Osaka – Where to Go, Eat, and Drink

While in Japan, we made a visit to the island of Honshu to spend time in Osaka. Our visit there was full of sight-seeing and eating (of course). Osaka is known for its happening nightlife and fantastic street food, and I am happy to report that it lived up to its hyped reputation! Think of this as an introduction to all things Osaka.

Osaka Sights to See

A visit to Osaka should be composed of shopping and sightseeing. Luckily, we did both!

Shinsaibashi – A trip to Osaka is not complete without a visit to Shinsaibashi, which is entertainment central. It is a popular shopping destination known for its many high-end retailers. Additionally, it is home to several restaurants and nightclubs. Now that I’ve visited, it’s easy to see why visitors to this street number about 60,000 on weekdays and about 120,000 on weekends and holidays.

Dotonbori – Another popular entertainment of Osaka, Dotonbori is a colorful area that borders the Dotonbori Canal and is known for its many bright neon lights. It has several restaurants and bars, as well as many street food stalls.

Osaka Castle Park – The main landmark of Osaka is Osaka Castle Park. The centuries-old castle has been rebuilt and renovated many times over. When you tour the castle, you may be surprised by how modern it is inside, but they have retained the history within the castle museum. In addition to the castle, the park is beautiful with an amazing garden and 600 cherry trees.

Osaka Foods to Try

If you have been following along with my Asia travel blog series, then you know the biggest part of all our visits was the food. We love to try new foods, and Osaka is known for serving usual and delicious dishes.

Takoyaki – This is a ball-shaped wheat-based snack you can find at street food stalls that are filled with octopus. Takoyaki is also fondly known as “octopus balls.”

Okonomiyaki – Another popular dish in Osaka is okonomiyaki, which is a pancake made of batter and cabbage that is filled and topped with a variety of ingredients.

Fugu – While we didn’t try it, Osaka does have restaurants that serve Fugu – toxic puffer fish. This is a Japanese delicacy where even the smallest mistake by a chef can prove fatal to the person eating it.

Akari Soba – We enjoyed dining at Akari Soba, which serves delicious soba and tempura. This restaurant is located in the busy area of Dotonbori and made our visit here even better.

Kyoto Tsuruya Sabou – Located in the Hilton Plaza, this dessert café was wonderful! We enjoyed matcha desserts.

Why a Visit to Osaka Must Include an Izakaya

Photo: AllAbout-Japan

An izakaya is a Japanese bar, and Osaka is covered with them. When in Osaka, you must visit an izakaya to enjoy a sake or a drink. After spending the day shopping in Shinsaibashi, an evening spent in an izakaya is the perfect way to finish out a day filled with fun and food.

A Peaceful Visit to the Beautiful Kyoto

No visit to Japan is complete without a visit to the beautiful Kyoto. As we explored and ate our way through Kyoto, I was delighted to see some many landmarks in real life. Kyoto is a Japanese dream filled with the temples and shrines we are accustomed to seeing on films and in magazines. As we took in the sights, I was also very aware of how peaceful and relaxing Kyoto was in comparison to other stops on our Asian adventure.

Where We Went and What We Saw

To help you plan your trip to Kyoto, I am sharing about all the amazing places we visited that should make everyone’s must-see list.

Kinkaku-Ji – Also known as The Golden Pavilion, this temple is quite possibly the most widely recognized image of Kyoto. The golden temple sits on a pond that reflects its image. This temple is also unique because it was rebuilt in 1955 after it was burned a few years earlier.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – Located about 30 minutes from Kyoto is Arashiyama, which is home to the most amazing bamboo forest in the world. Visitors can walk the path through the bamboo forest where the bamboo stalks soar high up into the sky. It is beautiful and awe-inspiring.

Kiyomizu-dera – One of the most tranquil spots in Kyoto has been around for over 1200 years and also offers the most amazing view. The Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is a temple to Kannon (a deity of mercy and compassion), sits halfway up Mt. Otowa allowing guests the opportunity to pay their respects and see the stunning view.

