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Entertaining your kids isn't easy, but New York City has lots of fun activities and attractions for children and adults. Even if you've lived in the city all your life, you can find fun new places to take your kids. Here are some of the best spots for children in NYC. 1. The American Museum of Natural History This great museum is so big, you can't see everything in one day. Look at the floor plan before you start exploring so you and your family can see the exhibits that interest them most. The dinosaur fossils are the biggest attraction. Kids will also enjoy the animal dioramas in the Halls of African and Asian Mammals, the giant replica of a blue whale, and a variety of gems and minerals, including the 56-carat Star of India sapphire. The Hayden Planetarium and the Rose Center for Earth and Space are attached to the museum. more 2. Dylan's Candy Bar Dylan's Candy Bar has a giant lollipop tree and candy patterns on the walls and in the stairs. This huge store has three floors and offers more than 7,000 confections, one of the biggest candy selections anywhere. Kids can choose ice cream sundaes, freshly made fudge, or candy that's sold by weight. Parents will enjoy the pink cotton candy martinis. 3. The New York Transit Museum The New York Transit Museum is in a decommissioned subway station that was built in 1936. It tells the story of New York's subways, starting with how the tunnels were dug from 1904 to 1927. Visitors can walk through vintage subway cars and see the many types of tokens that riders used before the Metrocard. Kids can also learn about the development of bus and trolley and transportation by exploring a 12-seat bus and a child-sized trolley. Older children can interact with old turnstiles at the Fare Collection exhibit, and there are free programs for kids every Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. However, the museum is closed on Mondays and major holidays. 4. Children's Museum of the Arts In this interactive museum, families can learn about art through interesting exhibits and experiment with clay, sound, animation, and more. Art by children is on display along with items from established artists. The Fine Arts Studio lets kids paint, draw, or sculpt their own art. You can also learn how to animate a short film or record a song in the Media Lab and Sound Booth. Children under 5 have their own art studio, and there's a bouncy ball pond for free play. Different workshops are available every day. You can borrow a smock for your child, but you should get ready for spills by visiting in old clothes. The museum is closed on Tuesdays. New York is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, so there are lots of places that are great for kids. Older children will enjoy seeing famous landmarks up close, and the Central Park Zoo is great for younger kids. You and your family can always find new and interesting places to visit in New York City. "American Museum of Natural History" by Rodrigo Sampaio Teixeria is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Advances in modern technology have made many aspects of our lives easier. Our smartphones put a wealth of information right in the palm of our hands, including where you can park in the city. Here are some of the best NYC parking apps to use so you no longer have to spend hours circling to find a spot. SpotHero This app allows you to search for both street parking and parking in garages and lots right on your phone. You can even make reservations on your phone so you know you'll be all set when you get there. SpotHero shows a map of parking in your area in real-time so you know the space is available. Another benefit of SpotHero is that they offer discounted pricing when you reserve a spot, saving you 50 percent off the non-reserved rate. more Pango Pango helps you to find available parking, and it allows you to pay for your parking by phone. This app also texts you when your time expires so you can either get back to your car or pay to extend your time. You can also use this app to park in a gated lot. It works just like a remote control to open and close the gate when you need to enter or leave the garage. When you open the gate, it activates your payment, and when you open it again to exit, the app ends your parking session. ParkMe ParkMe is another app that helps you find open spaces both on the street and in garages. You can reserve the spot using your credit card to guarantee that the spot is open when you get there. There are discounts available, and you can earn reward points with the app towards parking. You can also use the app to find out if the lots offer any extra amenities such as a car wash or if they will charge your electric vehicle. Check the app for the exact location of the entrances to make sure you don't miss it when you get there. BestParking Search for the cheapest and most convenient places to park with BestParking. Use the app to find affordable parking before an event, or use it to find weekly or monthly parking. Reserve your parking space right on the app and find available discounts of up to 50 percent off the prices posted at the lot. You can also check out the details of the garage or lot including where the entrance is and if there are any clearance limitations. You can also check what the capacity is. The app you choose to use depends on what type of parking you need, or you may need to use a combination depending on your trip. SpotHero is a good choice because of its real-time feature where you can see the open spaces right at the moment you are looking. ParkMe and BestParking are good choices for availability in the NYC garages. "New York City" by Jörg Schubert is licensed under CC BY 2.0

