks

Great Neck, NY

$8 per one hour per person, $12 cheapest pottery piece (a letter)

Optimum Seasons:  Winter or a Rainy Day

www.mudd-works.com

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If your children love to paint and decorate, take them here where they can create artwork on a pottery piece of your choice.  This is a wonderful and therapeutic activity for parents and children alike.  I have not been with my sons as they don't have enough attention span to sit and paint, but I took advantage of babysitting my nieces one day and going with them!  This is an adorable place with great service!  If you are on a tight budget and you have a few children, have them share one pottery piece and let them know you don't want to glaze the piece.  You may get a better price this way.  I couldn't glaze the piece as it takes a week to get ready and my nieces were leaving back home for Toronto.  

On Thursday nights from 6-9 they have adult night so you don't always have to go with your children.  Gather your friends or go with your spouse!  Call in advance to see if there is a special promotion on that day!  

Check the gallery above for a better idea (best viewed on desktop for captions).  Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures.  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate!!!

 

Chocolate Works

Manhasset, NY

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

www.chocolateworks.com or www.facebook.com/ManhassetChocolateWorks

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Chocolate here is Kosher, but beware, the candy is not!  Call in advance and you can reserve a 45 minute session for $15.  You can create your own chocolate bar or lollypops here.  Wonderful, creative and delicious activity to do with your children!

Click the gallery above and add your comments and feedback below.  Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures.  And share this page if you appreciate.

 

Chuck E. Cheese's

New York, NY

Buy tickets for arcade games

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

www.chuckecheese.com

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See Dave & Buster's.  Same idea!  I buy minimum tickets here and stay for hours!  I have only been to the one in Flushing, where you have to pay for indoor parking.  Twice was more than enough for my eyes and theirs to see! This is a great time killer when the kids are off from school, but not really my cup of tea!  Tip:  If you want to avoid paying for parking, go to the Chuck E Cheese's in Hicksville.

Kill two birds with one stone:  Shop around the mall if you go to the one in Flushing. 

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

 

Local Library

New York, NY

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

You can always kill an hour or two at the local library with your children! Increase your childrens' awareness of books and gets them interested from a young age to read, read, and read some more!  Nothing brings me more joy than watching my child independently choose a book and sit down on a chair in the library and read it out loud!

For an added bonus, some libraries offer free tickets or discounted tickets to places to go to with your children.

For residents of Great Neck check www.greatnecklibrary.org for a list of Free Museum Passes offered.  Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis for a three-day loan.  Passes cannot be reserved or renewed.  Many of the places on this list I have gone to in the past.  Had I known that I could have gotten a free pass, I would have been up at least $500 in my bank account today.  I want to die. Take advantage of this great resource.

For residents of other towns, call your local library and see if they offer something similar!

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Dave and Buster's

New York, NY

Buy tickets for arcade games

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

www.daveandbusters.com

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My children are extremely low maintenance!  And perhaps, not too bright!  I can walk into any arcade and have them sit on a driver's seat with a steering wheel, and they actually think they are playing the game.  I don't spend one dollar whenever I go here, and my children experience joy all the same!  Also, the Dave and Buster's located in the Source mall is wonderful because it has a Carousel ride for children!  

Check the gallery above for pictures (best viewed on desktop for captions) and add your comments below.  Follow me on instagram and facebook for life adventures.  And share this page if you appreciate!

 

Bowling

New York, NY

Fee for Bowling Lane

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

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Any local bowling alley should get the job done here!  Or if you want to go on a real adventure, head to Manhattan's Chelsea Piers or the super hip Bowlmor Times Square.  Always look out for groupon deals as well! 

Check the gallery above (best viewed on desktop for captions) add your comments below.  Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures. And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

Pump It Up

Manhasset, NY

Admission Fee, free parking lot

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

www.pumpitupparty.com

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Pump It Up, or more fittingly, Suck It Up, is an indoor gym with different sized jumping castles.  Bring an oxygen mask (there is nothing resembling air in this place), a beach chair (or seating), and a bottle of water and snacks for your children.  Too bad my kids love it here!!!!!!  