Maruyama Park – This park in Kyoto is a prime spot for cherry blossom viewing and sits next to the Yasaka Shrine. Not only does the park offer pretty views, but there are also restaurants nearby.

Nara Park – One of the most unforgettable parts of our visit to Kyoto was visiting Japan’s popular deer park that has been around since 1880. At this park, the deer come right up to you and eat out of your hand! It was incredible.

Fushimi Inari Taisha – A visit to this 1300-year-old head shrine is one I will never forget. It sits at the base of a mountain, and you can walk the trails to visit the smaller shrines.

What We Ate

The only thing that could make our peaceful and tranquil visit to Kyoto better was delicious food. And Kyoto did not let us down! We ate so well. We were relaxed mentally, and our bellies were full – a perfect combination.

Nikunotakumi Miyoshi – This restaurant offers traditional Japanese meat dishes, such as Shabu-Shabu and steak. Known for offering only the best (such as Kobe beef, Omi beef, and the rare Matsuzaka beef), our meal was delicious and worth every penny.

Sushi Matsumoto – One of the premiere sushi spots in Kyoto, this 1 star Michelin restaurant uses the freshest seafood from local fish markets.

Omen Kodai-Ji Branch – As the restaurant name suggests, this restaurant serves hearty bowls of omen (udon) noodles. The popularity of this Japanese noodle dish often means waiting in lines to get a seat.

Gion Nishikawa – Serving only the freshest and best fish and vegetables, it was easy to see why this restaurant holds 2 Michelin star rating. Their food is even designed with ingredients to make guests feel relaxed!

Gion Uokeya U – This restaurant is known for their dish called Uoke, unagi eel rice bowl that is served in a wooden bucket. We are glad we made it a point to try this unique dish while in Gion.

Japanese Matcha Desserts – Of course, we had our share of matcha desserts while we were there. Matcha desserts are made from green tea, so they are easy to find all around Japan. For example, we visited Saryo Suisen to try one of their famous green tea sweets.

Tokyo Must-Sees and Must-Eats

While in Asia, we visited three spots in Japan. Today, I’m telling you all about my visit to Japan’s capital, Tokyo and why you need to add it to your travel bucket list. In Tokyo, you can experience everything from crazy sophisticated robotics to sumo wrestling to Michelin starred dining. Let’s just say, we once again ate our way through this destination, and the food is reason enough to visit!

Places You Must See in Tokyo

We were a little bummed to only have two days in Tokyo because there is so much cool stuff to do there and so many incredible places to visit. However, even though we didn’t get to visit every place I’m listing today, these popular spots still made my list because I really (really) wanted to see them and plan to make them a priority on my next visit.

Meiji Jingu Temple

On this trip, we had a chance to visit the most popular Shinto shrine in Tokyo. The Meiji Jingu Temple is home to the beautiful prayer wall where visitors can tie prayers or wishes to the prayer wall. Once you enter through the torii gate made from a 1500-year-old cypress tree and enter the 200-acres, the temple grounds are serene and peaceful. It was incredible to be in such a tranquil environment within the bustling capital.

Shubuya Crossing

We also made sure to visit the most famous intersection in Tokyo, Shubuya Crossing. This landmark road intersection is quintessential Tokyo with huge television screens lighting up the buildings. Even if you have not been to Tokyo, you’ve likely seen it as it has appeared in films and music videos. Shubuya Crossing is also the place to be as evidenced by the massive amounts of people who spill out into the crosswalks when the light changes. It was one of the coolest stops on our tour of Tokyo.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

This beautiful park is popular with the locals and tourists. It offers a pleasant escape from the busyness of the city and is THE spot to view the cherry blossom trees when they are in full bloom. 

Ueno Park

On my next visit, I hope to spend time at Ueno Park, which is a huge public park that is home to several temples, museums, and the Ueno Zoo. With museums dedicated to art, Tokyo’s history, and science, there is plenty to see here.

