The bright lights of the big city beckon, but with so many things to do in NYC with kids, planning a day or weekend across the Hudson can be mind-boggling. Do you start with the classics like the Empire State Building and Central Park Zoo? Or do you head to the newer attractions in NYC, like Little Island or the Edge? And then there are the museums—you could spend days hopping around, eyeing the iconic T-Rex at the Museum of Natural History, or exploring the undercover world of intelligence at Spyscape. Yup, it’s a lot, so that’s why we’ve done the planning for you. Read on for all the awesome things to do in NYC with kids (including a few in the outer boroughs), and if you’ve been there and done that, check out our unique guide to things to do in NYC with kids, too. (featured photo credit: @circlelinenyc)
20+ Things To Do In NYC With Kids
Little Island
This elevated park sits atop tulip-shaped concrete pods and appears floating over the Hudson River. But Little Island isn’t just about the Instagram-worthy scenery—a 687-seat amphitheater offers a full range of family-friendly festivals and performing arts events. Check out the island’s Creative Breaks, which features different art forms like music, dance, and visual arts. Little Island is open daily, with no reservation required.
Pier 55 in Hudson River Park at West 13th Street, New York, NY 10014
Empire State Building
It may not be the tallest building in New York City (although it comes in at a respectable 6th place), but it’s undoubtedly the most iconic. Ride up the elevator or take the steps if you’re feeling ambitious to the 86th and 102nd-floor observatories for a 360-degree view of the city’s famous landmarks. On clear days, you can see up to 80 miles into the distance and get a glimpse of a whopping six states. Tickets are $40 and up.
20 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001
Circle Line Sightseeing Tours
For one of the most scenic things to do in NYC with kids, view the city’s most famous landmarks by boat. You’ll see all the icons, like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Yankee Stadium, on a relaxing cruise with a comfortable outdoor deck that gives you incredible skyline views. Six cruises ranging from 50 minutes to 2.5 hours—depending on how much time you have and how patient your kiddos are—will offer an entertaining and informative glimpse into New York’s remarkable history while offering a ton of great Instagram ops. Ticket prices vary per cruise.
Cruises depart from Pier 83 in Midtown and Pier 16 South Street Seaport
A ride on the SeaGlass Carousel will make you feel like you jumped into an underwater wonderland. Photo Credit: @littlekidbigcity
SeaGlass Carousel
One of the coolest things to do in NYC with kids, littles, and bigs is to glide around this aquatic-inspired carousel ride inhabited by 30 giant fiberglass fish that feels like you dived deep into the ocean. The whimsical architectural masterpiece in Battery Park resembles a chambered nautilus, and the color-changing LED lighting emits a dreamy, iridescent water effect. Tickets are $6 per person, and the carousel is open daily.
State Street and Battery Place, New York, NY 10004
Sloomoo Institute
Be prepared to get a little messy at this sensory playground centered around the wonders of slime. Travel through an immersive ASMR tunnel or stroll across a colorful slime lake. The fantastical experience includes a place to shop for slime kits, sensory toys, and slime supplies. With an enhanced ticket, kids (and moms) can don a poncho and goggles and get “slimed.” General tickets are $35 and up.
475 Broadway, New York, NY 10013
Central Park
Even if you dedicate the entire day to exploring Central Park, you won’t come close to making it to all of the family activities offered in this vast, 843-acre space. But we have a few favorite highlights, like the Central Park Zoo, where you can get to know the seals, red pandas, and snow leopards while enjoying the beautiful city views. Or head to Belvedere Castle, a miniature castle located on top of Vista Rock, the park’s second-highest natural point. The Central Park Carousel is a vintage merry-go-round dating back to 1908 that offers nostalgia and fun for the whole family. Ticket prices vary for the available programs and activities.
From North 110th Street to Central Park South 59th Street
Madame Tussauds New York
Have your little ones ever dreamed of helping their favorite superheroes save the day or imagined themselves on a Broadway stage? All of their fantasies can come true at Madame Tussauds New York, where they will be face-to-face with amazingly lifelike wax figures and immerse themselves in the exciting world of celebrities. Strike a pose and walk the runway with famous supermodels, sit next to Jimmy Fallon on the set of The Tonight Show, battle alongside the MARVEL Hall of Heroes, or sit in the Oval Office. Open daily, tickets start at $43.99 and should be ordered in advance to guarantee entry.
234 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036
The views are incredible from One World Observatory, located in the tallest building in NYC. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
One World Observatory
Experience New York from a whole new perspective from the top of One World Trade Center (also known as the Freedom Tower) – the tallest building in the city and the eighth tallest in the world. Come for the spectacular views from the observatories on the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors, and stay for the multimedia exhibits, like the largest curved indoor LED in the world and the See Forever theater showing a high-tech audiovisual display ending with a glimpse of the skyline. If you’re feeling brave, step onto the SkyPod Elevator and climb 102 stories in 47 seconds. Tickets start at $44, and the venue is open daily.
