100+ Things to do in New York City with Kids in 2026 |

Are you looking for the best things to do in New York City with kids?

Besides the well-known tourist attractions, what is there to do in New York City with kids in 2026?

It is no secret that New York City is my favorite place. I lived in Brooklyn for 11 years and try to go back as often as I can.

Here is my list of more than 100 things to do in New York City in 2026 with kids of all ages, excluding places such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.

New York City is ever-changing, so check websites for prices and availability.

Is this everything available for kids in the 5 boroughs? Of course not! There are plenty of museums, restaurants, shops, and adventures that I did not list.

However, this list will keep you busy and will keep the kids happy for sure.

I did not include indoor playgrounds, mini-golf, escape rooms, movie theatres, and plenty of other fun places to check out with kids in New York City.

Keep reading to find more than 100 things to do in New York City with kids.

New York City with Kids 2026

Manhattan

Carousels in Manhattan

Le Carrousel in Bryant Park is a small carousel with 14 custom-built animals. Le Carrousel is open year-round, though the opening hours change depending on the month. Each ride can be purchased separately, or families can purchase a 10-ride card.

Chances are, you will spend some time in Central Park. The Central Park Carousel is open daily, year-round, depending on the weather. A ride on the Central Park Carousel is one of the cheapest things to do with kids in NYC.

Take a ride on one of 33 custom-designed Hudson Valley animals at the Hudson River Park carousel, also known as the Pier 62 carousel. Pier 62 is located right next to Chelsea Piers.

The Sea Glass Carousel in Battery Park is beautiful during the day or night. This carousel, made up of sea life, is open late every night.

Victoria Gardens is a little carnival in Central Park. It is located in Wollman Rink, so it is only open during the summer when there is no ice skating.

Etc. for Kids in Manhattan

The Color Factory is like an interactive museum. My daughter went at 5, and while she did not understand it all, she had a blast in some of the rooms. Each room is different with interactive photo ops, snacks, and activities. Entry is timed, but you can walk through as quickly or as slowly as you wish. The Color Factory is located in Soho.

The Edge is a different way to view the city. The highest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere, The Edge offers 360-degree views from 100 stories in the air from the Hudson Yards area of Manhattan. Book your observation deck ticket to The Edge in advance.

While not specifically for kids, The FRIENDS Experience is kid-friendly. My family visited the traveling exhibit in Melbourne, but it would be so much fun to visit it in the city where the show took place. The FRIENDS Experience NY is located near Gramercy Park.

Dreaming about the FRIENDS Experience but stuck at home?  Go on a virtual tour of 18 FRIENDS locations and play FRIENDS trivia.

Be sure to check their website for what is currently on at Governor’s Island. The small island is closest to Brooklyn, but very close to Manhattan. You can ride bikes, enjoy the playground, and check out current art exhibits. Depending on the time of year, Adventures may be open for ziplining and other activities on Governor’s Island.

The High Line may not seem that interesting for kids, but my kids love the chance to walk freely and not have to worry about intersections. The High Line begins at Gansevoort Street and ends at 34th Street on the west side of Manhattan. Multiple entry points lead up to The High Line.

Combine a few favorites and enjoy High Tea with Eloise at the Plaza Hotel.

Kids under 12 can order off the special Eloise menu, which includes subbing pink lemonade for tea if they’d rather.

High Tea at the Plaza, Eloise at the Plaza, High Tea with Kids in NYC

Find more places to have high tea in New York City.

Visit a factory in the Garment District on a 2-hour tour for ages 7+. Learn about NYC’s manufacturing industry and choose a tote bag or t-shirt to have personalized.

Kids 5+ can race through the water on a high-speed boat with the New York Harbor Speed Boat Ride. The ride includes views of the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge, among other landmarks, and the boat slows down so that riders can get amazing photos.

Talk through the Whispering Wall at Grand Central Terminal. Surprise your kids by talking into the wall and letting them listen from the other side. This secret wall is located outside the Oyster Bar.

Put your kids on a billboard in Times Square!  You can purchase a spot and your ad goes up for 15 seconds each hour for 24 hours!

Museums for Kids in Manhattan

For science lovers, head to the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side. The dinosaur exhibit is a favorite, as is the blue whale. There are many programs for families and children of all ages. Don’t leave without checking out the Hayden Planetarium. Purchase your tickets to the Museum of Natural History here.

Did you know that you can sleep over at the American Museum of Natural History and other unique locations in New York City?

Find the best Luxury Things to do with Kids in NYC!

Arcadia Earth calls itself “the first immersive augmented reality journey through planet Earth.” Arcadia Earth is located in Noho, and they recommend that children be 6+ to enter.

Artechouse is an immersive art space located in Chelsea that claims to be the “most technologically advanced art platform in the world.” Children of all ages are allowed in, though some exhibits are not recommended. Click here to purchase tickets to Artechouse.

For kids interested in American history, check out the Fraunces Tavern Museum and then have a meal at Fraunces Tavern, the restaurant.

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan not only has plenty of hands-on exhibits for children, but it also has workshops for children starting as young as 6 months old. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is located on the Upper West Side.

