From learning about ships and airplanes to having fun at an amusement park to attending a family event, there are a lot of fun things to do with kids in NYC.
New York City is an amazing city to visit for families. Whether you’re looking for educational or fun activities, there’s a lot to choose from, including visiting a kid-friendly museum, seeing animals, getting a view of the city from above, going to a historic carousel, and much more.
I made this guide to the best things to do in New York City with kids to help you decide what to do if you’re in the city with children!
Things To Do With Kids in NYC
Visit Jane’s Carousel
Jane’s Carousel is a historic carousel that you can find in the Dumbo section of Brooklyn Bridge Park, next to the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River.
The carousel dates back to the year 1922 and was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. It features 48 wooden horses and two chariots. A large glass structure surrounds the carousel to protect it.
Children can ride the carousel for a ticket of 2 dollars.
The carousel’s opening hours vary by season. To see the current opening hours, you can look at the website of Jane’s Carousel.
Have Fun at Luna Park
Luna Park is an amusement park that is situated on Coney Island in Brooklyn. Luna Park opened in 2010 on the site of the former Astroland amusement park.
The park features 36 attractions that are fun for children, including attractions that are fun for young and older children.
For example, there are roller coasters that older children will like, such as the Coney Island Cyclone wooden roller coaster.
The Brooklyn Flyer, which is an attraction that takes you to a height of about 100 feet and from which you can enjoy an amazing view, is a great attraction too.
Luna Park also has an arcade with lots of different games.
Address: 1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Go to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is one of the best museums for kids in New York City. This museum was established in 1973 and is located on the Upper West Side.
This museum is home to many fun and immersive exhibits through which children can learn new things while playing.
Each exhibit lets children learn about different topics. For example, there’s one exhibit that features a miniature version of the Oval Office, which lets children learn about the White House and the President.
There are also exhibits through which kids can learn about the voting process.
Another exhibit focuses on contemporary art and artists, and there’s another exhibit that is about different aspects of water.
Address: 212 W 83rd St, New York, NY 10024
Go to The LEGO Store Fifth Avenue
The LEGO Store Fifth Avenue is a store that you can find at 636 Fifth Avenue. Visiting this store is a very fun thing to do in NYC with kids who love to play with LEGO.
At the store, you can buy all kinds of LEGO sets, including unique ones, but you can do and see much more at the store.
There are large structures that are made with LEGO bricks, such as a yellow cab.
You can also find “The LEGO Mosaic Maker” at the store, which is a photo booth that turns a photo of you into a mosaic of LEGO bricks.
It is also possible to make your own, custom LEGO Minifigure at the store using “The LEGO Minifigure Factory”.
Children between the ages of 6 and 12 can sign up for a “Creativity Workshop”, during which children make their own LEGO photo frame.
Besides this, there are several other features that make visiting the store a great idea.
Address: 636 5th Ave, New York, NY 10020
Go to an Event for Kids at the Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art is one of the best museums in New York City and one of the most popular ones. You can find the museum in Manhattan and you can see modern and contemporary art at the museum. The collection includes sculptures, prints, photos, drawings, paintings, and many other types of art.
In addition, lots of events take place at the museum, including events that are great for kids. There are workshops, audio tours, and talks.
The “Family Gallery Talks”, which take place monthly, focus on a specific theme related to modern art and are great for children and adults to attend.
Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
Have Fun at the Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions New York, which is located at 77 Eight Avenue, is a museum where you can find all kinds of different “Illusion Rooms”.
These rooms feature all kinds of fun illusions. From a room with many mirrors to a tilted room where it seems gravity works differently to a room that you can stand in with someone else and make it appear as if one of you is a giant, there are many fun installations that you can find at the museum.
Besides the rooms, there are also fun optical illusions and holograms, and other unique installations that are a lot of fun to check out.
Address: 77 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014
See Animals at the New York Aquarium
The New York Aquarium is an aquarium where children can learn about marine wildlife. You can find the aquarium in Brooklyn’s Coney Island.
