activities for 5 year olds nyc

35 Best Family Attractions And Things To Do In NYC With Kids Right Now

Whether you're a tourist or a local, we put together a list of some family-friendly things to do with kids in NYC!

In a city as bustling as NYC, it seems like there’s always a million things going on all the time! From Broadway shows to art exhibitions to concerts , there’s no doubt why we’re the “city that never sleeps.” But what about things to do in NYC with kids? There are so many family attractions to do in the city, it was hard to narrow them down into a list! Nonetheless, whether you’re visiting NYC and need some kid-friendly ideas , or you’ve lived here all your life and want to spend a fun day with your children, we’ve got some options of things to do with kids in NYC!

1. Seek thrill at Luna Park

Luna Park is officially open for the 2024 season! It’s one of our favorite things to do in NYC with kids because it’s packed full of amusement park rides, games, food, and fun! Take your kids to try to win a stuffed animal, or enjoy the many attractions (like the famous Wonder Wheel) the parks have to offer! Or how about a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball games? Not to mention it’s right on the beach! So many ways to have family-friendly fun!

🎡 1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn

2. Check out the new Play Street Museum

Bring your kid to the brand new Play Street Museum on the UWS, an interactive children’s museum and indoor play area purposefully designed to encourage independence, exploration, and creativity ! Kids can have all kinds of “real world” play experiences like give their friends a check up at the doctor’s office, care for the animals at the pet shop, or prepare to save the day at the fire station! It’s sure to stimulate their brains in a super fun way. Plan your visit to the brand new museum here !

3. Discover the “The Secret World of Elephants” at the American Museum of Natural History

There really is so much educational fun to be had at museums , and the American Museum of Natural History is one of the best for kids. Alongside their normal collection of pre-historic dinosaurs, science programs, and more, their current “Secret World of Elephants” exhibit is a smash-hit.

Kids can get up close and personal with these trunked creatures and learn the ins and out of their lives…from how their bodies work to the environment they live in. Learn more about The Secret Life of Elephants here .

🐘 Buy your tickets to the American Museum of Natural History here!

Where: 200 Central Park West

4. Get nautical at the Intrepid Museum

This museum sits inside a World War 2 aircraft carrier, USS Intrepid, showcases a diverse collection of military aircrafts, the USS Growler submarine, the Space Shuttle Enterprise, and a British Airways Concorde . It’s a great place to bring kids since it’s full of immersive fun, STEM subject matter and history! You’ll be able to walk them through hours of immersive collections, exhibitions and programming.

5. Grab a scoop at Museum of Ice Cream

Jump into a world-famous sprinkle pool, ride a pink subway car, and taste test nostalgic ice cream flavors at this museum dedicated to the sweet treat! The Museum of Ice Cream in SoHo is a kid’s dream…and is the perfect place to bring them for a scoop (or two) of some delicious ice cream. Learn more about the Museum of Ice Cream here .

6. Become a Troll at CAMP

Is your kid a fan of the Trolls movies?! If so, you have to bring them to this magical trolls experience happening in collaboration with retailer and experience maker CAMP. At this immersive experience, children are able to play and explore in Bergen Town, Vacay Island, Pop Village, and beyond! Plus, they can ride a living bus thingy called Rhonda, witness a Trollpop concert, and treat themselves at Mr. Dinkle’s Sparkle Spa. Learn more about Trolls x CAMP here !

7. Play pickleball at CityPickle

NYC’s favorite pickleball destination, CityPickle, just launched their brand new kids programming…complete with birthday party options and summer camp dates! Now available are two hour birthday events complete with food and on-court play, as well as a slew of summer camp sessions ranging from four weeks in the summer. Learn more about children’s offerings at CityPickle here .

8. Get slimy at Sloomoo Institute

Sloomoo Institute is NYC’s immersive slime experience that intersects design and sensory play…making it the perfect place to bring your children! The 12,000 square foot space in SoHo is home to hand-crafted, artisanal slime of all textures and scents that is begging to be played with. You can let the whole family’s senses go wild on this one-of-a-kind slime adventure! Learn more here .

Where: 475 Broadway

9. Spend a day with a furry friend at an NYC zoo

Although it’s on the colder side here in NYC, you can still check out one of the world’s most iconic zoos during the winter. Spend hours on end with your children while you check out all the wildlife there is to offer, from sea lions to Andean bears. Check out all of NYC’s zoos here !

10. Stroll through Central Park

Central Park is one of the most popularly explored urban parks , so we can’t talk about things to do with kids in NYC without mentioning our gem of a park. Of course you can bring them here for a picnic, game of catch, or whatever you fancy, but they also have kid-friendly attractions scattered throughout, like a carousel near the Dairy, as well as the miniature Belvedere Castle! Go now to check out the cherry blossoms too!

🌳 Central Park

11. Explore the Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Believe it or not, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum was founded as the world’s very first children’s museum back in 1899! With a mission to “create experiences that ignite curiosity, celebrate identity and cultivate joyful learning” among children and middle schoolers, there are so many exhibits, programs, movies, and events always going on here! Take a look at exhibits like World Brooklyn , where children can play in kid-sized shops based on local Brooklyn businesses, or even Neighborhood Nature , which explores life sciences, the natural world, and live animals! Learn more and plan your visit here .

🧒 145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn

12. Play at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan

Welcoming over 350,000 visitors a year, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is an Upper West Side hub for children to “grow and develop into their best selves.” There’s tons of exhibitions to check out, including a Nickelodeon sponsored Adventures With Dora and Diego activation, as well as a PlayWorks™ space that allows kids to build their physical, social, math, art, science, literacy and problem-solving abilities! Check out what’s happening at CMOM and plan your visit here .

🛝 212 W 83rd St

13. Sail to the Statue of Liberty

Whether you’re a tourist or a local, visiting Lady Liberty is never a bad idea with your kid. Not only is it a fun thing to do with your kid, but it’s a memory that will last a lifetime! Take the ferry, snap pictures, and get up close and personal with one of NYC’s most famous landmarks! Plus, there’s audio tours for kids, a museum, and they can even climb up to the crown if they’re above four feet tall.

🗽 Statue of Liberty, Liberty Island

14. Dive into an NYC aquarium

Similar to zoos, NYC’s aquariums are a great way to spend a day with children, and you can even do it if the weather doesn’t cooperate! Peek into different marine life featuring penguins, sharks, and exotic fish at the various aquariums around the city. Many, like the New York Aquarium offer sea lion shows, while others offer unique fish breeds and touch tanks. Check out the full list here .

15. Ride rollercoasters at Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park

No matter the age of your kids, you’re sure to find something fun to do at Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park. It’s a little outside of NYC in East Rutherford, NJ but it’s definitely worth the trip! They have rides that may homage to famous characters like Timmy Turner and Spongebob, so you know it’ll be a good time. Plus, the American Dream Mall where the park is located also has tons of other kid-friendly attractions, like a mirror maze, ice rink and more!

🎢 Read more about Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park here.

⛸️ Buy tickets to American Dream’s The Rink here!

📍 1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford, NJ

16. Go building at LEGOLAND® New York Resort

This LEGO takeover is also a little outside of New York City, but it’s a great day trip to make with your children! There is quite literally so much to do here, it can even be overwhelming! You and your kids can ride rides and attractions, do meet and greets with LEGO characters, watch LEGO movies, shop, eat, and so much more! Check out everything that’s going on at LEGOLAND® here .

🧱 1 Legoland Blvd, Goshen, NY

17. Get active at Chelsea Piers

If your child is into sports (or you want them to be into sports), you have to check out Chelsea Piers. Their 100,000+ square foot territory on the west side of the city is a kids’ dream and a great way to keep them in tip-top shape! This place has everything thing a child could imagine, from an ice rink to a swimming pool to rock climbing to even bowling at Bowlero! Seriously, there’s just about everything you can think of. Check out everything that’s happening here .

🤸 62 Chelsea Piers

18. Visit Brooklyn Bridge Park

Take your kids walking over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge to get some fresh air and some picturesque NYC skyline views! Don’t forget to check out Slide Mountain, the vintage carousel at Empire Fulton Ferry or the chance to go roller skating at Pier 2. Or maybe one of their plentiful playgrounds will pass the time? Maybe even a summer movie in the park? Whatever strikes your interest, this is always a great visit with kids.

🌉 334 Furman St, Brooklyn

19. Go toy shopping at iconic NYC toy stores

Are you and your kids ready to shop until you drop? While there’s so many place to go shopping in NYC , we suggest stopping by some of the big kid-friendly stores you can only find in select places, like New York. We’re talking the mystical Harry Potter store, the LEGO store, and the iconic Fao Schwarz store in Rockefeller Plaza. Let your kids pick out something memorable and take a souvenir home from NYC.

20. Get spacial at INTER_

INTER_ is currently one of our favorite immersive experiences in NYC , and it’s perfect for kids to have an interactive day of fun! Not only can you step through and be part of the colorful installations, you can now check out their wINTERverse exhibition happening through January 16! There’s immersive winter wonderlands, enchanting photo ops, a DIY beaded snowflake experience and more! Learn more here .

Where: 415 Broadway

21. Embark on a soaring journey over NYC

Take your child on an NYC experience like never before at RiseNY, a 3 part immersive experience in Times Square including a film, museum, and soaring 4D ride! This spot is great for kids because you do things like taking a ride on a model of the first ever NY subway, view one-of-a-kind items curated by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and ride an exhilarating 4D ride over the NYC skyline! Learn more about it and book your spot here .

Where: 160 W 45th St

22. Ride the Roosevelt Island Tram

Are you looking for a low effort way to grab some skyline views with your children? Entrust in the Roosevelt Island Tram that offers gorgeous views and a fun ride to and from the island for the little ones. You can pick it up on the Upper East Side on E 59th and 2nd Ave every 7-15 minutes. Once you get to the island, you can explore Southpoint Park next to the river, North Point Lighthouse, and the Franklin D Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park.

🚠 E 59th St & 2nd Ave

23. Take them to a kid-friendly restaurant in NYC

If all else fails, try taking them to one of these kid-friendly restaurants! They have special menus, sweet treats, and so much more that will satisfy them. We’re talking everything from wacky milkshakes to frozen hot chocolates! Check out our list of best kid-friendly restaurants in NYC here !

24. Grab views at NYC Observation Decks

What better way to make a memory then grabbing a 360 degree view of our favorite city with your kids? Climb to one some of the highest heights with your kids to experience something like never before. Of course you have the Edge, One World Observatory, the Empire State Building, and so many more. Usually these experiences offer discounted children tickets as well! Check out all of the great observatories here .

25. Smell the flowers at Children’s Adventure Garden

As the Holiday Train Show at NYBG winds down, take your kids to check that out alongside the Children’s Adventure Garden! This place allows children to invent their own plants in “Plant Part Paradise ” as well as dash through “ Beth’s Maze, ” plus many more activities! This is the perfect springtime way for kids to explore the wonders of science and nature! Learn more about the Children’s Adventure Garden here .

🌼 Buy tickets to the New York Botanical Garden here!

26. Catch an NYCFC game at Yankee Stadium

Take ’em out to a sports game! Turn your children into the biggest NYCFC games, where they’ll be kicking the ball around Yankee Stadium all season long! You can get discounted tickets for youth and who knows…you may even spot Lionel Messi if his Inter Miami team comes to town!

⚾ E 161st St & River Avenue

27. Learn about history at South Street Seaport Museum

New York’s rich history as a world port for global trading, goods, labor, and cultures is fully on display at the South Street Seaport Museum. Have your children explore the often unspoken historical side of the city through different exhibits that discuss topics like different ocean liners and even a maritime-themed discovery room featuring a live hermit crab. Check out what’s on here !

🚢 12 Fulton St

28. Let them loose on an NYC playground

NYC’s finest jungle gyms are calling your kid’s name! From slides to swings, there are so many lovely playgrounds around NYC that your child can spend hours frolicking on. In the summertime, some of these playgrounds even have splash ponds and features too to cool off! Check out the best playgrounds in NYC here !

29. Explore the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral by candlelight

Take your child on a creepy yet enthralling walking tour of the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral! By candlelight, you and your kids can discover the hidden areas of the church that are off-limits to regular visitors. Learn about the church’s significance in New York history, uncover the final resting places of famous New Yorkers, and so much more!

🕯️ Buy your tickets to the Catacombs by Candlelight Tour here!

30. Get competitive at Game of 1000 Boxes

Experience NYC’s first and only live game show experience with Game of 1000 Boxes! You and your kids can immerse yourself in an hour of fun and exciting party games that test collective wits, gut instincts, and button-finger agility!

🎮 Buy your tickets to Game of 1000 Boxes here!

31. Channel your inner spy at SPYSCAPE

This puzzling espionoge museum will have your kid unlocking their inner spy! They’ll test their skills by uncovering hidden talents, cracking codes, and conducting top-secret operations in different SPYGAMES challenges. It’s the perfect adventure!

🕵️ Buy your tickets to SPYSCAPE here!

32. Play for hours at Flying Apple

This indoor play center is perfect for kids age 1-10! Full of ball pits, slides, and you name it…it’s a great spot for kids to play and parents to hang out. Plus, kids can also have birthday parties, events, field trips and more. Learn more about Flying Apple here !

Where: 912 Broadway, Brooklyn

33. Learn at the National Museum of Mathematics

MoMath is the perfect educational spot to bring kids for the day! Enhance their learning and get their brains stimulated with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and events all centered around math . Learn more about MoMath and see what’s on here .

34. See skyline views aboard a cruise

Spend the day on NYC waters with your children as you take in panoramic views of the New York City skyline! City Cruises offers many different daily trips that come with snacks and a great ride!

35. Kid’s Day at Olly Olly Market

This Chelsea food hall and market hosts monthly “Kid’s Days” which vary in theme and activities! In the past they’ve included kid -friendly yoga sessions, a bounce house, face painting, and more ! Of course there’s yummy food to keep you full all day long too. Learn more about Kid’s Days here !

TYPE IN YOUR SEARCH AND PRESS ENTER

• Last Updated On
• November 3, 2023

35 Best Things to Do in NYC with Kids: Fun, Family-Friendly Attractions!

You might hear that New York City is a fantastic destination for families with kids of all ages.

It has famous monuments, intriguing museums, and thrilling outdoor activities that can keep your entire family delighted. 

As a parent and professional travel writer, I’ve been to this city and studied it extensively.

My kids love this city and consider it one of their favorites. 

Not just that, but New Yorker friends and Hollywood reports all agree that New York is among the most fantastic cities on earth.

And to help you find your way around, I’ve gathered some of the best things to do in NYC with kids.

Below is a list of my favorite kid-friendly places and things to do in New York City.

These activities will make the most unforgettable memories for the whole family, whether you’re a local or a tourist.

Fun Things To Do In NYC With Kids Compared 

There are endless opportunities to explore and experience the city’s vibrant culture, history, and diversity. Here’s a roundup of our top picks:

Editor’s Choice

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Speaking of iconic views, this is obviously one you cannot skip.

• Age Compatibility: Preschoolers
• Educational Value: 5/5
• Fun Factor: 4.5/5
• Accessibility: 4/5
• Affordability: 4/5

#2nd Best Choice

American Museum of Natural History

This is one with scavenger hunts and the world’s largest collection of dinosaurs.

• Age Compatibility: Toddlers
• Fun Factor: 5/5
• Accessibility: 4.5/5
• Affordability: 4.5/5

#3rd Best Choice

The Lion King On Broadway

Enjoy a visual feast at the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of “The Lion King.”

• Educational Value: 4/5

Here are fun activities in NYC with kids.

1. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (Editor’s Choice)

Ellis Island Jersey City, NJ (212) 561-4588 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• Interactive exhibits
• Most iconic landmarks in the United States
• Might not be enjoyable during rainy days

The immigration museum in Ellis Island is one of the top places for kids in NYC for both entertainment and educational purposes.

It gives them an insight into what it was like to immigrate to the land of opportunities.

When you’re at the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, get the kids an audio tour.

They can also climb up to the crown if they are taller than four feet.

There’s also a relatively new museum in here which hosts interactive exhibits.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown

Related: Best Family Hotels in New York City

2. American Museum of Natural History

Central Park West & 79th St New York, NY 10024 (212) 769-5100 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Educational Value
• Research opportunities
• It can get very crowded

That’s got to get the attention of your tots.

Collect the Kids’ Guide and get ready for a fun-filled day.

Head to the Discovery Room where kids from 5-12 years get a behind-the-scenes look at scientific research and check out specimens and rare artifacts.

Also, don’t skip the Hayden Planetarium. It’s one of the best in all of America.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Giraffe by Library Hotel Collection

Related: Best Restaurants in NYC

3. The Lion King On Broadway

200 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036 (866) 870-2717 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Memorable broadway experience
• Valuable lesson about family
• Can be expensive

Enjoy a visual feast at the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of “The Lion King.” 

The great animal puppets and well-known tunes like “Hakuna Matata” will be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

Moreover, you will even adore that the Academy Award-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” is also featured in the show.

These songs can send shivers down your spine. 

Get ready to be captivated by a flawless combination of animation, staging, and costumes. 

If you don’t have your tickets, you should arrive at least 30 minutes early. 

Important reminder, there is a strict ban on all forms of recording media.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: W Hoboken

Related: Best Things to Do in NYC

4. Official NYC Horse Carriage Rides in Central Park

7th Ave & Central Park S New York, NY 10019 (516) 606-6212 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

A carriage ride around Central Park can add an extra dose of romance and wonder to your trip to New York. 

This family-owned business treats you with respect, sincerity, and professionalism, leaving you with fantastic memories.

Prepare to pose at Cherry Hill and Strawberry Fields and see the Wollman Rink, Central Park Carousel, and Pond.

Their riders can also give you a little information about its rich history. 

You can also feed the horse and stay warm with provided blankets in the winter.

So take your kids, even the young at heart, and enjoy the city’s best Central Park horse carriage ride.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Marmara Park Avenue

5. Children’s Museum of the Arts

103 Charlton St New York, NY 10014 (212) 274-0986 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

This is great fun for kids because it is designed to please them.

It is spread over 10,000 square feet and has a ton of activities like art workshops to keep them engaged.

They can also check out the thousands of paintings and drawings created by other kids and maybe even get inspired.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Plaza

Related: Free Things to Do in NYC

6. New York City Fire Museum

278 Spring Street New York, NY 10013 (212) 691-1303 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you’re in New York with kids, the fire museum is one of those amusing things you must experience with them.

It is set in a historic Beaux Arts building in Soho from the 1900s.

It has vintage fire equipment which makes the experience partly an exploration of an art installation and partly a drill on fire safety.

You also get to learn about the history of New York City firefighters.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Quin Central Park by Hilton Club

Related: Fun Things to Do in NYC at Night

7. Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex

62 Chelsea Piers New York, NY 10011 (212) 336-6666 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

For a day full of family fun, this is a great choice.

This sports complex is situated on 28 acres on three piers of the Hudson river.

Among other things, it has an 80,000 square foot field house, a driving range and a bowling alley.

If you want to take it easy, there’s a pool too.

If you want to skate around, there’s an ice-skating rink.

And that’s available 365 days of the year.

And for those of you who want to cool down, there’s a lovely pool.

Right behind the Chelsea Piers is an outpost spread over 52,000 square feet.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Mandarin Oriental New York

8. National Museum of Mathematics

11 E 26th St New York, NY 10010 (212) 542-0566 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you find Math to be scary or nerdy, this will give you a new perspective.

This is one of those underrated places that has a great variety of kids stuff, waiting to be explored.

It has a lot of exhibits demonstrating the value of math, science and technology in our everyday lives.

There’s also little wonders like square-wheeled tricycles and a range of quizzes and puzzles that will blow your mind.

There’s also the option of painting on a digital canvas.

So if you’re not math-y but artsy, you will still enjoy this museum.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: JW Marriott Essex House New York

9. Empire State Building

20 W 34th St New York, NY 10001 (212) 736-3100 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

We couldn’t skip this one and neither should you.

It sounds a bit of an obvious choice but it really is among the fun things to do in NYC with kids.

The observatory on the 102 nd floor, for example, is an iconic piece of art in itself.

You get to go over 1,200 feet above New York and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

The whole family can get a good look at the Manhattan skyline without having to go there.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Inn At Fox Hollow Hotel

10. New York Public Library

476 5th Ave New York, NY 10018 (917) 275-6975 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

You meet the iconic marble lions Patience and Fortitude (yes, those are their names) right at the entrance of the New York Public Library.

The building itself is a visual treat for adults who appreciate building designs.

Head to the Rose Main Reading Room in the iconic fifth Avenue building to get a glimpse of that.

For kids, there is a separate section where they can meet Winnie the Pooh and lose themselves in the selection of books.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Kimpton Muse Hotel

Related: Best Beaches in NYC

11. Bryant Park

New York, NY 10018, United States (212) 768-4242 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

This is one of the places to go with family during the winter.

There’s an ice skating rink which opens at 8 in the morning, every day and stays open till 10 in the night.

It gets even better for kids because they get to skate ahead of time if you block a spot for them.

Then you’ll have lots of time to get a hot cup of cocoa which is the icing on the cake for this experience.

12. The New Victory Theater

209 W 42nd St New York, NY 10036 (646) 223-3010 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

This is a place of performing arts dedicated to entertaining kids.

And it’s not for profit so you’ll be doing something good while having a great time.

It’s like an introductory class in theatre, dance and music for people of all ages.

The New Victory Theaters also has a touch of circuses, which is one of the best kids’ attractions in any city.

You can also catch an autism-friendly show which comes with alerts before loud noises or low lighting.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Bryant Park Hotel

13. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Pier 86, W 46th St New York, NY 10036 (877) 957-7447 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you’re an aviation enthusiast, you’re in luck.

This museum in Hell’s Kitchen is a testament to American history in sea, air and space, as the name suggests.

Speaking of which, it is also home to the iconic aircraft Intrepid.

This museum is more than just interesting.

It’s actually educational for the little ones and mom and dad.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Whitby Hotel

Also See: Things to Do in Times Square, NY with Kids Fun Things to Do in Brooklyn with Kids

14. SPYSCAPE

928 8th Ave New York, NY 10019 (212) 549-1941 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If your kids loved the 2001 blockbuster Spy Kids then you have to bring them here.

It opened in 2018 in midtown and has a bunch of kid-friendly activities that will keep them busy for hours.

There are spy-themed puzzles, dodging of lasers and other Mission Impossible-style activities.

When they’re done they might even tell you if they’re an agent handler, an intelligent analyst or the next James Bond (or Ethan Hunt since it’s Mission Impossible).

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Conrad New York Midtown

15. Roosevelt Island and Tram

Roosevelt Island New York, NY 10044 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

This is one of those vintage modes of transport you don’t see everywhere.

It runs over the East River towards Roosevelt Island, which is just two miles long.

Once you get there, you can explore Southpoint Park next to the river or head towards the North Point Lighthouse.

There’s also the Franklin D Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park designed by Louis Kahn which gives a great view of Manhattan.

16. Central Park

1802 65th St Transverse New York, NY 10065 (212) 439-6900 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

We cannot discuss where to take children in New York City without talking about Central Park.

Designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted, it is the most-visited urban park in the entire country.

Central Park has some amazing pockets of fun like the historic carousel near the Dairy.

You can enjoy the ride or take a ton of pictures here.

There’s also the Belvedere Castle which was recently renovated and is a big hit with the kids.

Related: Things to Do Near NYC

17. DiMenna Children’s History Museum

170 Central Park West New York, NY 10024 (212) 873-3400 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Another must-visit museum in the city, this is inside the New-York Historical Society .

It’s a smaller place meant to entertain young people. It has a rich narrative of the history of the city.

They can learn about icons like Alexander Hamilton and meet re-enactors too.

It’s a great place to understand the different milestones in the evolution of NYC.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York

Also See: Queens Attractions for Kids Kid Friendly Things to Do in Buffalo

18. Staten Island Ferry

4 Whitehall St New York, NY 10004 (212) 639-9675 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

This is one of the top mentions in every tourist hotspot listicle on New York City.

And there’s a reason for it.

The ferry gives you a great view of the Statue of Liberty and the New York Harbor.

It’s a 25-minute ride on one side and is one of the fun things for kids to do in the city.

And on your way back, you should also check out the St. George neighborhood for some more picturesque frames.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Crosby Street Hotel

19. Children’s Museum of Manhattan

212 W 83rd St New York, NY 10024 (212) 721-1223 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you feel like exploring something indoors, here are another five floors of fun called the Children’s Museum of Manhattan to the rescue.

Here you will find interactive exhibits that allow children to dance and perform but also snag in a quick story and other low-key activities.

It’s right next to Central Park so you always have the option of heading out if it turns out to be a pleasant day.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: 1 Hotel Central Park

20. Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling

898 St Nicholas Ave New York, NY 10032 (212) 335-0004 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If your kids are fans of art and stories, this one in Harlem will make their day.