So you have a new Jeep with the huge tires that you plan on taking off-roading. But what is it that makes a vehicle good at this extreme activity? One of the most important factors is the vehicle's torque. Here is what you need to know about torque and why it is important when it comes to off-road driving. What Is Torque? In the most basic terms, torque is the amount of power you have when it comes to turning. The torque on a car is what helps it to accelerate, which is important in an off-road vehicle if you are trying to power up and over hills or boulders. It is defined as a rotating force that may result in a motion but not necessarily. Torque is what allows you to keep up your momentum when driving over boulders without stressing out the engine. more What is the Difference Between Torque and Horsepower? The amount of torque at the wheels of a Jeep determines how fast the vehicle can reach a speed while the horsepower is how fast the vehicle can travel. The horsepower of a vehicle is arrived at by multiplying the torque by the RPM's and dividing it by 5,252. Torque is actually easier to measure than horsepower. How Do Horsepower and Torque Work Together? You need both torque and horsepower to get your vehicle up and going, and the two work together to keep you going. The torque will get the vehicle in motion, and once you are up and going if you are on flat ground the horsepower will help the truck maintain its speed. Which is Better for Off-Roading? As you can imagine, speed is not as important as acceleration when you are crawling over rocks or pushing through the sand and mud. Torque is more important because it provides the force you need to get through. A high low-end torque is one of the most important things to have when you need your Jeep to get you over uneven and rough surfaces. This also gives you more control over the vehicle when you are in an unsteady driving area. Why is Low-End Torque Important in Off-Roading? Low-end torque is the amount of torque at a low number of revs, usually between 2000 and 3000. This is different from high-end torque which is the amount of torque at a high revolution such as 4000 or 6000. Low-end is important in off-road driving because it keeps the engine from working too hard when you need to maintain your momentum over rough terrain without a lot of speed. A high low-end torque doesn't need a lot of revolutions per minute, and it means you don't need to press as hard on the throttle to keep the car moving forward. It is important to know the difference between torque and horsepower before you can understand why it is important for off-roading. If you are planning on getting into serious off-roading and are looking for a vehicle, a high low-end torque is important. "Jeep Life" by Dave Doe is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Off-road driving is a popular activity with Jeep drivers, but there are times when you find yourself stuck. Whether you are driving in the mud on purpose or you get stuck there by accident, there are a few things you can do to get your Jeep out of a sticky situation. Move the Tires Slowly Keep in mind that the reason you are stuck is because your tires do not have any traction. First, move the steering wheel from side to side to create some extra room for the tires to move. Then press down gently on the accelerator to allow the weight of the vehicle to make the tires grip down on the mud. If you are driving an automatic, use the lowest gear, and if you are driving a manual transmission, use the highest gear. more Dig Out You can also create some room for the tires to grip by digging out the mud in front of the tires. Once you have some extra room, take the floor mat, a blanket or anything else you might have in the vehicle and wedge it under the tires. Slowly move the car forward until the tires can grip on to the item and get going out of the mud. If you don't have anything in the car you can also gather sticks and branches to put under the tires too. Deflate the Tires If you can, let just a small amount of air out of the tires. This  increases the  area where the tires meet the ground to help give you better traction. It will also help to give them some more room to move. If you do let some air out, remember to inflate them again to the proper pressure before going far. You also want to drive slowly at first to help get rid of the mud that might be stuck to the tires. Rock It Out If slow acceleration is not working try rocking it out. Put it in first and accelerate, then change it to reverse and accelerate. Repeat this no more than 8 times so you don't do any damage to the car. You can also try turning the tires while you accelerate to gain more traction. Always Drive Prepared If you are planning on going off-roading, then you should carry items in the car to help you get out if you get stuck. Keep a shovel, a hi-lift, a tree strap, and some chains in the Jeep with you. This gives you some options so you can try a few different things if one doesn't work. If you are prepared for different circumstances, you can get out of almost any muddy situation you find yourself in. Even if you are not planning on driving in the mud it is a good idea to keep some things in the vehicle in case of an emergency. If you are off-roading, plan to go with someone else who can help you get out. If you can't get out, you can always call for a tow. Image by kee_kj is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Big Apple is one of the most visited cities in the world. With easy public transportation, music, arts, and culture, it's no surprise that it tops the list of coveted travel destinations. If you've been to New York City a few times or live nearby, you've probably seen most of the big-ticket entertainment productions and other highly rated events. That's why you should try some of the hidden