Destinations & Things To Do
25 Secret Spots in NYC Kids Will Love
2. Birdhouses of McCarthy Square – West Village
Bird-watching is a beloved pastime in NYC, and you’ll find some cool birdhouses all over. There’s a collection of meticulously crafted birdhouses in McCarthy Square (even though it’s more of a triangular plaza) by artist Vincent Mele. The houses are whimsical and painted with great attention to detail. My kids loved finding them and watching the birds come to nest in them.
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Visit the Secret Shaft House in Brookly Heights. Photo by Inhabitat via Flickr
3. Brooklyn Heights Secret Shaft House – Brooklyn Heights
At first glance, the house located at 58 Joralemon Street fits right in among the brownstones on this leafy block. But this is no ordinary house. In fact, it’s not a house at all but a ventilation building and emergency exit used by the MTA. While no tours are available, it’s cool to walk by and look at the blacked-out windows and imagine what’s inside.
4. Birthplace of Scrabble – Jackson Heights, Queens
Scrabble is one of the most beloved games of all time, and you can visit the spot where the game was essentially invented. Alfred Mosher Butts, an architect, first tested out his new game which would become Scrabble in the basement of the Community United Methodist Church in Jackson Heights, Queens. The spot has been commemorated with a street sign on the corner of 81st Street and 35th Avenue with the value of each of the letters.
5. Brooklyn Grange – Multiple Brooklyn and Queens Locations
Brooklyn Grange operates the world’s largest rooftop soil farms with locations in Long Island City, Queens, plus Sunset Park and the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The farm produces a more than 100,000 pounds of produce a year, supplying local restaurants and farm stands. The Brooklyn farms are open to the public and offer various community events, tours, and workshops like Beekeeping 101.
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See thaw whimsical Fairy Trail of New York in Sunnyside, Queens. Photo courtesy of the fairy trail
6. Fairy Trail of New York – Sunnyside, Queens
Kids love searching for the little tiny homes of fairies scattered in trees, walls, and gardens in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Queens. These magical little homes were created by a Sunnyside parent who started the project during the pandemic to entertain her kids. Search for 20 little fairy homes and even a map so kids and parents will know how to find all of them.
7. Bug Carousel at the Bronx Zoo – Bronx Park, the Bronx
The carousel at the Bronx Zoo is the only carousel where all the seats are made to look like insects. There are a total of 64 insects featured in the carousel, from a praying mantis to a monarch butterfly, a grasshopper, and even a dung beetle. For a fully immersive experience, the music was composed with real insect sounds. Of course, there are plenty of other things to see and do at the Bronx Zoo when you’ve finished your spin.
8. Downing Street Playground – West Village
Although located in the heart of the West Village, this small playground feels like a well-kept secret as it’s tucked away from the main street between several buildings. Look for the small open door behind the brick facade on the south side of the street. Kids enjoy playing on the jungle gym and swings, while grown-ups can relax in the enchanted garden.
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Pose for a cool pic in Midtown’s Glass Waterfall Tunnel. Photo by Vincent L
9. Glass Waterfall Tunnel – Midtown West
For most visiting Midtown West, a waterfall tunnel is not on the list of NYC attractions to see. But that’s what you’ll find in a small park behind 1221 Avenue of the Americas between 48th and 49th Streets. A 17-foot-high plexiglass tunnel runs through a waterfall emerging from a concrete slab. It makes for a great photo-op, and while it’s been around since the ’70s, even many locals don’t know about it.
10. Evolution Store – Soho
One of my kids’ favorite stores is the Evolution Store in Soho. They love to browse unique and fun nature-inspired items like framed butterflies and insects, fossils, seashells, skulls, skeletons, medical models, and posters. It’s like a museum—but you can touch and purchase the objects.
11. The Federal Reserve Gold Vault – Lower Manhattan
School groups can actually tour the vaults of the Federal Reserve, which has the world’s largest collection of gold bars—nearly 500,000 gold bars. You’ll feel like you’re in a caper movie as you descend nearly 80 feet underground and through a cylindrical entryway that rotates at the turn of a wheel.
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The Ford Foundation Atrium is a hidden oasis in Midtown East.
