20 Best Things to Do in New York City with Kids
Unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world
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I’ll never forget the first time I saw my niece’s eyes light up as we emerged from the subway into Times Square. It was like someone had plugged her into a socket. The towering screens, the buzz of energy, the larger-than-life characters—it was pure magic to her.
That’s the thing about New York City with kids; it transforms from a bustling metropolis into a real-life storybook filled with adventures around every corner. But with so much to choose from, planning your itinerary can feel overwhelming.
Fear not! As a self-proclaimed expert in navigating the Big Apple with little ones in tow, I’ve compiled the ultimate list of the best things to do in New York that will delight both children and adults alike. This guide is packed with classic must-dos, hidden gems, and practical tips to help you create unforgettable family memories. So, lace up your most comfortable walking shoes—we’re about to explore the top things to do in New York with your family.
- Whenever I visit New York, I like to have everything ready so I can focus on enjoying the city. Below, you’ll find where I usually look for flights, hotels, and tours that make the trip easier and more enjoyable.
All you need for New York travel
Find the best flights, hotels, and tours — everything in one place.
A quick pro-tip before we start: NYC involves a lot of walking and waiting. A compact, lightweight stroller is a non-negotiable lifesaver for tired little legs. I always recommend this universal stroller organizer to keep snacks, wipes, and toys within easy reach and prevent meltdowns.
Table of contents
1. Conquer the American museum of natural history
Why it’s great for kids: Dinosaurs. Space. Whales. Need I say more? This museum is a wonderland of curiosity. The massive, lifelike dioramas, the iconic blue whale room, and the dazzling Rose Center for Earth and Space feel like stepping into a movie (and indeed, you might recognize it from Night at the Museum).
- 👨👩👧👦 Don’t miss: The Fossil Halls for the famous T-Rex and the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life for the giant blue whale.
- 💡 Pro tip: The museum is enormous. Pick two or three exhibits to focus on to avoid overwhelming the kids. Pre-book your tickets online to skip the long entry lines.
- 🍕 Nearby eats: The museum’s food court is fine, but for a treat, head to Pizza Amoré on Columbus Avenue for a classic New York slice.
2. Be awed at the Intrepid sea, air & space museum
Why it’s great for kids: Where else can you board a real aircraft carrier, explore a space shuttle, and crawl inside a submarine? The Intrepid is a hands-on history lesson that feels more like an adventure. It’s one of the most engaging things to do in New York for aspiring pilots and astronauts.
- 👨👩👧👦 Don’t miss: The Space Shuttle Pavilion, home to the space shuttle Enterprise.
- 💡 Pro tip: Check the schedule for family programs and simulator rides for an extra thrill.
- 🍕 Nearby eats: The Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood is right there with dozens of family-friendly options like The Marshal for excellent BBQ.
3. Find magic in Central park
Calling Central Park a “park” is an understatement. It’s a 843-acre adventure playground and one of the best free things to do in New York. You could spend days here and not see it all.
Must-do activities inside the park:
- Visit the Central Park Zoo: A manageable and charming zoo perfect for younger kids.
- Sail a model boat at Conservatory Water: Watch the remote-controlled boats or rent your own.
- Ride the Carousel: A beautiful, historic carousel that has been operating since 1908.
- Climb on statues: Find the beloved Alice in Wonderland and Balto statues.
- Explore the playgrounds: Heckscher Playground is a massive favorite with rock climbing and water features.
4. Explore the iconic Times square
Why it’s great for kids: It’s sensory overload in the best way possible. The massive LED signs, the buzz of energy, and the costumed characters (keep a firm grip on your kids and your wallet around them) are a quintessential NYC experience.
NYC: See Yourself on a Times Square Billboard for 24 Hours
Get your moment of fame and see yourself featured on a Times Square billboard for a full 24 hours!
- 👨👩👧👦 Don’t miss: The TKTS red steps—a great place to sit, people-watch, and take in the spectacle.
- 💡 Pro tip: Visit after dark to see it in all its neon-lit glory, but be prepared for huge crowds. It’s less overwhelming during the day.
- 🍕 Nearby eats: Ellen’s Stardust Diner is a classic, where the singing waitstaff put on a Broadway-worthy show.
5. Walk across the Brooklyn bridge
Why it’s great for kids: This is an active, free, and absolutely breathtaking activity. The views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the East River are unforgettable. The wooden walkway is wide and safe, just be mindful of cyclists.
- 👨👩👧👦 Don’t miss: Starting on the Brooklyn side (take the subway to High St.) and walking towards Manhattan for the best photo ops.
- 💡 Pro tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the worst of the crowds and the heat in summer. Bring water and snacks.