It is spread over 17,000 square feet on two floors of an affordable housing project.

It was designed by British architect David Adjaye and is meant to entertain and educate kids of ages 3-8.

Throughout the year, you can find storytelling series and art exhibitions here.

There are many workshops and you can enroll them in an education curriculum if inspiration strikes.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites by Hilton Edgewater-NYC Area

21. New York Botanical Garden

2900 Southern Blvd Bronx, NY 10458 (718) 817-8700 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The New York Botanical Garden is filled with exhibitions that will knock your boots off.

The Everett Children’s Adventure has boulders and mazes that keep the young ones occupied which you take some time to check out the lily pads.

And in winter, there’s an annual Holiday Train Show which is guaranteed to entertain the whole family.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Residence Inn by Marriott The Bronx at Metro Center Atrium

22. Museum of the Moving Image

36-01 35th Av Queens, NY 11106 (718) 777-6800 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

This is another museum that the kids will love.

Once you’re here, you must check out Behind The Screen which showcases hundreds of artifacts from movies.

Cue Chewbacca mask for the Star Warriors.

There are also interactive exhibits where children can try and make stop-motion animations on their own.

They can also create sound effects and flipbooks.

Also, don’t miss the permanent Jim Henson exhibit which has the original puppets from his contributions.

Fun fact: The long-time PBS special, Sesame Street was filmed near here at the Kaufman Astoria Studios.

Also See: Things for Kids to Do in The Adirondacks Things to Do in Albany for Kids

23. Queens Museum

New York City Building Corona, NY 11368 (718) 592-9700 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If your kid cannot get enough of Legos then this place will make them giddy with joy.

For starters, there is a scaled model of the five boroughs of NYC called The Panorama of the City of New York.

It was made in 1964 for the World’s Fair that year and has been updated over time.

The whole family can also attend workshops that will awaken the artist in all of you.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Elmhurst Hotel

24. New York Hall Of Science

47-01 111th St Corona, NY 11368 (718) 699-0005 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

The New York Hall of Science is a temple for those who love the STEM subjects.

This is another piece of beauty from the World’s Fair of 1964.

The Science Playground is for pre-schoolers.

The Sports Challenge is where physics and math come together to enhance the experience of sports like basketball.

There’s also an indoor playground with water features for those hot summer days. All of this is just a sneak peek.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott New York LaGuardia Airport

25. Brooklyn Bridge Park

334 Furman St Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 222-9939 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Spread over 85 acres of pure joy, this is a place for adults and children.

The Manhattan skyline is just one of the views to check out.

It is located over 1.3 miles along the East River and is divided into sections.

There are six refurbished piers here with playgrounds.

The experience is incomplete without a tour of Slide Mountain, the vintage carousel at Empire Fulton Ferry and roller skating at Pier 2.

26. New York Transit Museum

Boerum Pl & Schermerhorn St Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 694-1600 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Whether you’re near the Grand Central Terminal (satellite location) or in Brooklyn, you can catch a glimpse of the New York Transit Museum for a touch of history.

This is a decommissioned subway station which has interactive exhibits to teach children about the history of subways.

You can learn about fare collection and construction of a subway.

You can also get close to vintage subway cars and buses while you’re here.

Also See: NYC on a Budget Kids Activities: Rochester Things to Do in Syracuse with Kids

27. LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park Brooklyn

171 East Dr Brooklyn, NY 11225 (718) 462-0010 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

From winter ice skating or summer roller skating, the LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park in Brooklyn is a great destination for a fun day with the family.

It is on 75,000 square feet of property and has recreational activities lined up throughout the year.

There’s a splash pad with over 40 sprinklers for the hotter days.

You can bring your own skates or rent out a pair.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Brooklyn New York

28. Brooklyn Children’s Museum

145 Brooklyn Ave Brooklyn, NY 11213 (718) 735-4400 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

We promise this is the last of the museums in New York City.

But there’s so much history to cover. This one is the first museum created exclusively for tots and middle schoolers.

It was founded in 1899 and has won some awards too.

At World Brooklyn, you will find pint-sized shops that allow kids to play-act shopkeepers and builders.

At Neighborhood Nature, you will find diorama habitats and a greenhouse.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Indigo – Williamsburg – Brooklyn

29. New York Aquarium

602 Surf Ave Brooklyn, NY 11224 (718) 265-3474 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Coney Island is a synonym of fun.

And while you’re there, you must check out the New York Aquarium which is open throughout the year.

You can learn about a variety of underwater creatures.

A new exhibit called “Ocean Wonder: Sharks” spread over 57,000 square feet, located on the boardwalk, is the one to steal the thunder most recently.

Here, you’ll find marine animals and some saw-toothed predators.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Brooklyn-Coney Island Inn

30. Governors Island

Governors Island, NY 11231 (212) 440-2200 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The last one on the list of must-do activities in New York City is another island.

It used to be a military base of buildings and lawns.

When you’re here, you feel like a part of New England was imported into NYC.

It’s 800 yards from Manhattan and you can get here through the ferry.

It’s like a park with winding paths and playgrounds.

Here, you’ll find some of the city’s best food trucks and that’s a New York experience to savor.

Sit back and enjoy the cool ocean breeze in a ‘New York minute’.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Boro Hotel

31. Time Out Market New York

55 Water St Brooklyn, NY 11201 (917) 810-4855 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you’re in the Brooklyn area and scratching your head wondering about “things to do with kids near me”, Time Out Market is always a hit.

With a curated selection of eateries like Jacob’s Pickles and Fornino, it offers something for everyone.

Kids will go nuts for the inventive ice cream flavors at Sugar Hill Creamery and the crispy fried chicken from Jacob’s Pickles.

Parents, you’re not left out—enjoy gourmet options and perhaps a glass of wine.

The open layout means kids can roam a bit, and everyone can enjoy the views.

The stunning views of the East River and iconic Brooklyn Bridge add a scenic touch to your meal.

Seasonal events and food stalls keep the experience fresh for each visit.

32. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1000 5th Ave New York, NY 10028 (212) 535-7710 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Remember that book where kids lived in a museum?

At The Met, that fantasy feels possible.

The Met is a treasure trove of art and history that captivates kids and adults alike.

From Egyptian temples to Frank Lloyd Wright houses, it’s like stepping into a storybook.

The museum offers free Family Guides to make exhibits engaging for young minds.

Storytime at the Nolan Library adds an educational twist.

And don’t forget the family entrance—no lines and stroller-friendly.

If you’re searching for educational NYC kids activities, you can’t go wrong with this museum.

33. Rose Center for Earth and Space

81st Street between Central Park W and Columbus Ave New York, NY 10024 (212) 769-5100 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you’re on the hunt for indoor kids activities, NYC, New York, won’t bore you out.

Here at Rose Center for Earth and Space, kids can explore the universe without leaving Manhattan.

The 87-foot Hayden Sphere is the centerpiece, offering a visual feast for families.

The space show “Worlds Beyond Earth” is also a must-see, and the exhibits offer bite-sized facts about our cosmic neighborhood.

It’s educational but feels like an adventure, a win-win for both parents and kids.

34. Symphony Space

Upper Level, 2537 Broadway New York, NY 10025 (212) 864-5400 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you’re searching for exciting things to do with kids, NYC has this popular gem for you to explore.

Located at the 95th and Broadway, Symphony Space is a vibrant mix of music, dance, and literature that keeps kids entertained and engaged.

From circus acts to beatboxing, this place is a sensory feast.

The Thalia Kids Book Club adds a literary angle, letting young readers interact with their favorite authors.

With a wide range of programs, it’s easily one of the top fun things to do in NYC for kids.

35. Snug Harbor Cultural Center

1000 Richmond Ter Staten Island, NY 10301 (718) 425-3504 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Your search for the best kid friendly things to do in NYC is over.

Snug Harbor in Staten Island is an interactive playground for families in the Big Apple.

With hands-on exhibits and the magical Connie Gretz Secret Garden, it’s a day well spent.

Kids can get crafty, sing, dance, and explore exhibits.

The Connie Gretz Secret Garden is a maze of fun inspired by a classic novel.

And if you visit during the Winter Lantern Festival, expect an eight-acre wonderland of dazzling, culturally rich displays.

The interactive exhibits and garden maze offer varied activities for different age groups.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Harbor House Bed and Breakfast

Activity Guide 

Comparing attractions: which one is right for you.

Choosing a suitable family activity will depend on several factors, including your family’s interests, budget, and time constraints.

Alright, let’s do a side-by-side comparison of these extraordinary attractions. 

The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and is a must-see for history buffs. 

But if your kiddos are more into dinosaurs and space, the American Museum of Natural History will be their wonderland. 

On the other hand, The Lion King On Broadway offers a magical blend of theater and music.

And, if you want to feel the charm of NYC at a slower pace, the Horse Carriage Ride in Central Park might just be the ticket. 

Each has its unique appeal, so it’s all about finding your family’s vibe. 

How I Picked The Activities

I’m intentional about everything I do with my kids, so I nurture them by including them in fun and educational activities.

As I have also been a travel blogger, my goal is to provide you with the best attractions.

This article considers age applicability, educational value, fun factor, accessibility, and affordability. 

I also base this upon other parents’ reviews and suggestions on trusted travel websites for families. 

Our Rating Method 

I rate these activities based on the following criteria: 

• Age Compatibility: I use this criterion to assess the ideal age range for each attraction. Is this activity suitable for toddlers, preschoolers, or young children? Will teenagers and tweens enjoy this attraction? I ask myself these questions whenever I assess age compatibility. 
• Educational Value: This is used to evaluate the educational benefits that the activity offers. Does the activity provide learning opportunities to children? Does it teach them lessons in science and history? I ask myself these important questions when rating the activity’s educational value. 
• Fun Factor: This measures the level of excitement, engagement, and enjoyment that the activity offers. Is it engaging and enjoyable for kids? Will it create memorable and positive experiences for families? These questions are important whenever I rate the activity’s fun factor. 
• Accessibility: This measures how accessible the activity is for families. Is it wheelchair accessible? Is it easily accessible by public transportation? Does it have ample parking space? I consider these factors when evaluating the accessibility of every activity. 
• Affordability: This assesses the value of money provided by the activity. Are the admission fees reasonable? Does it offer deals or discounts for families? I use these questions to evaluate the affordability of every attraction.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is nyc a child friendly city.

Yes, New York City is a child-friendly city with numerous parks, museums, and family-friendly attractions. But the crowded environment requires extra vigilance when navigating with children.

What Is The Best Area For Family Trips In New York City?

The most popular areas for family trips in New York City include Central Park, as well as the Upper West Side and Upper East Side, with various family-oriented amenities.

Best Things to Do in NYC with Kids: Reddit User Recommendations

What are the best things to do for a family with a 4-year-old visiting NYC? by u/signal in AskNYC

From the hustle and bustle of the streets to the breathtaking views of its parks, this world-famous city offers some of the most enjoyable activities for your family.

My spouse and kids had such a good time throughout the trip that I almost ran out of space on my camera.

My kids got thrilled at the American Museum of Natural History, seeing the scavenger hunts and the world’s largest collection of dinosaurs.

We followed that up by taking in the tear-jerking The Lion King on Broadway. 

We also had a lovely carriage ride through Central Park as we further explored the city.

Our driver was great and told us interesting things about the park as we went. 

He also stopped to let us take pictures and feed the horse. 

But one of the best things to do in NYC with kids, which I highly recommend, is the must-visit Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. 

The kids and I learned a ton from our guide, who was also incredibly knowledgeable and helpful.

Cookie banner

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy . Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use , which became effective December 20, 2019.

By choosing I Accept , you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies.

Share this story

The 29 best things to do in New York City with kids

The top spots for families in the Big Apple

Whether it’s because of honking taxis or the sheer size of the most populous city in the U.S., navigating New York City with kids can be a daunting task. But look beyond the hustle and bustle of the streets and you’ll find a laundry list of family-friendly activities.

Most people know that Central Park is packed with playgrounds and that kiddos love the (free!) Staten Island Ferry. Dive a little deeper and you’ll discover countless other children’s museums, a theater with performances just for kids, and recreational facilities that let children ice skate, climb, and swim.

We’ve scoured the city to find the best activities for families, whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor. Here are 30 different options in all five boroughs that will help your kids fall in love with the city in a New York minute.

Traveling to other cities with your kiddos? Don’t miss Curbed’s maps of the best family activities in Washington, D.C. , Boston , Detroit , Atlanta , Chicago , Miami , Los Angeles , Seattle , San Francisco , New Orleans , Austin , and Philadelphia .

Staten Island Ferry

Sure, you’ll find the Staten Island Ferry on almost every New York City tourist guide, but there’s a reason. This free ferry provides great views of the Statue of Liberty and the New York Harbor, and the 25-minute, one-way trip is just long enough to hold your child’s attention. Once across, check out the St. George neighborhood or head back on another ferry for more great views.

• Open in Google Maps

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

It may seem cliche, but a visit to the Statue of Liberty and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum is something every child should do at least once. Ask for the children’s audio tour (created for ages six to ten) in the lobby of the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal, and then kids four feet or taller can climb to the top of the statue’s crown. Don’t miss the free Statue of Liberty Museum, which opened in 2019 and has interactive exhibits about Lady Liberty. In the Immigration Museum, head to Ellis Kid for an interactive exhibit that helps little ones imagine what it was like to immigrate to the U.S.

One World Observatory

While the Empire State Building is always a good choice to check out the city view, we like the experience at One World Observatory. Kids get a kick out of riding some of the fastest elevators in the world and love knowing they are on top of the tallest building in the country. Don’t miss the 100th floor for HD videos of New York and the Sky Portal, where high-tech screens give you a bird’s eye view of the street 1,776 feet below.

Also featured in:

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks in NYC: Where to watch

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks in NYC: where to watch

South Street Seaport Museum

Hurricane Sandy caused extensive damage to the South Street Seaport Museum, but the reopened venue is a good stop for kiddos interested in ships, boating, and maritime history . Highlights include exploring five historic ships, learning to use a letterpress, and sailing around the New York Harbor in an excursion vessel.

A post shared by South Street Seaport Museum (@seaportmuseum) on Jun 30, 2017 at 9:45am PDT

Children's Museum of the Arts

The world is full of stunning art museums , but most aren’t designed for little ones. Check out the 10,000-square-foot Children’s Museum of the Arts for kid-centered activities, plenty of hands-on art workshops, and 2,000 brightly colored paintings and drawings, most of them created by kids.

A post shared by Children's Museum of the Arts (@cmainnyc) on May 15, 2017 at 9:48am PDT

New York City Fire Museum

Set in a historic 1904 Beaux Arts firehouse in Soho, the New York City Fire Museum is a paradise for kids obsessed with firetrucks. You’ll see vintage fire equipment, art, and learn about fire safety and the history of firefighters in New York.

A post shared by @ha1iah on May 30, 2017 at 1:38pm PDT

Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex

This 28-acre sports complex on three Hudson River piers includes an 80,000-square-foot field house, a pool, a driving range, bowling alley, and an indoor ice-skating rink that’s available year round. And get ready for more: The company behind Chelsea Piers recently opened a 52,000-square-foot Brooklyn outpost.

A post shared by Chelsea Piers NYC (@chelseapiersnyc) on Jun 19, 2017 at 12:20pm PDT

National Museum of Mathematics

Think math is boring? Let the National Museum of Mathematics change your mind. This under-the-radar museum features a ton of hands-on exhibits showing how science, technology, engineering, and math inform every element of our lives. Kids can ride square-wheeled tricycles (really!), paint on a digital canvas, and stump their parents with an array of puzzles and quizzes.

Empire State Building

Take adventurous kiddos to the new 102nd-floor observatory at the Art Deco icon, which whisks visitors more than 1,200 feet above the city. The panoramic views are spectacular (and a great way to introduce little ones to the buildings of Manhattan), and after you’ve taken it all in, you can explore exhibits that detail the skyscraper’s history and place in pop culture.

New York Public Library

Design-minded adults will love the New York Public Library’s gorgeous Rose Main Reading Room in its iconic Fifth Avenue building, but kids can also have a great time here. Say hello to the marble lions (named Patience and Fortitude) on the way in, and then head to the children’s center to check out the original Winnie the Pooh and plenty of books perfect for story time.

A post shared by William Mususu (@wmususu) on Aug 13, 2017 at 1:19pm PDT

Bryant Park

Bryant Park comes alive in winter with the arrival of the ice skating rink, which is open every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. To make the experience more fun for kids, reserve a spot to skate ahead of time, and use the time beforehand to grab a warming cup of cocoa.

• Book with OpenTable

Best bird-watching spots in New York City

New York City’s best places to cry in public, mapped

The New Victory Theater

As New York City’s premier nonprofit performing arts venue devoted to kids, the New Victory Theater aims to introduce theater, dance, circus, and music to audiences of all ages. The venue welcomes all patrons to performances, and it also hosts autism-friendly showings with warnings for loud noises and dimmed lights. Check out the calendar over here .

A post shared by New Victory Theater (@newvictorytheater) on Mar 29, 2017 at 10:51am PDT

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Aviation fans, this one’s for you. Located in Hell’s Kitchen, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum documents the history of American aviation in an educational and interesting way. You’ll see giant fighter jets, submarines, a space shuttle, and the iconic aircraft carrier Intrepid . Ever-changing rotating exhibits also impress.

Those with Spy Kids aspirations will love Spyscape, which opened in Midtown in 2018 . The immersive experience lets kids test their mettle in a variety of espionage-themed activities, including solving puzzles and dodging through lasers, a la Mission Impossible. At the end, your child will find out what kind of spy they are—intelligence analyst, agent handler, and more.

Roosevelt Island and Tram

Take the famed Roosevelt Island Tramway over the East River to the two-mile long Roosevelt Island. Stay for a while to explore Southpoint Park, the pleasant paths next to the river, or the late-1800s era North Point Lighthouse. Don’t miss the Louis Kahn-designed Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park , which has top-notch views of Manhattan.

Central Park

No child-friendly attraction list would be complete without the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Central Park , the most-visited urban park in the United States. Head over here for a map of the park’s hidden gems , and make sure to see the historic carousel, which is close to the Dairy. It’s a hit with kids of all ages and a great photo opportunity. Belvedere Castle, which recently reopened after a big renovation, is another fun one for kids.

DiMenna Children’s History Museum

Nestled within the New-York Historical Society is this smaller institution devoted to kiddos, with exhibits designed to help youngsters understand the history of NYC. They’ll learn about major historical figures (like Alexander Hamilton) and important points in the evolution of the city; they can also meet re-enactors who help bring those moments to life.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by New-York Historical Society (@nyhistory) on Apr 27, 2018 at 4:50pm PDT

American Museum of Natural History

Pick up the Kids Guide to the American Museum of Natural History and get ready for a museum-wide scavenger hunt through the world’s largest collection of dinosaurs, an impressive array of towering totem poles, and much more. Don’t miss the Discovery Room , where children ages five to 12 can get a behind-the-scenes look at artifacts, specimens, and scientific research; and the Hayden Planetarium, one of the best planetariums in the country.

A post shared by Manny Carabel (@mtcphotography) on May 22, 2018 at 5:15pm PDT

The starchitect-led projects that will transform NYC’s skyline, mapped

Children's Museum of Manhattan

There’s lots to do at this children’s museum located near Central Park, so it’s a good bet if you need an indoor activity. Interactive exhibits like “Let’s Dance!” get kids moving and performing, and there’s also story time and more low-key options for the toddler crowd.

A post shared by Children's Museum of Manhatan (@cmomnyc) on Jul 6, 2017 at 11:49am PDT

Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling

This 17,000-square-foot children’s museum in Harlem is located on the first two floors of an affordable housing project designed by British architect David Adjaye . With a focus on children ages three to eight, the museum offers year-round art exhibitions, storytelling series, art-making workshops, and an early childhood arts education curriculum.

A post shared by sugarhillmuseum (@sugarhillmuseum) on Mar 22, 2017 at 10:18am PDT

New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden is an oasis in the city, known for its top-notch exhibitions. But it’s also a great place for children any time of the year. Check out the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden where kids can climb boulders, run through a maze, and examine lily pads. In the winter, the garden’s annual Holiday Train Show is a must-see attraction.

A post shared by The New York Botanical Garden (@nybg) on Jul 7, 2017 at 11:55am PDT

Museum of the Moving Image

Not far from Kaufman Astoria Studios, the home of Sesame Street, sits the Museum of the Moving Image, a stopover for kids of any age. The main attraction is “ Behind the Screen ,” an exhibition that showcases 1,400 artifacts (like a real Chewbacca mask from Star Wars) and interactive exhibits that let kids make their own stop-motion animations, sound effects, and flipbooks. Another hit is the permanent Jim Henson exhibit that displays original puppets and behind the scenes footage from his pop-culture contributions.

A post shared by Museum of the Moving Image (@movingimagenyc) on Sep 11, 2016 at 7:30am PDT

Queens Museum

Budding building nerds will get a kick of out The Panorama of the City of New York, a scale model of the five boroughs that was constructed for the 1964 World’s Fair and has been updated sporadically since then. The museum also hosts regular family-focused workshops that let kids channel their inner artist.

26 best things to do in NYC right now

New York City’s best museum gift shops

New York Hall Of Science

Hands-on exhibits bring science, technology, engineering, and math to life at the New York Hall of Science, another holdover from the 1964 World’s Fair. Don’t miss the Science Playground , the preschool area for little ones, and the Sports Challenge exhibit that shows how physics and mathematics are involved in everyday sports like basketball. If it’s hot out, hit the outdoor playground that’s full of water features and science-oriented, wet fun. The New York Hall of Science also boasts one of the most beautiful interiors in the city: the Great Hall .

A post shared by New York Hall of Science (@nysci) on Aug 16, 2017 at 9:06am PDT

The most beautiful interiors in New York City, mapped

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Traveling 1.3 miles along the East River, Brooklyn Bridge Park contains 85 acres of enjoyment for the whole family with a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline to boot. The park is broken down into sections and includes six refurbished piers full of different playgrounds and amenities. Must-dos include the Slide Mountain playground at Pier 6 , the restored vintage carousel at Empire Fulton Ferry , and roller skating at Pier 2 .

New York Transit Museum

Head to the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn—there’s also a small satellite location in Grand Central Terminal —to explore a decommissioned subway station full of interactive exhibits. Kids can learn about the history of fare collection, see how subways are built , and even get up close and personal with vintage subway cars and buses.

A post shared by Kimberly Mommy & Me Blogger (@daysofkimberly) on Aug 16, 2017 at 8:37am PDT

LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park Brooklyn

This 75,000-square-foot, year-round recreational facility includes winter ice skating, summer roller skating, and a warm-weather splash pad with 41 different sprinklers. Kids and adults can bring their own skates or rent them on site. It’s one of many things to do in Prospect Park , which has plenty of playgrounds, a zoo, and an under-the-radar carousel .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Peter Nasonov (@peternasonov) on Nov 13, 2018 at 7:44am PST

Brooklyn Children's Museum

As the first museum created expressly for children when it was founded in 1899, the award-winning Brooklyn Children’s Museum offers plenty of hands-on fun for toddlers to middle schoolers. Check out World Brooklyn, where pint-sized shops let kids take on the roles of shopkeepers and builders, or head to the Neighborhood Nature exhibit to examine diorama habitats and a greenhouse.

A post shared by Brooklyn Children's Museum (@bcmkids) on Jul 23, 2017 at 4:05am PDT

New York Aquarium

The New York Aquarium is a year-round destination in Coney Island that helps kids learn about all of the creatures that live in (and under) the sea. Last year, its major new exhibit,  “Ocean Wonder: Sharks!,”  debuted in a swanky 57,500-square-foot pavilion situated right on the boardwalk. It houses marine animals, including some of the exhibit’s titular saw-toothed predators.

Loading comments...

Site search.

• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Archive.curbed.com
• Homes for sale
• Homes for rent
• Neighborhoods
• Architecture
• Development

• Affordable Housing
• Transportation

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

The 24 Best Things To Do in New York City With Kids [2023]

Chris Hassan

Social Media & Brand Manager

216 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 24 U.S. States Visited: 26

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

34 Published Articles 3192 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

The best activities in new york city with kids, the best museums in new york city with kids, the best sports in new york city with kids, the best parks in new york city with kids, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

One of the most famous and most visited cities in the world is New York City. New York, also known affectionately as “The Big Apple,” is the most populous city in the U.S., a major business and financial hub, and a favorite tourist destination for travelers from around the world.

Famous for everything from pizza and bagels to Times Square and the iconic Statue of Liberty, even if you’ve never been to New York City, you’re probably already quite familiar with many of its claims to fame.