12. Ford Foundation Atrium – Midtown East
Everyone knows of the iconic New York and Brooklyn botanical gardens but there’s a secret tropical rainforest right in the middle of Midtown Manhattan. Located inside the lobby of the Ford Foundation Building find this miniature tropical forest with towering trees, lush plants, flowers, vines, a reflecting pool, and even a sensory garden where touching and smelling are encouraged. The garden is open to the public and FREE.
13. Mosaic House – Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
It’s impossible to miss Susan Gardner’s house on Wyckoff Street in Brooklyn. It’s the only one whose ground floor facade is covered in colorful beads, glass shards, and pieces of marble and tile to create beautiful and inspiring mosaics. Gardner started the installation as therapy after 9/11and more than 20 years later, the house is still a work in progress. Visitors are encouraged to leave little pieces behind to become part of the artwork.
14. Govinda’s Vegetarian Lunch – Downtown Brooklyn
One of the best-kept dining secrets happens to be the lunch served in the basement of the Hare Krishna temple in downtown Brooklyn. For about $10, feast on a healthy, vegetarian Indian lunch at Govinda’s. The food is served cafeteria style and you can take any leftovers home. The desserts and pastries are perfect for kiddos.
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Nonna Maral, from Azerbaijan, prepares traditional stuffed cabbage at Enoteca Maria. Photo courtesy of the Enoteca Maria
15. Nonnas of the World – Staten Island
Enoteca Maria in Staten Island celebrates cultural diversity by having real grandmothers (or nonnas) from different parts of the world cook dishes from their cultures. There are nonnas from Italy, Pakistan, Peru, Hong Kong, Russia, Trinidad, and more, celebrating their unique culinary heritage. Cooking classes are also offered.
16. Mysterious Bookshop – Tribeca
Young fans of mystery novels will love browsing the shelves of the Mysterious Bookshop, the old bookstore specializing in the genre. It carries everything from detective novels to crime stories, thrillers, espionage, and suspense fiction.
17. New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden – Snug Harbor, Staten Island
Part of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, this garden is one of two authentic outdoor Chinese gardens in the country. It’s beautiful and picturesque with a bamboo forest, waterfalls, and even a koi pond.
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Not too many people know about Valentino Pier in Red Hook but it’s a great spot to relax, play, and enjoy the beautiful views of the New York Harbor.
18. Valentino Pier – Red Hook, Brooklyn
This is one of our favorite spots to bike to, have a picnic, or just hang out. Located in Red Hook, Valentino Pier offers sweeping vistas of the New York Harbor including the the Statute of Liberty. There are a lot of grassy areas, benches, and even a little beach to play on. It’s never crowded and you can eat at several restaurants and cafes nearby, including Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie. It’s an absolute hidden gem our whole family loves.
19. The New York Earth Room – Soho
Take the kids to an art exhibit literally made of dirt. The Earth Room is a permanent installation consisting of 250 cubic yards of soil, covering 3,600 square feet of space and spread 22 inches deep. It’s definitely a quirky experience, but surprisingly calming and meditative to be around that much natural material.
20. Old City Hall Subway Station – Lower Manhattan
The first and oldest subway station in New York City is located under City Hall Park and is a beauty to behold with its gilded arches, skylights, and brass chandeliers. While no longer operational, you can get a glimpse of it by staying on the 6 train as it loops around and heads back uptown or booking a members-only tour courtesy of the New York Transit Museum.
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The Wycoff-Bond Garden is a neighborhood gem providing a quiet place to enjoy beautiful trees, plants, and flowers. Photo courtesy of the garden
21. Wyckoff Bond Garden – Boerum Hill, Brooklyn
Found in 1973, this community garden is a perfect retreat for city dwellers. Volunteers maintain the shrubs, plants, and flowers and organize community events. There are several benches and chairs to sit and enjoy the serenity.
22. Tom Otterness Subway Sculptures – Chelsea
Kids love discovering the whimsical bronze sculptures at the 14th Street/8th Avenue subway stop on the A/C/E/L lines. The sculptures are part of a series entitled Life Underground by artist Tom Otterness.
23. Whispering Gallery at Grand Central Terminal – Midtown East
Located on the lower floor of Grand Central Terminal, the “whispering gallery” is an acoustic phenomenon that occurs between the four arched entryways. If you and someone else stand on opposite corners of the arches—measuring about 30 feet in distance—you’ll be able to hear each other even at a whisper despite the noise and commotion of the surroundings.