The New York Aquarium is the oldest continually operating aquarium in the USA and it was founded in 1896.
You can see many different animals at various exhibits. For example, there is one area at the aquarium where can see spineless animals, such as jellyfish and octopuses.
Other animals that you can see at the aquarium are sharks, sea turtles, rays, sea lions, penguins, and many others.
You can also go to the Aquatheater and see an interactive show with sea lions, or you can go to the “Playquarium” where children can learn new things through interactive exhibits and the touch pool.
There’s also a 4-D theater where children can see a fun 3-D movie with sensory effects.
Address: 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Attend a Family Event at The Met
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the city, and you can find this museum on the Upper East Side. The museum’s collection spans a period of 5000 years, and the collection contains objects from all over the world, including objects from ancient Egypt.
In addition to seeing the incredible works of art at the museum, it can be great to attend an event with your children at the museum.
Lots of events take place at The Met. There are also events for families and these can be great to check out if you’re looking for things to do with kids in NYC.
For example, there are storytime events for children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years, there are children’s classes through which children can learn about art in a fun way, there are events with art and music, and there are many other events for kids. You can go to the website of The Met to see upcoming events.
Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
Check Out the M&M’s New York Store
M&M’s New York is a large candy store that is located in Times Square. This is one of the flagship stores of the M&M’s brand, of which there are only a few in the world. At this store, there’s much to do and see.
For example, you can find a two-story color wall that features thousands of colorful M&Ms.
There is also a printer where children can create their own custom M&M’s candies by choosing an image and a customized text that will be printed on the candies in two minutes. For example, you can get an image of the Statue of Liberty printed on the M&M’s candies.
Address: 1600 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
Have Fun at the Museum of Ice Cream
The Museum of Ice Cream is a fun indoor attraction that is located in Manhattan’s SoHo.
At this museum, you can explore various colorful installations with your child that are all focused on ice cream and the history of ice cream.
Each exhibit is unique and features fun elements. For example, there is a large “sprinkle” pool, there are swings, there is a slide, there is a completely pink subway car, and there are many other exhibits.
In addition to that, you can get as much ice cream as you want at the museum, and there are many treats to choose from, including milkshakes, gelato, and sundaes.
Address: 558 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
See the City from Above at the One World Observatory
Visiting an observation deck with your child can be a lot of fun, and there are several great ones to check out in the city. One of the best observation decks in New York City is the One World Observatory, which you can find at the One World Trade Center.
The One World Observatory observation deck is the highest point in the city.
From the observation deck, children can enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the city and see some of the city’s most famous landmarks from above. For example, you can see some of the most famous skyscrapers from here, as well as the Statue of Liberty.
When you want to go here with a stroller, that’s possible, but you should keep in mind that you need to fold up the stroller when you enter the elevator.
You can visit the observatory every day of the week!
Going to One World Observatory is also one of the best things to do in the Financial District.
Address: 117 West St, New York, NY 10007
Go to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Founded in 1899, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum is the oldest children’s museum in the world. You can find this museum at 145 Brooklyn Avenue and going there is one of the most fun family-friendly activities in New York City as it’s a place where children can play and learn.
The museum is home to various interactive exhibits.
For example, one of the exhibits of the museum is the “Neighborhood Nature” exhibit, through which children can learn about life sciences.
There’s also an exhibit that features miniature versions of shops that can be found in Brooklyn, including a bakery and a grocery store.
The “Totally Tots” exhibit lets young children learn through different sensory play areas, including a sand play area. This exhibit is suitable for children who are 6 years old or younger.
Address: 145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213
Go to Spyscape and Learn About Spies
Spycape is a museum that is situated on 8th Avenue in Manhattan. At the museum, kids can learn about spies and everything that relates to that.
The museum has a collection of all kinds of spy-related artifacts. These artifacts are very diverse and include real enigma machines from World War II, a spy radio, a baseball grenade, and many other real objects. The collection of the museum spans a period of about 300 years.