With direct flights from almost anywhere in the U.S. (and even the rest of the world), getting to NYC is relatively easy. When flying into John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) , LaGuardia Airport (LGA) , or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) , you’re just a short drive (depending on traffic) or subway ride away from Manhattan.

Whether you’re planning on catching a show on Broadway, eating dinner in Little Italy, visiting the Empire State Building, or are in town to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, you will soon realize there is so much more to do than any guide could list for you.

This quick list is by no means exhaustive, but it is a good starting point to help start getting the travel planning juices flowing! With small kids in tow, the most important thing is to be flexible, and the suggestions below should be entertaining and affordable enough to keep the entire family happy.

Let’s jump in and check out some fun things to do with small children in New York City!

1. Visit the Empire State Building

Located on the famed Fifth Avenue, one of the most iconic buildings in the world and a focal point of the Manhattan skyline is the Empire State Building .

The 102-story skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan welcomes about 4 million visitors per year to its observation decks on its 86th and 102nd floors.

Visitors can shoot up to the top floors and take in some self-guided audio tours along the way. With exhibitions highlighting the construction history, the building’s appearances in media, and even King Kong’s hands coming through the wall , there is plenty to see and do before even reaching the top.

As long as your little ones aren’t too afraid of heights, this will be a fun tour and a great way to see NYC from above.

2. Head up to the One World Observatory

The One World Observatory , also known as the Freedom Tower, sits on the site of the World Trade Center that was destroyed on September 11, 2001.

This massive tower in Lower Manhattan is the tallest building in the U.S. and the Western Hemisphere . The impressive building is home to some of the fastest elevators in the world (which the kids will love) and there is enough technology to keep everyone in awe.

One of the coolest features is a 14-foot wide glass disc made of HD screens that projects a video of the streets 100 stories below using real-time footage. So you will get the thrill of walking on a skywalk, without actually having to actually walk on one!

3. Go Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

One of the most traditional things you can do in the winter in NYC is to go ice skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center .

Open during the fall and winter months , locals and tourists alike can’t pass up the charming opportunity to do a bit of ice skating in the big city. With the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in the background and lights decorating all around, you will be creating lasting family memories at this world-famous spot.

Of course, you aren’t expected to carry around your own skates through the streets of New York (although you can if you want), so you can rent them on-site for a small fee.

4. Grab a Slice of Pizza

Visiting New York City and not having a slice of pizza is like going to the beach but refusing to touch the sand — it’s a must-do.

With over 1,000 pizza joints in NYC alone, you will probably have an option for a slice on almost every corner. With everything from $1 slices to gourmet pies, your options are almost unlimited, and a good portion of those are pretty darn tasty.

And if there is 1 thing that almost all kids love, it’s pizza!

5. Ride the Staten Island Ferry

New York can get expensive, quickly. So when something fun and free shows up on multiple “must-do” lists, you should definitely consider it.

The Staten Island Ferry is a free (yes, free!) ferry ride through New York Harbor which will bring you to and from Staten Island via Manhattan. The 25-minute boat ride (each way) will take you past the Statue of Liberty and provide incredible views of the New York skyline.

Your little one will be sure to love a quick boat ride and parents will be able to enjoy the discounted tour as well.

6. Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty , also known as Lady Liberty, was a gift from the people of France back in 1886 as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy.

The Statue of Liberty and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum are 2 important national monuments that are educational and valuable for kids and adults to see in person. There are audio tours available for kids from 6 to 10 years old and kids over 4 feet tall can even climb to the top of the statue’s crown — which is a really unique experience when you think about it.

Visitors coming from Manhattan can hop on a ferry that leaves from Battery Park. While admission is free, you will need to pay about $25 for the boat ride; children ages 4 to 12 are half-price.

Hot Tip: Traveling with kids can be less expensive when you have the right mix of cards in your wallet. Check out our guide to the best credit cards for maximizing family travel !

7. Walk Through Times Square

When you think of New York City, one of the most common images that comes to mind is Times Square .

This major commercial intersection is famous for its massive digital billboards, advertisements, flagship retail stores, and the New Year’s Eve ball drop . With over 50 million visitors each year, it’s one of the world’s busiest tourist attractions — and it’s free!

Just be sure to hold your kids close, because it gets busy — almost 400,000 pedestrians make their way through these streets every day and it can get a bit chaotic!

Hot Tip: Yes, you can use points and miles to book a weekend trip to New York City !

8. Spot Celebs at Madame Tussauds

Located conveniently in Times Square, “The World’s Greatest Wax Museum” is a fun and family-friendly option when visiting New York City.

Madame Tussauds has 5 floors of celebrity fun, a 4D Marvel movie, a 7D carnival game, and even a glass dome that sticks out into Times Square to offer awesome views of the activity below!

Whether you want a selfie with your favorite Kardashian or to be a guest on “The Tonight Show,” a stop at Madame Tussauds is a must.

9. Climb The Vessel

One of the newest additions to New Yorks’s ever-changing attractions list is The Vessel at Hudson Yards.

This is a new development area and is home to The Vessel, a 16-story honeycomb-like structure with over 150 flights of stairs and 80 landings for visitors to climb and explore. The stunning copper and mirror-like finish will make for an impressive Instagram post.

Needless to say, the design is eye-catching and your kids will surely love the unique climb.

Note: The Vessel is currently closed. Access to the ground-level base is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with no reservation required.

10. Walk on the Edge

There is a lot of competition when it comes to offering the best view in New York City, and there’s a new player in the game that is conveniently located next to The Vessel.

Edge at Hudson Yards is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere and offers 360-degree views of the city to make you feel like you are floating in the sky .

Standing 100 stories up on a glass floor is exciting and will be a memorable experience for everyone in the family!

Hot Tip: If you are traveling to New York City on a budget, don’t miss the best cheap hotels in Manhattan .

11. Visit the American Museum of Natural History

Did someone say “the world’s largest collection of dinosaurs?” No? Ok, well if you or your kids want to check out some incredible dinos, you can’t miss the American Museum of Natural History in Central Park West.

With some of the most complete and impressive collections and displays , kids and adults will be blown away by this incredible museum. Kids can explore the Discovery Room where they can get hands-on with interactive experiences and get a unique behind-the-scenes look at the scientific research that goes into these exhibits.

Combine that with one of the best planetariums in the country and a kid’s guide to break it all down in terms your little ones will understand and appreciate, and a visit to the American Museum of Natural History is a must-do on your trip to New York City.

12. Explore the Children’s Museum of the Arts

As much as we want to show kids the incredible museums that we love, it is hard to compare them to a dedicated children’s museum. That is why you should consider a trip to the Children’s Museum of the Arts in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan.

The mission of the museum is to “unite children and artists to create and share ambitious works of art with their communities and their world” — what’s not to like about that?

There are over 10,000 square feet of kid-focused activities, hands-on workshops, and gorgeous artwork created by talented kids!

13. Indulge at the Museum of Ice Cream

If you are having a hard time trying to convince your kids to go to a museum, try the Museum of Ice Cream ! Yes, you read that correctly — there is a museum dedicated to ice cream.

This is not your typical museum — think of it as more of a giant Instagram photoshoot revolving around all things ice cream and dessert.

The kids will be happy (and on a sugar high) thanks to all of the treats that are included throughout the museum, and mom and dad will be happy because the little ones may actually want to pose for some pictures thanks to all of the cool exhibits.

Tickets can be hard to come by, so if you are interested, start planning now before they all get “scooped” up!

14. Discover the National Museum of Mathematics

On the surface, the National Museum of Mathematics may not sound that fun for small children (especially after hearing about the Museum of Ice Cream!), but this museum is anything but boring.

The dynamic museum is full of fun, hands-on exhibits that highlight how math plays a role in our everyday lives. Everything from rollercoasters to basketballs to a square-wheeled tricycle is explained in a way that will only spark more curiosity from your little one (and probably you, too).

Located right near Madison Square Park, this under-the-radar museum should make it on your list.

Hot Tip: Are you ready to travel to NYC? Here are the best New York City hotels to book with points for max value .

15. Board the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

We couldn’t talk about museums in New York without mentioning the AvGeek paradise that is the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum .

This museum is an actual aircraft carrier docked at Pier 86 and loaded with fighter jets, helicopters, submarines, and even a space shuttle!

You can easily spend at least a few hours here exploring this massive floating museum and all of the aircraft on it. A fan favorite for kids and adults.

Be sure to check out our guide to the best museums in New York for further ideas.

16. Play at the Children’s Zoo at the Bronx Zoo

One of the largest zoos in the U.S., the Bronx Zoo has over 265 acres of land and habitats right along the Bronx River. Easily accessible via public transportation or car, this zoo is a great way to spend a day — or more — since it is so big.

With everything from gorillas from the Congo to a stunning tiger exhibit, there is so much to see and be in awe of that you will forget you are in the middle of a massive city.

For the smaller guests, there is a Children’s Zoo inside the Bronx Zoo where kids can get up close and even pet some of the resident goats, sheep, and donkeys.

Hot Tip: Admission to the Bronx Zoo is free on Wednesdays , you just need to book your ticket online . 

17. Get Some Exercise at the Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex

If walking around Manhattan isn’t enough to burn all of your kid’s energy, consider stopping by the Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex .

Located (literally) on the Hudson River, this 28-acre sports complex has a little bit of everything, including a swimming pool, bowling alley, a year-round ice skating rink , a driving range, a fitness club, and even recreation classes for kids.

Whether the kids want to jump in the pool or mom and dad want to visit the driving range, the backdrop is like no other.

18. Check Out Madison Square Garden

One of the most famous and visited arenas in the world is New York’s Madison Square Garden . Also known as “MSG” or “The Garden,” Madison Square Garden is located in Midtown Manhattan right on top of Pennsylvania Station.

Opened in 1968, it is the oldest arena for both the National Hockey League and the National Basketball Association. The Garden is home to the New York Rangers (NHL) and New York Knicks (NBA) , as well as a popular spot for major concerts, shows, and other events.

With something almost always going on, if you want to check out this iconic arena, there are plenty of opportunities to do so.

19. Visit Yankee Stadium

Baseball fans either love ’em or hate ’em — the 27-time World Champion New York Yankees play in the Bronx at Yankee Stadium .

This 47,000+ seat stadium opened in 2009, replacing the original Yankee Stadium, which was next door. With easy public transportation and relatively cheap tickets available during the regular season (summer months), spending a night watching the “Bronx Bombers” could be an exciting option for the whole family.

Even if you aren’t a baseball fan, the atmosphere is a lot of fun.

20. Bryant Park

New York may seem like a concrete jungle from afar, but the city is full of unique and beautiful parks. One of the smaller, yet very popular parks is Bryant Park . This public park is almost 10 acres and is located between Fifth Avenue and Avenue of the Americas and between 40th and 42nd.

This charming little park is open year-round and is lush and green during summer and then converts to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park . With a skating rink, plenty of kiosks, and shops around the park, bringing the family here as a pit stop during your day will be welcomed by all.

With a picnic and a seat in the grass during the summer or a skate and a hot chocolate in the winter, no matter when you visit, you are sure to have a great time.

21. Brooklyn Bridge Park

One of the more fun and famous walks in New York is crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. Once you arrive, you will be right in the middle of Brooklyn Bridge Park , which is 85 acres of recreation and entertainment.

Separated into unique sections, there are multiple piers that are full of playgrounds, a vintage carousel , and stunning views of Manhattan. Thanks to some delicious food and beverage options throughout the park, you can easily spend a long afternoon here enjoying the amenities like a local.

22. Central Park

Probably one of, if not the most famous park in the world is Central Park in New York City.

Located between the Upper West and Upper East Sides of Manhattan (you can’t miss it on a map), Central Park is a massive 843-acre park that welcomes over 42 million visitors per year.

There are so many activities available that we had to create a separate guide just for things to do in Central Park . Some of the park highlights that the kids will enjoy include picnics, playgrounds, horse and carriage tours, and the famous carousel.

But with seasonal events like boat rentals, carnivals, ice skating, and a zoo , you may find something even better for your family.

Even without a plan, just strolling through the park is refreshing after navigating your way through the city.

23. Little Island

The newest addition to the New York City park scene is Little Island . Opened in May 2021, this “floating” park sits on the old pillars of Pier 54 in the Hudson River in the Meatpacking District and Chelsea neighborhoods of Manhattan.

The 2.4-acre park has multiple lawns, paths, and plants that create a stunning garden with an incredible view of Manhattan. Little Island offers activities and workshops for families and kids of all ages, which is a great perk for the little ones.

Admission is free and reservations are no longer required.

24. The High Line

Aside from Central Park, one of the most popular outdoor destinations in NYC is The High Line . Completed in 2009, the High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated greenway and park created from a repurposed former railroad spur that was destined for demolition.

Located on the west side of Manhattan, near the popular Chelsea Market, this icon of contemporary landscaping and architecture is an excellent way to see New York from a different angle and enjoy the outdoors at the same time.

Kids and adults alike will get a kick out of walking through a garden suspended in the air and it is a great way to get between destinations in the city without dealing with traffic or the subway.

For travelers, visiting New York City is bucket list material. Hey, it’s “a city so nice, they named it twice!”

Although the Big Apple may not be the first place that comes to mind when it comes to traveling with kids, the city is so diverse that there is more than you could ever fit in during a week-long trip.

No matter if you want to spend your time museum-hopping, relaxing in the parks outdoors, or visiting some of the most famous tourist attractions in the world, New York will be able to accommodate you and your small child to make sure that you have a memorable vacation.

It would be a much longer article if we covered all of the options for small kids in NYC, but if we missed something obvious, let us know in the comments or join our private Facebook Group, Level UP Travel !

Besides that, safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do with kids outside in nyc.

There is so much to see and do in New York City with kids. You can take them to Central Park for a picnic, a zoo to learn about animals, the High Line for a unique view of the city, and so much more!

Is New York a good vacation spot with small children?

Yes! New York City is an excellent option for a family vacation thanks to the plethora of options of things to do. From museums to parks and playgrounds, everyone will enjoy their trip.

What is the best museum in NYC for kids?

There are so many museums to choose from. From the American Museum of Natural History to the Museum of Ice Cream, you and your kids will have a blast learning and exploring the city.

What are some fun activities for kids in New York City?

Grab your kids and head into the city because we put together a great list of activities they will love. From eating pizza and ice cream to visiting the zoo and museums, your next family vacation to NYC will be a lot of fun!

Was this page helpful?

About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

North America Chevron

United States Chevron

New York Chevron

15 Best Things to Do With Kids in New York City

By Sunshine Flint

To crib from Walt Whitman, that famous Brooklynite, New York contains multitudes — and there’s a kid-friendly city hiding right here in the concrete jungle. Just walking the streets, whether it's Broadway or Bleecker, East 9th or West 79th, invokes a sense of discovery that makes it an exciting place for everyone, at every age. A family trip can include famous landmarks and museums, but also range across the city to new playgrounds and public parks along the waterfront and surprising green spaces that will delight visitors. Car-free areas in some of the city's busiest parts mean more street life and more child-friendly walking, and of course, New York has some of the country’s best pizza , burgers, bagels, and ice cream — a substantial part of most kids’ dream diet. Here, the best things to do in New York with kids.

Luna Park Arrow

A bit of a trek for those staying in midtown Manhattan, New York City's very own amusement park is a 45 minute train ride to the end of the line. But a day trip to Coney Island is a blast, especially in summer; grab a Nathan’s hot dog on Surf Avenue or fried clams on the boardwalk before getting your thrills on the rides. Older kids will make a beeline for the Cyclone, the historic wooden roller coaster that has been scaring the bejeezus out of children for more than 90 years. Smaller kids will love the carousel, the swings on Lynn's Trapeze, and the Wild River log flume.

Eloise in The Palm Court Arrow

Afternoon tea under the greenery and domed glass ceiling of The Plaza's elegant Palm Court will likely impress your mini Eloise (12 and under only) into better behavior. Everything here is about the precocious children's book character; even the pink-rimmed teacups and teapot are decorated with her image. The tea tower is the highlight, with classic finger sandwiches like English cucumber, with PB&J to please smaller palates. Sweets include caramel cupcakes, passionfruit s'mores, and a puff of pink cotton candy.

Ellis Island Arrow

Crowds board the ferries that sail from Castle Clinton in Manhattan’s Battery Park to Liberty and Ellis Islands, which together make up the Statue of Liberty National Monument in Upper New York Bay. The iconic lady, lifting her lamp beside the golden door, is the best introduction one could have to the island where many Americans’ immigrant ancestors arrived. The massive red-brick building opened in 1900 and 12 million immigrants passed through its halls before the island closed in 1954. Today, there are nearly 100 million people descended from those immigrants, and a visit really brings their story to life.

New York Transit Museum Arrow

The New York Transit Museum, a small museum near Brooklyn's Borough Hall, is in a former subway station; to enter you have to descend from the sidewalk, just as you would if you were on your daily commute. It's the perfect spot to spend an hour with kids, who will love running in and out of the cars of a vintage subway train, clambering up into the driver’s seat of a city bus, or pushing their way through a turnstile. The place covers more than a century of New York mass transit history, which will even bring native New Yorkers back to a time when the subway was a more beloved part of life in the city than it is today. Stock up on souvenirs for the NYC-obsessed. From vintage transit token necklaces to Metrocard mugs and baseball caps with your favorite train line embroidered on them, there's something for everyone. If you want a souvenir but can't make it out to Brooklyn, they also have a shop location in Grand Central Terminal .

Shannon McMahon

Chris Schalkx

Caitlin Morton

Emily Pennington

Gulliver's Gate Arrow

Children love miniatures, from dollhouse furniture to train sets to Legoland. And that's what Gulliver’s Gate in Times Square in each of its 50,000 square feet. It will capture younger visitors imaginations—and yours—from the start with its Lilliputian cityscapes in marvelous, painstaking detail, from the intricately painted ceiling of Grand Central Station to the 0.8-inch high models of real visitors. The streets are filled with tiny figures mid-action and cars that move, but it’s the surprises that are super-fun to spot, including Spiderman about to leap from the Brooklyn Bridge. Down at the gift shop you can even get miniatures of you and your family.

Statue of Liberty Arrow

The Statue of Liberty is a familiar figure to kids from an early age, so getting to see the real thing up close will thrill even the tweens and teens in your life. Climbing up to the crown of Lady Liberty is an adventure for the whole family, but you do have to be at least 48 inches tall (and the park rangers check) to ascend the 146 steps of the narrow spiral staircase from the pedestal. Be sure to book tickets at least three or four months in advance though, because they do sell out. If that climb isn't in your future, the 16-foot high original torch with its amber glass panes is now on display in the new Statue of Liberty Museum that opened in 2019. Besides the torch, the museum has floor to ceiling views of the Stature herself and the rest of Liberty Island and the accessible roof deck has panoramic views across the harbor and of the city skyline.

FAO Schwarz Arrow

After nearly 80 years on Fifth Avenue, the famous toy store closed in 2015, but was brought back to life just a few years later in Rockefeller Center. Kids flocked to the flagship to gaze up at the 28-foot tall clock tower and marvel at the toy soldiers in their bright uniforms; in the '80s and '90s, little ones came in droves to dance on the giant piano, just as Tom Hanks did in that famous scene in "Big." Well the piano is back, as is all the rest

Domino Park Arrow

Domino Park is a five-acre oasis on the edge of the always-hip neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Hipsters flock to it on weekends for fish tacos and great views; local families head straight to the playground. Those who love the feel of Williamsburg will love this as a vibrant addition to the scene. The park is only a quarter-mile long, making it easy to navigate—all the major features are easy to spot from the entrance.

American Museum of Natural History Arrow

The museum has 150 years of history and scientific discovery to draw upon and wows kids every day with its terrific 3D experiences, tech-driven exhibits, and of course, its towering T-Rex skeleton and massive blue whale model (longer than a school bus!) hanging in the Hall of Ocean Life. For a hands-on experience, visit The Discovery Room (for ages 5-12) to put a dinosaur skeleton together, pull out drawers of specimens, and use a digital seismograph to track earthquakes. Of course, the most memorable experience of all for the entire family is spending the night here. Book “A Night at the Museum” sleepover (check the museum website for dates from May to October) and you can explore the exhibits and halls after hours before bedding down on a cot under the blue whale. Remember to bring a sleeping bag and a flashlight!

Empire State Building Arrow

The Empire State Building may be the most recognizable building in the United States. The 102-story skyscraper was the tallest building in the world for 40 years and even though it's been surpassed by dozens of projects on three continents, it remains a New York icon. With more than 4 million visitors a year, there are always long lines to buy tickets, so it’s best to purchase in advance online or go for a VIP Express pass. Even though it's double the price, you'll get to skip all the lines.

Jane's Carousel Arrow

There can’t be many other carousels with better views than Jane's, which sits between the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge in Empire-Fulton Ferry Park. Every revolution gives you thrilling snapshots of lower Manhattan, the bridges spanning the river, and the old brick DUMBO warehouses. Built in 1922, the 48-horse wooden carousel is an example of a successful private-public partnership; collectors Jane and David Walentas bought and restored the carousel, donated it to Brooklyn Bridge Park, and commissioned architect Jean Nouvel to build a square plexiglass box to house it.

Bronx Zoo Arrow

The little animals in your family will love spending the day at the largest urban zoo in the country. At 265 acres, it’s best to choose the attractions the family will want to see and plan accordingly — you can even rent single or double strollers for when short legs tire out. Plan on getting there when it opens or check the zoo website for special pre-opening programs such as breakfast with penguins or big cats. Speaking of food, everyone can feed the mini Nubian goats, donkeys, and sheep at the Children’s Zoo farmyard. Note that the only way to see some of the most popular animals—the Asian elephants, rhinos, and red pandas—is on the Wild Asia Monorail, a 20-minute ride (open seasonally). And for something to tire out older kids, there's an aerial ropes course and a 400-foot zip line over the Bronx River.

Serendipity 3 Arrow

Serendipity 3, an Upper East Side restaurant-cum-soda fountain with marble-topped tables and Tiffany-style lamps, hasn’t changed all that much since it opened in 1954. You'll find everything from meatloaf to hamburgers, but it's the desserts that made the place famous. Share an elaborate, oversized sundae, a banana split, or the famed frozen hot chocolate or mochaccino. It's the perfect way to give the kiddos a Willy Wonka–style treat in summer after a few hours of sightseeing.

Governors Island Arrow

Head for The Hills! That's actually the name of the new 30-acre park on this public island in New York Bay. With scrambles up to 70 feet high—built to protect the island from rising sea levels and climate change—there’s plenty to occupy little adventurers. They won’t be able to resist Slide Hill’s four chutes, including the longest slide in the city at 57 feet. But the island is a playground for the whole family. After hopping off the ferry, rent bikes to see the island on two wheels, tour the 200-year-old Castle Williams or give them the freedom to follow their imagination at The Yard, a 50,000 sq.-foot adventure playground stocked with bits of lumber, old wheels, and random parts. There's also an outpost of Manhattan’s Children Museum of the Arts that lets kids make art in a hands-on, outdoor workshop and new family-friendly cultural events going on every week.

Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum Arrow

The Intrepid is a floating museum: a WWII aircraft carrier with a storied naval career home to some of the most famous air and spacecraft in the world, plus exciting experiences and exhibits that will thrill your young history and aviation buffs. The Intrepid served in WWII, Vietnam and throughout the Cold War era; after it was decommissioned, it was installed at Pier 86 on the Hudson River. For four months after 9/11, the vessel served as the FBI’s field office. Today it's a National Historic Landmark.

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• National Parks
• Affording Travel
• Photography
• Responsible Travel
• Worldschool
• Wanderlust Guides
• Travel Planning
• Work with Us

New York , North America , Travel , USA

The best things to do in nyc with kids.

What to do with kids in NYC! If you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC with kids, look no further! After visiting this city 20+ times, I’ve compiled my favorites here for you! 

New York City! The most visited city in the USA, home to Broadway, Central Park, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and so many famous landmarks. There’s a lot to tackle in the city and it can feel a bit daunting being in NYC with kids.

Besides the fact that NYC is the most populous city in the United States, and was its first capital, containing centuries of fascinating history from millions of immigrants, there are countless reasons to visit New York City with your family.

From food to fun, to culture and crazy, New York City is a wonderland for the senses and children will love taking it all in! And even though it’s a massive metropolitan city full of businesses and tourists, it’s actually quite a kid-friendly city with so many fun and educational opportunities.

But there are some basics you’ll need to know if you’re planning a visit to New York with kids.

• One Week NYC Kids Itinerary

If you’re looking for a detailed, step-by-step itinerary that includes recommendations on tours, attractions, restaurants, hidden gems, and iconic places in the city, this 7-day New York City Kids itinerary is perfect for an open-and-go guide.