24. Monk Parakeets – Brooklyn
You’ll hear them before you see them: the tell-tale squawks of the monk parakeets that make their home in NYC. These exotic birds make their homes in the trees in local neighborhoods around Brooklyn and chatter energetically among themselves. Parrot-watching is a delightful hidden gem activity in Brooklyn, so next time you’re wandering the streets near Bensonhurst, keep an eye (and an ear) out for these silly birds.
Unless otherwise noted, photos by the author
Leaving the motel room where I’d rested the past 3 nights felt a little sad but I wanted to be moving again. I grabbed a sandwich for lunch and another for the road from a cute deli nearby too. This did mean I got to the trail a little late though, roughly 2:30. My stupid ankle was hurting again now and it made the walk fairly unpleasant. I got to Red’s Meadow where I’d heard they were serving ice cream but it was the evening now and it looked like they had closed down for the day. My mood already low and not wanting to pay for camping, I continued onward instead, forgetting that they also had a hot spring.
I ended up finding a tiny tent site nearby Sotcher Lake and grumpily set up there. Lesson learned here; try not to spiral. My ankle hurting led me to skip past Red’s Meadow which meant I missed the hot spring there.
Day 83: Uneventful Days
The night was cold and I slept in then had a slow morning. My pack was heavy and I was moving slowly which, combined with getting out of camp late, limited my miles today; I barely did 12. I ate lunch at a campground and had to scare away an particularly industrious Stellar’s Jay who kept trying to get to my food. I respect the effort but this food is for me, little bird.
The rest of the walk was largely uneventful. The entire day was one long but thankfully gradual uphill and the views of the valley and surrounding mountains only got better. I continued to churn through audiobooks as they were kinda the only thing keeping me going. I ended up making camp on the side of a mountain with a gorgeous valley below. It was surprisingly well-sheltered for being up on a ridge. I ate dinner staring out at the snowcapped peaks and the trees and lakes below.
Day 84: Donohue Pass; Into Yosemite!
The night was again cold and I was glad my habit of stuffing my water filter into my sleeping bag had stayed so consistent this trail. For the curious, our water filters are vulnerable to freezing. If the water inside turns to ice it will expand and compromise the filter in a way that is almost undetectable. Usually this is only a risk at night thankfully so simply going to sleep with it usually means it will stay warm.
The morning was fairly unremarkable as I walked to the base of Donohue Pass, save for Thousand Island Lake which was absolutely gorgeous. I met a hiker called Trooper there before taking my lunch and nap. Afterwards I began the climb and while going up I began to hear distant thunder. It remained distant thankfully which was a very good thing as I was well above the tree line and with limited places to take cover. The numerous marmots showed no fear of course; must be nice having a hole you can retreat to. Thankfully there was almost no snow on the ground so although the ascent was steep it did go quickly.
As I reached highest point and crossed into Yosemite National Park snow flurries started and the thunder suddenly got louder. I could see it was raining a few miles ahead in the valley below. Wanting to get below the tree line in case the storm turned my way, I hustled downhill, the fast speed also helping to keep me warm on a day that had turned quite cold. The snow intermittently fell all the way down though it was thankfully mild. There were many JMT hikers around again too.
While descending on a gravely switchback, my shoes suddenly lost traction on the rocks underneath me and before I knew it I was falling. Falling backwards thankfully, not forwards or to the side down the mountain. I cried out in expectation of the painful impact of my butt on the earth but to my surprise it never came. Sitting there I realized my pack had cushioned the fall almost completely, turning a bone-jarring jolt into just a bit of a jerk to my hips. Thank you, backpack.
I camped that evening in Lyell Canyon, enjoying the gorgeous meadows surrounded by the sharp canyon walls. Remembering my fall, I inspected my shoes and discovered that the tread was seriously worn down. The shoes it seemed were near their end of life and I suddenly realized that they were probably contributing to my ankle irritation now that they could no longer provide sufficient support. Clearly new shoes were in my future.