Check the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions) and add your comments below.  Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures.  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page.

 

Sesame Street Live

Madison Square Garden, NY

Price Varies

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

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Mark your calendars!  The show runs every year in February and may or may not have a groupon deal.  It is just a delight for young children!  I was shocked that my anxious son was able to sit through the entire show when I went years ago.  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  MSG is in the heart of Manhattan.  Just walk out of the building, and walk around with your children.  Madison Square Park has a playground for kids and Eataly is right across the street.  Bryant Park ice skating is around the corner!  Bowmar Times Square is blocks away!  Go to the top of the Empire State Building or 30 Rock!  There is so much to do with the children, you'll need more than one trip!

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Once Upon a Tree Top

Plainview, NY

indoors witch children

Admission Fee, free parking lot

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

www.onceuponatreetop.com

If you want to experience hell before you die, but unfortunately, what seems like heaven for your children, this is the place to visit during winter break. And if you want a sure thing for either the flu, stomach virus, or common cold, definitely stop by here for a couple hours (one of which is just waiting on a line with screaming children).  With all that said, this is a great place for children to let their imaginations run wild!  So definitely visit at least once in your life and theirs!

Check the video below for a better idea and add your comments.  Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures.  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page.

 

City Rooftops

New York, NY

No admission fee

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

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I stayed at Le Parker Meridien for my 5 year anniversary. This is a hotel located in the heart of Manhattan with an indoor pool on it's top floor.  The pool has panoramic views of Manhattan's East River, Central Park, and Hudson River.  It was an experience like no other.  

I was in the city another day with my mother in law and children and decided to rooftop hop from hotel to hotel.  In the gallery, I also have pics of boutique hotels' rooftops such as Ganseevort Meatpacking, Dream Downtown, Ganseevort Park Avenue, the NoMad, Trumo Soho, and the James Hotel.  Most of these have bars and all are worth seeing!  

I also recommend 230 5th Avenue rooftop (video below).  You can find images online of their heated igloos on their rooftop in the winter with breathtaking views of the Empire State Building! Highly recommend you bundle up, order a hot chocolate and snuggle in an igloo with friends!

And to get the best view of the city, and for the best price, visit the Observatory Deck at 30 Rock.  This cost $35 per adult and free for children under 6.  You get panoramic views of manhattan from smack in the middle of the city.  I'm sure Empire State Building and the Freedom Tower offer magnificent views as they are taller, but then who wants to see the city without a view of the iconic Empire State Building and Freedom Tower?

If you venture out of the city, you will get breathtaking views of the entire skyline. The single best view of all of NYC is by far and a way at the William Vale Hotel’s rooftop! Be prepared to pay a bit more for drinks, but well worth it!

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures! And share with your friends if you appreciate this page.

Hello, World!

Long Island Children's Museum

Garden City, NY

Admission Fee (free passes available at some libraries), free parking lot

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

www.licm.org

This is a wonderful place to go with your children on a Sunday in the winter or during school break.  You can stay here for hours...but note that there is just a vending machine with a few snacks.  Make sure you have fed your children before or you bring lunch.  

For acquiring free passes, contact your local library.  For Great Neck residents, click here www.greatnecklibrary.org.

Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures.  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page.

New York Hall of Science

New York, NY

Admission Fee (free on Sundays in winter from 10am to 11am), free parking lot

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

www.nysci.org

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This is the clean and updated version of the Children's Museum in Nassau county.  There is so much to do here for children of all ages!  Just take a look at their website for all the information.  I went here on a Sunday when the museum is free admission between 9am and 12pm.  It was a cold day with nothing else to do so this was a perfect option.  We spent a couple hours here but could have easily stayed longer!  

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!