Harajuku

The fashionista in me is dying to visit the Harajuku neighborhood in Japan. This popular neighborhood is known for fashion and pop culture. Visitors can enjoy the colorful art displays throughout the neighborhood and browse through fashion boutiques to find the latest trends.

Food You Must Eat in Tokyo

Of course, our trip would not be complete without sampling some of the must-have eats around Tokyo. Below, I am highlighting my favorites meals from the trip and the restaurants I highly recommend in Tokyo.

Sushi Kyubey

Naturally, we visited the most well-known sushi place in Tokyo - Sushi Kyubey. The high-end sushi shop is very large and loud, and the sushi is delish! After eating sushi in such a lively atmosphere, it is easy to see why Sushi Kyubey is featured in all the guide books.

Kanmidokoro Hatsune

My husband and I were thrilled to have the opportunity to visit Kanmidokoro Hatsune, which has been serving its signature anmitsu since 1837! Anmitsu is a dessert that has red beans, agar jelly cubes, fruit, mochi balls, and syrup. The sweets shop’s long-lasting reputation has been secured by continuing to use domestic ingredients.

Michelin Star Ramen at Nakiryu

If you love ramen, then you absolutely have to visit the Michelin-star rated Nakiryu. We waited over an hour IN THE RAIN to try this ramen place in Tokyo. And, I have to say it was one of the best meals we had while traveling in Japan. It is Michelin-Star rated for a reason!

Tempura Abe Ginza Honten

We also visited the high-end gourmet tempura restaurant, Tempura Kondo in Ginza. Our meal was incredible! Our meals were composed of the perfect ingredients and fried lightly. It’s no wonder the restaurant has been shown on television!

How to Fly Singapore Suites for Free and My Time in Singapore Suites

My recent trip to Asia became a dream come true as soon as I arrived at JFK because I knew I was about to embark on the most luxurious plan trip of my life. My husband and I had booked Singapore Suites through Singapore Airlines. If you have not heard of Singapore Suites before, prepare to be amazed. If you have heard of Singapore Suites and desperately want to enjoy them yourself, I can tell you how you can make it happen.

Why Singapore Suites Should Be On Everyone’s Bucket List

When you are traveling across the world in a plane for several hours, the last thing you want is to be in a small cramped airplane seat. Even the standard first-class seats just aren’t enough to make a long journey enjoyable. That’s just the start of the beauty of Singapore Suites.

Singapore Suites are luxury suites in the sky – complete with privacy walls and double beds for couples. Think of the most extravagant way to fly – and that’s Singapore Suites. Each spacious suite has a comfortable, plush chair that converts into a bed. Since I traveled with my husband, we booked two suites that allowed us to form a double bed between the two suites.

In addition to the amazing sleep options, the suite is also designed for you to have everything you need to have an amazing flight. Think of the amenity kits you may have received from a different first-class trip – now up them about a hundred. Each suite has a tv with plenty of options, and you have a pair of Bose noise-canceling headphones to enjoy it. Plus, the cabin crew will make you feel like an esteemed guest. We felt like royalty as they served us Dom Perignon champagne and hot towels.

The Finest Dining Experience in the Sky

My readers already know how much I love food, so it should be no surprise that one of the main reasons I believe you should fly Singapore Suites at least once in your life is because it will allow you to eat luxuriously in the sky. A dinner table forms from the center console, which allowed us to enjoy this fine dining in the sky together. And, when I say, “fine dining,” I mean it. Caviar, lobster, and an in-flight wine-sommelier who will suggest wines that work best with your meals and the altitude. Amazing!

Yes – You Can Fly Singapore Suites for FREE

Now I am sure some of you are reading this have already started to think this is impossible for most people. You’re wrong! You can fly Singapore Suites for free – no lie! By saving up points and miles, you can also enjoy this luxurious flight. Here are some things you need to know if you hope to one day use your points to fly Singapore Suites for free:

• Singapore Suites are only on the Airbus A380s. In the US, JFK is the only place in the US that operates an A380. (We flew from JFK to Frankfurt to Singapore – a Singapore airline suite route.)