Day 85: Burgers in Tuolumne Meadows
The day began with a nice, gradual downhill through beautiful meadows. I passed many JMT hikers but started to see more and more day hikers as I approached Tuolumne Meadows. Suddenly, the trail joined with a well-paved road and I abruptly re-entered civilization. Cars were passing, tourists were walking about goggling at the sights, and at least two groups of deer were practically posing for photos.
I reached Tuolumne Meadows Grill right at lunch time. The hunger was in full swing and I consumes two burgers, fries, a salad, and a soda while my electronics charged. It was reasonably priced too, a surprise for such a touristy area!
I headed out around 3, quickly running into Myles and Swing Set who I’d met in Mammoth. We hiked together past multiple waterfalls and vast views. Yosemite felt noticeably different than the previous stretch of the Sierra; the mountains felt lower but rocker somehow. I camped that night at Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, quite close to the base of Tuolumne Falls. I was still full from those lunch burgers too so slept early.
Trail Stats:
Catholes: 28
Stops to filter water: 117
Resupplies: 14
Hitches: 15
Zeros: 15
Crys on trail: 12
Blisters: 12
Gear repairs: 19
Miles Skipped: 212.3
Significant Water Crossings: 75
Falls: 1
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To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
Destinations & Things To Do
Iran Now Joins The UNWTO Top 20 Global Tourism Destinations, Showcasing its Strong Recovery and Growing International Appeal Made Through Heritage, Culture, and Strategic Reforms
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Sitting, now, among the top 20 tourist destinations, for the first quarter of 2025 according to the latest figures released by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). This is a milestone that marks how far Iran has come in tourism aspects, a testament to a maturing policy environment, sector resilience and improved global perception as a safe, culturally rich and diverse travel destination.
Tremendous Increase in International Tourism Arrivals
One of the highest growths in the region, as UNWTO publishes first World Tourism Barometer of the year According to the UNWTO report, international tourist arrivals to Iran increased from 4.9 million in 2017 to 7.3 million in 2018, the best growth amongst the 40 most visited countries in theos world. This significant growth has been thanks to several strategic measures such as efficient government planning, huge growth in infrastructure and proactive attempts to give a positive turn to the country’s global image.
That increase in the number of visitors not only reflects the country’s natural potential for tourism but also reveals how it has successfully dealt with historical misinterpretations. The strong numbers reflect Iran’s dedication to welcoming international tourists alongside the country’s ever-expanding number of historical attractions, diverse landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage, while also serving as a testament to the world’s proclivity to see past political headlines and to not confuse individual people from a country with wider… political issues.
Strategic Initiatives Driving Tourism Development
Given this focus on digital engagement, Iranian tourism officials have undertaken a complete digital overhauling. Key features of the Trust’s programme is the programme is the next step for the Trust in using advanced audience insights to create personalized, engaging web experiences. Future developments are set to include an interactive travel guide aimed at enthralling prospective tourists with Iran’s long history, rich culture and beautiful scenery, using rich multimedia to tell the country’s story.
What’s more, tapping into social media has become a key prong of Iran’s tourism approach. By leveraging local storytelling and genuine stories, India aims to strike a chord with the world, i.e., ‘A chord is struck when the world connects with such stories, enabling a room for genuine interest and curiosity for potential travellers’.
Focused Efforts in Strategic Branding
Iran’s tourism ministry is also involving homegrown and foreign professionals to make riveting multimedia content. The purpose of this branding campaign is to elevate the visibility of Iran on international stages and introduce to the world the unparalleled attractions of this country. Local talent meets global branding know-how: Iran has set itself up to draw in a wide spectrum of global travellers, ensuring steady tourism growth.
Infrastructure and Access: The Foundations of Tourism Development
Improvement of the infrastructure has also contributed to Iran’s success in tourism. Excellent transportation systems, accommodations, and guest facilities have made tourism easy and comfortable. Such developments have been instrumental in helping Iran emerge as one of the hottest destinations in the world, providing the facilities of accessibility and comfort for the world travelers.
The powerful part of Iran experience is the wide range variety of cultural heritage you will find there. With its historic legacy (The ruins of Persepolis and Isfahan’s cultural and architectural splendor) and various and complex landscapes of deserts, mountains and coastlines, the country offers a wide range and variety of experiences for adventure-seekers. “Promotion of different aspects of Iranian tourism has been highly effective in promoting the country as a global tourist destination. However, by pushing these features using targeted marketing, this has helped to greatly increase Iran’s overall tourism profile globally.