• Thinking about visiting NYC with kids at Christmas? Read this!

Check out this video of our amazing weekend with Marriott in NYC!

Here's a Short Cut

Where to Go in New York City

The best places to stay in new york city, how long should i spend in new york city, how to get around new york city, tips for visiting new york with kids, map of the best things to do in nyc with kids, nyc with kids discount card, take some new york city tours, top of the rock at rockefeller center, empire state building, one world trade center, the highline, children’s museum of manhattan, american museum of natural history, new york transit museum, national september 11 memorial & museum, lower east side tenement museum, the color factory, museum of illusions, spend time in central park, washington square park, shop & play at bryant park, play at domino park in brooklyn, little island, fao schwartz nyc, walk across the brooklyn bridge, play at brooklyn bridge park, take a classic dumbo shot, grand central terminal, new york public library, times square, statue of liberty & ellis island, staten island ferry, the museum of ice cream, sloomoo institute, harry potter store, alice’s teacup, brooklyn farmacy and soda fountain, dylan’s candy bar, ellens stardust diner, levain bakery, shake shack, smorgasburg, chelsea market, street food, practical tips for booking your trip, how to get to new york city.

The answer to this will depend largely on where you’re coming from.

Most visitors to NYC will be flying in. New York City is serviced by three major international airports: JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. You can almost always find great deals to New York. If you’re new to deal finding and want to learn how to find cheap flights anywhere, be sure to read my comprehensive guide to flying for cheap or free, which you can find here.

You can access the city from each of these airports in about an hour via public transportation.

If you live on the East Coast and within train distance to New York City (Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia, etc) then taking the Amtrak into the city is probably the easiest way to arrive. The trains take you into the heart of the city center at Penn Station. We chose to take the train from our home in Washington DC.

You can also drive into New York City, but beware parking is expensive and scarce, and traffic entering Manhattan can be brutal. It may be worth considering parking in New Jersey and taking the train in.

There are buses into NYC that leave from several major cities for as low as $25! This is a really cheap option and the buses are pretty comfortable. It takes around a little longer than if you drove yourself but might be more relaxing than driving in the traffic and you also don’t have to worry about parking. Megabus usually has the best options and prices. You can see their routes and prices here.

When most people talk about visiting “New York City”, they usually mean Manhattan , an island surrounded by the East, Hudson and Harlem Rivers. Manhattan, locally referred to as “the city” is the financial and historical center of New York City and the most densely populated borough, containing the majority of the major landmarks such as Time Square, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, The Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Broadway and of course the Statue of Liberty.

The most popular places to visit in New York will all be in Manhattan. So iff you’re visiting New York City to see the major sites, staying in Manhattan will be the most practical choice. Just to make matters a little more confusing, there are about 60 districts or neighborhoods inside the island of Manhattan! Don’t worry, thanks to the Big Apple’s fantastic public transportation system, you will be able to see everything within a quick and easy subway journey!

There are about a million places to stay in New York City, but you’ll want to be sure to choose the best spot for you and your family. We love staying near Times Square as it’s very central between uptown, downtown, and midtown. You’re just a quick New York subway ride away from all the amazing things to do in Manhattan.

Here is what our family thinks are the best places to stay in New York City:

• The SoHotel: The Oldest hotel in NYC. It’s housed some pretty famous people you may have heard of like General George Washington all the way to The Spice Girls. This hotel is located farther south in Manhattan, in (surprise) SoHo, so I usually like to split our trips in half and spend half the time in The SoHotel and the other half at…
• The Algonquin Hotel : Read more below

The Algonquin Hotel has beautiful rooms that have been fully renovated, but I love how they left some of the beautiful antique touches alone. The dark wood lobby feels like walking into a hotel straight out of the Great Gatsby! Be sure to check out the old Mail Chutes in the hallways and the iron rail staircases throughout the building. It’s absolutely beautiful

New York City is a place that could take several lifetimes to explore. No matter the length of your stay, try not to stress out about seeing it all, because it will never happen! I have been to NYC maybe 20 times in my life, and every time I go it’s like a completely different city! I’ve done the same things very few times.

NYC is a great place for a weekend trip. Many locals like to leave the city for the weekend making it a good time to go. We were there for the weekend on our last trip and on Sunday the city felt nearly empty, which is like a miracle in the summer! Due to the ease and affordability of getting to New York, It’s a place you an visit over and over again.

A weekend trip is also a good idea if you’re going to NYC with kids. If you’re not from one, big cities can be really overwhelming for kids and after a few days they may just be “done.”

You can learn more about a weekend trip with Marriott to NYC here .

• Buy or download a really good map, including subway routes.
• Learn how to hail a taxi from a local: If the roof light is on, wave your hand out in the street with huge up and down gestures! If you’re unsure, just watch the locals or ask them to hail one for you. Tell your driver where to go either by landmark or cross streets.
• Buy subway cards at a station. 3 children under 12 years old ride free with each adult. You can also use these on the bus system.
• Figure out your route ahead of time. There’s nothing more stressful than standing in the middle of a busy New York City sidewalk staring at your map and trying to figure out what you’re doing!
• Apple Maps and Google Maps both do a great job of giving you the best route and including step by step
• Public transportation is a must do in NYC, so don’t be afraid of it!
• Kids 12 and under ride the New York Subway for free
• Talk about public transportation safety with your kids
• Carve out time to spend in nature each day
• Have the kids memorize your phone number, write it somewhere on their bodies, get a phone number bracelet made, use phone number tattoos, or use a kids GPS tracking watch .
• Decide on food beforehand and make reservations if possible.
• Subways often have lots of stairs and limited access to elevators. Avoid using strollers if possible or bring a small stroller or baby carrier.

This interactive map will help you navigate the amazing things to do in New York City with kids. Feel free to save this map and use it during your trip.

If you know what you want to do in New York City, it’s definitely worth it to buy the Go City Pass for New York . This pass allows you to select how many attractions you want to purchase on the card and offers up to a 40% discount . The pass also offers free audio guides at certain museums and discounts at certain gift shops.

You have 60 days from your first attraction visit to use the card, so you’re not pigeonholed into doing all the things in 2 days like some passes. After reading over this guide, make a list of the things you know you want to do, and purchase enough attractions for that. It will make sense when you are purchasing the pass.

What to do in New York with kids you ask? With so many things to do in Manhattan alone, it can be hard to narrow down what to do in NYC. Don’t try to do it all. Even if you’re there for 2 weeks, you’ll never see it all! It’s best to pick a few things that appeal to you and take it easy. Especially if you’re visiting NYC with kids. The city can be very overstimulating, so try to pace yourself, at least for their sake. These are a few of my favorite things to do in NYC. What to do with kids in NYC:

How do you see the most densely populated and one of the oldest cities in the US on your own without a little help? Hire a local guide to help you navigate the city for a day and learn some amazing facts and practical advice. There are plenty of great tours in NYC, but these are some ones that we like:

Painting in Central Park

9/11 Tour with First Responder

NYC Food History Tour

NYC Photo Tour

Top 30 Sites in NYC

Walking History Tour of NYC

Cycling Tour of Central Park

Kayak the Statue of Liberty

NYC Street Art Tour

Hop On Hop Off Bus

Catch the Best Views of NYC

You can’t visit New York City without getting a little higher and seeing this stunning city from the sky! It really helps you visualize just how big it really is! There are many ways to catch a bird’s eye view, but these are some of the best.

Rockefeller Center is also a really fun building to visit as so many great shows are filmed there. Lines can get long so I highly recommend purchasing skip the line ticket which you can find here.

If you’re in New York City at Christmas you can also go Ice Skating here! 

This 102-story skyscraper has been a New York City landmark since it’s completion in 1931 when it became the world’s tallest building and remained so for 40 years. It’s well worth riding up to the top and taking in the view of the city! It’s one of the most classic places to go in New York. You should definitely book your tickets in advance. You can do that here.

The Vessel is a new amazing structure that will blow your mind and make you a little dizzy. It’s totally free, but you need to get tickets in advance as it is timed and books out quickly. The views are amazing and it’s one of the coolest things to see in NYC!

On RiseNY , you can embark on a journey through the pop culture evolution of New York, starting with an immersive film, continuing through 7 museum-style galleries, and ending with a soaring bird’s-eye view of the city. This is a really fun and interactive way for kids to learn about New York City.

In the heart of the city, what was once an overhead freight railroad has been transformed into an elevated green space. Look for special activities just for children.

Visit the Best Museums for Kids NYC

There are a surprising amount of kid friendly museums in NYC! Museums can be a good option on days when you have inclement weather and need to be indoors. These are some of our favorite museums for kids in NYC:

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan or CMOM is a fantastic place for children, especially younger ones, to learn and play. It’s one of the most fun things to do in New York with kids and a great option for a rainy day, the CMOM is open every day of the week at reasonable prices.

Inside an old subway station, the New York Transit Museum tells the inspiring story of the New York Subway system from start to finish. Kids will love touring old subway cars!

This iconic building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright houses some of the most famous impressionist, post-impressionist, and modern art in the world. Kids will love the cylindrical ramp that you can walk up to the ceiling!

If you want to try something really interesting, you can book a tour with an actual first responder from 9/11 and hear first account stories of what it was like.

This museum requires a tour and is only for children 8 years and older, but is worth a visit for the history lesson in store. This five-story brick tenement building was home to an estimated 7,000 people, from over 20 nations, between 1863 and 1935 and is a testament to the fact that our nation and New York City, in particular, was built on immigration and the working class. Buy tickets online in advance for a timed tour. There are several tour types to choose from. You must book your tickets to the Tenement Museum in advance as the tours do sell out quickly. You can book your tickets here.

The Color Factory is an amazing new art “museum” that mixes the use of color, art, fun, and sugar into several hours you’ll never forget. This innovative experience was first started in San Francisco and just opened to NYC a few months ago.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but we ended up playing here for 3 hours! You walk through each colorful interactive exhibit, experiencing immersive art all while being served colorful treats along the way. And at the end you’re greeted by a giant blue sea of balls where you can unleash your inner child and your kids can play to their hearts’ content!

If you’re looking for things to do in Manhattan on a rainy, snowy, or too hot day, this is also a great option, as it’s all indoors with heating and AC.

This is a fun little museum where you can learn about the way your brain works and ways to trick it! It’s a great place for some silly photo ops. My kids loved it. It’s a lot smaller than I thought it would be, but packs a punch. If you go Tuesday or Wednesday from 6-10:00 pm you can see Magician Dennis Kim perform Close Up Magic. Book Tickets Here.

You can visit the zoo, play at the playground, ride the carousel, have fun at Victoria Park, rent a boat, check out the turtles in the pond, relax in sheep meadow, visit Strawberry Fields where you can see the “Imagine” mosaic and tribute to John Lennon, ice skate in the winter, climb to Belvedere Castle, ride a bike, hop on a Pedi-cab, take a carriage ride, eat a popsicle, or just sit and people watch!

I always try to incorporate at least an hour or two into each day when we visit NYC with kids. It’s amazing how much a little bit of nature can help to reset overstimulated kids!

My kids love trying out all the playgrounds, renting bikes in Central Park, or visiting the Central Park Zoo.

If you’re ready for another greenspace break, head to Washington Square Park. This is one of the most iconic parks in New York City. If you’re visiting during the summer, let the kids run through the Play Fountain, or you can pick up a game in the chess plaza. This is always a hub of activity.

Bryant Park is a great place to take your kids and is central to most attractions in Manhattan. The park has a lot of activities for kids to enjoy, like a playground, a carousel, and a water fountain. There’s also a variety of food options, so you can grab a bite to eat while you’re there. Bryant Park is also a great place to people watch and take in the sights and sounds of the city. In the winter Bryant Park offers free outdoor movies and in the winter there’s a great ice skating rink and Christmas market. If you’re looking for things to do in NYC with kids, Bryant Park should definitely be on your list!

Little Island is a gorgeous new public park, located in Hudson River Park on a manmade island, where visitors can experience nature and art in a unique urban oasis. The park features a lush, seasonal, landscape with rolling hills, winding pathways, and great views. You can even see the Statue of Liberty on a clear day. You can also find activities for kids including music, dance, theater, poetry, comedy and arts workshops.

If you’ve got kids who love toys, a visit to FAO Schwartz is a must! It’s one of the most fun things to do in NYC for kids and adults! This massive toy store will entertain them for hours. Be sure to say hi to the toy soldiers out front and play the big floor piano from the movie BIG! I also love the tiny dollhouse display!

After crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, head over to Brooklyn Bridge Park where the kids can run freely and you can all ride Jane’s Carousel, a vintage carousel that was purchased for this park. It’s a beautiful piece of art that is also fun!

The second largest library in the US, second only to the Library of Congress, the New York Public Library, or NYPL, is a beautiful respite from the heat or cold of New York City. Here, you can browse the 53 million items contained in its walls, stop by Amy’s Bread Cafe for a snack and see the original stuffed animals that inspired A.A. Milne’s Whinnie the Pooh.

Also, anyone can get a New York Public Library card! So why not!?

Even though the kids will probably be exhausted by the time the sun goes down, New York City at night is something everyone should see once. It’s not called the city that never sleeps for no reason!

Times Square is a great choice if you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC at night. It’s one of those places that you just have to see to believe! At the junction of Broadway and 7th Avenue lies a stretch of the city brightly lit with ads, the largest of the named the “jumbotron.”

Note: It can be a bit of a sensory overload if you have sensitive children. Also beware of the “naked cowboy” and other nudity in the square!

Next door, Ellis Island was the gateway to the United States for more than 12 million immigrants and the busiest immigration inspection station for 60 years. You can take a boat from Manhattan and tour the Museum of Immigration.

I highly recommend booking this in advance. As early as you possibly can, especially if you’re planning to visit NYC during the summer or other peak times as it does sell out quickly. You can book tickets to the Statue of Liberty here.

If you want to visit both the statue of Liberty AND Ellis Island, which I definitely think you should do if you have the time, then you need to book your tickets here.

If you have at least 4 hours, I highly recommend taking a guided tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You and the kids will get so much more out of it with a guide explaining the history and stories behind these famous islands. You can book a guided tour of both islands for a great price here.

Whatever you choose to do, don’t skip the Statue of Liberty. It’ a must see in NYC!

• The Lion King
• Dear Evan Hansen (teens)
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
• MJ the Musical
• The Play that Goes Wrong
• Gazillion Bubble Show

If you’re into ice cream and you like interactive and photogenic spaces, the Museum of Ice Cream is a really fun one! It’s similar to The Color Factory but is more ice cream themed. There are four ice cream stations where you can get a choice of vegan or regular ice creams. They are all tasty, but nothing to write home about. What you really come for is the fun though. My kids particularly liked the fun room with swings and a ping pong table. There’s also a swimming pool filled with giant sprinkles that you can “swim” in. 

If your kids love all things SLIME, then they will love the Sloomoo Institute . It’s all about slime and sensory activities. You can try out different slimes, walk through a slime pit, and even create your very own custom slime to take home as a souvenir. And of course, they have tons of slimes to choose from in the gift shop. Pro tip: use the bathroom downstairs to check out the slime kitchen where they make all the slimes! 

If you’ve got any potterheads in the family, definitely stop by Harry Potter New York  . If you’re seeing The Cursed Child, you can go before the play and grab some swag! It will likely be cheaper than buying show shirts. This store houses the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products in the world. 

What to Eat in New York City

New York City is a melting pot not only of people but also of food.  There are approximately 200 languages spoken in New York, and you can sample regional cuisine from around the world such as France, Italy, Cuba, Korea, Africa, Lebanon, Iran, and India. There are also countless trendy restaurants and cafes on nearly every corner for you to explore. Here are some kid-friendly restaurants in NYC:

Kids can sit up at the counter and watch soda jerks whip up delicious old fashioned sodas!

Ok so this isn’t exactly a restaurant, but it still should not be missed. Inspired by Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Dylan’s Candy Bar is the largest unique candy store in the world. Stocked with 7,000 candies from around the world, this is sure to be a crowd pleaser for kids and grown-ups!

Pizza is a staple in New York City. There are so many disputes about who makes the best slice, so I’ll let you decide for yourself, but I prefer Grimaldi’s just across the Brooklyn Bridge. Be prepared to wait in line, but I promise it’s worth it.

We now seem to have Shake Shacks all over the country, but it’s a fun place if you’re craving a burger and some delish frozen custard. I’m a California girl, so I’ll always be loyal to my In-n-Out. I’ll just leave that here for now and let you decide.

Holy Cow! If you want amazing burgers and OVER the top milkshakes, head to Black Tap and get the crazy shake!

If you want to try a variety of amazing food go to Smorgasburg. It’s a pop-up food market that happens all over New York City. You can usually find it in Brooklyn on the weekends. This is a great option if you have a big group with different tastes. There’s sure to be something for everyone!

Chelsea Market is another great place to go for a variety of food. It’s also a great place to shop. I got my favorite necklace and my glasses there years ago actually! I’m wearing both as I type! I love No. 1 Taco shop and the cute gelato stand. Gelato for life!

Phew! As you can see, New York City has something for everyone, and the whole family will love taking it all in! Be sure you have a few things you really want to see planned in advance, but leave time to just wander the streets of this amazing city. That’s part of the charm! If you need any help planning your trip to New York City with kids, please get in touch! You can find me on Facebook , Instagram , or Email .

I’d love it if you pinned this article to share it with others and save it for later!

Book Your Flight s and Car Find a budget airlines by using  Skyscanner . This is my favorite way to search for flights because they crawl websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know you’re getting the best deal. Learn more tips for finding the best flight deals here. For cars, I like to use Rental Cars because they have good filters and its easy to search for multiple companies.

Book Your Accommodation My preferred way to stay around the world is VRBO . I find it usually gives you a unique local experience in any destination. If you want to stay in a hotel, use  Booking , as it consistently gives the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. I use them both all the time.

Always Get Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you and your family against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s peace of mind in case anything goes wrong. I never travel without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for the last few years and love how easy it is to use. I have also used Allianz . Compare rates to see which is best for the coverage you need.

Looking for ways to save money on travel? Check out my  resource page  for the companies I use for traveling! I share everything I use to save me time and money.

Wanderlust Crew

4 thoughts on “ the best things to do in nyc with kids ”.

Hi! Just wanted to say thanks for the post! I’m a starting blogger and planning a trip with a kid to NYC. You gave me a lot of recommendations that I didn’t found elsewhere ❤️❤️❤️?

Going to visit new york next monday with my friends so i was looking for the best things to do there thanks for recommendations will definitely do all these things there.

Thanks Scarlett. Have an amazing time!

Unique and helpful list! Thank you!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Global Munchkins

Travel + Global Inspired Lifestyle

November 7, 2023

20 Incredible Things to do in New York with Kids [+ Where to Eat & Stay]

Despite our kids being avid travelers, I have to admit I was a little apprehensive about traveling to New York with little ones. Luckily, I quickly realized this is one of my favorite cities and we have returned numerous times!

There is an endless amount of things to do in New York with kids, amazing places to stay, and incredible food. New York City should be on every family’s bucket list! Read on to plan your trip to New York with kids today using our Ultimate Guide to New York with Kids.

Here are the 18 B est Things to do in New York with kids

*Quick Tip – Grab the New York City Pass – It will provide you with savings on most of the activities listed below!

1. The Ride NYC

We have been on our fair share of bus tours throughout the years. HOWEVER… This is NOT your typical bus tour! In fact, it’s rather the opposite. I will adamantly proclaim that this is THE BEST BUS TOUR EVER!!!

Picture a tricked-out bus complete with hydraulics, stadium seating, and a ton of gorgeous flat-screen TVs.

With a host that is funny enough to rival the likes of the best late-night television talk show hosts and then pour in some crazy surprise guests.

I’m talking about dancing, singing, laughter, and tears of joy. This is one tour you absolutely CANNOT miss! It was not only the best tour we took in New York… and the BEST BUS TOUR we have EVER taken!!!

Check Pricing Here!

2. central park.

No visit to NYC is complete without a trip to America’s first public park. Central Park is one of the most famous and beloved urban parks in the world.   Central Park is massive.

Inside you can find a zoo, a conservatory garden, a castle, and a boathouse. There are amazing playgrounds and plenty of room for the kids to run wild. It’s also the perfect place to escape the chaos of people, honking taxis, and cars that cover the city day and night.

As wonderful as this park is I think it would be best visited by families during the day. It is completely enormous and was meant for people to literally get lost in it. So… it may not be the best place to be after dark. Find more info on Central Park here .

3. 9/11 Memorial & Museum

I wasn’t sure how the kids would react to the 9/11 memorials or the museum. The attacks occurred before they were born and even though we have talked to them about it (and they cover it a bit at school), I knew they would have lots of questions.

The kids could feel the mood and they grew somber. As expected the questions came pouring out. Thankfully the 9/11 museum was right there. What better way to give the kids the answers they needed than by visiting the exhibits?

The kids were able to view the television footage and stand before one of the fire trucks that were mangled and melted on that horrible day. It really helped them understand why all the adults around them were upset. They learned a lot that day and handled it incredibly well.

Olivia our 2-year-old was obviously too young but our four older munchkins range from 8-13 years old and I would totally recommend the museum for that age group.

The 9/11 Museum is part of the CityPass. Get more information on their discount services here .

You can get more information by visiting the museum website here , or if you are so inclined you can also make a donation here .

4. empire state building.

The Empire State Building is world-famous! In fact, Cornell researchers analyzed millions of Flickr photos and concluded that the Empire State Building was the most photographed building in the world back in 2011!

The Empire State Building is located in the center of Midtown Manhattan. Their 86th and 102nd-floor observatories are open to visitors (for a fee)  enabling anyone to score incredible 360° views of New York City and beyond. 

I enjoyed snapping some amazing skyline views of the city and the kids enjoyed taking an elevator up to the 86th floor and looking out. They were able to spot the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and more!

We visited late in the afternoon and we didn’t have to queue for long. We were able to get our tickets, get up the elevator, and take pictures all within about an hour.

My only complaint is that $26 per kid adds up quickly especially when you have a big family. It might be hard to justify as the kids liked the building but not nearly as much as I did.

Tip-  The Empire State Building is also part of the CityPass !

5. Rockefeller Center

An incredibly fun family-friendly thing to do in New York with kids is to visit Rockefeller Center. This iconic area of Manhattan is home to many NBC hit shows such as Saturday Night Live, The Today Show, and Jimmy Fallon.

Not to mention the awesome Radio City Music Hall, the rink at Rockefeller, the Channel Gardens, the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, and tons of dining and shopping too!

We enjoyed taking in the sights and strolling around the shops. We walked through the Lego store and were mesmerized by the Lego version of New York City – it’s spectacular!

The kids also loved taking turns having their photo taken in the famous red chair from the hit show The Voice at the NBC Studio Store.

The area around Rockefeller is bustling and lively. There are plenty of great shops + places to sit down and eat, grab a coffee, or enjoy a sweet treat. It makes a great stop in the evening as the lights make this area feel somewhat magical!!!

We have visited during the winter and enjoyed the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center as well. It’s an absolute must for the colder months!

6. Legoland New York

Legoland New York just opened up and is just an hour outside the heart of the city. We have loved Legoland for years and it is an absolute blast for the kids, especially ages 3-9. There are rides, incredible Lego sculptures, and an entire city built out of Legos.

For Discounted Tickets to Legoland check out ARES Travel, they have the best discount ticket offers.

7. Big Bus Hop-On/ Hop-Off Tours

I have mentioned before how much we enjoy Hop-On/ Hop-Off Bus Tours. As per our usual routine the first full day we had in New York we hopped on a Big Bus. The tour took us all around the main sights.

We were able to get a peek at 5 th Avenue, the Flat Iron District, The Empire State Building, and more. We rode the bus until we got to the 9/11 Memorial where we hopped off and visited the memorial and the museum (as I mentioned above).

What I love about the Hop On/ Hop Off Bus Tours:

• It is relaxing.
• It helps us better understand the area and where things are located.
• It gives us a chance to learn some fun facts about the area, its history + interesting stories about each of the main tourist sites from the live guide on board.

For more information & about Big Bus Tours & Prices check out their website here.

8. statue of liberty.

A “MUST DO” for first-timers in New York no doubt is getting to see the Statue of Liberty. Now there are many expensive tours offering to take you to see our Lady Liberty. But, you can save a ton of money by skipping the expensive tours and instead of hopping on the FREE Staten Island Ferry.

This was excellent advice as the ferry runs 24 hours a day and drives right past Lady Liberty on its route to Staten Island. You simply take the subway to Bowling Green or South Ferry then hop on the ferry for a free ride across New York Harbor.

The ferry is massive so there are no long lines or tight spaces. We pushed the stroller right on the boat and Olivia was able to walk around the inside area the whole time. There are views from the inside spaces via large windows or you can opt to walk on the decks for a close-up.

