Diana Kim

Diana Kim has been a contributor to Mommy Poppins for nearly 8 years. A Brooklyn mom of three (ages 7-16), she loves exploring family-friendly events and activities in Brooklyn and sharing the best finds with readers.

Latest posts by Diana

Your 2-Day Itinerary for a Kid-Approved Fall Weekend in the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Diana Kim on Fri, 09/12/2025 - 10:27am

Apple picking is one of the family-friendly fall activities you can enjoy in the Hudson Valley with Kids. Photo courtesy of the author

While the Hudson Valley is a great family getaway destination year-round, it's especially gorgeous for family weekend trips in the fall. With the colorful foliage on full display, the weather is perfect for going apple picking, navigating corn mazes, taking scenic drives, and attending fall festivals.

There's so much to do in the Hudson Valley in the fall, it's hard to know where to start if you've never been. I've created an ideal two-day itinerary for a fall family getaway that takes advantage of the best that the Hudson Valley has to offer. Read on for my top picks for things to do during a seasonal family weekend trip.

Looking for more ideas for family-friendly getaways? Consider one of these 30 fall day trips from NYC, and find more ideas for fall travel in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Top NYC Views for Kids: Best Observation Decks and Tips for Visiting

Submitted by Diana Kim on Fri, 09/05/2025 - 10:13am

Innovative design brings the skyline inside the observation deck at Summit One Vanderbilt. Photo by Jody Mercier

New Yorkers and tourists alike love a view, and when it comes to finding a NYC observation deck to take in the sights, there are five to choose from. Each offers breathtaking NYC views of the iconic skyline.

From Lower Manhattan's One World Observatory to the classic experience at Midtown's Empire State Building and the awesome inside-out immersion of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, how do you choose which observation deck in NYC to visit with kids for the best views?

We've done the legwork for you, visiting each of NYC's iconic observation decks and detailing the experiences so you can choose the best observation deck in NYC for you and your family. Take heart, though, no matter which NYC observation deck you choose, there's no bad view in sight.

For more insider tips, check out our local guide to NYC's top attractions and our comprehensive NYC Visitors Guide.

From Swings to Spray Showers: Rainey Park Reopens in Astoria with a Kid-Friendly Makeover

Submitted by Diana Kim on Tue, 08/26/2025 - 12:00pm

Rainey Park is fresh off a full renovation that brought new playground equipment and accessible features.

Queens residents have a new public space for their enjoyment with the reopening of Rainey Park in Astoria. After extensive renovations, Rainey Park boasts new playground equipment, fitness areas, spray showers, a new greenway, and increased access for those with disabilities. Read on to find out all you need to know about this new park.

Find more places to play in our NYC Kids' Guide to Parks and Playgrounds and the our list of the best things to do in Queens.

Heat Wave Hot List: 51 Cool Things To Do in NYC with Kids

Submitted by Diana Kim on Fri, 07/25/2025 - 10:26am

Make a splash at Coney Island when you need to beat the heat in NYC. Photo by author

As summer weather sizzles, we're searching for the best things to do to beat the heat in New York City. There's no denying the heat and humidity can get under the skin of even the most tropical-weather-loving New Yorker. To beat the heat, my kids (and my inner child) insist any outing includes water, industrial-strength air conditioning, or a visit to a local ice cream parlor.

While we enjoy hitting NYC's FREE public pools and running around the sprinklers (oh yes, I get in there, too), lately, we've been longing for more diverse destinations to keep kids cool during a heat wave. That inspired us to round up 51 cool places to beat the heat in New York City this summer.

NYC After-Dark Activities for Teens: Fun, Safe Things for Teens To Do

Submitted by Diana Kim on Fri, 07/18/2025 - 10:01am

Teens love competing at Beat the Bomb, where they'll be paint bombed if they don't escape in time. Photo by the author

New York City teens are so fortunate to have the city at their fingertips. While NYC teens want to go out and enjoy the nightlife, parents want to ensure the NYC teen activities they're engaging in are safe. For parents with teens looking for things to do after hours, we've rounded up a great list of NYC teen activities that are fun, safe, and affordable.

After dark, the city is full of teen activities from teen nights at local museums to reduced-fare Broadway shows, thrilling escape rooms, game nights, and sporting events. These activities are all teen-approved and cover a wide range of interests and passions.

Find more things to do in NYC with teens in our NYC Teens Guide to Fun Things To Do, and bookmark this list of anytime teen-friendly activities in NYC.

My Perfect Day in NYC: A Walk on the Brooklyn Bridge

Submitted by Diana Kim on Mon, 07/14/2025 - 12:25pm

A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is a fun diversion—and photo-op—in any season. Photo by Diana Kim

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world and one of NYC's top attractions for families. Whether you're a visitor or a local, walking the Brooklyn Bridge with kids should definitely be on your NYC bucket list.

The iconic suspension bridge was built in 1883 and became the first East River crossing to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn. It spans just over 6,000 feet—or 1.1 miles—and is made up of approximately 13,000 wooden planks.

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge with kids makes for a great family activity and one that's FREE to boot. Plan a perfect family day in NYC with our Brooklyn Bridge walking itinerary, which includes tips for walking the Brooklyn Bridge with kids, nearby activities on both the Brooklyn and Manhattan sides, and FAQs for a fun and stress-free adventure.

Find all our top things to do in our Visitor's Guide to New York City.

Choose-Your-Own Culinary Adventure at these Unique Foodie Experiences in NYC

Submitted by Diana Kim on Tue, 07/01/2025 - 3:31pm

Shirokuro is a black-and-white destination that's 100 percent hand-drawn and makes it feel like you're dining inside a doodle. Photo by Jody Mercier

New York is the ultimate city for foodies, including for kids with adventurous palates. While there are restaurants on just about every corner with nearly every possible cuisine to sample, there are also lots of unique and fun food experiences for NYC kids to discover. Think interactive cooking, edible adventures, and one-of-a-kind dining experiences. If you've got a budding foodie in your house, we've rounded up eight culinary adventures sure to create some tasty memories.

For more tips on dining out in NYC with kids, check out our comprehensive NYC Kids' Guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants. We've got neighborhood-specific information about the best places to eat and the best insider tips.

Easy Summer Weekend Getaways from NYC for Families

Submitted by Diana Kim on Fri, 05/02/2025 - 3:38pm

Plan a hiking trip during your visit to the Poconos for a summer weekend getaway. Photo by Ally Noel

Summer travel is on the horizon, and with a slew of kid-friendly escapes just a few hours from New York City, the hardest part of planning a weekend getaway from NYC could be deciding whether you want a woodsy outdoor adventure, a quiet beach town, an island escape, or a historical expedition. No matter what you decide, we've rounded up 10 summer weekend getaway destinations full of fun, and all are less than three hours from NYC by car or train.

You can find more travel inspiration in our Local Day Trips Guide and on our East Coast Family Travel Guide.

Diana Kim

Latest posts by Diana

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