In addition to that, children can do all kinds of experiences at the museum, including experiences during which you can learn to spot a liar, learn about breaking codes, dodge lasers, and do much more.
Address: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Go to the Build-A-Bear Workshop
New York City is home to two Build-A-Bear Workshops where children can make their own stuffed animals through an interactive and hands-on process.
Children can choose the basic Teddy bear or another type of animal, and then personalize it by choosing outfits and accessories.
In addition to making a stuffed animal, it is also possible to buy accessories for an existing Teddy bear, and simply walking around in the city is a fun experience for children too.
Address: 22 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001
Have Fun at the Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Urban Air is an indoor adventure park with fun attractions for children of all ages. You can find this place on 2nd Avenue in Brooklyn.
One of the attractions at Urban Air is the “Ropes Course”, which is a fun ropes obstacle course during which children wear a harness.
Another attraction at Urban Air is the park’s trampoline area, which consists of wall-to-wall trampolines.
The virtual reality area is fun too. At this place, children can play all kinds of fun games while wearing a headset that lets them step into another world.
There is also a tube playground, there are climbing walls, there are bumper cars, and there’s a climbing hill.
Address: 4422 2nd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Check Out the Ships and Airplanes at the Intrepid Museum
The Intrepid Museum is a museum where children can learn about maritime history and the military. You can find the museum at Pier 86 on the Hudson River.
The museum is located for the most part on the museum ship USS Intrepid, which is an aircraft carrier from World War II.
The aircraft carrier is impressive to see for children. On it, you can see all kinds of exhibits, aircraft, and other objects.
The flight deck of the vessel is home to the museum’s collection of aircraft, including an E-1B Tracer, a Lockheed A-12, and an F-14 Tomcat.
Inside the aircraft carrier, there are exhibits with many types of artifacts, a theater, and much more.
Next to the aircraft carrier, there is also a submarine, a British Airways Concorde, and other items.
Address: Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
Visit the Staten Island Children’s Museum
Visiting the Staten Island Children’s Museum is also a great activity to do with children in NYC. This is a children’s that was established in the year 1976.
At the museum, you can find all kinds of exhibits for children through which they can learn about the world in a fun way.
For example, one of the exhibits at the museum is the “Big Games” exhibit, which lets children play a giant version of games like Connect Four and Chess.
The “House About It” exhibit is fun too. This exhibit lets children learn about the people who build houses, including architects and construction workers.
The “Sea of Boats” exhibit is an outdoor play space that features a lighthouse, boats, and other elements.
Another exhibit that is fun is the “Sensory Imaging” exhibit, which lets children play around with colors and shapes on an interactive screen.
Go to a Kids Event at the South Street Seaport Museum
The South Street Seaport Museum is a museum that is located in the historic Seaport District in the Financial District. At this place, children can learn about New York City’s history as a port city.
There are many fun events for families that take place at the museum. On Saturday and Sunday, there are many hands-on family activities. These activities are free with general admission to the South Street Seaport Museum.
In addition to attending an event, it is also possible to explore the collection of the museum, which includes all kinds of works of art and artifacts that relate to the city.
You can also go to the Outdoor Gallery of the museum, which is located at Pier 16. This outdoor exhibit features historic ships and displays with information.
One of the historic ships that is located here is the 1885 Tall Ship Wavertree, which is a 19th-century cargo sailing ship that visitors to the museum can explore.
Going to an event here is also one of the best things to do with kids in the Financial District.
Address: 12 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038
Have Ice Cream at Malai
Malai is one of the best places for ice cream in Brooklyn and you can go here every day of the week. You can find this place at 268 Smith Street.
At Malai, you can get delicious ice cream that is made without eggs and that is churned with little air to ensure the ice cream gets a delicious, creamy texture.
At this place, you can get unique types of ice cream that are made with spices and South Asian ingredients, and there are both year-round flavors as well as seasonal ones.
One of the best flavors to get at Malai is the “Chocolate Coconut Burfi”, which is a dairy-free chocolate sorbet flavor.
