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.
1. Enjoy seasonal activities
NYC might not be one of the top five coziest Christmas getaways — a fact we’re still bitter about — but in our book, it has some of the most delightful holiday happenings this side of the North Pole. Between the NYBG train show to the world’s largest gingerbread village — made of 700 gingerbread houses (using 1,000 pounds of gingerbread) and 4,000 pounds of candy — at the New York Hall of Science, there’s plenty for little ones to enjoy ahead of Santa’s arrival. And need we say more about the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree?
2. 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?
3. 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
4. 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
5. Step into this whimsical Bubble Planet
Bubble Planet has sold over one 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. Grab tickets!
6. 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. In 2024, there are a few food fest debuts that will please the culinary curious: the first-ever soup dumpling festival and halal festival.
7. 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?
8. 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.
9. 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!
10. 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.
11. 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
13. 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.
14. 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
15. Head to The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
See the classic Eric Carle tale come to life beginning October 4th at The Duke on 42nd Street at NEW 42 Studios. Ideal for tots, this play not only allows families to experience the classic picture book in a new way, but it teaches little ones the fundamentals of counting, days of the week, and the lifecycle of a butterfly. Even better? You can see three of the author’s other works, too: The Artist Who Painted the Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, and The Very Lonely Firefly.
16. 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 The Blueman Group and Gazillion Bubble Show that are perfect for family-friendly outings. (Though fair warning: if you’re in one of the first rows of The Blue Man Group, you’re probably going to get splashed!)
17. 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
18. 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!
19. 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, and it’s sure to make the nostalgia kick in. Plus, its home, the American Dream Mall, has tons of other kid-friendly attractions, like a mirror maze, an ice rink and so much 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
20. 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
21. 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. Stay tuned for updates on the 2024 ice rink.
🌉 334 Furman St, Brooklyn
22. 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.
23. 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
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. 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.
27. 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!
28. 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’!
29. Go ice skating
‘Tis the season to hit the ice, and NYC is home to some pretty fantastic ice skating rinks, including the brand-new 7,000 square-foot Domino Park ice rink right along the Williamsburg waterfront. Fortunately, many destinations have helpers for little skaters as they attempt to keep their balance. Even better? Spots like Prospect Park feature ice bumper cars — an amusement park ride and winter thrill wrapped into one!
30. Sip on some hot chocolate
Once the weather plummets, we can’t help but crave a sweet, warm treat. Fortunately, there are plenty of eateries around the city that take cocoa to unthinkable levels — and we’ve conveniently rounded them up for you and your littles.
With contributions from: Corey Fuller