gems on your next visit. Not only will it spice things up, but it will also give you some new affection for the city. Here are just a few places off the beaten path to check out the next time you're in New York. 1. Eat at Shopsin's In 2006, "Shopsin's" was a feature film at the Sundance Film Festival, showcasing the daily lives of restaurant owner Kenny Shopsin and his family. If you haven't seen the documentary, don't worry. You can get the same vibe just by walking through the door. Today, Kenny' son runs the restaurant. This hilarious, yet curt and charming young man cooks up whatever you want off Shopsin's chaotic menu. It's rumored to feature over 900 meal choices when you mix and match all the sides. more You'll want to read the posted rules at the entrance to the restaurant. Otherwise, they won't take long to show you the door. (That's not a joke.) Shopsin's is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's at 120 Essex Street in the Essex Street Mall on Manhattan's Lower East Side. 2. The City Reliquary It's a bold move to name a museum a reliquary, but this oddball spot's homage to New York City is a bit of a religious shrine. Situated on Brooklyn's Metropolitan Avenue, this museum of sorts is home to all kinds of New York memorabilia, from antiquated to modern. A few of the highlights include 1939 World's Fair souvenirs, old deli signs, and even old subway and bus passes. It's free to hop on by, but there's a $5 suggested donation. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. 3. City Hall Subway Station This ornate subway station was once considered the crowning achievement of design and decor in the city. Opened in 1904, the station remains as one of the most beautiful public works in the world, although trains stopped coming here in 1945. Several famous architects, including ones that built Mount Rushmore and St. John the Devine Catholic Church helped design the project, giving it beautiful domed ceilings, skylights, chandeliers, and other opulent features. The station is just a short walk from the Brooklyn Bridge station, so taking the 4, 5, or 6 train is the easiest way to get there. Every so often, the city also hosts tours, so keep an ear and an eye out for that information. With such a diverse array of people, arts, and architecture, there's always something to see in New York City. With these three places, you just get a little extra. "NYC City Hall Subway Station 2" by Joe Wolf is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

There are only three guarantees in life: death, taxes, and Jeeps being remarkable off-road machines. With that said, one of the hardest decisions you'll ever have to make is which Jeep to choose for your next off-roading adventure. However, with several models up to the billing, you won't have to fret that you chose the wrong one. Here are just a few of the best Jeeps for handling the toughest terrain. 1. Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock Edition If you want to get your hands on the Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock Edition (pictured above), you'll have to hustle. Created as one of six limited edition Wranglers for Jeep's 75th anniversary, the Hard Rock will probably only be available for one year. However, if you do manage to land one of these beasts, there's no terrain you can't handle. From a technical standpoint, the Rubicon Hard Rock uses Jeep's patented Rock-Trac 4X4 technology, which allows for optimum torque to each wheel. This enables you to climb even steeper ground and boulders with little effort. It also comes in eight colors and sports a mind-blowing nine-speaker Alpine premium audio system. more 2. Renegade Trailhawk With a name like the Trailhawk, you know this Jeep means serious business. It's the only trim level of the Renegade to offer standard four-wheel drive, making it the quintessential choice for off-roading. It's also surprisingly quick and nimble despite its 180-horsepower, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, so don't let that detract from its total package. The Trailhawk also boasts Selec-Terrain Traction Control, which allows you to switch handling according to the terrain. That means that snow, sand, mud, or rock is not really an obstacle for the Trailhawk. Plus, it comes with a roomy interior for up to four of your best friends. 3. Grand Cherokee Overland The Grand Cherokee has always been a favorite among off-roaders, not only for its ruggedness, but also because its fun to drive on the road. However, the Overland needs no roads. Using Jeep's Quadra-Lift Air Suspension, the Overland glides over terrain. The key to this handling is that air springs replace conventional coil springs, creating a smoother ride. With this system you'll have five driver-selectable modes including Park Mode, Aero Mode, Normal Ride, Off-Road I, and Off-Road II. This makes it comfortable and fun-to-drive whether you're on sand dunes or driving to work. 4. Compass High Altitude For under $20,000, you can still get a quality off-roader from Jeep, even if it doesn't hold the legendary status of the Grand Cherokee or the Wrangler. The High Altitude model packs in excellent interior features like leather-trimmed seats and a sunroof, but still gives you the gear to climb to the top of a mountain. With Freedom Drive I and Freedom Drive II, the Compass employs brake traction control and electronically-controlled coupling to help you grip the road. With these firmly in place, you won't have to worry about slippage as you careen up a rock wall. Off-roading is all the more fun if you have the proper vehicle to do it. With these Jeep models, you'll never have to worry about poor performance. "2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport off road" by zombieite is licensed under CC BY 2.0