Learn more about the Staten Island Ferry here .

9. madame tussaud’s.

Can you believe we have never been to the famous wax museum? It’s kind of funny because we run into Madame Tussaud’s on many of our travels but it has never made its way into our itinerary until we visited New York.

The kids had a blast taking pictures next to their favorite Hollywood stars (well… their replicas that is) they went back in time and onto movie sets like Wizard of Oz and ET, compared their heights to the likes of Lebron James and more.

The kid’s favorite thing about Madame Tussaud’s though was the Marvel area. The figures in that section were by far the kid’s favorites. They especially loved the enormous Hulk! After taking photos with their favorites we entered the 4D theater where we enjoyed an awesome Marvel show- with a few added thrills I might add 😉

We spent way more time in the wax museum than I would have ever expected to and for that reason, I would definitely urge you to put this one on your list!

For more information about Madame Tussaud’s check out their website here .

10. american natural history museum.

Want to meet Rexy and Dum Dum from Night at the Museum?? I bet your kids do! This is why the American Museum of Natural History is a super fun place to take the kids. Not to mention the obvious fact that this museum is also educational.

Plan several hours and pack snacks because this is one gigantic museum. Besides chasing down every display from the movie “Night at the Museum” the munchkins also enjoyed the space show- Dark Universe and the Dinosaurs Among Us exhibit.

After you finish up at the museum I recommend grabbing some street food and heading over to relax in Central Park across the street. There is a playground at the entrance of the park on the far left side of the museum. It is gated and has plenty of things for the kids to climb on as well as plenty of benches for parents to rest their tired bodies on. Perfect combo!

Tip-  The American Natural History Museum is part of the CityPass. Get more information on their discount services here .

Learn more about the Natural History Museum here .

11. times square.

Of course, Times Square has to be on the list of things to do in New York with kids. What used to be a place where no one would dream of taking a child, Times Square is now quite the mecca for kids and their wild imaginations.

Here they will love checking out the giant M&M store where they can taste tons of varieties of M&M’s, and find out what M&M personality they are with the “Color Mood Analyzer”- ha! And, take a photo with the candy-coated Statue of Liberty.

Other fun stops include the Hershey’s Chocolate World store and the insanely huge Disney Store on 45th Street. The whole family will enjoy strolling around, enjoying the lights, and grabbing a bite to eat too!

Find more about visiting Times Square with Kids from NYC Go here .

12. catch a show on broadway.

Ella and I were lucky enough to see Matilda when we were in New York and it was absolutely amazing!!! The cast had tons of talented child actors that completely blew me away. Ella loved getting dolled up and sitting in the old theater. This was a highlight for sure and we would love to come back for more.

We also did an Adventures by Disney adventure in New York and saw Frozen. It is incredible. I recommend everyone check it out. Check Prices Here!

Tip- If you are looking for last-minute tickets. TKTS has discounted theater tickets and they are the only discounted tickets I would recommend purchasing. Their booths offer same-day evening appearances or next-day matinee show times.

13. Watch a Game at Madison Square Garden

If you have sports fans Madison Square Garden is a must-do in NYC with kids. The boys went with their dad to a Knicks game at the Madison Square Gardens (also home of the New York Rangers) .

They came back saying everyone should have the chance to see a game in that arena. Known as the “World’s Most Famous Arena” located in the heart of New York City this place makes you feel alive!!!

Grab tickets over at Tickpick . It’s my husband’s go-to site for tickets cause they don’t charge any service fees. Also, if there is no sports check out a Madison Square Garden Tour. I heard it’s amazing but make sure to buy tickets in advance from the box office. 

14. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge! [FREE]

New York’s most recognizable structure that connects Manhattan and Brooklyn is a great thing to do with the kids in New York. The bridge has a walking and cycling path along with the road for the cars.

The Bridge is open 24 hours a day, I highly recommend going right before sunset for some spectacular pictures. At the end of the walk grab enjoy Brooklyn Bridge Park and grab a bite of pizza at Grimaldi’s , it’s delicious. 

15. Walk the Highline in Chelsea [FREE]

Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of New York? The Highline is a pretty amazing place to do so. It’s an elevated pedestrian walkway that spans about 20 blocks and is lined with trees.

I would recommend going on a weekday as the weekend tends to get pretty crowded. Check game schedules and concert showing information here .

16. The Museum of Ice Cream

While experiencing New York with kids you will definitely want to check out the Museum of Ice Cream. The Museum of Ice Cream is a 3-level playground experience where you can learn about… you already guessed it… ICE CREAM!

If your kids love ice cream as much as mine does, you will NEED to add this to your list of activities while visiting New York with kids.

17. The Color Factory

Another amazing experience to add to your list while visiting New York with kids is the Color Factory! Located in Soho, this interactive museum invites you to experience the “joy of color” through its interactive installations, immersive rooms, and curated moments inspired by the City of New York!

18. Visit the New York Aquarium

The New York Aquarium is a popular attraction located in Coney Island, Brooklyn. It is the oldest continually operating aquarium in the United States and is home to over 350 species of aquatic animals, including sea lions, penguins, sharks, and many more.

The aquarium covers 14 acres and has several indoor and outdoor exhibits. It is a great place to bring the family during your vacation!

19. Visit The Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals representing 650 species from around the world. It is a popular destination for families, offering a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

This is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a bit, especially if you’re on a longer vacation in NYC.

Where to Eat in New York with Kids:

Kids can obviously be picky eaters. Luckily there are some amazing places in NYC with kids to grab some delicious bites. Whether you are looking for something quick, something fancy or something sweet, this city has it all.

Shake Shack

I rarely eat beef so hamburgers are clearly not my thing. However, Shake Shack blew me away. Their burger was cooked to perfection, their fries were delicious and their black and white shake was irresistible.

I recommend you go to their original location in Madison Square Park where you can order from the window and enjoy eating your delicious meal in the open air of the park.

We may or may not have force-fed episodes of Seinfeld (#FunniestShowEVER) to our kids before our trip to New York. So, you can bet they were excited when we showed up at the inspiration for the Soup Nazi episode, “The Original Soupman”.

The trip was mostly based on being funny… however, the soups ended up being absolutely AMAZING!!!

  N O • S O U P • F O R • Y O U . . . We trained them well… And honestly the soup was delicious!! Owen claimed he agrees with Jerry- the soup trumps the girl ??? . . . #Seinfeld #SoupNatzi #thisisnewyork #NYC #travelgram #instatravel A photo posted by Mama Munchkin ✈ Travel Writer (@global_munchkins) on Mar 31, 2016 at 6:11pm PDT

Fun Fact- We heard that the cast of Seinfeld once visited “The Original Soupman” after the Soup Nazi episodes had become so popular. But, the man who the Soup Nazi was inspired by came out and yelled at Jerry Seinfeld for ruining his business (even though he gained incredible fame from it?) and kicked Seinfeld out of his store. Not sure if that is really true… but I sure hope it is. Hilarious!

This Indian version of Chipotle quickly became a favorite of ours while we were in New York. We couldn’t get enough of their Chicken Tikka and homemade naan bread. The quality of this food is on par with any nice Indian restaurant I have been to + the prices can’t be beaten!

Doughnut Plant

I spent about 6 months and took several classes to learn how to make amazing doughnuts so I am pretty particular when it comes to eating them. I was most pleasantly surprised when we stopped in at the Doughnut Plant and devoured some of their amazing doughnuts.

They do an amazing job offering up freshly baked artisan doughnuts that taste as good as they look. They are open all day so they make a perfect breakfast or dessert!

Pizza (from just about anywhere!)

There is a heap of different places where you can taste amazing pizza in New York. I love stopping by the $1.00 slice places as it is such a classic New York Experience. The kids absolutely loved the experience.

Our favorites include:

• Di Fara Pizza (named America’s BEST Pizza Joint by TimeOut.com) where the dough is made fresh several times per day
• Joe’s, a Greenwich Village institution
• The pizza restaurant inside Eataly for a traditional pie
• And the obvious choice- Grimaldi’s (pictured above )

How to Get to New York with Kids

Traveling to New York with kids is simple as they are a major tourist destination (over 26 million expected to visit this year) so flights are frequent. In fact, there are more than a hundred air carriers servicing the New York area from all over the country and the world, including American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and United.

The two main airports are John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). They are both located in Queens but I personally like JFK better. JFK tends to have more flights as they serve more airline carriers but I would fly into whichever has a better deal if it were me.

If you land and are feeling a little jet-lagged, our friends over at Mini Travellers have some great tips on Things to do with Jet Lag in New York!

You can also take a train to New York (we rode Amtrak actually from Washington DC and it was great! You can read Ella’s story on the Amtrak blog here ) . Here are a few of the train services that travel to New York: Amtrak,   NJ Transit , Long Island Rail Road , and Metro-North Railroad .

If you are driving into New York you can google directions. Just be aware that parking is very difficult within the city. It is best to use a site like BestParking.com to compare rates and locate places to park.

Transportation around NYC

Once you arrive you will find that getting around NYC is pretty easy.

New York has a great subway, metro, and bus system that can get you almost anywhere you want to go. We found this to be convenient and cost-effective means of getting where we needed to go.

Uber, LYFT, and Taxis are all available and easy to track down when you need to get from point A to point B and don’t want to deal with the metro.

Depending on where you are staying many hotels are within walking distance to the major sites as well. I love strolling with the kids, anyways. It burns their energy and we discover all sorts of fun things along the way. However, I have found that walks are best early in the day before the kids are tired. It is no fun to be dragging your kid along whining the whole time.

Where to Stay in New York with kids

New York has a plethora of lodging options and some amazing options for families. Everything from luxury hotels to AirBnB’s and budget chains. You will have no problem finding a room that is for sure! However, many options are rather small. Not to mention the larger chains tend to treat you like you are just a number rather than a guest.

On my Adventures By Disney New York adventure, we stayed near Times Square, but it is also fun to be close to Central Park.

If you are like me and prefer a smaller, more intimate place to call home while you are away then you absolutely MUST check out Hotel Beacon in the Upper West Side.

The Hotel Beacon NYC is one of those hotels that I will never stray from. It is definitely one of the best places to stay in New York with kids. It fits on my list of great family hotels alongside Grand Wailea in Maui , Terranea in California , and The Hotel Nicholas in Prague . Just one of those gems of a hotel that is doing everything right!

Hotel Beacon is located next to the famous Beacon Theater, just a short walk to the American Natural History Museum, Central Park & more!

Their suites are spacious and gorgeously decorated. Plus, they come with a fully equipped kitchen! Pair that with the fact that Fairways Market and Trader Joe’s are nearby and you will see why this place is hard to beat!

Read my full review of our stay and take a peek into our room here . Or check current rates at NYC hotels on Tripadvisor.

Map of things to do in New York with Kids

Have you visited New York? What were your favorite places to go or things to do?? Let me know in the comments below.

Pin for later- The Best Things To Do in New York with Kids

Check out these hand picked related posts-

If you enjoyed this article about visiting New York with Kids, you Might Also Enjoy:

18 Super Spring Break Ideas for Families in 2019 – luxe trips that won’t break the bank

The ULTIMATE Guide to Washington DC with Kids

Amazing East Coast Vacations from We3Travel

Great Tips from YTravelBlog about visiting Gettysburg PA

Frequently Asked Questions about visiting New York with Kids!

Is New York kid-friendly?

Yes!. There are a ton of things to do in New York City with the kids. It is not as hard to get around the city as you might think. You can take the subway or snag an Uber.

How do I get around the city with kids?

The most inexpensive way is with the Subway. They do get fairly crowded and if you have a stroller it is a pain to take a stroller up and down the stairs of the subway. I recommend taking an uber or taxi if you have little ones.

What to do with a 10 year old in New York City

The Ride NYC Enjoy Ice Cream at Dylan’s Candy Bar See a Broadway Show or a Game at Madison Square Garden Enjoy the incredible $1 Pizza Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

• Recent Posts

• Universal Studios Orlando Discount Tickets – 11 Ways to Save! - May 7, 2024
• 10 Ways to Save – Universal Studios Hollywood Discount Tickets! - May 1, 2024
• Sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas? [Here’s What You Need to Know!] - April 25, 2024

Reader Interactions

April 23, 2016 at 12:46 pm

Maybe New York isn’t such a scary place after all, really would love to visit some of these places.

April 23, 2016 at 2:48 pm

Great list. I really liked Top of the Rock at Rockfeller Center. It felt less crowded than the Empire and same great views. I don’t have kids but I think Ellis Island is a great place to visit to learn about American roots and how the country was built by immigrants. Lastly, High Line Park is awesome. Okay, I’m rambling, but I love NYC as well! New York is so amazing, just about everything you do is fun!

April 23, 2016 at 7:53 pm

I’ve heard great things about the Rock… we just couldn’t fit it in our schedule this time around. I guess that means we need to go again 😉 We also missed the High Line Park bc a storm came in and it was way to cold for our California bred kids to handle. So, we had to find indoor things. Again… more reasons to go back again 😉

April 23, 2016 at 5:25 pm

This is a perfect guide for my upcoming trip to NYC with my niece. Definitely going to give the Beacon Hotel a look.

April 23, 2016 at 7:51 pm

I really, truly loved the Beacon and would highly recommend it. NYC is always so fun but I am sure it will be extra special with your niece in tow 🙂

April 24, 2016 at 1:55 am

I visited New York years ago and I loved it. It’s not somewhere I even thought of with the kids but reading this made me realise exactly how much is there for them. The 9/11 site must have been awful.

April 24, 2016 at 9:02 am

Yes, 9/11 was rough but overall NYC was a great place for families. And, I think the kids learned several valuable lessons from the memorial so win/win!

April 24, 2016 at 4:25 am

I would love to visit New York one day. The bus tours looks amazing, I haven’t seen anything like that before. Looks like a proper show. Also, I would love to go to Central Park and just find all those spots that you see in movies.

April 24, 2016 at 1:02 pm

OMG… the shows were a riot. Whenever you get the chance to go you MUST take a tour on The Ride 🙂

April 24, 2016 at 8:37 am

New York City has so much to offer kids! Everytime we visit there is always something new to explore. We always make time for Central Park though. It is so huge as you mention that every time we go it is like we are experiencing it for the first time.

April 24, 2016 at 11:04 am

New York is somewhere I would absolutely love to visit one day – there just seems like so much to do and see. x

April 24, 2016 at 1:03 pm

Couldn’t agree more… nyc has enough diversity it is a match for all 🙂

April 24, 2016 at 2:14 pm

Many thanks! A very rich program has turned out 🙂 Thanks again for all the details! Keep it up:)

April 25, 2016 at 12:59 pm

Wow, looks like you had an amazing trip! We don’t live far from NYC, but don’t make it there very often. You’ve given me some ideas of new places to visit when we go!

April 25, 2016 at 1:57 pm

My gosh, i’d LOVE to back to NY. i went when i was about 16 but never considered it with children. Great list!

April 25, 2016 at 2:49 pm

This is a great post with lots of great advice. I will definitely refer back to this in the future 🙂

April 26, 2016 at 2:44 pm

This is an incredibly helpful and thorough guide to visiting NYC! I would love to visit with my kids, we will but when they are older and able to appreciate the attractions you have featured here. I was visiting NYC over 9/11, it was an absolutely horrendous experience. I returned a few years ago to visit the 9/11 memorial which I found very emotional. I would definitely agree re; your tip for taking the Staten Island ferry and I also loved walking across Brooklyn Bridge, it was one of the highlights of my second visit. Thanks for linking up to #CityTripping

April 27, 2016 at 10:54 pm

Oh my gosh… I can’t believe you were there. What a tragic event to live through. Glad you are safe and sound and yes you most definitly will have to return with your kids. New York is an amazing city!

April 28, 2016 at 8:24 am

Wow! What an excellent, comprehensive list! I’m impressed at how much you did and how much fun you clearly had in New York as a family. I have yet to visit New York with my daughter but, thanks to you, I know exactly what we need to do when we eventually DO go! The 9/11 memorial and museum wasn’t finished the last time I was in the city. It’s an incredibly important part of New York and world history and I’m glad the museum has been done well and in a way younger children can understand more about it too. I can imagine it was a very emotional experience. Thank you so much for linking to #citytripping

May 2, 2016 at 1:48 am

What an awesome guide! I would love to bring my boys to NYC.. Just not so sure how I would survive the long plane ride from Singapore with them. #CityTripping

May 3, 2016 at 11:45 am

My family and I will be visiting New York next year and we are beyond excited about it. One thing that we are worried about though is taking my nieces and nephews to such a big city and keeping an eye on them. This article has some great points on this that I think can help us know where to stay and how to enjoy New York with them.

May 4, 2016 at 3:56 pm

I was worried about that too Jorge. However, once there it actually didn’t feel too bad. They have very large sidewalks and there are a ton of pedestrians so cars are cautious. I just made sure to talk to the kids before we left about holding hands and prepped them about Times Square Characters and homeless people. Kids are pretty good if they are educated prior to going I feel. Have a wonderful trip!!!

June 9, 2016 at 2:09 am

I have not ever been to NYC….can you believe it?!

I tend to stay west coast {traveling from Vancouver, Canada to CA is my most traveled to destination} but it’s on my must see places this year! Bookmarked and shared your wonderful post. Alice

June 10, 2016 at 8:49 am

I live in Cali and I really want to get up to Vancouver. You’ll have to let me know some must see’s up there. I’m so glad you liked my New York post. It was an amazing city to visit. Something for everyone. You will love it!

August 24, 2016 at 1:06 am

I’m in New York with my three children as we speak and your guide has been extremely helpful. At ages 4,8 and 10 New York is amazing for the kids and we’re having the trip of a lifetime!

August 25, 2016 at 8:17 am

I am SO happy to hear that. Have a great trip!!!

September 25, 2016 at 5:12 pm

Do you think the city pass was worth it? Do you still have to queue in line at the sights? also we have a 2 year old who gets free admission at many of these sights. would you suggest we get one for her?

September 26, 2016 at 9:52 am

Christina we did get a lot of use out of the City Pass but I did not purchase it for my then 2 year old as she received free entry and I never paid for her. Actually, we didn’t purchase one for the 3 younger ones and only had to pay a discounted admission at a few locations. The other HUGE benefit is there was always a shorter queue (often no wait) for people with CityPass- that alone makes it worthwhile. And, even when we did have to purchase extra tickets they allowed us to still enter through the CityPass queue. Definitly worth the money in my point of view. Have a fabulous trip!!

January 27, 2017 at 6:34 am

Did you do The Ride or The Tour powered by the ride? I didn’t realize they were different until I went to their website.

January 27, 2017 at 7:59 am

We did The Ride. It was fantastic I highly recommend it. Very cool and totally unique.

May 7, 2017 at 4:25 pm

This post has been SO HELPFUL! Thank you so much for putting this together! my family of 7 is planning our first trip to the big city in June, and this post is coming with us lol! Everything you mentioned sounds amazing, and its so helpful to know you were able to get through this trip with as many kiddos and I have, and come out smiling!

May 8, 2017 at 8:58 am

Yay!! I am SO happy to hear this. You are going to have a BLAST in NYC. We absolutely LOVED it there. Let me know if you have any other questions 🙂

August 8, 2018 at 9:44 am

We’re taking our 2 year old to NYC and was wondering what type of transportation you used from the airport to your hotel since a car seat is needed for cars?

August 8, 2018 at 12:10 pm

We used an uber. You can request an uber with a car seat or what we did is brought this super portable car seat that can fit in a backpack. Mifold. Here is the link. https://amzn.to/2OnfxYf

September 11, 2018 at 9:48 am

How many days were you in New York? Id like to take the family, Im thinking we can only go (afford) a long weekend type trip. Would we be able to do much in 3 or 4 days?

September 11, 2018 at 6:25 pm

We were there for 5 days. You can get a ton done in 3 to 4 days. Most things in the city are pretty close, so you will be surprised how many things you can accomplish in just a few days.

April 15, 2019 at 8:39 am

Thank you so much for the info! We are from rural Texas and NYC seems like a crazy planet far far away! We appreciate you breaking it down and easing us into this new adventure!

April 15, 2019 at 10:17 am

I’m glad I could help. Feel free to ask me any questions you have. You’ll have a great time.

August 7, 2019 at 11:40 am

This is great info – question… do I see correctly that your daughter brought a scooter with her? Was that a good choice to get around, help with long walks? Any issues getting into the metro or other places with the scooter? Thanks

September 4, 2019 at 9:07 pm

Hi, wondering if you found Big Bus hop on hop off to be a long wait before a bus arrived that could fit your entire family on at a time? We have 6 kids and it would be a bummer if we got off of a bus, but couldn’t easily get back on because a lack of enough seating each time. Thanks for all of the advice!

September 5, 2019 at 8:50 am

The Big Buses are all over the place, so I would not worry about long waits. We had some drivers who were great and super funny and informative, and we also had one driver who well to put it lightly, my kids fell asleep.

November 17, 2019 at 5:10 am

The Staten Island Ferry is a ferry service run by the Transportation Department of New York City. The main path of the ferry runs 5.2 miles across New York Harbor between Manhattan and Staten Island’s New York City boroughs, with ferry ships making the trip in about 25 minutes.

February 10, 2020 at 11:24 am

Thanks for the thorough guide and tips! Headed to NY soon!

March 11, 2020 at 8:51 pm

Thanks for this great list! We just booked New York for May and I’m starting my list of “To Dos” with our three kids!! My husband booked us an Air Bn’B in Brooklyn, do you think that will be too much of a trek for all the days we want to go into Manhattan?

April 15, 2020 at 3:49 am

This is one of the best articles I have seen in a long time! Thank you for sharing~

July 8, 2020 at 4:46 am

Great post, we always travelled with our kids from the start and have so many wonderful memories those trips!

October 12, 2020 at 3:25 am

Great read, very detailed and to the point! But I wonder though what the added thrills at the wax museum were 🙂 Cheers, Elna

December 15, 2020 at 11:43 am

Absolutely stunning! Thank you on a detailed impressive guide!

March 1, 2022 at 10:09 am

Thanks for the guide and tips. We are heading there at Easter, so busy planning our itinerary and working out all the best places to go.

March 10, 2022 at 12:16 pm

Ha, I’m saving this list. Thank you so much. I’m a native new Yorker. But this will be my first time traveling with all my babies all this saved me a lot of woes. Thank you so much.

May 28, 2022 at 3:18 am

Such an amazing list, So detailed as well, I reckon I can save a whole week for NYC now. Thank you for sharing.

November 7, 2022 at 6:47 am

Nice post! I’ ve been in New York with my kids twice, we all love the city, but there are some of your suggestions that we never tried. Already booking a third time!!

April 8, 2023 at 7:23 pm

I loved your blog thank you so much for sharing.

[…] The Ultimate Guide To New York With Kids – Global Munchkins 48 Hours In New Orleans – The Diary Of A Jewellery Lover Gunma Safari Park, Japan – Bumble Bee Mum Visiting Rome With Kids: Top Tips From A Local Mum – Learning Escapes […]

[…] find all of our favorite activities, favorite places to eat and helpful tips on traveling to NYC here in my Ultimate Guide to New York City with […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

[instagram-feed]

• Planning a First Family Vacation
• Flight Booking Tips
• First Flight Packing and Prepping Tips
• First Flight Tips
• Tips for Dining Out with Kids
• Finding Attraction Discounts
• Family Accommodation Deals
• Family Destination Guides
• Unique Hotels of the World
• Airports and Airline Baggage Policy
• Packing List
• Babysitting Service Directory
• Baby Equipment Rental Directory
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Search for:

30 Things to do with Kids in NYC – 2024 Guide to NYC with Kids

Last update: April 4th, 2024 at 04:44 pm

Affiliate Disclosure: This Kids Activities NYC post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Table of Contents

What to do in NYC with Kids – Intro

Welcome to the vibrant and dynamic city that never sleeps, New York City! If you are looking for the best things to do in NYC with kids, then you have come to the right place!

From towering skyscrapers to enchanting parks, interactive museums, and Broadway magic, New York City is a treasure trove of family-friendly delights waiting to be discovered.

In the following post, you will discover everything you need to know about kids activities in NYC. Learn how to visit The Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building , as well as some of the Big Apple’s newest attractions like the Summit One Vanderbilt Experience , Little Island Park and the magical SeaGlass Carousel .

Tip: While many of the following NYC kids activities do not require pre-booking, for the most popular NYC family attractions, be sure to book tickets ahead of time. These include ferry tours to the Statue of Liberty and weekend seatings for the most popular broadway shows in NYC for kids.

• The best NYC tours from  Viator .
• Best Kids Activities New York City by Tripadvisor .

Please use the table of contents below to find out everything you need to know about things to do in NYC for kids. In a hurry? Jump straight to the list.

