Drew Kristofik

Drew Kristofik’s career took a twist from editing teen magazines to a seven-year stint at MacNeil/Lehrer, followed by a long run at Nickelodeon/Viacom as Director of Content for Nick Online and Editor-in-Chief of ParentsConnect.com. A founding member of the Webby Award-winning GoCityKids, she’s written for Family Fun, Vanity Fair, and New York. Her middle school novel, The Time Boat, is available on Amazon Kindle. Drew keeps the MommyPoppins New York Events calendar spot-on and can be reached at events@mommypoppins.com.

Latest posts by Drew

Top Free Halloween Events in NYC in 2025: BAMBoo!, Great PUPkin, Labubu Fest, and More

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Fri, 09/26/2025 - 2:33pm

Hit The High Line in costume to celebrate all things creepy and crawly on Saturday, October 25. Photo by Liz Ligon/courtesy of The High Line

What's the one way to make costume-and-candy-filled NYC Halloween events even sweeter? Make them free! In New York City, there are loads of no-cost Halloween celebrations in 2025, whether you're looking for preschooler Halloween events or you've got a teen who can't wait to be spooked.

There are no tricks here: We're giving parents the best treat of all with this roundup of free Halloween events in New York City for kids, including big annual favorites like downtown Brooklyn's BAMBoo!, the Pumpkin Pageant in Inwood, and much more. We'll even tell you how to score a free Halloween costume or two.

So, get dolled up and leave your wallets at home for these free Halloween events in New York City, and find everything from NYC's best trick-or-treating spots to splurge-worthy Halloween events in our New York City Kids' Guide to Halloween.

Best Halloween Events in NYC 2025 for Kids and Families

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Sun, 09/21/2025 - 6:58am

The Bronx Zoo celebrates Boo at the Zoo with family activities all October long. Photo by Julie Larsen Maher

Halloween is one of the best nights to be a kid in NYC, and our 2025 list of the best Halloween events in New York City includes can't-miss Halloween activities from Manhattan to Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and even some top-notch picks in the 'burbs.

We've rounded up our favorite 2025 Halloween events in NYC for families, including perennial kid-pleasers, like BAMBoo!, Boo at the Zoo, and the big Village Halloween Parade.

So, read on for our curated list of the best Halloween events in New York City for kids, and start planning your spooky fun. Our Family Activity Calendar, and our New York City Kids' Halloween Guide are jam-packed with more seasonal fun, including top pumpkin patches and the best local costume stores to get you ready for the big night.

Best 2025 Pumpkin Patches and Harvest Festivals in NYC

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Thu, 09/18/2025 - 12:46pm

Don your costumes and get your hands on some pumpkins and plenty of seasonal fun at Brooklyn Bridge Park's annual Harvest Festival. Photo by Etienne Frossard/courtesy of the park

If you think harvest festivals are the stuff of far-flung farmland, we're here to tell you that you don't have to leave NYC for an authentic harvest experience. NYC is jam-packed with fall activities, including pumpkin patches, hayrides, and even our very own corn maze. So, grab the kids and get primed for fall fun, no car rental necessary.

Of course, if you're looking for a more traditional pumpkin-picking experience, be sure to check out our favorite pumpkin patches near NYC. You can find more seasonal picks in our NYC Kids' Guide to Fall Fun, including our favorite fall festivals in NYC.

61 Free Activities in NYC September 2025 for Kids

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Mon, 09/01/2025 - 12:29pm

Italian pride—and tasty eats—are on the menu at the annual Feast of San Gennaro, which takes over Little Italy in September. Photo by Jody Mercier

Back-to-school season can be expensive, but we've found 61 free things to do in NYC with kids this September. Our picks for free things to do include the last few bites of summer fun at Little Italy's Feast of San Gennaro, the big Brooklyn Book Festival (with a special appearance by Mommy Poppins herself, Anna Fader!), and a Mommy Poppins-sponsored back-to-school bash at Pier 57.

Plus, Broadway is staging a free concert in celebration of NYC's 400th birthday!

Read on for the best free things to do in New York City this September with kids, including events in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Find more top events on our always-packed Family Activity Calendar.

Best 2025 Fall Festivals and Fairs in NYC this September and October

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Sun, 08/31/2025 - 10:08am

Try your hand at corn husking and more analog entertainment during the Corn Fest at the Queens County Farm Museum. Photo courtesy of the Queens County Farm Museum

Fall festivals in NYC punctuate the changing of seasons with all the pleasures autumn conjures: apple cider doughnuts, hay rides, the hunt for the perfect pumpkin, and cozy family vibes. New York City fall festival favorites include the Richmond County Fair, the West Side County Fair, and the Brooklyn Children's Book Fair. Plus, Mommy Poppins is hosting a Back to School Fall Fest at Pier 57 on Sunday, September 21, and programming Playtopia at the Atlantic Antic on Sunday, October 5, with help from our friends at Brooklyn Bridge Parents.

There are also some cool under-the-radar events you may not have heard of, including an Italian fair in the Bronx that is a lot less crowded than Little Italy's San Gennaro and the Annual Bus Festival in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

22 Best Things To Do in NYC with Kids September 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Fri, 08/29/2025 - 7:54am

All aboard for a day of fun when vintage transit vehicles take over Brooklyn Bridge Park for the New York Transit Museum's annual bus festival. Photo courtesy of the museum

Labor Day kicks off September's activities, launching New York City's season of apple picking, fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes.

September is here, and even though the kids are heading back to school, there's still plenty of time for fun. The West Side County Fair provides some end-of-summer thrills with rides, games, and plenty of live music. Broadway salutes New York's 400th birthday with a massive free concert. And, Morningside Lights and San Gennaro light up the town from the Heights to Little Italy.

Meanwhile, we're hosting a very special Back-to-School Fall Fest in Chelsea. And, by month's end, things are getting spooky—read on for all the seasonal picks!

Labor Day Weekend 2025 in NYC: Festivals, Fairs, and More Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Fri, 08/29/2025 - 7:42am

Enjoy roving performers, kid-friendly activities, and plenty of good eats when the Richmond County Fair takes over Historic Richmond Town for its annual run. Photo courtesy of the event

Looking for the best things to do in New York City this Labor Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the holiday weekend.

Summer takes a final victory lap this weekend, and the Labor Day holiday means the NYC Unicycle Festival is one-wheeling all around town, the Richmond County Fair brings rides and carnival classics to Staten Island, Bryant Park is saluting both accordions and Sly Stone (but not at the same time!), and A Midsummer Night's Dream romps through Central park, unrehearsed.

Best Tennis Classes in NYC for Kids: Top Spots for Indoor and Outdoor Lessons

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Thu, 08/28/2025 - 11:09am

Advantage Tennis offers kid-friendly tennis classes at a variety of locations citywide. Photo courtesy of Advantage Tennis

From tots to teens, New York City is home to kids' tennis classes for a wide range of ages and abilities. From outdoor tennis courts to some intriguing indoor options, you can find many tennis lessons in NYC, plus youth tennis leagues running year-round.

Find more tennis classes and tennis programs in NYC for kids in our directory of classes and listings. Bookmark our New York City Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes in NYC for kids of all ages and interests.

Drew Kristofik

Latest posts by Drew

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