Even the littlest New Yorkers want to take a bite out of the Big Apple, so we suggest keeping our list of things to do with kids in NYC handy.
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 littles, we have one bit of advice: wear comfortable shoes. You’re gonna need ‘em.
On August 25, 2026, kids 18 and under get into select Broadway shows for free with a full‑price adult. If your crew is ready for a big NYC theater moment, Kids’ Night on Broadway returns Tuesday, August 25, 2026, letting anyone 18 and under attend select Broadway performances free when accompanied by a full‑paying adult. Around 22 productions are participating this year, with in‑theatre activities and dining and attraction perks available.
A night amongst dinosaur fossils, animal dioramas, and but of course, the iconic 94-foot blue whale? Count us in.
After a five-year hiatus, the American Museum of Natural History reinstated its beloved sleepovers, where kiddos ages 6-12 can get access to the coolest attraction in the city after closing time.
From deep dives into exhibits to trivia games and fun giveaways, this event is perfect for the budding scientist in your life.
Check out the 2026 sleepover dates and sign up ASAP.
Immerse yourself in all-things bubbles at this epic experience with VR features, fun colors, Instagram-worthy moments, and eight rooms of magic.
Budding thespians will be stunned with the talent and creativity of the Great White Way. Why not scope out tickets to our favorite family-friendly shows?
- Aladdin
- Harry Potter & The Cursed Child
- The Lion King
- Wicked
AKC Museum of the Dog is a “Paws-itively” Perfect Spot: NYC’s Most Adorable Hidden Gem is Right Near Grand Central
Forget the crowded galleries of Museum Mile for a moment—there’s a hidden cultural gem just a block from Grand Central that New Yorkers are falling in love with. The AKC Museum of the Dog houses the world’s largest collection of canine-themed art, but it’s far from a stuffy gallery.
From the interactive “Find Your Match” station (which tells you which breed you actually look like) to a stunning library perfect for a cozy afternoon, it’s the ultimate low-key spot for a day out solo or with your bestie.
The best part? Every Friday is officially dog-friendly all day, meaning you can browse 19th-century oil paintings with your own pup by your side. At just $15 a ticket, it’s one of the best affordable “culture hits” in Midtown—just try to leave the gift shop without buying a souvenir for your four-legged roommate.
Indulge in some ice cream
Sundaes, shakes, and scoops, oh my!
Whether you’re tackling Brooklyn Farmacy’s over-the-top sundaes or want a spoonful of Chinatown Ice Cream Factory’s Asian-inspired flavors (hello, ube), NYC’s option are plentiful.
Ready to test your skeeball skills? How about a game of hoops? NYC arcades will keep the fun coming, so explore our guide to see which one catches your eye.
NYC is an architectural marvel, even on a small scale. The best playgrounds throughout the five boroughs have aesthetically-pleasing features that will keep the kiddos occupied for hours, whether it’s the 45-foot granite slide at Central Park’s Billy Johnson Playground to the industrial Domino Park Playground (above) with an elevated play space and futuristic-looking slide.
Ever wish you had the chance to star on your favorite game show? As Beetlejuice would say, “It’s showtime!”
NYC’s newly-opened venue, The Great Big Gameshow, allows groups to enter fledged game show sets and engage in some friendly competition. There are over 17 selections to choose from! Bring the competition!
Coined as the world’s number one slime experience, this Soho spot is the perfect place for kids to get their hands dirty (and leave the mess out of your apartment).
Options abound at this 12,000 square-foot creative hub: walking across 300 gallons of slime, creating DIY picks with over 40 colors and 60 scents, and testing your aim with the slingshot slime!
Our go-to toy stores include far more than stuffed animals and action figures: they up the ante with cool, interactive features, fun events, and of course, well-stocked shelves.
Budding engineers will love the LEGO Store while all ages will find something at the multi-level FAO Schwarz (hello, Jellycats!), and we’re partial to old-school mom and pop shops like Mary Arnold Toys.
2026 has a great film lineup, and kiddos are going to be delighted to return to Andy’s room in Toy Story 5 (yes, 5!) on June 19th and catch Spider-Man: A Brand New Day. (July 31st). See the 2026 movies we’re most excited about. (Shoutout to a late 2025 favorite Zootopia 2!)
“The Big Bubble Experiment” at the New York Hall of Science. Submarine exploration at The Intrepid. All-things numbers at the Museum of Math. There are plenty of children’s museums in NYC worthy of your little one’s attention, and one that caters to all interests. Where will you start?
Waltz into a magical fairytale at Carmine’s ‘Grandest Princess Ball Ever’
Step into a fairytale at the American Immersion Theater’s ‘Grandest Princess Ball Ever’ at Carmine’s in Times Square. This enchanting event invites children to enjoy singing, dancing, and delicious treats while meeting beloved princesses. Adults receive complimentary cocktails, making it a magical day for families. Whether celebrating a birthday or just for fun, this interactive experience guarantees unforgettable memories for your little ones.
Ride the Cyclone cheaper — Luna Park’s first-ever Happy Hour gives 25% off rides and 15% off food. If your crew loves a classic NYC thrill, head to Coney Island for Luna Park’s first-ever Happy Hour, running July 13 through August 12, 2026. This limited-time promotion happens Monday–Wednesday, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM, with 25% off the Luna Boardwalk Pass and 15% off food at select vendors.
Admission is completely free—don’t miss the 100th-anniversary celebration in Little Italy! If you’re looking for a lively NYC outing with kids, the centennial Feast of San Gennaro takes over Little Italy for 11 days, running September 17–27, 2026, with 300+ vendors, live performances from Naples, parades, and food contests. The festival runs daily from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM (midnight Fri/Sat) and is free to enter.
Celebrate a decade of Adirondack agriculture with bees, honey workshops, farm animals, and live music on September 19. If your kids are into hands-on animal encounters and sweet treats, put the Adirondack Harvest Festival on your radar: It’s marking its 10th anniversary on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Essex County Fairgrounds in Westport, NY, running from 12:00 to 17:00. Expect bees-and-honey themed workshops, live music, kids’ activities, a petting zoo, and a community food drive.