Fun Things to do in NYC with Kids Video

Want a quick little peek at some of the best things to do in New York with kids first? Check out this 3 minute video!

Saving Money in New York with Kids

I’m sure you already know this, but New York City is an exceptionally expensive place to visit. Just before you dig into my best family activities New York City list, I want to offer a couple of money saving suggestions.

1. Discount Passes for Family Activities in NYC

When considering what to do with kids in NYC, you may wish to take a look at a discounted attraction pass. When carefully chosen, it can save you money on your New York City family vacation. I say can because it depends on how much time you have in New York and how busy you would like to be.

I also think it depends on the age of your child/children. When my kids were really little, we spent most of our time in New York City playgrounds and parks (free). From 6 and up, however, we could cover more ground and started to visit a lot more paid attractions.

Below you will find the two main attraction pass options for NYC. They are slightly different in their offerings. I suggest you look at both to see which (if any) would be the best fit for your interests and time frame.

CityPass New York

The  CityPass New York  can save you up to 40% on 5 New York attractions. The pass always includes the Empire State Building and the American Museum of Natural History. The other 3 attractions can be selected from a list of options. This pass is valid for up to 9 consecutive days.

The New York Explorer Pass

The New York Explorer Pass by Go City allows you to choose 2-10 attractions (out of 80). You are also given up to 60 days to visit those attractions. Savings are up to 50% off regular individual ticket prices. Go City also offers an all-inclusive pass for 1 to 10 days.

Important Tip: The secret to success with these passes, is to read the fine print . Certain attractions (like the Statue of Liberty) require pre-booking. For other popular NYC family attractions, it is recommended that you visit quite early in the day (before all available time slots are taken). So as not to be disappointed, be sure to click on the details for each attraction on the pass portal.

• For CityPass – Click on individual Attraction Details and scroll down to Advice for Visitors .
• For Go City – Click on the attraction of choice and scroll down to the Know Before You Go section.

2. Self Catering NYC Hotel Rooms

The fact is, the cost of New York activities for families can really add up. There is only so much money you can save when you are specifically in NYC to see a bunch of attractions!

Where you can save money, however, is on food. One of the best ways to do this is to choose a hotel that has a kitchenette so you can do breakfasts and snacks in your room. If the room doesn’t have a full kitchenette, a mini fridge and microwave can still be a real budget-helper.

Since it’s a little out of the scope of this post (it’s so long already), I am going to share links to several other posts on this site that cover my favorite family suite hotels in NYC.

See: Best NYC Suite Hotels for Families & Best NYC 2 Bedroom Suite Hotels (for large families).

30 Fun Things to do in New York City with Kids

Okay…let’s get to why you are really here! Let me help you to discover the best and most fun New York kids activities. Whether you are in NYC with toddlers or teens – you will find tons of fun in the following must-see locations and memorable experiences.

1. Times Square

Although the bright lights of Times Square can be a rather overstimulating experience, it’s kind of a must-do on a NYC family trip. I can also pretty much guarantee that your child/children will fall in love with the 3-storey M&M World and Hershey’s Chocolate World stores right in the center of it all. Can you say sugar-shock?

We have typically found that the easiest way to manage Times Square is to do a quick walk through on the way to/from another event. For example, Rockefeller Center, The Broadway Theater District, and Bryant Park are all just a few blocks away.

In the very middle of Times Square, you will find a large set of bleachers which can be the perfect place to snap a family photo with the colorful lights as a backdrop. (Take a break, enjoy a snack, and rest tired feet!)

If you are interested in learning more about Times Square, Viator offers a short and informative walking tour of Times Square and the Broadway Theatre District that gets good reviews. ( Learn more. )

2. NYC Family Tours

If your are planning a first family trip to NYC, a tour can be a great way to get an overview of the city. Now tours can be at little tricky with kids, of course. That is…unless you find just the perfect one to keep little people engaged. Here are several highly rated NYC family tour options.

Private Central Park Carriage Ride

For more than 150 years, a horse and carriage ride has been a quintessential NYC experience. The 55 minute, 2 mile loop includes the Wollman Rink, the Central Park Carousel, the Pond, and pause for photos at Cherry Hill and Strawberry Fields. To learn more or book, see Viator.com .

Private Family Museum Tour

Leave the crowds behind with a New York family friendly museum tour. Options include The Met Museum , The American Museum of Natural History , or both!

Although pricier, Context Travel does some wonderful and immersive family museum tours in NYC. (I used Context for a private family tour of the Louvre once and they were wonderful.)

An Epic NYC Helicopter Tour

It’s a splurge for sure, but if NYC is a once in a lifetime experience for you and your family, you may wish to consider a helicopter tour. Soar over the Big Apple with an exclusive sightseeing tour of the Manhattan skyline and beyond, including the Empire State Building and Central Park, plus the Statue of Liberty. For pricing and times, see Viator.com .

Skip the Line Tours

Most of the top family attractions in NYC offer timed tickets that can be pre-booked directly on their website. (Avoid waiting for ages in a long lineup!) If, however, the dates for your desired attraction are sold out, you can sometimes find tours with availably on sites such as Viator.com.

See skip-the-line tickets for many top attractions in NYC including the  Statue of Liberty , the 9/11 Museum , Summit One Vanderbilt , The Edge , the One World Observatory ,  Top of the Rock , and The Empire State Building . 

3. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Ferries to visit Liberty Island and Ellis Island (Immigration Museum) leave from Battery Park at the very south end of Manhattan. Tickets should be booked ahead of time and can be purchased online through Statue City Cruises .

Note: As of Thursday, February 8th, 2024, the National Park Service Security Screening Facility has shifted to a new location within Battery Park 300 yards south of the current location behind the Castle Clinton National Monument. The new Security Screening Facility location is next to the View restaurant within Battery Park.

Once on either island, visitors can explore on their own, join a Park Ranger tour or enjoy a self-guided audio tour. The audio tours come in an adult and child version, with the latter being geared towards kids 6-10 years old. In the summer months, kids can participate in the Junior Rangers Program with packets available at the information desks.

To visit certain attractions, you need to purchase a separate tour ticket. These include The Pedestal Tour for those wanting to see inside the Statue of Liberty Monument and The Crown Tour if you want to get right up inside the crown. The Crown Tour was a huge hit with my kids (at 6 & 9 years old) despite the 10-minute climb up 393 steps.

Important Note: The Crown Tour is a very popular immersive experience. It typically sells out about 2 months in advance, and children must be 42″ tall to do the climb.

4. The Staten Island Ferry

Another great way to get a look at the Statue of Liberty is to take the free 20-minute Staten Island Ferry from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. Not only will you get to see Lady Liberty and Ellis Island as you ride back and forth across the Hudson River, this ferry is also one of the best places to enjoy the views of Manhattan city skyline and the busy New York harbor.

As the Staten Island Ferry is heavily used by commuters, the best way to avoid crowds it to take the trip on weekdays between 9 and 11 am, or in the evening from 7 pm on. For schedules and to learn more, see the Staten Island Ferry website .

5. Battery Park Playscape

Battery Park is conveniently located between the docks for the Staten Island Ferry and Statue Cruises. Be sure to spend some time here as this public park and playground is one of the best new New York City kids attractions.

Its innovative Playscape was conceived post-storm Sandy with a design intended to withstand flooding and then recover. It has 5 granite slides, an elevated treehouse, a sand and water area, as well as a improv/puppet theater. I think it is one of the most fun things to do with kids in NYC.

The crown jewel of this playground (in my humble opinion), is the magical SeaGlass Carousel. If you are visiting New York with a toddler, my bet is that this is going to be one of their favorite places!

I took this little video clip of it because a photo just doesn’t do it justice!

Learn more at thebattery.org .

6. Central Park

Central Park has always been, well, central to our NYC family trips. It was in this beautiful Manhattan green space that my son once exclaimed, “Finally!  A breath of fresh air!” after a particularly busy morning.

Central Park is simply a must-do with kids in New York City. Visit Belvedere Castle and the Central Park Zoo, sail model boats at the Conservatory Water, pop by the Alice in Wonderland statue, or ride the carousel. This incredible park just has so much fun to offer for the entire family.

If you are looking for things to do with toddlers in NYC, the park has many great playgrounds (21 to be exact).

My kids have always loved the Ancient Playground on the Upper East Side right beside the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Heckscher Playground near the south end of the park. Both offer spray parks in the warmer months.

Important note: As far as city green spaces go, Central Park is massive! Plan to focus on one section of it, or make multiple visits to different sections over a few days.

Learn more on the Central Park website .

Notable Central Park Restaurants

While in the area, you may wish to visit one of several beautiful restaurants in the park. Both Tavern on the Green and The Loeb Boathouse offer kids’ menus and take reservations (the Loeb on weekdays only).

On our most recent trip, we wanted to try to get the best view, so we requested a table near the lake’s edge at The Loeb. My daughter loved watching the turtles and giant fish swim around in the water right in front of her.

Update Feb. 2024: The Loeb Boathouse restaurant has been undergoing an extensive renovation. Is is scheduled to reopen as the Central Park Boathouse in the spring of 2024.

7. New York Museums for Kids

There are just so many to choose from, but below I have outlined what I believe are the best museums in NYC for kids. I have also added a few helpful tips to make your visits go more smoothly.

Almost all of the major Manhattan museums offer complimentary kids guidebooks at their information desks. Even better, kids are free at most New York City museums. (The American Museum of Natural History is an exception.) Be sure to check the museum’s calendar of events, as many offer special tours for families.

Cultural experiences such as museums can be a little challenging for young children. You may want to consider visiting only one small portion of a museum, rather than tackling the whole thing.

For example, on our first visit to The Metropolitan Museum in Central park, we only took the kids to the Ancient Egyptian gallery. We followed this up with a visit to the Rooftop Garden Cafe. With its sweeping views of Central Park and no formal seating required, it is not surprising that this is a favorite spot for families.

If an immersive Met Museum experience for your family is really important to you, another option is to book a private tour. Context Travel offers a Private Family Metropolitan Museum Tour that gets really great reviews. Although I have not done this particular one, I have taken a private tour of the Louvre with Context and it was excellent.

The American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side is very popular for those looking for New York City museums for kids. It has so many exhibits that delight families including the giant blue whale, the dinosaur exhibits, the butterfly conservatory, the Rapa Nui sculpture and more!

If possible, visit at opening on a weekday to get ahead of the crowds. Buy your tickets online ahead of time for a specific time slot (see plan your visit at the AMNH). Research you priority exhibits ahead of time. This way, you can go straight to your most important one first, and possibly enjoy a crowd-free moment!

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

For those visiting NYC with little kids, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan can be a great option with 5 floors of interactive fun. I know on our first time in NYC with toddlers, we spent most of our short stay between Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History and this fun NYC kids museum. There is only so much you squeeze into a day with young children!

Learn more at: CMOM.org .

Note: Although we have never managed to make it to this one, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum also gets great reviews.

8. Family Photo Shoot with a NYC Photographer

It can be a little tricky to get good family photos in NYC as most people tend to have very action-packed itineraries. 

One of the best things we have ever done on one of our trips, is to take an hour out of a day for a family photo shoot with a professional photographer. (We’ve done it twice, actually). As chief family photographer, it finally allowed me to be our trip photos!

We have used the company Flytographer because we find their booking process so easy. You simply select your location, choose one of their curated photographers, pick a package, and set up a time. (Packages run $285 to $600 USD for a 30 to120 minute shoot.) 

HOT DEAL! If you use my discount code MYSHOOT , you will receive $25 off your first Flytographer booking or gift card purchase.

9. Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is dedicated to the exhibition and interpretation of history, science and service as related to its home aboard the aircraft carrier Intrepid , a National Historic Landmark. While this isn’t really my thing (I snuck off to SOHO for a few hours), my kids visited with my husband and thought it was pretty great.

Learn more about the Intrepid Sea , Air and Space Museum on their website , or see recent Tripadvisor reviews .

10. The High Line

The High Line is a great place for a stroll, but keep in mind that it is still a walk , which isn’t always the most thrilling of outdoor activities for kids. That said, in the summertime, the flowers are beautiful and there are birds-a-plenty.

My suggestion on how to do the High Line with kids is the following. Start your walk at 23rd St. (there is elevator access if you have a stroller) and walk south. Grab some gelato at L’arte de Gelato (roughly 15th St.) and then exit at 14th St. (also an elevator). From here, you can cross the street to Little Island Park (see below).

Note: The High Line gets really busy on weekends (where you may have to shuffle along as part of a crowd). If at all possible,visit on a weekday.

11. Little Island Park

One of NYC’s newest and most interesting public parks from a design-perspective is Little Island. Within the 2.4 acre grounds perched overtop of the Hudson River, you will find an outdoor concert venue, yummy food carts, beautiful views and gorgeous landscaped gardens. 

Although this lovely NYC green space does not have a traditional playground, it has little interactive activities scattered around, including optical illusions, spinning disc chairs, music makers, jump ropes, hula hoops and more.

Learn about upcoming events and the locations of all the fun interactive exhibits dotted around the gardens at  LittleIsland.org .

12. Coney Island

As far as amusement parks go, Luna Park at Coney Island is as classic as it gets. It’s a little gritty, but we found that to be part of the charm. 

Grab a hot dog at Nathan’s, stroll along the boardwalk and work up the courage to ride the historic Cyclone wooden roller coaster (which has been terrifying riders since 1927).

Learn more at LunaParkNYC.com or read recent reviews on Tripadvisor .

Note: This iconic amusement park is a 45 minute subway ride outside of Manhattan. You can expect this to take up at least half your day, and maybe even a full day.

13. Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum

From presidents, to royalty, to Marvel super heroes, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum is a fun way to get up close to your favorite star…but without those nervous butterflies. With a convenient location near Times Square, it is an easy activity add-on when you are in the area.

Learn more at MadameTussauds.com or see recent reviews on Tripadvisor .

14. Take the Subway

My son cannot get enough of riding the subway. After several visits to the city, quite frankly, he knows the rails better than I do. In fact, both of my children are very engaged with the process of figuring out which station to get off at, where to change trains, etc. Never do we hear “Are we there yet?”, which is a blessing in itself.

Riding the subway can often be one of the best ways (fastest) to get places, with major stops at museums, ferry terminals and more. It can also be one of the cheapest ways to get around the city as a family. A single ride costs $2.90, and up to 3 children 44″ and under can ride along for free with a paying adult.

15. Bryant Park

If you find yourself around Midtown Manhattan with younger children who need to get their beans out, Bryant Park is a good place to let them run around. The park has a carousel, a giant lawn area, and an Art Cart . Many free events and fun activities for kids are hosted here including shows by popular children’s entertainers.

From late October to mid-March, that lawn space becomes an ice arena and the park is transformed into a beautiful winter village. While the skating is free (reserve a time slot), there is a charge for skate rentals.

Learn more on the Bryant Park website (you can also check out their webcam).

16. Governors Island

Less than a 10 minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan is the reimagined 172 acre Governors Island. It is a beautiful retreat from the busy New York city streets, car-free and full of lush foliage.

The island has some great playgrounds for kids as well as a unique hill full of slides. You can walk around the island (bring a stroller for wee ones) or rent bikes from Blazing Saddles .

The island is the perfect place for a picnic, but there is also a restaurant and numerous food carts. Fun events run all summer long, so I encourage you to check out Governors Islands Events ahead of time.

One other great thing about Governors Island is that in an expensive city, this activity can be very budget-friendly. In fact, on weekend mornings before noon, all visitors get to ride the ferry for free! Learn more at govisland.com .

17. Ride The Beast

The adrenaline-inducing Beast speedboat is not only super exhilarating, but it also gives you a great view of the Statue of Liberty from the water (the boat makes photo stops). This exciting ride is only 30 minutes long leaving you plenty of time for other family-friendly NYC activities.

The dock is located very close to the Intrepid Museum, which could make for a good pairing. Please note, children must be 40″ tall to ride the Beast. See ticket options for The Beast here.

18. See a Yankees Game

On a sunny summer evening, grab the subway to the Bronx and catch a Yankees game. In comparison to many New York activities, this one can be quite inexpensive. We paid just over $20/ticket and the kids even received bobbleheads. For more information see the Yankees website .

Be sure to also check their website for special events. They often have fun things going on for kids at the stadium before games.

Note:  In no way does the picture below represent the excitement of watching a baseball game. (We took the red-eye to New York and hit the game the following evening.)

It is often said that one of the best things about New York City is New Yorkers . This was certainly something we experienced at the game – meeting this lady sitting behind us. Predeceased by her husband, she still kept his seat (filling it with some friends) .

19. FAO Schwarz

The FAO Schwarz toy store at 30 Rockefeller Plaza is a ton of fun for kids. We first visited this iconic toy company’s store at their 5th Avenue location (now gone) when my daughter was just a toddler. That experience is the only thing she remembers from her first trip to NYC.

Even as a tween on our most recent trip, she described the store as “a little bit magical” and agreed that it is well worth a visit with kids of all ages.

Also nearby the FAO Schwarz store at Rockefeller Center, you will find a fun Lego Store and a Nintendo Store, as well as some other nice shopping along Fifth Ave for mom and dad (if you can manage to sneak that in).

20. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Stroll (or ride bikes) over the East River on the Brooklyn Bridge. You can make a whole afternoon of it, in fact, if you have time to explore a bit of Brooklyn as well.

Note: The bridge is 1.1 miles (1.8km) in length. If this walk is a bit ambitious, this area is still a fun little adventure and is easily reached by NYC Ferries and the subway.

Grab an ice cream cone from Van Leeuwan’s (white house under the bridge), ride Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park, or enjoy a picnic at Main Street Park and Playground (fantastic views of Manhattan). 

One other very fun thing to do in Brooklyn with kids is to take a foodie tour! The Brooklyn Food and Culture Tour is run by Rachel Kaplan, a 5th generation Brooklynite. Join her to explore quintessential New York cuisine – bagels, pizza, and the finest coffee and tea — at spots that only locals know about. To learn more or to book, see Viator.com .

21. NYC From Above

You really have quite a selection of options for a spectacular view of New York City from above. Go old school with the classics by ascending to the top of the Empire State Building (1250 feet) or Rockefeller Center’s Top of the Rock (850 feet).

At the south end of Manhattan, you can get an entirely different perspective from the One World Observatory (1268 feet) at the One World Trade Center (the tallest building in NYC).

Not to be outdone, to experience the highest open air deck in the Western Hemisphere, you will need to visit The Edge at Hudson Yards development on New York’s west side (1131 feet).

The newest addition to New York City sky high observatories is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt . (It is the 4th tallest building in NYC at 1401 feet.) With three levels of immersive space, this place is the it place for Instagram and TikTok creators. 

Want to truly get a bird’s eye view? See New York City from up in the sky while on a private NYC helicopter tour .

22. Grand Central Station

If you happen to be visiting the Summit One Vanderbilt, you should absolutely take a walk through Grand Central Station, as it is right next door.

This historical Beaux-Arts structure with its celestial ceilings is a visual feast, captivating young minds with its grandeur. It is also a great way to teach kids about the history of transportation and the vital role this terminal played in American train travel.

In additional to incredible architecture, the Grand Central terminal offers a wide selection of restaurants and can be a lovely place to enjoy a quick bite.

Be sure to also check The Grand Central events page before your visit. (I was once gifted some beautiful Christmas ornaments from their very special Holiday Fair.)

23. Ice Cream and Sweet Treats

Have a little sweet tooth in the family? Dylan’s Candy Bar is quite fun and has two locations in NYC – one in the The Shops at Hudson Yards and a mini store in Soho.

If you are near Times Square, check out M&M World and the Hershey’s store. You may pay a premium, but my kids can’t resist the allure of that wall of candy-coated goodness.

For real candy aficionados, Economy Candy on the Lower East Side is a must because of their amazing candy assortment.

Serendipity 3 on the Upper East Side is famous for their frozen hot chocolate (takes reservations). Black Tap Craft Burgers (2 NYC locations) makes some incredible milkshakes (see below). They Soho location does not offer reservations but will text you when your table is ready.

Have a little baker in the family? Fans of Chef’s Table might enjoy a visit to one of Milk Bar’s many Manhattan locations. They sometimes offer cookie and cake making classes (kids must be accompanied by an adult.) Check their website for upcoming dates.

24. NYC Kids Broadway Shows

Looking for the best New York broadway show for kids? The following productions can be enjoyed by the whole family: The Lion King , Aladdin, Wicked, Back to the Future and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child . Most shows offer a weekend (and sometimes weekday) matinee option.

It should be noted that most family-friendly Broadway shows still require that a child be at least 5 years old to attend a performance. The exception is The Lion King – welcoming kids 3 years and up.

If you are visiting New York with a younger child and would like to see a performance, take a look at what is on at the New Victory Theater (all ages welcome).

Discounted Broadway Tickets

You may have heard about the TKTS booths in New York City that offer discounts of 20-50% off same day performances that still have seats available. While the Times Square booth has notoriously long lineups, you may have shorter wait times at the new Lincoln Center booth.

You can also download the TKTS app which will give you real time updates on shows with tickets available. (Tickets must still be purchased in person.) Plan to visit the booth early in the day so that you will have the best selection. You are allowed to buy up to 6 tickets per show.

As an example of what can be be on offer, as I am updating this post (Feb. 2024), I am seeing same-day tickets for Back to the Future (50% off), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (40% off) and Aladdin (30% off).

Note: If you become a TDF member ($42/annual) you can purchase discounted advance tickets online (rather than having to wait in line at one of the booths).

25. The Bronx Zoo

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a day trip to the Bronx Zoo . This sprawling green space makes for a delightful stroll while admiring the enormous collection of creatures from around the globe (It is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States.)

Tip: While in the area, enjoy some great Italian fare on nearby Arthur Ave (the real Little Italy ), take in a baseball game at Yankee Stadium or visit the NY Botanical Garden.

26. The New York Botanical Garden

Visiting the New York Botanical Garden is a great activity to combine with the Bronx Zoo as it is located right next door.

The Children’s Adventure Garden is tailored specifically for young explorers, offering hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and seasonal programs that make learning about nature an exciting adventure.

Be sure to look at the special section for families on their website as well as their upcoming events. Their holiday train exhibit in Nov.-Dec., for example, is an extremely treasured event for kids.

Learn more on the NYBG website .

27. Kids Afternoon Tea in NYC

We like to try something new every time we visit New York with kids. Our most recent trip happened to coincide with Mother’s Day and my daughter’s birthday so we decided on a special afternoon tea service.

After poring over reviews, we decided on the Pembroke Room at The Lowell Hotel on the Upper East Side. It was simply splendid, although I will say that it was rather on the formal side. (They do offer a children’s tea menu. )

If you would like to do an afternoon tea with younger kids, here are some other popular options:

• Alice’s Tea Cup (Upper West Side & Upper East Side)
• Eloise’s Rawther Fancy Tea (Plaza Hotel Fifth Ave)
• Le Petit Prince (Baccarat Hotel)

28. Roosevelt Island

Want to keep your kids on the move? How about a tram ride to Roosevelt Island?

This picturesque island (home to 11,000 residents), is nestled in the East River and offers a unique blend of urban charm and tranquility. To get there, you can take the scenic Roosevelt Island Tramway from Manhattan (2nd Ave and 59th St.), which is a thrilling experience for kids in itself.

Once on the island, you can explore Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, a serene space with manicured lawns and breathtaking views of the city skyline, where children can run around and play. And don’t forget to take a ride on the free Roosevelt Island Red Bus, a convenient way to get around the island while giving kids a novel public transportation experience. The island is also serviced by the subway if you want a quicker return trip.

Note: If I had to choose between the two, I would visit Governors Island over Roosevelt Island as I think the former is more fun for kids. That said, if you have done multiple trips to NYC and are looking for something new, I think the tram ride would be fun.

29. Ice Skating

If you are visiting NYC with kids in the winter, there is a good chance you might want to have that magical experience of ice skating at Rockefeller Center. And you should, but I want to share a couple of things with you first.

• The ice arena is much smaller than you might imagine.
• The ice arena is busier than you might imagine.
• The ice arena is probably more expensive than you might imagine.

That said, if it is a must-do family activity for you in NYC, I’m sure you are going to have a great time!

Rockefeller Skating Rink is open from early-Nov. to mid- Mar. Tickets can be booked in advance once the website is updated for the fall season (typically in early October). The prices range from $11 – $73 depending on the skater’s age and the date booked. Skate rentals are an additional $15.

Learn more on the Rockefeller Ice Rink website .

Now, if it is the actual activity of ice skating that is most important, and the venue is secondary, may I also recommend:

• The Bryant Park Winter Village – Open late Oct – Mar, free admission, book time slot online.
• The Wollman Rink in Central Park – Open late Oct – Mar, skating is $10-$35 depending on age and date, book time slot online.