• You can only use points through Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer Program. This means you cannot use Mileage Plus or Aeroplan miles to book this trip.

• However, you CAN transfer points from the following reward programs: American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG).

• These reward points transfer 1:1, with the chance to earn a 5000-mile bonus for transfers over 20,000.

• Current miles needed range from 76,000 miles to 135,000 miles depending on your route.

• Because JFK is the only place operating a flight with a Singapore Suites A380, you MUST book your trip as far in advance as possible – especially if you plan to travel with someone else and want to book the suites like ours that can be turned into a double bed.

One final note about this dream flight – We were in the “old” Singapore Suites, which as you can see were incredibly, but there are “new” ones that are even more amazing if you can believe it.

Exploring and Eating Your Way Around Singapore

Recently, my husband and I went on the trip of a lifetime. We visited several countries in Asia over a few weeks (kid-free!), and it was an experience I will never forget. Because I know traveling abroad can seem overwhelming to some of my readers, I want to share my experience with you. Over the next few blogs, I will be telling you all about my great adventure. I’m hoping my trip will inspire you to take your own!

We are starting with our visit to Singapore where we did the touristy things but where we mostly ate, ate, ate.

Must See Places to Visit

Singapore is an amazing place with a mesh of cultures and is a beautifully planned city with tropical temperatures year-round. While there is plenty to see and do in Singapore, I want to highlight two of the places we visited in Singapore on our trip that I believe are must-sees for other travelers.

Flower Dome and Cloud Forest

A major tourist attraction and a part of the city’s initiative to turn Singapore into “City in a Garden,” Gardens by the Bay is home to the amazing Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. The Flower Dome is the world’s largest glass greenhouse offering visitors the opportunity to view several different gardens, including an olive grove and a beautiful floral display that changes periodically. It also has a bistro where guests can sit and enjoy the beauty surrounding them. The Cloud Forest is a higher elevation offering mountain views and gardens that will traditionally be found in tropical temperatures. It also features the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Guests get to walk through the mist-filled Cloud Walk on their journey.

The New Jewel Changi Airport Expansion

We also visited the newly opened expansion at the Changi Airport called the Jewel. It is a major lifestyle hub with outstanding shopping and dining options. On top of the shopping and dining fun, the Jewel also follows Singapore garden concepts by including a lush forest valley and a waterfall. Get your camera ready when you visit because experts are predicting this will be one of the most Instagrammed spots in the world.

Eat and Eat Some More at Singapore Hawker Centres

One of the main reasons to visit Singapore is to eat. Singapore is foodie heaven. As a tourist, you absolutely must visit the Singapore Hawker Centres, such as the popular Maxwell Food Hawker Centre Market, which are basically like food courts offering guests tons of food options at decent prices. My husband and I pretty much spent our entire time in Singapore eating and talking about food. It was wonderful!

When you visit, be sure to try:

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken - Be prepared to wait to eat here as it is Michelin star-rated. Worth the wait!

Rojak, Popiah & Cockle – A popular stall offering popiah (fresh spring rolls) and rojak (a crazy delicious tropical fruit and vegetable salad)

Authentic Mun Chee Kee King of Pig's Organ Soup – If you choose to try one of the most popular dishes in Singapore (pig organ soup), you must get it from here!

Nan Hwa Chang Fish Head Steamboat – One of the oldest fish head steamboat shops in Singapore is another must-visit on your eat-your-way-around-Singapore adventure.

Kams Roast Goose – When we visited the Jewel at the Changi Airport, we tried the roast goose, and it was amazing! It is a Michelin Star restaurant for a reason!

Ah Chew Dessert – No trip to Singapore is complete without a visit to Ah Chew Dessert. Yum!

The Must-Have Dish While Visiting Singapore

While we ate and ate and ate, I have to say the best Singapore dish we had was the classic chili crab at Long Beach Seafood. This seafood dish is stir-fried crab coated in a delicious and savory chili sauce. I’m still thinking about it.

