Even the littlest New Yorkers want to take a bite out of the Big Apple — that’s where our list of things to do with kids in NYC comes in.
We scoped out the city from a youngster’s vantage point — from fun interactive exhibits to places to eat — and we discovered a bunch of great experiences the whole family will love. Trust us, even the pickiest of kiddos will find something up their alley.
Before you peruse our guide and embark on a day out with your crew, we have one bit of advice: wear comfortable shoes. You’re gonna need ‘em.
Head to a street fair
Whether you’re looking for fun knick-knacks or want to take a bite out of fried Oreos, our guide to NYC street fairs will help you determine what avenue to venture to and when. Save us some cotton candy, would you?
Visit Coney Island
The ultimate warm-weather hotspot, Coney Island offers a lot for families to enjoy: amusement park rides (including the iconic Coney Island Cyclone), fun games, the Brooklyn Cyclones, and of course, lunch at the famous Nathan’s Hot Dogs. But don’t leave the neighborhood without snagging a candy apple from Williams Candy on Surf Avenue.
🎡 1000 Surf Ave., Brooklyn
Grab tickets to the Astoria Park Carnival
The iconic fair is gearing up for a return in June. If you’re in the mood for thrilling rides, live music, and carnival, you’re certainly in luck. The dates for the annual celebration are as follows:
- 6/4 Wednesday – 4pm – 10pm
- 6/5 Thursday – 4pm – 10pm
- 6/6 Friday – 4pm – 11pm
- 6/7 Saturday – 12pm – 11:59pm
- 6/8 Sunday – 12pm – 11pm
Check out a museum
NYC is home to some of the best children’s museums out there: the Children’s Museum of the Arts, the Brooklyn Museum, the Playstreet Museum, to name just a few. They offer interactive exhibits, hands-on workshops, and a chance for creativity to flourish. But we’d be remiss not to point you towards the American Museum of Natural History, home to the iconic Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs, the inspiration for many a paleontologist in the making.
Buy your tickets to the American Museum of Natural History here!
🦖 200 Central Park West
Get a cone at one of NYC’s best ice cream shops
Fancy a sundae or a shake? The ice cream options in NYC are a key part of the culinary scene and will inspire you to eat dessert first.
Step into this whimsical Bubble Planet
Bubble Planet has sold over two million tickets and impressed visitors in Milan, Brussels, London, and L.A. Now, the exhibit finally made its way over to the East Coast. The entire family will have the opportunity to explore 10 mesmerizing themed rooms, interacting with every kind of bubble imaginable, from soapy suds to the smoke variety. It’s the perfect spring break paradise thanks to its giant ball pits, cool VR experiences, and giant indoor playground. Who’s in?!
Additionally, in honor of World Autism Day on April 1st, there will be 20% off and modified experiences, including:
- Sensory Accommodations:Softened lighting throughout exhibitions
- Reduced volume and minimal ambient noise
- Smaller groups accompanied by a staff member
- Comfortable, welcoming environment
Walk amongst the dinos
Ready to live out that Jurassic Park dream? The Bronx Zoo Dinosaur Safari will return this spring from April 12th, bringing plenty of prehistoric goodness for paleontologists of all ages. There are over 60 life-sized predators stationed across the zoo, waiting for you to get up close and personal. Plus, there will be 11 newbies joining the fun. Oh, did we mention some move and roar?! YIKES! New to the experience this year are a few immersive elements, including the ability to climb a giant fossil, walk through a massive dino ribcage, and snag photos of dino eggs. Make sure to bring your best selfie face for the occasion.
Grab a bite at a food festival
If you have a mini foodie on your hands, allow them to explore some of the city’s best bites. Just in time for the nice weather, self-made food critic Keith Lee will host a brand-new, family-friendly food fest on May 17th in Industry City.
Go gaming at NYC arcades
Skee ball, race cars, claw machines — the list of thrills goes on at NYC arcades. Plus, Mom and Dad will appreciate nostalgic games like Super Mario and Pacman. Who’s up for an afternoon of a little friendly competition?
Enjoy hours of fun at the Paradox Experience
Turn your world completely upside down! The perfect indoor adventure, NJ’s Paradox Experience will have you cheesing from ear to ear as you explore more than 70 distorted realities. Snag tickets here for an epic family-friendly adventure.
🤩 American Dream
Hop aboard the Intrepid Museum
Once a World War II 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.
🛥️ Pier 86, W. 46th St.