Economic and Social Impacts
Rising tide of international tourists Having thousands of foreign visitors adds up significantly to the country’s economy and welfare. Tourism plays a role in driving local economies, supporting jobs and fostering cultural interaction. Such enhanced interaction would not merely lead to more economic welfare, but also pave the way for greater global knowledge and respect for Iran’s unique culture and past.
Future Prospects: Sustaining Momentum for Tourism in Iran
In the future, the further development and expansion of Iran’s tourism industry will depend largely on ongoing policy innovation, effective marketing, and investment in infrastructure. The country’s success in being an early adopter of digital platforms, strategic branding and authentic storytelling will become essential in sustaining the winning momentum.
The fact that Iran is considered one of the world’s most sought after tourism destinations is an important step in globalizing and diversifying the economy. The list of winners is our place at the top 30! We believe that if we take advantage of this win, we can make Iran Muslim Friendly Destination as a more popular place among tourists in the world for the next years.
- Hightower Parking Lot (908.8) zero at Country View Lodging, Elkton, VA
- 0 feet ascent, 0 feet descent
We assessed the heat damage. It was not inconsequential. Three days hiking in 100 degree weather had taken its toll. I was covered in heat rash, some so bad I could not move without pain. The Historian was feeling very weak. We both felt hot to the touch, even after an overnight sleep in an air conditioned room.
We decided it would be unwise to go back out to try to hike. Heat exhaustion is real and can be dangerous. We didn’t want to end our hike or put others at risk if we needed help. Hike Smart. The sign at the beginning of the Shennandoah told us that. We smartly requested another night. The heat was supposed to peak today.
Our Kingdom for the Day
Our room was delightful. We had two double beds, one to sleep on and one became the continent for pack explosions.
It was a luxury to be able to sort our resupply and rumage through our gear without bending over.
We Even Have a Kitchen
We did not expect a kitchenette but there was one. We availed ourselves of all its glories.
The Historian braved the heat to get ice from the office. After giving us “water with treats,” he put the ice bucket in the freezer. Clever man. We had ice all day.
Water with Treats
I should explain what water with treats is. We dream of it on the trail and discuss it often. We had a dog who loved ice cubes out of the refrigerator door. She would sit below the fridge and stare longingly after ice dispenser, I suppose dreaming of an opposable thumb. We were careful never to let her see how it worked when we offered her “treats”. Over time, she trained us to give her ice cubes in her water, aka “water with treats.”
In the heat we guzzeled warm water from our bottles dreaming of it having treats. Today, we had water with treats.
Grocery Delivery
We had leftover pizza for breakfast. By second breakfast we wanted real food. After last night’s 1 1/2 hour delivery saga of right room number, wrong hotel, we were concerned.
I also needed more medicated powder for my heat rash. Quite by accident, I discoved the grocery store had delivery. We could get our chores done without leaving the confines of our Kingdom for the Day.
I filled our shopping cart and took a lot out. Finally, I was satisfied. Not too much but plenty of what we wanted.
The groceries arrived flawlessly. Our shopper had called to see about apples. They were only available in 3 pound bags. I asked her if she could use the extra apples and she said she could. We took three for us, plenty to carry and gave her the rest. It was a good compromise.
Our Main Meal
I rehydrate our home dehydrated pork with green tomatoes. We added this to a salad. It was so very satisfying.
We feasted on wet food all day. The watermelon and other fruits were particularly satisfying. After days of poor calorie consumption due to the heat (except for our wayside affair!) it was good to be able to eat and not be nauseated.
ET Call Home
When I was on the trail in 1975, we communicated by letter mostly. When I came to town, I would look for a phone booth and call family collect. We had to keep the calls short as they were very expensive. If I remember correctly, it was about a dollar a minute. Calls were interrupted by a human operator at 3 minutes to remind you how much money you were spending.
Now days, the most common association with pay phones is the Tardis from Dr Who.
The motel had a real, working payphone!
We did not call home on the pay phone, but we did take time to communicate with family. The support and love of family has not changed since 1975.
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek’s ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
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