Have I made you hungry? Sorry! Now, I’m off to start finding NYC spots where I can find similar tasting dishes. Wish me luck!

Stay Tuned for Even More Details About My Visit to Singapore!

Have You Played Today? Why Adults Should Embrace Play

“It’s never too late to have a happy childhood.”

Remember when recess was the best part of the day? Why is it that adults stop playing? Why are we always so serious? If you have been wondering why you are feeling down, consider the last time you played. I’m willing to bet it is has been a long time since you genuinely played. True play uplifts your spirits!

As a working mom, I get it. We are so busy that it is hard to find time to play. Then, when we do have time, we feel a little guilty. No more! According to psychologists, play is vital (especially for adults!). One researcher told the Washington Post, “Play is a basic human need as essential to our well-being as sleep, so when we’re low on play, our minds and bodies notice.”

To help you get past the guilt of playing, check out these five solid reasons for giving childlike play a place in your life.

Play to bond.

Playing is fun, and if you are having fun with the ones you love, you are making memories. Play creates bonding opportunities between parents and their kids; plus, play is also a wonderful way to bond with your partner or rekindle the flames.

Play to relieve stress.

Playing is a great way to release tension. When you play, you can escape what is worrying you. If you are facing a stressful situation, you can playful attitude can help you handle it in stride. One study found playful personality types “reported less stress in their lives and possessed better coping skills. Perhaps they have these attributes because they are better able to keep stress in perspective.”

Play to increase overall satisfaction.

When you key into the type of play you enjoy and find ways to play this way more regularly, you will find more satisfaction in your life overall. Some companies have even embraced the idea by incorporating play into their offices or by taking employees on fun outings where they can play like kids (such as go-karting).

Play to strengthen cognitive skills.

Numerous studies have proven that playing games improves cognitive skills, which is why older adults are encouraged to play such games. Help Guide explains, “Playing chess, completing puzzles, or pursuing other fun activities that challenge the brain can help prevent memory problems and improve brain function.” But why wait until you are elderly? Start playing puzzle games on your cell phone today!

Play to improve your health.

According to KCHA, “Playing can boost your energy and vitality and even improve your resistance to disease, helping you feel your best.” A natural benefit of physical play is that it is good for your heart and overall health. If you loved riding your bike as a kid or enjoyed roller skating, it is time to bust them out again! Have active fun and stay healthy!

Your assignment for today

Do something you loved doing as a kid. Embrace play — comment below to tell me what you did.

Last Minute Father’s Day Gift Ideas for the Procrastinators

"A father carries pictures where his money used to be." - Steve Martin

Yikes! Father’s Day 2019 is THIS Sunday! Are you prepared? While we all want to do something nice to show our partner-in-parenting-crimes he is appreciated, life gets in the way. Father’s Day can sneak up on us – especially at the end of the school year and start of summer. If that sounds familiar, I’ve got you covered. Today I am highlighting some last minute Father’s Day gift ideas that you can put together in little to no time. Even better – these are all gift ideas that men love!

All Hail Gift Cards!

I know sometimes gift cards get a bad rep. And, let’s be honest, you can tell when someone just doesn’t know what to get you, so they give you a random gift card. Hear me out – I am not suggesting you give the father in your life just any ‘ole gift card. Just the opposite. Get him a gift card to his absolute favorite place. This will show him that you know him and love him.

Homemade Gifts He Will Truly Appreciate

If the dad in your life is sentimental, then it is perfectly acceptable to give him something homemade. Many men love homemade gifts because they show you took time to create something special just for them. Plus, since it is Father’s Day, your kids can get involved in the crafting process, making it something even more precious. Check out Good Housekeeping’s list of homemade Father’s Day gifts.

A Meal He Doesn’t Have to Cook

As the saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Whether the dad in your life does some of the cooking or none at all, a good meal is a great gift. Depending on his preferences and your schedule, you can choose between breakfast in bed, a backyard grill-out for lunch, or a fancy dinner.