Go Bowling
Think you and your little ones have what it takes to bowl a strike? We certainly think so. Not only do the lanes in NYC offer a fun atmosphere, but there’s food on tap, leagues, camps, and birthday parties, too. No judgment for any families who decide to opt for bumpers!
Play a match at CityPickle
NYC’s favorite pickleball destination, CityPickle, has launched programming for little players, including after-school sessions, summer camps, and birthday parties. Have a look at the offerings to see what works for your pickleball star in the making.
Get slimy at Sloomoo Institute
NYC’s immersive slime experience intersects design and sensory play, making it the perfect place to bring your creative kiddos! 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 squished. You can let the whole family’s senses go wild on this one-of-a-kind slime adventure! Learn more online.
👩🔬 475 Broadway
Spend a day with furry friends at NYC zoos
NYC is even home to members of the Animal Kingdom. Stop by attractions like the Central Park to see the red pandas and watch the seals perform shows with their trainers. Plus, each zoo in NYC has a variety of offerings, including events, parties, and summer camps.
Stroll through Central Park
Central Park is one of the most popularly explored urban spaces, so we can’t talk about things to do with kids in NYC without mentioning the city’s gem. Of course you can bring them here for a picnic, game of catch, or whatever you fancy, but the greenspace also has kid-friendly attractions scattered throughout, like a carousel and the miniature Belvedere Castle!
🌳 Central Park
Go to a show
NYC’s best Broadway shows, such as The Lion King and Aladdin, are longstanding staples of The Great White Way that reimagine classic Disney stories for the theater. Plus, there are Off-Broadway favorites like Gazillion Bubble Show that are perfect for family-friendly outings.
Sail to the Statue of Liberty
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, visiting Lady Liberty is always a good idea. 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 4 feet tall.
🗽 Liberty Island
Visit a NYC aquarium
NYC’s aquariums and it’s a fun option even if the weather doesn’t cooperate! Peek into different marine life — penguins, sharks, and exotic fish — at the various aquariums around the city. They’ll love getting up-close-and-personal with creatures of the deep!
See a new movie
There are plenty of fun, family-friendly movies heading to theaters this season: get lost on an adventure with Moana, see if Sonic the Hedgehog and friends can stop their latest evil nemesis, and (for the older kiddos), sing along with Elphaba and Glinda. Have a look at all of the movies playing in NYC theaters and snag your tickets.
Get active at Chelsea Piers
If your kiddo loves staying active, there’s no better place to venture than Chelsea Piers. The 10,000-square-foot territory on the West side of the city is a kid’s dream and a great way to keep your little athlete in tip-top shape! From an ice rink to a swimming pool to rock climbing to even bowling at Bowlero, there’s no shortage of things to do here. Find a fun activity on the Chelsea Piers website and get going!.
🤸 62 Chelsea Piers
Visit Brooklyn Bridge Park
Take your kids for a walk over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge to get some fresh air and some picturesque NYC skyline views! But while you’re on the Kings County side, don’t forget to stop by the waterfront park: check out Slide Mountain, Jane’s Carousel, or roller skating at Pier 2, to name a few fun options.
🌉 334 Furman St, Brooklyn
Go 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 in Rockefeller Plaza.
…like Bandai Namco’s First U.S. Cross Store At Industry City
Bandai Namco is a Japanese multinational entertainment and mass media conglomerate — and the brains behind Pac-Man, Tekken, and Dragon Ball Games. The new Brooklyn outpost is a department-style store with 10 “official shops” that sells figurines, games, and so on.
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—it 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
Dine at a kid-friendly restaurant in NYC
NYC is home to Michelin star chefs and plenty of creative eateries, but the little ones need to get their nourishment, too. Kid-friendly spots in NYC, like Harlem Shake and Serendipity3, offer sweet treats and plenty of yummy meals. Trust us, the kids and the kids at heart are going to love these selections.
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.
Visit a botanical garden
For a dose of Mother Nature and outdoor-related events, classes, and activities, look no further than NYC’s best botanical gardens. From the New York Botanical Garden to the Queens Botanical Garden, there’s bucolic scenes and fun activities at the ready for families. While yes, NYC is a concrete jungle, there’s plenty of natural beauty throughout the five boroughs that you can’t miss.
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 fun and picturesque playgrounds for families to enjoy. In the summertime, some of these playgrounds even have splash ponds and features too to cool off!
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!
So, what’s made its way onto your list? We personally suggest trying all of these fun things to do with kids in NYC — just sayin’!
With contributions from: Corey Fuller