30. Harry Potter Store

The Harry Potter store in New York City is a magical haven for fans of J.K. Rowling’s beloved wizarding world. It spans three enchanting floors filled with a vast array of Wizarding World merchandise and immersive experiences.

Visitors can explore themed rooms inspired by the series, including the Wand Shop, where they can choose their own wand, and the House of MinaLima, showcasing the graphic artistry behind the films. From interactive photo opportunities to a Butterbeer bar and a wide range of collectibles, the Harry Potter store offers a truly enchanting experience for fans of all ages.

Learn more at the Harry Potter Store NY website .

31. The Color Factory

The Color Factory, for me, falls into the category of the many new NYC attractions that seem to have been designed specifically with social media content in mind. (Also in this category – The Museum of Ice Cream.) Despite my cynicism (and the high cost of entry), these whimsical, colorful and interactive art installations, may provide some entertainment value.

It is worth noting that both The Color Factory and The Museum of Ice Cream have a sliding scale ticket pricing policy. It is less expensive to visit at off-peak times (weekdays).

NYC With Kids Map

When I am trying to sort through all the different options of what to do in New York City for kids, I find a map useful. I have plotted all my favorite spots on the following Google map titled NYC for Kids . I hope it is helpful to you as well!

Getting Around NYC with Kids

Uber and Lyft offer two great ways to get around NYC with kids because they are often cheaper than a cab and more convenient than the subway. Both companies offer vehicles with car seat service which is helpful if you are visiting New York with a toddler or preschool-aged child. As a user, you are charged an extra $10 per ride and the service includes 1 car seat.

When this service is available, it will show up in the app (scroll down until you see it – see image below) and I would check prior to your trip to see if your child will fit in the seat.

Uber Car Seat Policy (Feb. 2024)

Uber Car Seat in NYC will provide a Nuna RAVA seat that can be used in rear-facing or forward-facing positions for children weighing between 5 and 65 pounds.

There are times with Uber and Lyft when their cars are in short supply triggering “surge pricing”, in which case a cab can be cheaper. For example, on our return trip to JFK airport, our cab was a fixed price of $70 (before tip), but Uber would have been $96.

In rush hour, you may be able to get places faster with the subway. We also find that the subway is more economical for heading way out of town (The Bronx, Coney Island etc.) As an added bonus, I have always found that my kids love the excitement and the challenge of navigating the New York subway system.

Note: Kids 44″ in height and smaller ride the subway for free (up to 3 with each paying adult).

Finding Family Hotels in NYC

If you have not stayed in a New York City hotel room before, you might be shocked by how tiny and expensive they can be. It can also be a little challenging to find rooms that can accommodate a family.

While I have several other posts on this topic ( Best Family Suites in NYC and  Best Hotels in NYC for Families) , I typically use the following criteria when choosing a family friendly New York hotel.

I like to be near either New York’s Central Park (because it is just so great with kids), or Midtown which is close to many popular attractions. Do be careful with your search criteria as general searches of the city can sometime include Brooklyn and Williamsburg (both great areas – but not on the island of Manhattan).

Generally, I look for a room that is more than 300 ft² (28m²). While you are not likely to spend a ton of time in your room on a family trip to NYC, you still don’t need to be tripping over each other.

Vacation Rentals

NYC has very strict rental restrictions so finding a good VRBO or Airbnb property for your stay can be tricky.

That said, there are companies like Sonder.com that buy up whole buildings and convert them to short-term rentals. They offer some great family suite options in NYC if you don’t need all the extra services of a hotel.

Further Reading

• Tips for Booking a NYC Family Photographer
• The 10 Best 2 Bedroom Suite Hotels in NYC
• 10 Things to do in Austin, Texas with Kids

Recent Posts

16 Best Things to do in San Sebastian with Kids (2024 Guide)

A guide to visiting the seaside town of San Sebastian, Spain with kids. Read More

Renting a 4×4 in Iceland (2024 Guide!)

Everything you need to know about renting a 4x4 in Iceland. Read More

How to Find a NYC Family Photographer

Everything you need to know about booking a NYC family photographer! Read More

The 5 Best Road Trips from Vancouver

5 gorgeous road trips from Vancouver for summer. Read More

SilverStar Mountain Resort – Ski Guide

A family-friendly guide to SilverStar Mountain in Vernon, B.C. Read More

20 Best Family Friendly Paris Hotels (2024 Guide)

Discover the best hotels for families in Paris. Read More

The 8 Best Family Hotels in Reykjavik (2024)

Discover the top 8 family hotels in Reykjavik, Iceland. Read More

20 Things to do in Reykjavik with Kids (2024 Guide)

A family-friendly guide to Reykjavik, Iceland. Read More

8 Responses

Nelson nigel.

Hello Tara, this is a very good review of tourist destinations. If you do not mind, I would like to recommend our organization, Kidmoto, for child airport transportation with installed child car seats. We provide up to 4 car seats in 1 vehicle if needed. Your article shows images of small children but tourists still need to get from the airport to the city, and vice versa, conveniently and safely with their small children. Check us out, we will work with you.

Great tips. We take our kids about once a year and they love it. We have stayed at Affinia properties several times because of the suite layout. We’ve also stayed at the Conrad in Battery Park. It’s a former Embassy Suites, but really spruced up yet reasonably price by New York standards. That area has some nice open spaces for the kids to stretch their legs in, but subway stops are a little hike.

Tara Cannon

Hello Jonathan, What a great suggestion. Thank you for the tip. I just read the bio on your blog. What a journey you have been on ! Wishing you continued good health and beautiful family travels. Tara

Haha. Tara, I feel like this should be titled “Things to Do in NYC with Your Girlfriend.” We did a lot of these activities, and if she ever finds this website, she’ll never believe me. I guarantee she would credit you for all the ideas!

Ha! That’s funny. Well, to be honest, my whole M.O. with kids has been to do things that we can all enjoy ! 🙂

Allison Williams

Thank you for these great tips! I cannot wait to take my kids this spring!

I hope you have a wonderful trip Allison. Spring is such a lovely time to visit NYC !

Clare Brown

I absolutely love this. We went to NYC from England 2 years ago and I have just written all about it over on my blog. We were only there for 32 hours and we certainly made the most of it 🙂

Programs See all programs

Supplemental nutrition assistance program, community food connection, summer meals.

Discover tips, tools, and support for this age

Brain Building

Your child’s experience in kindergarten and the time they spend with you can prepare them for lots of learning ahead! At this stage, your child may be toilet trained, have a basic grasp of math and reading, enjoy singing and dancing, and speak clearly. 

Learn more about your five-year-old’s development , explore schools options , and find free activities for kids and families below.

The Early Childhood Family Toolkit

The Early Childhood Family Toolkit is a growing collection of our favorite resources for families with young kids. Discover learn-at-home tips and activities, health support, and more—all chosen by the NYC Department of Education.

Learn through life's everyday moments

See what your child is learning

Skills children develop as they play, learn, speak, act, and move are called milestones. Learn about milestones to help you understand your child's development and act early if you have concerns.

Around 5 years old, many children:

• Want to make friends happy and be like them
• Are more likely to agree with rules
• Like to sing, dance, and act
• Are aware of gender
• Show more independence
• Tell what's real and what's make-believe
• Are sometimes tough and sometimes cooperative

Communication

• Speak very clearly
• Tell a simple story using full sentences
• Use the future tense, for example, "Grandma will be here"
• Can say name and address
• Can count 10 or more things
• Can draw a person with at least 6 body parts
• Can print some letters or numbers
• Can copy a triangle and other simple shapes
• Know about things used every day, like money and food

Physical Development

• Stand on one foot for 10 seconds
• Can hop and may be able to skip
• Can somersault, flipping all the way around forwards or backwards
• Use a fork and spoon and sometimes a table knife
• Use the toilet on their own
• Swing and climb
• Have 5 ounces of grains daily, including whole grains (1 ounce equals ½ cup oatmeal, ½ cup of rice, 5 whole wheat crackers, 1 slice of whole wheat bread, or ½ cup cooked pasta).
• Have 1 ½ cups of vegetables daily (such as ½ cup baby carrots, ½ cup broccoli, and ½ avocado).
• Have 1 ½ cups of fruits daily (such as 1 small apple, ½ large banana, and ½ cup chopped berries). Fresh, frozen, canned or dried all count.
• Have 4 ounces of protein foods daily (1 ounce equals 1 egg, ¼ cup of beans or lentils, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, or ¼ cup tofu). Protein foods include beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, nut butters, and poultry, fish, eggs and meat.
• Have 2 ½ cups of dairy or suitable substitute daily. This includes whole cow’s milk, whole plain yogurt, or unsweetened fortified soy beverage.
• Drink water between meals for thirst.

Act early by talking to a doctor, teacher, or social worker if your child:

• Doesn't show a wide range of emotions
• Shows extreme behavior, such as unusual fear, aggressiveness, shyness, or sadness
• Is easily distracted, having trouble focusing on an activity for more than 5 minutes
• Doesn't respond to people or responds without thought or care
• Can't tell what's real and what's make-believe
• Can't give first and last name
• Doesn't talk about daily activities or experiences
• Doesn't draw pictures
• Can't brush teeth, wash and dry hands, or get undressed without help

Find the support your family needs to thrive

School Food

NYC Department of Education (DOE)

Free school breakfast and lunch

NYC students can enjoy free breakfast and lunch every school day.

School-Based Health Centers (SBHC)

NYC Department of Education (DOE); NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)

Free health care in schools

Students can get free health care in their school.

Gifted & Talented Program (G&T)

NYC Department of Education

Gifted programs

G&T programs offer specialized classes for exceptional students.

Things to Do in NYC With Kids: 20 Free or Low-Cost Activities

Visiting parks is one of many great things to do in NYC with kids. (Katrin Sauerwein / EyeEm/Getty Images)

New York City is an amazing place to raise (or take!) a family. Almost anything you might want can be found around the corner. Want to visit the setting of your child’s favorite book? You can do that . Want to introduce your family to art, history, archaeology, cultures and practically everything else under the stars? You can do that, too . There’s a huge selection of activities, but in this list, we’ve gathered 20 great things to do in NYC with kids — some lesser-known, some essential. Most of the items here are free, and all are relatively cheap.

Free Events for Families in NYC

You don’t have to go far to enjoy kid-friendly activities in NYC for free or for cheap. Some options are always available in nearly every neighborhood:

• Libraries and bookshops: Visit your local library for storytime, special events, arts and crafts, game time and so much more. Head out to the NYC Central Library to see the original toys that inspired Winnie-the-Pooh stories . Many bookstores also have storytime and sing-alongs, and some provide outdoor readings in good weather.
• Free museum hours: We mentioned the tons of museums in NYC, but we left out the best part — many museums, including child-specific ones, have free hours of admission. Check out a full list of all the free museum times on NYC-Arts .
• Amazing parks: You probable have a nice local park in your neighborhood — in fact, the city has recently undertaken a massive park-revamp project , so you might even have a shiny new park nearby. Some other parks are worth the travel time: Check out some of our favorites in the list below.

Besides these, there’s always something happening in the city. Between pop-up events, festivals, singalongs and outdoor yoga for tots, you can always find something to do that’s fun for everyone in the family!

20 Things to Do in NYC With Kids

Visit Amazing Parks

Have you met your friendly neighborhood Urban Rangers? These city park workers are often hosting events for kids to get them in touch with nature, teach them something about the world around them, get them moving, and generally have lots of fun! There are almost always special events specifically during school days off, perfect for those days when the kids are home and bouncing off the walls.

Keep an eye on the official NYC Parks website for upcoming events.

All the city’s parks are great, but some stand out as extraordinary. You may already be aware of the Splash Pad in Prospect Park and the perfect combo of sandpit/waterpark in Manhattan’s Pier 26 .

Here are some of our favorite parks you might not have heard of that are worth a visit:

• Imagination Playground : Designed by famed architect David Rockwell, this park is created for kids, by kids. Children can use large pieces of foam, mats, wagons, crates, fabrics, and other kid-friendly materials to build their own structures and play areas — encouraging creative play and some out-of-the-box thinking. South Street Seaport, Manhattan. Free.
• Socrates Sculpture Park : Part park, part outdoor museum, the Socrates Sculpture Park has sculptures and exhibits you can — and are encouraged — to touch. It’s a great place to introduce kids to functional but beautiful art, and there are often family-friendly events, festivals, and outdoor fitness sessions. Stop by any Saturday between May and September for free drop-in art workshops for kids. Astoria, Queens. Free.
• Nelson Rockefeller State Park : Don’t let the impressive name fool you: this little park is adorably tiny. But it’s absolutely chock-full of whimsical sculptures by Tom Otterness, the same artist that made the 14th Street train station figures which you may have seen on your commute. This little hidden gem of a park is a favorite with kids, who love to explore the many scenes depicted by the statues — from little men rolling giant pennies around to a group of figures abducting a cat — and climb all over them (only the large central statue is off-limits to clambering tots). Battery Park City, Manhattan. Free.
• Freshkills Park : Can you imagine a park in NYC that’s three times the size of Central Park? Soon, there will be one! Freshkills Park is currently undergoing a transformation from notorious Staten Island landfill to major attraction in the city’s least-visited borough. This massive 2,200-acre park project already has some parts open to the public, and hosts discovery and nature events for families. Visit to learn about the history or to enjoy a picnic in an oasis from the city. Staten Island. Free.

Go to Notable Museums

We love museums in New York. Here are some especially good for kids:

• The NY Hall of Science : Touching something in a typical museum will get you booted out of there. At the NY Hall of Science, everything is meant to be touched! Kids are encouraged to interact and play with every exhibit as they learn about science and technology in a fun and tactile way. We guarantee the playful nature of the museum will bring the child out in adults, too! Visit the museum any day for a great learning experience, but definitely drop by during the museum’s yearly Maker Faire, which merges science and technology into a festival celebrating DIY and creativity. Corona, Queens. $16/adult, $13/child ages 2-17, free Fridays 2–5 and Sundays 10–11.
• Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art and Storytelling : This under-the-radar children’s museum introduces kids to art and literature without over-simplifying it. Exhibits are not works for children, but rather full-fledged artworks with a focus on teaching kids to appreciate and explore real art in a mature way. Kids can explore the galleries, read books or participate in interactive storytime, and even create their own art. The museum hosts activities and special events often and most are free with admission, which is much more affordable than most museums. (Note: the Museum is closed for an installation and reopens Thursday, Oct. 18.)   Sugar Hill, Manhattan. Free for kids 8 and under, $7/adult, $4/young adult ages 9-17.
• Queens County Farm Museum : This isn’t your traditional museum! Located on historic farmland from 1697, visitors to this farm-turned-community-museum get to meet some barn animals, go on hay rides, stroll around in the gardens, and much more. Introduce your kids to an environment they aren’t likely to see elsewhere in NYC. This is a bit out of the way (it’s just barely within NYC) but it’s well-worth the trip! Glen Oaks, NY. Free except during special events.

The city has some amazing smaller playgrounds. (Miguel Sanz/Getty Images)

Check Out Super-Fun Stores and Indoor Spots

You wouldn’t think a trip to a store is something fun for kids, but many of NYC’s stores are more like kiddie playgrounds! Some stores, like Party City and the Disney Store , are just plain fun to browse, while others, like the Lego and Nintendo stores often have special events and play sessions for kids (and adults!).

If you can handle all the pleading to buy stuff, NYC also has a great selection of candy stores that are an absolute feast to all the senses. And, of course, don’t forget to take a trip to the famous enormous Macy’s at Herald Square for a ride on their retro wood-paneled escalators (or to view their spectacular annual flower show ) and Grand Central Terminal’s magical whispering gallery .

Here are some more of our favorite stores and indoor locations that are fun for kids to explore:

• Flying Tiger Copenhagen : This whimsical little store is like a tiny adorable IKEA for toys, small housewares, and some really weird and silly things like llama notebooks, pineapple lamps, quirky erasers and notebooks, and so much more. Wares change monthly so you’ll always find something new, and even if you and the kids find something you just have to have, prices are super affordable — usually under $5 and rarely over $15. Citypoint, Brooklyn; Flatiron, Upper East and West Side, Manhattan.
• Home Depot : Yes, really! Ordinarily, you wouldn’t think of taking the kids to Home Depot, but their free children’s workshops are educational and fun. Workshops allow kids to learn how to safely use tools, and hone STEM skills by planning and building a special craft. They work on their engineering skills and get to keep the item they build. Check your local Home Depot for upcoming workshops. Various locations (link is to 40 W. 23rd St. in Manhattan). Free.
• The Fire Zone : Located inside Rockefeller Center, this little fire-info station is made especially for kids. Learn about fire safety, try on bunker gear, and even do a fire simulation exercise (for a small fee). Midtown, Manhattan. Free, $6 for fire simulation exercise.
• Meow Parlour : Enjoy some play time with cats! Meow Parlour is one of three NYC cat cafes (the others being Koneko and the Brooklyn Cat Cafe ), where visitors can play with cats and kittens. Special times for kids ensure cats aren’t tired out and it doesn’t get crowded, and if you fall in love with a furry friend, all cats are up for adoption. Lower East Side, $8/person; reservations required; children’s hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 4–5; first and third Sundays of the month 11–12.

Visit Top Nature Spots

While the city is an urban jungle, there are tons of spots to get in touch with nature. Here are our favorite family getaways from the hustle and bustle of the city:

• Governors Island : Open only from early May to late October, this wonderful spot is a car-free center for relaxation, art, history, and some seriously giant slides (like “three stories high” giant). There are bike rentals, a free weekend farm complete with chickens and two goats (where kids can dig for worms and learn about compost), a free-play style playground, food trucks, small indie stores, hammocks, and the list goes on and on. If you haven’t been there yet, grab the kids and go, first chance you get! Governors Island. Ferry leaves from Manhattan and Brooklyn. $3 round trip ferry tickets, free for kids 13 and under, free 10–11:30 on weekends.
• Jamaica Bay Wildlife Sanctuary : Visit one of the best nature hiking spots for both kids and adults right in your very own backyard. The easy trails wind around two ponds and create a wonderful spot to see some unique birds and wildlife. Stop by the visitors’ center for maps and more information about the trail and wildlife you’re likely to see. Broad Channel, Queens. Free.
• Wave Hill : You might have already been to the botanical gardens in NYC, but here’s a lesser-known gem of a garden. Wave Hill is a quiet place to appreciate nature, full of flowers, plants, and butterflies. The garden also holds family art days and many other kid-friendly and family-oriented events, often themed around nature and usually free with admission. Riverdale, Bronx. $8/adult, $2/child, kids under 6 are free.
• Wild Brooklyn Parrot Safaris : Did you know there are wild parrots in NYC? No one is sure how they got here (though they probably escaped from a shipment a long time ago) but colonies of bright green quaker parrots (also known as monk parakeets) have made their homes in various spots around the city. To see some nests and find out more about these unusual immigrants, go on a monthly parrot safari, which visits the birds in two of the parrot colonies by Brooklyn College and Green-Wood Cemetery. Midwood and Green-Wood Heights. Free

Other Fun Family Outings

NYC has plenty of other cool spots to visit (like the Ghostbusters Fire Station !) Here are some more fun activities the whole family will love:

• The Puppetmobile : Watch a performance on the Puppetmobile, the show that comes to you! This colorful puppet show travels around the boroughs and puts on shows for families. Check the website to find out where the next show will be. Various locations. Free.
• Roosevelt Island Tram : See the city from above by hopping on the tram, which runs on cables suspended in the air between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island. For the price of two MetroCard fares (one for each way), this is one short trip the kids will find exciting! Once you’re there, visit the Roosevelt Island cat sanctuary or do some family yoga before you head back. Runs from Midtown East to Roosevelt Island. MetroCard fare each way, kids under 44 inches tall ride free.
• Staten Island Ferry: Here’s another trip worth making as much for the journey as for the destination! The Staten Island Ferry is a safe but exciting trip for kids, so if you’re heading in that direction, opt for this method of travel. It’ll be worth it just for the two amazing aquariums located in the Staten Island terminal. (Please be aware that at the time of this writing, the aquariums are closed while they get a makeover and will reopen in 2019). Financial District, Manhattan. Free.
• Bronx Equestrian Center : You don’t have to wait for the next street carnival to come around to your neighborhood — just head out to the Bronx Equestrian Center for cheap pony rides year-long. While lessons and trails are on the more expensive side, $5 will get your child three pony rides as long as the center is open. Pelham Bay Park, Bronx. $5 per 3 rides; 9–dusk
• Seaglass Carousel : If you think carousels are just for horses, you have to pay this beauty a visit. This carousel uses fish for your rides, and is absolutely magical when it gets dark. Everyone in the family will love feeling like they’re swimming through a colorful underwater world! Battery Park, Manhattan. $5/person per ride; 10–10

The 20 amazing things to do with kids in NYC we listed above are just the tip of the iceberg. There’s always something to do in this bustling city, whether your kid loves building, meeting new people, or finding patches of nature in the city. Explore the city and make it your own! — Hey, why not like StreetEasy on Facebook and follow  @streeteasy  on Instagram?

MORE FROM STREETEASY

Find your Next Home

Follow streeteasy, keep reading in nyc life.

What to Know About Living in Sunset Park, Brooklyn

What It's Like to Live in Manhattan's Hudson Square

10 NYC Neighborhoods to Watch in 2024

5 Days in New York with a 5-Year-Old

New York City—one of those trips that makes you really excited…but also a little nervous, if you’re traveling with kids. In June, my husband and I took our 5-year-old son Harry to Manhattan, and as much as I love that city, there’s something intimidating about it. Especially when planning to visit New York with a 5-year-old.

Essentially, we didn’t want to overload his senses, which is very easy to do at any age in New York City. So, I planned five days there (instead of what would’ve been a weekend for my husband and me solo) because I wanted to have a loose itinerary. To do the trip justice and enjoy our time, we needed the extra days.

Read Part 1 below to see how my family spent our days in New York City, and then check out Part 2 of this series, for even more of my Big Apple travel tips.

Tips and Trick for visiting New York with a 5-year-old:

See the city at the one world observatory ..

We flew into New York on an afternoon flight. I’d made reservations for us to head to the new One World Observatory at One World Trade Center an hour before sunset, which is the perfect time of day. You’re able to see the city from all different vantage points—light, dusk, and dark. Seeing the city from so high up got Harry really excited for all that we had planned over the next five days.

Plan to walk through Time Square—a lot.

The first morning we were there, we took Harry to see Times Square. The glittering lights and hugeness of it all had him hooked. He was absolutely mesmerized. Times Square is sensory overload to max, but kids love it. We went back in the evening, too, to see the difference between day and night.

Take a free ride on the Staten Island ferry .

There are lots of ways to see the Statue of Liberty, but one that many tourists don’t consider is the free ferry. It’s super easy and convenient to public transportation (the subway goes right there). Harry loved every minute of it. We planned our trip during a non-commuting time (3 p.m.). The ferry wasn’t busy, and they allow drinks and snacks. We went right past Statue of Liberty, took pictures, and the whole experience took about 30 minutes. It was perfect because that happens to be right around Harry’s limit. He’s not at an age where he’d have the patience for waiting in lines and then touring Ellis Island. This approach enabled us to see the landmark up close and then go on about our day.

Spend a day in Central Park .

We love parks and playgrounds, and spend a ton of time in them in Chicago. When we went to Central Park, the weather was nice, and the Victorian Gardens were open.

Take in a Broadway show .

This was Harry’s first Broadway experience, so for him to really be drawn in, we needed to splurge on good seats. We chose a Lion King matinee , opting for a story he was familiar with at a time of day when he wouldn’t be too worn out. The decision was totally worth it. Harry felt like he was in the middle of the show as the animals rushed past us down the aisle, and my husband and I were really impressed with how into it he was. The experience showed me that 5-year-olds can sit through shows, and if we’d been staying longer, we’d have gotten tickets to Aladdin, Matilda, or another kid-friendly show.

Walk down The Highline .

This is a park that runs through several New York blocks on the old elevated train tracks. It was reinvigorating to see dense New York City from a different angle—looking over the river on one side and toward the city on the other. We were there on a hot summer day.

Ride the subway, and check out different neighborhoods .

We took the subway to Little Italy, Chinatown, the Upper East Side, Tribeca, Chelsea, and more. Harry loved adventuring and working with his dad to load up our transportation card. The subway in New York has so many tunnels, stairs, and different levels. Harry truly enjoyed being in these dark tunnels, and coming up in a whole different part of the city from where we left. It was a big treat for him. Every time we would decide what to do, he would say, “Should we jump on the subway?”

We had a blast exploring New york with a 5-year-old! We can’t wait to return again soon!

For more of our New York adventures, tips, and tricks for conquering the city with a 5-year-old, read Part 2 !

Like this post? Pin it for later!