117 West Street, New York, NY 10007
Spyspace
Channel your inner James Bond with a series of high-tech, immersive spy challenges developed by a former head of training at British Intelligence. You and the fam will get debriefed on the top-secret world of intelligence and then enter interactive experiences testing your code-breaking skills, agility, powers of observation, and ability to lie (let’s hope the kids aren’t too good at that one). Check out ingenious spy gadgets that look like they belong on movie sets and learn about the fascinating spies, double agents, and hackers who have changed the course of world events. Tickets start at $37 for children ages 6-12 and $44 for adults and children ages 13 and up, and the museum is open daily.
928 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10019
Slide into fun at the Museum of Ice Cream. Photo Credit: Museum of Ice Cream
Museum of Ice Cream
There is nothing sweeter than this ice cream extravaganza in Soho. Thirteen interactive and multi-sensory installations will dazzle adults and kids alike. Go for a swim in a pool filled with 100 million sprinkles, slide down a three-story indoor ice cream portal, and take a trip through the rainbow tunnel. Ticket prices vary depending on demand and availability, including ice cream and admission to all 13 installations, and the museum is open daily. Reserve your tickets online to get a spot since this is a popular stop for families.
558 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Color Factory
Inspired by the colors found in NYC, the unique and imaginative installations at the Color Factory will engage every last one of your little ones’ senses. The playful exhibits include 14 immersive art exhibits, with the fun continuing long after—a free Color Map, provided at the end of your visit, will guide you through nearby neighborhoods and highlight even more colorful surprises created by the Color Factory. Ticket prices start at $39, must be purchased online, and the exhibit is open every day except Monday.
251 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013
You can see the entire NYC skyline from Edge NYC. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Edge NYC
Want to live life on the edge? This stunning outdoor sky deck—the highest in the Western Hemisphere—is one of NYC’s newer attractions. You’ll all get a thrill from the 52-second high-speed elevator ride that will take you 1,100 feet into the sky, onto an out-of-this-world observation point. The glass-angled walls will make you feel like you’re suspended in mid-air, and the breathtaking 360-degree view lets you take in the entire NYC skyline, from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty. Ticket prices start at $35 for children and $40 for adults, and the deck is open daily.
30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
Kid-Friendly Museums
See the prehistoric come to life at the American Museum of Natural History. Photo Credit: AMNH
American Museum of Natural History
This museum is probably most famous for its fossil halls, and for a good reason—those giant dinosaurs are pretty awesome to see up close for kids and adults alike. But there’s so much more to learn about and discover here, such as exhibits about ocean life, gems and minerals, humans’ evolution, and the Hayden Planetarium. If your children have had a chance to see “A Night at the Museum,” they’ll be super psyched to see the parts of the facility featured in the movie (yes, “Dum Dum” has a special spot on the 3rd floor). And the recently opened Gilder Center includes a butterfly vivarium and Invisible Worlds, an immersive experience that shows how all life on Earth is connected. The museum is open daily, and ticket prices start at $25 for the newer exhibits; for permanent installations, it’s “pay as you wish” for NJ residents.
200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
This welcoming and fun space is perfect for little ones, with exhibits that inspire connection, exploration and play. Step into the Superpowered Metropolis, a comic book version of NYC that lets your child be the hero, or take on an exciting animal rescue mission with Dora and Diego in a Nickelodeon-sponsored exhibit. If the weather allows, the kids will love to splash around at a 22-foot-long outdoor water table that offers hands-on entertainment while teaching them valuable lessons about the city’s water system and the environment. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday; tickets are $17 for children and adults.
The Tisch Building, 212 West 83rd Street, New York, NY 10024
New York City Fire Museum offers a fascinating glimpse of NYC’s bravest through the years. Photo Credit: New York Fire Museum
New York City Fire Museum (temporarily closed)
Housed in the former quarters of Engine Company No. 30, this renovated fire station honors New York City’s bravest with displays that span the history of firefighters, from the early bucket brigades to modern firefighting equipment and techniques. Hear remarkable stories of heroism from the retired FDNY firefighters who donate their time to the museum. Littles can examine old horse-drawn ladder wagons, motorized apparatus, tools used on the job, both past and present, and firefighter uniforms through the years. The museum is open Wednesday-Sunday, and tickets are $15 for adults and $6 for children. Advance ticket purchase is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability.