Address: 268 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
See a Family-Friendly Event at The New Victory Theater
The New Victory Theater is a theater that focuses on kids and families. The organization wants to make performing arts a part of everyone’s life from as early as possible.
Through the shows that take place at the theater, children can learn about new cultures, stories, and artists.
The New Victory is the oldest operating theater in the city, and it is the only theater in New York City that is completely dedicated to children and families.
The building in which you can find the theater was built in the year 1900, and you can find the theater at 209 West 42nd Street.
Throughout the year, hundreds of live performances take place at the venue, and these performances are very diverse and suitable for many ages.
Address: 209 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
Have Fun at Twinkle Playspace
The Twinkle Playspace is an indoor playspace that is located in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood. Going here is one of the best things to do in NYC with kids that are 6 years or younger.
At this place, children can have fun through many different types of exhibits that focus on many different topics.
For example, one of the exhibits at the Twinkle Playspace focuses on animals. Another fun exhibit is one that features a miniature version of a grocery store.
Keep in mind that if you want to go here, you need to make a reservation.
If your child likes to play at this place, it is possible to buy a play pass through which you can save money. For example, when you buy a 10-visit pass, you can save 75 dollars in total.
Address: 144 Frost St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Check Out the Disney Store
The Disney Store is a store that is located in Times Square. You can find the store at 1540 Broadway.
At the store, you can see all kinds of products related to the many Disney brands. From items related to Marvel to Lilo & Stihc stuffed animals to Star Wars products, there’s much you can find at the store.
There are clothes, games, toys, movies, and many other products for sale.
Even without buying any of the products, visiting the store makes for a fun experience. That’s because the store features beautiful and impressive Disney-related decor.
Address: 1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
Visit the Books of Wonder Children’s Bookstore
Books of Wonder is an independent children’s bookstore that you can find at 42 West 17th Street in the Chelsea neighborhood.
The bookstore is the oldest and largest children’s bookstore in New York City. It was founded in 1980 and has a large collection of the best books for children. You can also find vintage and rare books at Books of Wonder.
The bookstore is open every day of the week, so you can browse the books and buy books whenever you want.
In addition to that, lots of events take place at the bookstore that are fun for children to attend. For example, there are in-store storytime events, book launches, and lots of other events.
Address: 42 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011
See Animals at the Tisch Children’s Zoo
The Tisch Children’s Zoo is a zoo that you can find inside the Central Park Zoo, which is one of the best zoos in New York City. This part of the zoo is open year-round and you can go here with admission to the Main zoo.
The Tisch Children’s Zoo is home to a variety of farm animals and other species.
For example, you can see Mini-Nubian goats, baby doll sheep, and Patagonian cavies at this part of the zoo, among several other species of animals.
When you explore the Tisch Children’s Zoo, you can also explore the Main zoo, where you can find many other species of animals, including birds, snow leopards, penguins, red pandas, and many others.
The 4-D Theater is another fun place to check out at the zoo. At this movie theater, kids older than 6 can see a 3-D film and experience all kinds of sensory effects at the same time.
Keep in mind that when you want to go to the 4-D Theater, you need to have an advanced ticket.
Go to the National Museum of Mathematics
The National Museum of Mathematics is a fun museum that is geared towards children. You can find the museum at 225 Fifth Avenue. The museum is open every day of the week from 10 Am to 5 PM.
The museum is dedicated to mathematics, and it was the first museum of its kind in the United States. Through all kinds of fun and interactive exhibits, it wants to let the public understand mathematics.
One of the exhibits that you can find at the museum is the “Square-Wheeled Trike”, which is a tricycle that you can take a smooth ride on even though it has square wheels.
The “Mandala Math” is another interesting exhibit that you can find at the museum. You can create amazing mandalas at this place.
Children can also check out the “Self Reflections” exhibit, where they can create a symmetrical pattern with their own faces.
Lots of events take place at the museum that can be fun to attend for families, and there are events for all ages.