Sarah is a Chicago-based luxury travel influencer, Virtuoso luxury travel advisor, luxury family travel writer, an Oprah Daily Ambassador, and the founder of WellTraveledKids.com. Sarah’s best travel companion is her sweet 12-year-old son, Harry. Her favorite getaways include a luxe hotel stay, quality family playtime, champagne & chocolate-covered strawberries.

Find me on: Web | Twitter | Facebook

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Pingback: Win a Free Vacation with National Geographic, and Celebrate 100 Years of National Parks | Well Traveled Kids

Where to next?

Getting wild at the …, 8 great dining spots for …, expert advice for family …, the abbey resort in …, keys to success when …, snowed inn at the …, transform your family disney …, best luxury resort pool …, top 3 southern california luxury …, 7 simple tips for traveling …, swim, splash, & play at …, in the heart of …, 30 days of grateful travel – …, ultimate hawaiian luxury vacation …, fabulous five-star family vacation ….

• Activities for Kids

16 Ways to Keep Toddlers Happy (& Entertained) in NYC

From playgrounds to museums, discover the best spots for toddlers in NYC

From sensory-filled experiences and interactive museums to sprawling parks, amusement parks and everything in between, New York City has so many engaging options for parents looking to entertain their little ones, making it the perfect destination for families with toddlers who are ready for some adventure!

If your child has just started walking and is between the ages of 12 to 36 months, they are commonly referred to as toddlers. And thankfully, NYC is home to many places where toddlers can have fun, learn, and explore. With their brains rapidly developing, toddlers are making connections and learning every day they need the stimulation so here’s the best of what NYC has to offer toddlers for entertainment and learning, throughout the year.

1. The Best Museums for Toddlers

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Children's Museum of Manhattan (@cmomnyc)

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

At the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, you and your children can spend nearly a full day exploring its many exhibits. The museum boasts a Dora and Diego exhibit, where children can play and use their imagination at the Superpowered Metropolis. Additionally, the museum has an area called PlayWorks, which provides a drop-in Art Lab to help children develop skills in math, art, science, and reading in preparation for school. The museum also offers a variety of Early Childhood classes, such as Preschool Prep, specifically designed for children between the ages of two and three. Note: Timed-entry ticket reservations required.

212 W. 83d St. Upper West Side Online :  cmom.org

Brooklyn Children’s Museum

View this post on Instagram A post shared by New York Transit Museum (@nytransitmuseum)

New York Transit Museum

If your children are fascinated by subway and bus lines, make sure to stop by the New York Transit Museum to help them release their energy. Children can climb aboard various subway cars from different eras and act as a bus driver on a replica city bus while enjoying a fun-filled experience going through turnstiles. Additionally, the museum has different exhibits, and there is a designated seating area where visitors can take a break and enjoy a snack. Note: All visitors are encouraged to book online in advance.

99 Schermerhorn St. Downtown Brooklyn Online :  nytransitmuseum.org

Staten Island Children’s Museum

Snugly situated in the charming Snug Harbor, the Staten Island Children’s Museum is definitely worth visiting, boasting plenty of green space surrounding the premises, as well as a plethora of fascinating exhibits and activities to discover within its walls, including a section devoted to enormous board games, a firehouse-themed play area called Ladder 11, a showcase of live bugs, an exhibit called “House About It” that showcases the inner workings of a house, and “Great Explorations,” an immersive exhibit with diverse environments to explore such as a rainforest, an ocean, and a tundra. During the warmer months, make sure not to miss the “Sea of Boats” outdoor area with soft, nautically-themed play structures, and water features. (Please note that the museum is closed during most holiday weekends. Advanced reservations are encouraged.)

1000 Richmond Terr. Staten Island Online :  sichildrensmuseum.org

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Liberty Science Center (@libertysciencecenter)

Liberty Science Center

We are huge advocates of the Liberty Science Center located in Jersey City, especially since many of its exhibits cater to the youngest children. Let children aged 0-5 explore, balance, experience movement, and cause-and-effect at the Wobbly World. Additionally, there is a section called Dino Dig dedicated to future paleontologist enthusiasts, and a traveling exhibit usually available for preschoolers. Don’t miss the current exhibit: Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails

222 Jersey City Blvd. Liberty State Park Online :  lsc.org

2. The Best Stroller Tours (AKA Museum Visits with Toddlers)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Guggenheim Museum (@guggenheim)

Occasionally, it’s the parents who crave museum visits. Fortunately, the Guggenheim , and the Brooklyn Museum of Art are examples of shining stroller tours. Please note: this is also an excellent choice for a mother’s group outing. (While many museums allow strollers, it’s best to verify with the museum before visiting.)

We also adore the outdoor stroller hikes in and around NYC. If you’re a Park Slope Parents member, they provide stroller tours of Greenwood Cemetery (especially lovely during springtime) a few times per year.

3. The Best Theater around Town for Toddlers

View this post on Instagram A post shared by New Victory (@newvictorytheater)

There is an abundance of theatrical performances available in NYC, with many specifically designed for toddlers.

Numerous show options are available throughout the city, such as the New Victory Theater (“BaoBab” as shown in here), BAM Kids , Carnegie Kids at Carnegie Hall, and Symphony Space’s Just Kidding series, which features performances for children. Alternatively, families can head to Puppetworks in Park Slope, Brooklyn, one of NYC’s oldest puppet theaters, which showcases shows every weekend.

Indulge your child’s imagination at CAMP’s exclusive sensory experience suitable for children of all ages. There is no admission fee for CAMP; you only pay for the projects you undertake. Children can paint in the Splatter Room, create slime, paint pottery, tie-dye, and much more. Besides its Columbus Circle location, you can also visit their stores at Hudson Yards, 5th Avenue, and City Point in Brooklyn—each CAMP provides a distinct experience.

Various Locations Online :  camp.com

4. The Best Play Spaces for Toddlers in NYC, Brooklyn & Queens

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Play Lab (@theplaylabny)

Whether it’s raining, snowing, or sunny, it’s never an issue! Visit one of our preferred play spaces (like the featured Play Lab), most of which have designated areas for young children. These are  our favorite playspaces in NYC . And these are our favorite kid-approved place space a place in Brooklyn . And the best play spaces to visit in Queens.

5. Experience Free Live Music, Dance & More

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lincoln Center (@lincolncenter)

Lincoln Center’s free series in the David Rubenstein Atrium, with performances scheduled. Check out the complete lineup here !

6. Visit an NYC Bookstore

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Books Are Magic (@booksaremagicbk)

Bookstores in NYC often make a concerted effort to ensure that families and children feel at ease. Discover our favorite independent bookstores for children in NYC .

7. Toddler-Friendly Classes Worth Your Time & Money

Whether you sign up for them or drop in on them, NYC provides various opportunities for singing, dancing, making a mess, and more with your child. Here are some of our favorite toddler-based classes around NYC . Drop in on a class in Brooklyn  at these favorite, kid-approved spots . Or hit up a favorite toddler class in Queens here .

8. Visit Your Local Library

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The New York Public Library (@nypl)

Remember your nearby library! Despite the abundance of storytimes available, NYC libraries organize numerous events for young children, such as music classes, live concerts, yoga, arts and crafts, and much more. (And most are free!) Explore the kids programs at New York Public Library here, Queens activities for children here , and Brooklyn Public Library programming here .

9. A Visit to FAO Schwarz Is Always a Good Idea

The NYC toy store is a great addition at Rockefeller Center, offering something for children of all ages. Get the opportunity to become a Barbie fashion stylist. Upstairs, the iconic piano from “Big” awaits and is worth a visit, along with a wide variety of adorable Steiff stuffies. The store also has a baby doll adoption center, a Build-Your-Own_RC section, an Elmo Monster factor, numerous puzzles, and more. Read about the grand opening in our article.

10. The Best Outdoors Play Spaces for Toddlers in New York

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prospect Park Zoo (@prospectparkzoo)

11. Where to Find Animal Encounters in New York

Encountering a large, furry creature (safely) is a unique experience for young children. NYC offers various locations where you can interact with animals and perhaps even feed them. Bookmark our complete list on where to find NYC’s best petting zoos and animal encounters .

12. Pick Your Own Produce

Throughout the year, there are numerous opportunities for young children to pick fruits and vegetables (with your assistance, of course), providing fun experiences and excellent photo opportunities. For cherries,  head here . For berries,  this is where to go . Fresh flowers  can be plucked here . These are our  favorite spots for apple-picking . Where should you pick a pumpkin?  Try these patches near NYC .

13. Ride a Carousel

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jane's Carousel (@janescarousel)

New York City has a plethora of merry-go-rounds, each boasting its unique style and personality. (A fish carousel? Check. A French carousel? You bet. A bug carousel? Absolutely!) These are our favorites! (Which are also great for birthday parties.)

14. Visit an Amusement Park

Amusement parks? We have those too and here are our top picks of amusement parks that can be found in NYC.

15. The Best Playgrounds for Toddlers around New York

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Domino Park (@dominopark)

New York City continuously offers fantastic outdoor play areas. Some of our favorites for toddlers, thanks to smaller structures, fun design features, and sometimes shade include Brooklyn Bridge  Park’s Pier 1 playground  (and the giant  “Sandbox Village”  on Pier 6), Manhattan’s  Safari “Hippo” Playground , and  Evelyn’s Playground in Union Square , and the accessible  Playground for All Children in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. And even more awesome playground options can be found in Brooklyn .

16. The Best Beaches for Toddlers

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coney Island (@coneyislandfun)

On a hot day, why go to a sandbox when you can go to an actual beach? These are our  NYC area favorite beaches that you can get to by train , and  these are great ones a little farther afield if you’re looking to make a trip out of it. Headed to the Hamptons this summer?  Here’s more ideas for fun while you’re there!

Need some fresh ideas?

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for expert parenting tips and simple solutions that make life instantly better.

By subscribing you agree to Tinybeans Terms and Privacy Policy

Related reads

Why Are Gen Z Kids Covering Their Noses in Family Photos?

Screen Time for Babies Linked to Sensory Differences in Toddlerhood, Study Shows

Kids Shouldn’t Have to Finish Dinner to Get Dessert, Dietitian Explains

The Questions Parents Should Be Asking Their Pediatrician—but Aren’t

6 Better Phrases to Say Instead of ‘Be Careful’ When Kids Are Taking Risks

• your daily dose

• and connection

• Your daily dose

Watch CBS News

Andover honors 5-year-old killed last May with day of activities called "Sidney's Rainbow Day"

Is NYC safe? NYPD releases new crime rate data

Crime in the city full episode: april 26, 2024.

A look at some of the more notable crimes across the New York City area this week, including a bloody brawl at a Brooklyn boat party, a carjacking spike in the Bronx and arrests in disturbing crimes targeting women.

NEW YORK - Is the crime rate up or down in NYC? Reports of stabbings , chaos inside the subway system and even an attempted kidnapping have New Yorkers on high alert.

Yet does this really mean New York City isn't safe? The NYPD released crime statistics for last month, showing trends in murder, felony assault, transit crime and more.

An NYPD officer checks under a car at a crime scene in Bed-Stuy on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022.

Here's a look at that report, along with some of the top NYC crime stories that dominated headlines in April:

NYC crime stats: April

According to NYPD statistics , overall April crime was down in the Big Apple by 4.9% compared to the same month last year.

Crime year-to-date is trending downward in 2024: From Jan. 1, 2024, to April 28, 2024, the NYPD reported 37.8K major crimes (murder, rape, robbery, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny and grand larceny auto). In that same period in 2023, the agency logged approximately 39K major crimes.

Murders were down 30.3%, with 23 this month compared to 33 in April 2023. Burglaries also saw a double-digit percentage point decrease, with 1,003 reported this month compared to 1,122 in April 2023. Shooting incidents dipped by 15.5%.

However, the city saw a 5.1% increase in rape and a 7.2% increase in robberies. And year-to-date, the city has seen an increase in felony assaults: 8.58K in 2024 compared to 8.33K in 2023.

The city's subways have been the focus of most New Yorkers' crime anxieties, but according to the MTA, overall crime is down on the rails.

"Major crimes in the nation’s largest subway system plummeted another 23%, continuing a downward trend that saw previous transit system decreases of 15.4% in February and 23.5% in March," the NYPD said in a press release.

Hate crimes in total are up 39%, and hate crimes targeting Jewish and Muslim populations have doubled. This spike is "not unrelated to current geopolitics," the NYPD said.

Top NYC crime stories: April

Here's a look at some of the top crime stories last month in New York City:

9-year-old girl punched in face at Grand Central Terminal

Man accused of punching girl arrested in nyc.

A suspect, identified as Jean Carlos Zarzuela, is accused of punching a 9-year-old girl in the face at Grand Central Terminal. FOX 5 NY’s Briella Tomassetti has the latest.

• A man was arrested for allegedly punching a 9-year-old girl in the face at Grand Central Terminal. According to police, the girl was standing near her mother in the dining concourse when the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Jeancarlos Zarzuela, approached and punched her.

Woman shoved down church stairs in brutal robbery

68-year-old woman attacked at queens church.

Police are still looking for the suspect wanted for punching and robbing a 68-year-old woman in a shocking attack caught on camera at a church in Queens.

• A 68-year-old woman was punched and shoved down the stairs of a Queens church in a brutal robbery that was caught on surveillance video.

String of robberies in Central Park

Robberies and assaults in Central Park are causing the NYPD to increase patrols. FOX 5 NY's Robert Moses has the details.

• Robberies and assaults in Central Park are causing the NYPD to increase patrols as more people are expected to take advantage of the NYC park during the nice weather.

Man snatches teen from apartment, mom fights back

Man snatches teen from nyc apartment, mom fights back.

Ring doorbell camera video shows a man jumping out of a stairwell, snatching an 18-year-old and dragging her down her building's stairs before the teen's mother intervenes, fighting off the would-be kidnapper.

• Harrowing video shows a man jumping out of a stairwell , snatching an 18-year-old and dragging her down her Queens building's stairs before the teen's mother intervenes, fighting off the would-be kidnapper.

Woman punched repeatedly in face on subway train

• A 55-year-old woman was punched in the face repeatedly on a subway train by another woman in Queens, the NYPD said.

Woman punched repeatedly on NYC subway train

A woman was punched in the face repeatedly on a NYC subway train by another woman in Queens, the NYPD said.

66 year-old punched in head inside subway station

• A 66-year-old woman was punched in the head after a dispute with another woman inside a Brooklyn subway station, the NYPD said.

New episodes of FOX 5 NY's Crime in the City drop every Friday. Click here to watch our YouTube playlist .

National News | NH dad sentenced in murder of 5-year-old…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)

Daily News e-Edition

Evening e-Edition

• E-Newspaper

National News

• Puzzles & Games

National News | NH father convicted of killing 5-year-old Harmony Montgomery gets 56 years to life

Adam Montgomery, 34, was found guilty in the death of 5-year-old Harmony Montgomery earlier this year.

While the body of the young victim has never been found, authorities believe she was killed in Manchester, N.H. in early December 2019, two years before she was reported missing.

During his trial in February, Montgomery’s estranged wife and Harmony’s stepmother, Kayla Montgomery, testified that he beat Harmony to death and stuffed the girl’s body into a duffel bag in the trunk of a car.

Prosecutors alleged he then spent months moving her body from place to place — including hiding it in a cooler at his mother-in-law’s apartment, in the ceiling vent of a homeless shelter, and in a walk-in freezer at his workplace — before finally disposing of the remains in March 2020.

Even though he pleaded guilty to abusing a corpse and falsifying physical evidence , he denied murdering his daughter.

Montgomery, who’s already serving a 33- to 67-year sentence from an unrelated firearms conviction, was sentenced on Thursday to 45 years to life for the murder charge, and a minimum of 11 more years for the charges of falsifying evidence, tampering with a witness and second-degree assault.

The sentences are to be served consecutively.

“Harmony was an innocent 5-year-old girl,” Judge Amy Messer said in an emotional hearing, according to NBC Boston. “You treated her in the worst of possible ways in both her life and in her death.”

The girl’s biological mother, Crystal Sorey, read an impassioned victim statement addressed to “the monster who killed my daughter.”

“She had a life worth living, unlike your own, and it bothered you to your core that she was nothing like you and everything like me,” she said.

The girl’s body is believed to be somewhere along a route Montgomery drove in Massachusetts. Authorities plan to keep searching for her remains.

With News Wire Services

More in National News

National News | Trump holds Jersey Shore rally, calls hush money case ‘Biden show trial’

National News | Pa. woman gets life in 2021 Surf City, NJ murders

National News | NJ man charged with sexually assaulting 2 children under 13

National News | ASU professor banned after video harassing woman in hijab

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Time Out Market
• Summer activities
• Birthday Parties
• Indoor & Outdoor Play
• Attractions
• Restaurants
• Visitors Guide
• Neighborhoods
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best indoor activities for kids in New York City

Keep the little ones entertained regardless of the weather with these indoor activities for kids in NYC

NYC is chock full of fun  things to do with kids , and a wealth of outdoor activities tops the list of energy-burning options. Think playgrounds, parks, hiking trails, beaches, bike paths and more. What happens when the weather is less than ideal for outdoor play? The indoor activities for kids in NYC are just as endless and just as fun. Looking for something educational? Check out one of the city’s many kid-friendly museums or libraries . For some friendly competition, check out a bowling alley , arcade or indoor mini golf course . For some real energy-burning activity that the kids will love, you can find laser tag , trampoline parks and even indoor amusement parks in and around the city. Next time it’s too cold, hot, rainy or generally unpleasant, these indoor activities for kids in NYC are just the ticket for entertainment out of the elements.

Indoor activities for kids in NYC

Board game cafes in NYC

Escape rooms for kids in NYC

Family-friendly arcades in NYC

Kids' bowling alleys in NYC

Indoor playgrounds in NYC

Kids' museums in NYC

New exhibits in NYC

Indoor amusement parks in NYC (and beyond)

Indoor water parks in New York (and beyond)

Indoor swimming pools in NYC

Trampoline parks in NYC

Best laser tags in NYC

Kids' library branches in NYC

Bookstores in NYC

Storytime locations in NYC

Puppet theaters in NYC

Rock climbing walls in NYC

Kids' fitness centers in NYC

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

Time Out magazine

• Read the magazine

latest in US News

Queers for Palestine block exit to Disney World, infuriating...

96-year-old 'Bumma' turns tables on relentless scam callers...

Hillary Clinton-produced Broadway play failing to pack seats...

Mom mauled to death by pack of 'aggressive dogs' that targeted...

First living patient to receive genetically modified pig kidney...

Doctor killed in avalanche triggered by girlfriend while skiing...

The Post got a seat on Trump Force One as ex-prez headed to...

Trump blasts Biden as 'total moron' before historic crowd of 100K...

Christopher gregor, nj dad accused in son’s treadmill death, tried to blame boy’s mother, says grandma.

• View Author Archive
• Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

The heartless New Jersey father whose son died days after he forced him to run at high speeds on a treadmill , from which he was flug off and injured tried to blame the boy’s mother for his son’s death.

Christopher Gregor, 31, is on trial for first-degree murder and child endangerment in the death of 6-year-old Corey Micciolo.

Authorities have charged he had a long history of abusing the the boy.

In court Thursday, Gregor’s mother tearfully testified about a conversation she had with her son on April 2, 2021 — the day Corey died.

Her voice cracking, a tearful Carol Gregor testified she received a call from her son immediately after the boy’s death.

She claimed he was “hysterical, just hysterical’ and blamed the death on his ex, Breanna Micciolo.

“He’s screaming on the phone, ‘what did she do to him?’ Carol Gregor told the court. “And I’m like ‘what’s going on?’ I called my husband, I’m flipping out. I’m screaming. We got in the car and went to the hospital.”

“He tells me Corey passed,” Carol Gregor continued. “I was so worried. He was so adamant that something happened when [Corey] was with his mother. He kept saying ‘something happened to him,” according to video of the trial posted by Law and Crime network .

Corey had awoken earlier that day with slurred speech, nausea, and breathing problems.

His father didn’t take him to the hospital until nearly 4 p.m. when doctors determined that the boy needed to be immediately intubated, but it was too late.

Corey was pronounced dead at 5:02 p.m.

An autopsy ruled his death a homicide from suffering blunt force trauma to his chest and abdomen, lacerations and contusions to both his liver and heart, and other indications of chronic abuse.

Just over a week before Corey died, his father had forced him to run on a treadmill at a local gym.

Video shows him turning up the speed until the boy was sent sprawling to the ground.

Gregor then picked his son back up and set him back on the machine until he fell again several more times.

Days later, Corey’s mother noticed the injuries and reported the incident to the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency.

The boy was also taken to a hospital on April 1, the day before he died.

During the April 1 visit, Corey allegedly told doctors his father had forced him to run on the treadmill because he “was too fat.”

He was released and sent home with his dad.

As Corey was dying, Gregor didn’t stick around at the hosptial.

Also in court Thursday, a nurse testified he walked out of the hospital as they were scrambling to keep the boy alive.

“We were the only ones with him,” testified Lindsay Carnevale, a nurse at the Southern Ocean County Medical Center. “We were the only ones there.”

Gregor faces 30 years to life in prison if he is convicted of murder.

Share this article:

Advertisement

Appointments at Mayo Clinic

• Weight loss

Exercise for weight loss: Calories burned in 1 hour

Being active can help you lose weight and keep it off. Find out how much you need.

Being active is vital to losing weight and keeping it off. When active, the body uses more energy in the form of calories. And burning more calories than you take in leads to weight loss.

To lose weight, most people need to cut the number of calories they eat and move more. This is according to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Most often, that means cutting daily calories by 500 to 750 to lose 1 1/2 pounds (0.7 kilograms) a week.

Other factors might be involved in losing weight. Because of changes to the body over time, you might need to cut calories more as you age to keep losing weight or to stay at the same weight.

Diet or exercise: Does one matter more?

Both are important. Diet affects weight loss more than physical activity does. Physical activity, including exercise, has a stronger effect in keeping weight from coming back after weight loss.

Losing weight with diet alone and without physical activity can make people weaker. This is because of age-related losses in bone density and muscle mass. Adding resistance training and aerobic exercise to a weight-loss program helps prevent the loss of bone and muscle.

These are the exercise guidelines for most healthy adults from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

Aerobic activity. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week. Or get 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week. You also can get an equal mix of the two types.

Aim to exercise most days of the week. For even more health benefits, strive for 300 minutes a week or more of moderate aerobic activity or 150 minutes of vigorous activity. Exercising this much may help with weight loss or keeping off lost weight. But even small amounts of physical activity can be helpful. Being active for short periods of time during the day can add up and give you great health benefits.

• Strength training. Do strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least two times a week. One set of each exercise is enough for health and fitness benefits. Use a weight or resistance level heavy enough to tire your muscles after about 12 to 15 repetitions.

Moderate aerobic exercise includes activities such as brisk walking, biking, swimming and mowing the lawn.

Vigorous aerobic exercise includes activities such as running, swimming hard laps, heavy yardwork and aerobic dancing.

Strength training can include use of weights or weight machines, your own body weight, resistance tubing, or activities such as rock climbing.

How much am I burning?

This list shows about how many calories are burned while doing certain exercises for one hour. This is based on a person who weighs 160 pounds (73 kilograms). The calories you burn depend on the exercise you do, how hard you do it, how much you weigh and other factors.

Based on Ainsworth BE, et al. 2011 compendium of physical activities: A second update of codes and MET values. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2011;43:1575.

Remember, to lose weight or to keep weight from creeping up on you as you age, you need to eat less and move more. Moving more means adding more physical activity into your life.

There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.

Error Email field is required

Error Include a valid email address

To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.

Thank you for subscribing!

You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox.

Sorry something went wrong with your subscription

Please, try again in a couple of minutes

• Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. 2nd ed. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://health.gov/paguidelines/second-edition. Accessed March 13, 2024.
• Physical activity for a healthy weight. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/physical_activity/index.html. Accessed March 13, 2024.
• Ainsworth BE, et al. 2011 compendium of physical activities: A second update of codes and MET values. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2011;43:1575.
• 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov. Accessed March 13, 2024.
• Perreault L, et al. Obesity in adults: Role of physical activity and exercise. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 13, 2024.
• AskMayoExpert. Physical activity (adult). Mayo Clinic; 2022.

Products and Services

• A Book: The Mayo Clinic Diet Bundle
• The Mayo Clinic Diet Online
• Aerobic exercise
• Hate to exercise? Try these tips
• Strength training basics
• Walking for weight loss
• Walking for fitness

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

• Opportunities

Mayo Clinic Press

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press .

• Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Incontinence
• The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press The Essential Diabetes Book
• Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance
• FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment
• Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book
• Healthy Lifestyle
• Exercise for weight loss Calories burned in 1 hour

Your gift holds great power – donate today!

Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine.