New York City is a playground for kids of all ages, offering countless exciting adventures that will make you the coolest parent ever! From towering skyscrapers to sprawling parks, the Big Apple has something for everyone.
Imagine your little ones’ eyes lighting up as they explore world-famous museums, ride thrilling roller coasters, or watch their favorite characters come to life on Broadway. With so many kid-friendly activities to choose from, you’ll never run out of fun things to do.
Whether you’re looking for educational experiences, outdoor adventures, or simply a day of pure entertainment, Newyork has it all. Get ready to create unforgettable memories with your family as we introduce you to the top 10 best things to do with kids in the city that never sleeps. Your children will be talking about these amazing experiences for years to come!
1. Explore the American Museum of Natural History
Marvel at the giant dinosaur exhibits
Kids love dinosaurs, and the American Museum of Natural History has some of the most impressive dinosaur fossils you’ll ever see. My little ones were awestruck by the massive T-Rex skeleton in the main hall. It’s so big, you can’t help but feel tiny next to it!
Journey through space at the Hayden Planetarium
The Hayden Planetarium is like a spaceship that never leaves the ground. We sat back in the comfy chairs and felt like we were zooming through the galaxy. The shows are narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, which makes them even cooler.
Discover world cultures in the Hayden Planetarium
From ancient Egyptian mummies to Pacific Island canoes, the anthropology halls are like a trip around the world. My kids loved trying on digital versions of traditional clothing from different cultures.
2. Ride the Staten Island Ferry
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty
The Staten Island Ferry is a great way to see Lady Liberty up close without spending a dime. We stood on the deck and felt the breeze as we sailed past. The kids were so excited to see the statue “in real life” after seeing it in movies and books.
Spot Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline
As you sail across the harbor, you’ll see Ellis Island and the famous Manhattan skyline. It’s like a moving postcard! We played a game of “I spy” with the different buildings we could see.
Experience a free boat ride across New York Harbor
Did I mention the ferry is free? It’s a 25-minute ride each way, perfect for little ones with short attention spans. Plus, you can buy snacks on board if anyone gets hungry.
3. Visit Central Park’s Attractions
Row boats at the scenic Central Park Lake
Renting a rowboat on the Central Park Lake is like stepping into a storybook. We paddled around, looking for turtles and ducks. The kids took turns “steering” the boat, which was hilarious and only slightly terrifying.
Meet animals at the Central Park Zoo
The Central Park Zoo may be small, but it’s packed with fun. We watched the sea lions being fed, giggled at the penguins waddling around, and said hello to the snow leopards. The Tisch Children’s Zoo section is perfect for little ones who want to pet and feed some farm animals.
Climb and play at the Ancient Playground
After the zoo, we headed to the Ancient Playground. It’s designed to look like an archaeological dig, with pyramid-shaped climbing structures and obelisks. The kids pretended to be explorers discovering ancient treasures.
4. Discover the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Tour a real aircraft carrier
Walking onto the USS Intrepid is like stepping back in time. The kids were amazed by how big the ship is and loved exploring the different decks. We even saw where the sailors slept and ate.
Step inside a submarine
The submarine Growler is docked next to the Intrepid. It’s a bit cramped inside, but the kids thought it was cool to see how submariners lived underwater. We had fun pretending to look through the periscope.
See the space shuttle Enterprise up close
The space shuttle Enterprise is housed in a special pavilion on the flight deck. It’s huge! The kids were full of questions about space travel and how astronauts live in space.
5. Explore the New York Transit Museum
Board vintage subway cars
The Newyork Transit Museum is in an actual retired subway station. We climbed aboard subway cars from different eras, from the early 1900s to more modern times. The kids loved sitting in the driver’s seat and pretending to be subway conductors.
Learn about the city’s transportation history
The museum has great exhibits about how New York’s transportation system developed over time. We saw old tickets, tokens, and even vintage advertisements. It’s a fun way to learn about the city’s history.
Play with interactive exhibits on subway technology
There are lots of hands-on exhibits where kids can learn how subways work. My little engineers had a blast playing with the track switches and signals.
6. Experience the High Line
Walk along the elevated park’s unique landscape
The High Line is an old elevated railway that’s been turned into a park. It’s like a secret garden above the city streets. We walked along, spotting different plants and artwork along the way.