Address: 225 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
Go to a Family Event at One of the Branches of the New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is the public library system of the city and one of the largest public libraries in the world. It has locations across the city, and there are more than 90 locations in total. The boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn have their own library system, and there are no branches of the NYPL in those boroughs.
You can check out one of the branches of the library if you want to borrow a book that your child can read, or you can go to one of the events for families that take place at the library.
For example, there are storytime events, events during which children can play, workshops for kids, and many other types of events.
You can use the event calendar of the library to see if there’s an event that you can attend at the branch that want to go to.
Go to Chuck E. Cheese Brooklyn
You can find a location of the well-known Chuck E. Cheese chain restaurant in the city. There’s a location in Brooklyn on Flatbush Avenue that you can go to every day of the week.
At this place, children can play fun arcade games. There are many different types of games for all ages.
At the Brooklyn location, there’s also a trampoline park with many trampolines that are located next to each other. Keep in mind that children have to be under 52 inches to jump at the trampoline zone.
In addition to playing games and jumping on trampolines, children can have delicious pizza at Chuck E. Cheese. you can build your own pizza or choose one of the signature options. There are other food options too, including cookies, cakes, salads, and fries.
This is also great if you’re looking for things to do with kids in Brooklyn.
Address: 139 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Ride the SeaGlass Carousel
The SeaGlass Carousel is a carousel that is located in Battery Park City in Manhattan. This carousel has a fish theme and was opened in the year 2015.
The carousel has a fish theme because The Battery, where you can find the carousel, used to be the home of the New York Aquarium.
Riding the carousel is an amazing thing to do with kids in New York City. When you ride it, you’ll sit inside a colorful fish. Keep in mind that children under 42 inches tall need to ride the carousel while sitting on an adult’s lap.
The beautiful design, which features lights and sound, makes riding the carousel a fun experience.
Go to a Family Movie at Cobble Hill Cinemas
Cobble Hill Cinemas is a movie theater that you can find at 265 Court Street in Brooklyn. It is an independent movie theater with 5 screens in total.
You can go here to see the latest family movies, such as the latest animated movies.
The theater features a beautiful, old-school interior, and you can see a movie at this place for a low price.
Address: 265 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Attend a Family Event at The Guggenheim
The Guggenheim is a great museum in the city. The museum has a collection of impressionist, post-impressionist, modern, and contemporary art, that consists of about 8,000 works in total. The museum is located inside a building that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and you can find the museum on the Upper East Side.
When you want to visit this place with children, I recommend attending a family event at The Guggenheim.
There are various programs for kids, including workshops, and there are “Art After School” sessions for children who love art.
It is also possible to do an audio guide for kids.
Address: 1071 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128
Have Delicious Pancakes at the Westway Diner
Westway Diner is a classic diner that you can find at 614 9th Avenue. You can go here with your kids and enjoy delicious classic diner food, including great pancakes. This is one of the best restaurants for pancakes in New York City.
You can get pancakes and choose all the toppings that you want, including bananas, Nutella, ice cream, or something else. It is also possible to get walnut pancakes at Westway Diner.
Besides pancakes, you can get different types of crepes, waffles, omelets, salads, and many other food items, as well as various delicious drink options, including fresh fruit juice.
Address: 614 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036
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Things To Do in New York City With Kids Tips
For some of the activities that I mentioned in this article, you’ll need to buy a ticket in advance or make an advanced reservation in order to get in, such as when you want to visit the Twinkle Playspace.
Besides that, I also recommend making a reservation or buying a ticket in advance for the other things to do in NYC with kids that I mentioned if that’s possible. That way, you don’t have to wait in line with your children to buy a ticket.
For example, when you want to go to the One World Observatory, it’s better to buy tickets in advance to avoid having to wait in line to get tickets at the Box Office.
NYC Things To Do With Kids Map
I hope I helped you find a great family-friendly activity. Thank you for reading my guide to the best things to do with kids in NYC!