- 🍕 Nearby eats: On the Brooklyn side, grab a famous pizza from Grimaldi’s or Juliana’s and enjoy it in Brooklyn Bridge Park with a world-class view.
To make the walk even more fun for the kids, a pair of these kid-friendly binoculars can let them feel like explorers spotting landmarks.
6. See the city from above at the Empire State building
Why it’s great for kids: It’s the iconic skyscraper. The journey to the 86th-floor open-air observatory is an event in itself, and the 360-degree views are simply legendary. It helps kids grasp the immense scale of the city.
NYC: Empire State Building Observation Deck Tickets
Enjoy breathtaking views of New York City from the iconic Empire State Building’s observation deck.
- 👨👩👧👦 Don’t miss: The interactive exhibits on the 2nd floor that detail the building’s history and construction.
- 💡 Pro tip: Buy a “Sun & Stars” ticket to go up during the day and come back again at night. Pre-booking online is essential to skip the longest queues.
- 🍕 Nearby eats: Head to Koreatown (32nd St. between 5th and Broadway) for a fun and diverse culinary experience.
7. Catch a Broadway show
Why it’s great for kids: There’s nothing like the magic of live theater. Seeing a Broadway show is a memory your kids will cherish forever. The production values, the music, and the sheer talent are awe-inspiring.
- 👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Picks: The Lion King, Aladdin, Wicked, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and MJ the Musical.
- 💡 Pro tip: For discounts, try the TKTS booths in Times Square, Lincoln Center, or South Street Seaport for same-day tickets. Also, check for lottery and rush policies for each show.
8. Ride the Staten Island ferry
Why it’s great for kids: It’s a free boat ride with one of the best views of the Statue of Liberty and the Lower Manhattan skyline! This is, without a doubt, one of the best-value things to do in New York. Kids love being on the water, and you get a fantastic photo op of Lady Liberty without the cost of a formal statue cruise.
- 👨👩👧👦 Don’t miss: Staying on the right side of the boat on the way out for the best views.
- 💡 Pro tip: The ferry runs 24/7. Go just before sunset for a truly magical experience.
- 🍕 Nearby eats: Grab a hot dog or a pretzel from a vendor near the Whitehall Terminal before you board.
9. Discover the wonders of the Bronx zoo
Why it’s great for kids: As one of the largest zoos in the United States, the Bronx Zoo is an all-day adventure. It’s incredibly well-designed, with naturalistic habitats and a wide variety of animals from all over the world.
- 👨👩👧👦 Don’t miss: The Congo Gorilla Forest, JungleWorld, and the monorail through Wild Asia.
- 💡 Pro tip: Check the zoo’s daily schedule for feeding times and keeper talks. Wednesdays are “pay-what-you-wish” days, but they are very crowded.
- 🍕 Nearby eats: The zoo has plenty of food options, or you can pack a picnic.
10. Spark creativity at the Children’s museum of Manhattan
Why it’s great for kids: This museum is designed specifically for hands-on, interactive learning. Exhibits focus on art, science, and health, allowing kids to touch, play, and create. It’s perfect for a rainy day.
- 👨👩👧👦 Don’t miss: The dynamic rotating exhibits, which often feature popular characters like Dora the Explorer or Paw Patrol.
- 💡 Pro tip: This is best for kids under 10. It can get crowded on weekends, so try to visit on a weekday if possible.
After a day of messy creativity at the museum, these travel-sized stain remover wipes are a parent’s secret weapon for cleaning up before dinner.
11. Step back in time at the Ellis Island national museum of immigration
Why it’s great for kids: For older kids (8+), this is a powerful and moving history lesson. It personalizes the story of American immigration and helps kids connect with their own heritage or understand the journeys of others.
- 👨👩👧👦 Don’t miss: The Baggage Room and the Great Hall. The audio tour, narrated by actual immigrants, is excellent.
- 💡 Pro tip: The ferry ticket to Ellis Island also includes the Statue of Liberty. Book ferry tickets weeks in advance from statuecruises.com.
12. Experience the magic of Dylan’s candy bar
Why it’s great for kids: This is a three-story Willy Wonka-esque wonderland. From a chocolate waterfall to a wall of gum balls and every candy imaginable, it’s a sugar-fueled fantasy come true.
- 👨👩👧👦 Don’t miss: The “create-your-own candy bar” station and the ice cream parlor upstairs.
- 💡 Pro tip: Set a budget with your kids before you walk in! It’s easy to get carried away.
13. Cheer on a New York sports team
Why it’s great for kids: The energy of a live game is infectious! Even if they’re not huge sports fans, the spectacle of the crowd, the mascots, and the stadium food is a blast.
- 👨👩👧👦 Teams to See: Catch a Yankees or Mets baseball game in the spring or summer. In the winter, see the Knicks (basketball) or Rangers (hockey) at Madison Square Garden.