Sign Him Up for a Subscription Box

I recently raved about my love of subscription boxes (FabFitFun and Daily Look), but subscription boxes are not just for women. There are tons of really cool masculine subscription boxes available offering everything from beard stuff to vinyl records to grilling tools. The fun thing about a subscription box is that it is the gift that keeps on giving. Rather than Dad receiving one gift on the holiday, he will get the subscription boxes throughout the year for whatever duration you select.

Note – Since it is too late to get the first box to him on Father’s Day, print out a picture and a description of the box so he can wait in excited anticipation.

A Day Off

If all else fails, give Dad a day off. While this looks different for every family, it basically means give him a day to do what he wants. This may mean lounging in a recliner with a beer watching sports all day, or it may mean heading to Lowe’s to peruse the aisles. Other men may simply want a day of fun with their family, so load up the car and head to the park or a nearby theme park.

Fostering Strong Bonds Between Siblings.

“There’s no better friend than a sister.” - Mary Engelbreit

One of my big dreams for my two daughters is that they would grow up to be close friends. When I hear stories about siblings who don’t get along or don’t speak to each other as adults, it breaks my heart.

Having healthy relationships with your siblings is so important – even the research proves it! One study found “Sibling affection was positively associated with adolescents' sympathy and prosocial behavior. Sibling hostility was positively associated with adolescents' depression.” Therefore, it is important for parents to help their kids develop positive relationships and strong bonds.

With summer approaching, I know I don’t want to spend my days acting as a referee between my girls, so instead, I’m going to act like a coach. Plus, a little conflict between siblings is healthier than them ignoring one another! Here are some of the tips I found in my research that I plan to use in my home to help my girls grow closer to one another and build a lasting relationship.

Don’t Make Them Compete

Why do parents do this? While it is easy to judge from the outside, it is easier than you may realize. You may even be doing it without noticing it. For example, have you ever commented on how one child is better at cleaning up her dishes or one child is faster to get buckled in the car? Instead, the only competition should be in the spirit of fun – and even then, be careful to avoid creating sibling rivalry.

Teach Them to Fight Fair

Like I said earlier, it is normal and even a good thing for siblings to have conflict now and then. It can actually work as a safe place for kids to learn how to handle conflict in healthy ways. For instance, while you don’t want them giving each other black eyes, you do want them to learn how to express their frustration in the right way. Along those lines, have some clear family rules for handling conflict, such as no name calling.

Remind Them They’ll Always Have Each Other for Support

Make a point to teach your kids that they have each other for support. Remind them to support one another and cheer one another on. Explain that, as they grow, their siblings will be their secret keepers and the only other people who get their family’s inside jokes and know their family’s history.

Encourage Them to Play Together

The more often siblings play together, the more memories they make. Depending on your kid's ages, this can be tricky. For instance, LEGO Movie 2 reminded audiences about how play becomes separated as the age gap appears wider. While your ten-year-old probably won’t always want to play with your five-year-old, you should still encourage them to play together – even if it is something as simple as a game of hide and seek.

Find Things They Enjoy Doing Together

Speaking of play, you may have to create moments for your kids – especially if their ages do not make it easy. For instance, encourage them to go on walks, bake cookies, or watch America’s Funniest Home Videos together.

All the 👏 👏 👏 for the FabFitFun Summer Box!

I am all about a good subscription box – especially one as fabulous as FabFitFun! By this point, you have surely heard of subscription boxes, and I am betting you have been tempted to go ahead and order one.

As busy working women (and moms), it is super important to find ways to practice self-care. A carefully curated subscription box, such as the FabFitFun Summer Box, is one of the best ways to do so. Someone else puts together all the self-care items you need!

I recently received my FabFitFun Summer Box, and it is to die for. Today, I’m telling you all about and explaining why it is such a great deal. I have no doubt that after reading about it today, you will be ready to order your own.

What Came Inside

Each season, FabFitFun puts together a box filled with the most desirable items for women. Their boxes are packed to the brim with fun. For example, as soon as I saw the pretty box, I was excited. Once I opened my Summer Box, I was giddy. It contained great things for my face, including facial masks, facial spray mists, and a makeup setting spray. There were also items to help with my travel like a portable blow dryer and fun jewelry! Plus, as a working mom, I was delighted to discover there was also a gift card for HelloFresh, which is definitely what I need when I want to make quick lunches and dinners for the family!

Why It is a Great Deal

Now, while most of us can get behind something as fun as a delivery of must-have items, we can all appreciate a good deal. And, that is why FabFitFun is so popular! I get over $200 in products for just $50 per season box, and it's filled with beauty, wellness, fitness, and even tech. It's a little bit of everything, and it fits every part of my working mom lifestyle! Plus, FabFitFun even lets you customize your box. You can either let them surprise or choose products and add-ons.

How You Can Get an Even Better Deal

Here’s where it gets really good. Inside each box is a mini-magazine that details each product in your box as well as exclusive coupons for brands you find inside the box. But, wait, there’s more! You can use my code to get your first FabFitFun box for even less money! Simply use CHOY10 coupon for $10 off your first box at fabfitfun.com. And, when you do, be sure to tag me in your FabFitFun unboxing pics on Instagram! I can’t wait to see the joy these products bring you.

How NYC Families Can Save Money This Summer

During summer, there is nothing worse than hearing your kids whine that they are “sooo bored!” But, if you spend money trying to keep them entertained each day of summer break, your wallet will start to hurt. And, if you are like me, I would rather spend my hard-earned money on a fabulous vacation than spending it doing a bunch of little things around the city. Fortunately, it is easier than ever to save money and have fun in NYC.

Free Library Fun

Photo: The New York Public Library

If you don’t already have a library card, now is the time to get one. Today’s libraries aren’t the stuffy old places you might remember from childhood. They offer tons of free materials you can borrow – including DVDs. Plus, the New York Public Library Summer Reading offers some pretty great kids programs that go beyond the standard story times, such as a DJ Dance Party.

Free Outdoor Movies

During the summer, families can take their pick of free outdoor movies once the sun goes down. The most popular outdoor movies are hosted by NYC parks, are all PG-13 and under, and feature movies such as The Incredibles 2 and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Check out Time Out New York’s guide to what is showing where and when here.  

Free Outdoor Concerts

Families can also take their pick of free outdoor summer concerts taking place all around New York City. For instance, there are the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park series (with all performances beginning at 8 pm) and Make Music New York on June 21st from 10 am – 10 pm.

Free Public Pools and Splash Pads

There are several options for cooling off during the hot summer in the city. Families can visit one of the free outdoor swimming pools in NYC (opening on June 27, 2019). A bonus for pool visitors is that NYC parks offer free swimming classes and free sunscreen. If taking the kids to the pool seems like too much, then head to one of the many local splash parks. Mommy Poppins has a list of the Best Water Playgrounds and Sprinklers for Kids in NYC.

Free Museum Days

Photo: NYCGo

Visiting the fantastic museums can add up – unless you are smart enough to take advantage of the free museum days offered this summer. For example, Brooklyn Children’s Museum offers “pay as you wish on Thursdays from 2–6 pm and Sundays from 4–7 pm” and the Staten Island Zoo offers “free Tuesdays after 2 pm.”

Free Festivals

PHOTO: Untitled Magazine

Another great way to keep the whole family entertained is to head to an outdoor festival. Many outdoor festivals are free to enter and explore – but you may wind up spending money to enjoy food, purchase arts and crafts, or participate in activities. One popular outdoor festival taking place in June is the Museum Mile Festival happening June 11, 2019, from 6 pm – 9 pm.

Now you have plenty of ways to save money and keep the kids busy and entertained this summer, leaving you money to take the vacation of your dreams.