Participate in family-friendly art activities
The High Line often has free activities for families. We’ve done everything from nature drawing classes to dance workshops. Check their schedule before you go to see what’s happening.
Enjoy stunning views of the city from above
Walking on the High Line gives you a unique perspective of the city. We played “I spy” again, looking for interesting buildings and landmarks.
7. Visit Coney Island
Ride the historic Cyclone roller coaster
The Cyclone is a wooden roller coaster that’s been thrilling riders since 1927. It’s pretty intense, so it’s best for older kids and brave parents. My oldest was scared at first but couldn’t stop talking about it afterwards.
Play classic carnival games on the boardwalk
The boardwalk is lined with classic carnival games. We tried our luck at knocking down bottles and throwing balls into baskets. The kids were thrilled when they won some small prizes.
Relax on the beach and swim in the ocean
After all the excitement, it’s nice to relax on the beach. We built sandcastles, collected seashells, and splashed in the waves. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and beach towels!
8. Discover the Brooklyn Bridge Park
Ride Jane’s Carousel, a restored 1922 merry-go-round
Jane’s Carousel is a beautiful old merry-go-round in a glass pavilion right by the river. The kids loved choosing their favorite horses and waving to us as they went round and round.
Cool off at the water play area
On hot days, the water play area is a lifesaver. The kids ran through sprinklers and fountains, laughing and cooling off. Remember to bring a change of clothes!
Enjoy stunning Manhattan skyline views
The park has amazing views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. We had a picnic on the grass and watched the boats go by on the East River.
9. Explore the Newyork Hall of Science
Engage with hands-on science exhibits
The New York Hall of Science is full of interactive exhibits that make learning fun. We played with giant bubble wands, built structures with blocks, and learned about light and color through cool experiments.
Play in the outdoor science playground
The outdoor playground is like a giant physics experiment. The kids loved the giant seesaw and the water play area where they could build dams and control the flow of water.
Watch 3D movies in the theater
The 3D theater shows fun, educational movies about science and nature. We watched one about the human body that made us feel like we were traveling through veins and arteries!
10. Visit the Bronx Zoo
See over 4,000 animals from around the world
The Bronx Zoo is huge, with animals from all over the world. We saw everything from tiny poison dart frogs to massive gorillas. The kids were fascinated by the big cats and couldn’t stop watching the playful sea lions.
Ride the Wild Asia Monorail
The Wild Asia Monorail takes you on a tour through habitats designed to look like Asian forests and grasslands. We saw rhinos, elephants, and tigers from the comfort of our seats.
Feed and pet animals at the Children’s Zoo
The Children’s Zoo section lets kids get up close with gentle farm animals. We fed some goats and sheep, and even got to gently touch a cow. It was a great hands-on experience for the little ones.
Summary
Newyork City is a treasure trove of fun activities for kids. From exploring museums and parks to riding ferries and roller coasters, there’s something for every child (and child at heart). These experiences not only entertain but also educate, creating memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your sense of adventure and get ready to explore the Big Apple with your little ones!
FAQs
1. What’s the best time of year to visit NYC with kids?
Spring and fall are great times to visit. The weather is mild, perfect for outdoor activities. Summer can be fun too, but it can get hot and crowded. Winter has its own magic with holiday decorations and ice skating, but be prepared for cold weather
2. Are there any free activities for children in New York City?
Yes, plenty! The Staten Island Ferry, Central Park, and the High Line are all free. Many museums have “pay what you wish” days or free hours. The New York Public Library often has free events for kids too.
3. How can I save money on attractions in Newyork?
Look into city passes like the New York CityPASS or the New York Pass. These can save you money if you plan to visit multiple attractions. Also, check attraction websites for combo tickets or discounts.
4. What are some indoor activities for rainy days?
Museums are great for rainy days. The American Museum of Natural History, the New York Transit Museum, and the New York Hall of Science are all indoors. You could also catch a kid-friendly Broadway show or visit one of the city’s many indoor playgrounds
5. Are there any kid-friendly restaurants near these attractions?
Many of these attractions have their own cafes that cater to kids. Near Central Park, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly diners and pizza places. The High Line has food vendors along its length. Always check reviews online before you go, as the NYC restaurant scene changes quickly!