- 💡 Pro tip: Look for promotional days where they give away free kid-sized hats or jerseys.
14. Explore Chelsea market & the High Line
Why it’s great for kids: This combo offers food and adventure. Chelsea Market is a massive indoor food hall with something for every picky eater. Afterwards, walk it off on the High Line, an elevated park built on a former railroad track with cool art installations, city views, and fun places to peek at the streets below.
Chelsea Market, Meatpacking, High Line Food Tour
Taste the best of Chelsea Market, explore the Meatpacking District, and stroll the High Line on this delicious food tour.
- 👨👩👧👦 Don’t miss: The donuts from Doughnuttery or the lobster rolls from The Lobster Place inside Chelsea Market.
- 💡 Pro tip: The High Line can get crowded. Enter at one of the less busy points, like at 30th St. or Gansevoort St.
15. Get hands-on at the New York Hall of Science
Why it’s great for kids: Located in Queens, this museum is all about interactive STEM fun. Kids can experiment with over 450 exhibits, play with bubbles, and explore the outdoor science playground.
- 👨👩👧👦 Don’t miss: The Rocket Park Mini Golf and the Design Lab.
- 💡 Pro tip: It’s a great alternative to the more traditional museums and is especially fun for elementary and middle school-aged kids.
16. See a movie in Bryant park
Why it’s great for kids: In the summer, Bryant Park hosts free movie nights on Monday evenings. Families spread out blankets on the lawn, enjoy a picnic, and watch a classic film under the stars with the city lights twinkling around them.
- 👨👩👧👦 Don’t miss: Arriving early to secure a good spot and grabbing food from one of the park’s kiosks or a nearby deli.
- 💡 Pro tip: Check the Bryant Park website for the summer movie schedule, which is usually released in the spring.
A cozy picnic blanket is perfect for this and for all the other times you’ll want to rest your feet in the city’s parks.
17. Visit the famous FAO Schwarz
Why it’s great for kids: The legendary toy store is back and better than ever. It’s not just about shopping; it’s an experience. From the giant floor piano (yes, you can jump on it!) to life-sized stuffed animals and incredible demonstrations, it’s pure joy.
- 👨👩👧👦 Don’t miss: The Big Piano and the Candy Lab.
- 💡 Pro tip: It’s located in Rockefeller Center, so you can combine it with seeing the Atlas statue and the Top of the Rock observation deck.
18. Wander through Grand Central terminal
Why it’s great for kids: This isn’t just a train station; it’s a historic landmark. The vast Main Concourse with its celestial ceiling is breathtaking. Kids will love the whispering gallery outside the Oyster Bar, where you can stand in opposite corners and hear each other’s whispers clearly across the arch.
- 👨👩👧👦 Don’t miss: The whispering gallery and checking out the diverse food options in the lower-level Dining Concourse.
- 💡 Pro tip: Download a free self-guided tour from the terminal’s website to learn all its secrets.
19. Stroll through Washington Square park
Why it’s great for kids: This park is buzzing with life. You’ll find musicians, magicians, NYU students, and families. The giant arch is impressive, but the main attraction for kids is the fantastic, recently renovated playground and the central fountain where people wade in the summer.
- 👨👩👧👦 Don’t miss: Watching the talented street performers, especially on weekends.
- 💡 Pro tip: This is a great spot to take a break while exploring Greenwich Village.
20. Take a ride on Jane’s carousel
Why it’s great for kids: Located in Brooklyn Bridge Park, this is a beautifully restored 1922 carousel. The ride offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge, making it one of the most picturesque things to do in New York.
- 👨👩👧👦 Don’t miss: The photo op from the carousel itself. The glass pavilion it’s housed in is beautiful.
- 💡 Pro tip: Combine this with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, exploring the park’s playgrounds, and eating pizza in DUMBO.
Final tips for your NYC family adventure
- Wear comfy shoes: You will walk. A lot.
- Use the subway: It’s the fastest way to get around. Kids under 44 inches tall ride for free.
- Pack snacks: Having water and granola bars on hand is key to keeping energy up and costs down.
- Plan, but be flexible: Have a loose plan for each day, but be ready to change course if the kids are tired or something else catches your eye.
New York City is a playground for the imagination, and experiencing it through a child’s eyes is one of the greatest joys of travel. From soaring to the top of skyscrapers to exploring dinosaur skeletons and enjoying sweet treats, the list of things to do in New York with kids is endless. This city doesn’t just entertain; it inspires. So, go make some magic!
What’s at the top of your family’s NYC bucket list? Did I miss any of your favorite kid-friendly spots? Share your tips and must-see places in the comments below!