278 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013
South Street Seaport Museum
Take a tour of the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and learn how people lived and worked on this cargo sailing vessel. After, explore the Ambrose, a National Historic Landmark that was the first lightship to guard the largest shipping channel in and out of New York and New Jersey ports. And during the summer, enjoy a cruise on W.O. Decker, the last remaining wooden tugboat built in New York. Tickets for the tugboat are $30 for adults and $15 for children (must be ten or above).
12 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10038
According to our calculations, a day at the National Museum of Mathematics adds up to fun. Photo Credit: National Museum of Mathematics
National Museum of Mathematics
The National Museum of Mathematics, or MoMath, lets children discover a new side of math that is stimulating and inspiring. Trust us—it’s nothing like the algebra class you remember from high school. Your kids will be all in on the innovative, hands-on exhibits like Beaver Run, a fun game where you turn knobs to reconfigure the tracks, and Polypaint, where you can create intricate patterns with a paintbrush on a digital canvas. Tickets are $20 for children ages 2-12 and $25 for adults and children ages 13 and up.
225 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
DiMenna Children’s History Museum
Geared toward kids ages 8-13, this museum will take the family on a fascinating journey through 350 years of New York City history. You’ll learn about famous historical figures crucial to shaping the city, like Alexander Hamilton (yes, that guy from the musical!). There are also exhibits on lesser-known young people throughout the centuries, such as the children who rode orphan trains from NYC to rural America and the newsboys and girls who sold newspapers on the city streets. The American Dreamers exhibit features images of New Yorkers, past and present, and a photo booth that lets the kiddos snap pics and add the occupation they hope to have when they’re grown up. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday, and admission is free.
The New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West at 77th Street, New York, NY 10024
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The sheer size and breadth of the Met can seem overwhelming for a family outing, but there’s plenty to do and see for kids of all ages once you get a little direction. Grab a family guide from the information desk (or download it in advance) for a kid-friendly primer about popular exhibits. Then, pick up a family map (also available to download) and let the children lead the way to what interests them most, whether ancient Egypt or Pop Art. Another great way to explore is with the audio guide, which gives tours suitable for kids ages 6-12 and their families. The museum is closed on Wednesdays; tickets are $30 for adults and $17 for students (free for 12 and under).
1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Located on the iconic aircraft carrier Intrepid, this museum is an educational and immersive experience the whole family will love. Young astronauts-in-training can explore the space shuttle Enterprise and make fascinating discoveries throughout 17 exhibit zones in the Space Shuttle Pavillion. A virtual flight zone and restored aircraft, including the famed Concorde, will inspire the imagination. Tickets are $36 for adults and $26 for children (veterans and active military are free), and the museum hours fluctuate depending on the season.
Pier 86, W 46th St & 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Things to do outside of Manhattan
If you’re up for heading out to Coney Island, the NY Aquarium boasts marine wildlife like sea lions, sharks, and a giant squid, their newest resident. Photo Credit: Istock/Photosbycate
New York Aquarium
Located on the beach at Coney Island, New York Aquarium is home to more than 500 species of marine wildlife, ranging from playful penguins and adorable sea otters to the often misunderstood sharks. Get a front-row seat at the outdoor Aquatheater and watch sea lions bond with their trainers during an unforgettable interactive show. The Spineless exhibit offers a peek at bizarre invertebrates like Pacific octopuses, moon jellies, and the Japanese spider crab. Kids will love to don their special glasses in the 4D theater, which combines the drama of a 3D movie with built-in sensory effects. Tickets start at $25.95 for children ages 3-12 and $29.95 for adults and children ages 13 and up, and the aquarium is open daily. Tickets are timed and must be purchased in advance.
602 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Bronx Zoo
Whether your child goes wild for giraffes or would rather slither on over to the reptile exhibit, you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic day exploring the 11,000 animals that call the Bronx Zoo home. At the Children’s Zoo, kids can get up close to a two-toed sloth or giant anteater and pet and feed the farm animals. When you need a break from walking around the expansive grounds, go for a spin on the bug carousel, ride the zoo shuttle, or watch a sea lion feeding session. The zoo is open daily; tickets are $28.75 for children 3-12 and $37.75 for adults and kids 13 and over.
2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460
New York Botanical Garden
If you’re seeking a break from the bustling city streets, visiting the beautiful New York Botanical Garden may be the antidote you’re looking for. Meander around 250 acres of stunning landscapes encompassing lush gardens with native plants and flowers, interspersed with art installations by legendary artists. At the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, kids can stop in for afternoon drop-in activities (parts of this garden are being restored in 2024). Tickets are $15 for children ages 2-12 and $35 for adults and kids ages 13 and up, and the garden is open Tuesday-Sunday and Monday Federal holidays.
2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458
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