Have a child who is into fashion and design? Take them to the Cooper Hewitt Museum on the Upper East Side. They have school programs starting with kindergarten as well as family workshops and tours.

Have you thought about having a photo shoot while you are in New York City?  Check out NYC Photo Journeys to get matched with a professional photographer.  You can book a photo shoot or even a private tour + photo shoot throughout the day.

Use code MAKEMOREADVENTURES for $10 off.

Dimenna Children’s History Museum is part of the New York Historical Society and is geared towards children ages 8-13. The New York Historical Society is located right next to the American Museum of Natural History and Central Park on the Upper West Side.

Besides being a fun and interesting museum to walk around, the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum has lots of family programs. The museum itself is on and inside an aircraft carrier. Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum is located on Pier 86 in Hell’s Kitchen.

The Giant Room is based on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) and geared towards children 2-12. Located near Madison Square Park, The Giant Room offers both in-person and online workshops for kids.

It is easy to spend a day inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the Upper East Side, but you will want to plan your time, especially with smaller kids. Check out their art and music classes for children as young as 2. Outside of the MET, you can find Ancient Playground. If you have time, visit the Cloisters, which is included in your ticket. The Cloisters are located in Washington Heights and specialize in Medieval art and architecture. Click here to purchase your tickets to the MET.

For older children, there is the Morgan Library and Museum. Free Fridays take place at the Morgan Library and Museum each Friday evening.

Another museum for older children, especially those with an interest in design, is the Museum of Art and Design (MAD). MAD focuses on functional art and is located near Columbus Circle.

For all theatre lovers, the Museum of Broadway opened in 2022. Located in Times Square, the Museum of Broadway has behind-the-scenes information, Broadway history, and costumes and props that have been used in Broadway shows.

Older Broadway fans may enjoy a Haunted Broadway Theaters Walking Tour.

A whole Museum dedicated to Ice Cream?  The Museum of Ice Cream is an instagram lover's paradise, complete with slides, a ball pit, and of course, ice cream.

Book an after-hours tour for smaller crowds.

Museum of Ice Cream is located in SOHO.  Find out what to expect when you are there!

A museum dedicated to optical illusions? Check out the Museum of Illusions for fun for all ages. The Museum of Illusions is located on the border of Chelsea and the West Village.

Another one for the older kids, the Museum of Jewish Heritage offers tours, screenings, and many types of education in addition to its permanent collection. The Museum of Jewish Heritage is located in Battery Park in Lower Manhattan.

The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) has tours and workshops for kids. Check out their family programs here, and click here to purchase tickets. MOMA is located in Midtown Manhattan.

Free for children of all ages, the Museum of the City of New York has many programs and events for families. Save your sticker for free entry to El Museo Del Barrio. The Museum of the City of NY is located near the top of Central Park on the west side.

El Museo del Barrio is near the Museum of the City of New York, and you can get in free with your entrance sticker. They have family programs. El Museo del Barrio focuses on Latino art and history.

The National Museum of Mathematics is an entirely hands-on museum based on math. The museum has workshops and year-round programs, which you can find here. The National Museum of Mathematics is located next to Madison Square Park.

The New Museum offers Family Day, a free program for families with kids between the ages of 4 and 12. Children under 18 are always admitted into the New Museum for free.

The NYC Fire Museum focuses on the history of firefighting. They have fire safety tours for children. The NYC Fire Museum is located near The Color Factory in Soho.

For older kids who are interested in Asian art, head to The Rubin Museum in Chelsea.

A museum dedicated to slime? The Sloomoo Institute is a child’s dream. Get your tickets now!

Not sure what to expect at Sloomoo Institute? Read our guide!

Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art and Storytelling is aimed at children 3-8. In addition to the permanent exhibits, there are art classes, story hours, playdates, and neighborhood events.

Want to be a spy? Check out Spyscape for many fun challenges and visit their museum of secrets in Midtown. My kids loved playing in the spy challenge rooms.

Step back in time and learn about how life used to be at the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side. Way more than just a regular museum, each tour is guided through an old tenement building. Sign up in advance, as space is limited and tours often sell out.

Sometimes you don’t want to go to a children’s museum, but you want to make sure the kids are entertained. The Whitney Museum of American Art has great programs for families who want to learn about and make art. The Whitney Museum of American Art is located in the Meatpacking District on the west side of Manhattan.

Fly over New York City on RiseNY. After a museum visit to learn about fashion, Broadway, music, TV, and movies that take place in New York City, you go on an actual ride that makes you feel like you are flying over the city. RiseNY is located in Times Square and is fun for kids and adults. Find out what to expect at RiseNY.

If you have a kid who loves magnetic blocks, you have to stop at Genius Gems in Chelsea. You can purchase play time in sessions, and it includes more magnetic blocks than you can imagine, all organized by shape, size, and color. Kids can free-build or follow patterns.

The American Folk Art Museum doesn’t currently have workshops for children, but entry is free. They do have workshops for school field trips. The American Folk Art Museum is located near Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side.

Sports for Kids in Manhattan

A lot of people ice skating in Central Park, buildings in the background

Ice Skating in the winter is a well-known activity in NYC, but there are places to take the kids other than Rockefeller Center, which can get crowded. Bryant Park has an ice skating rink in their winter village. Wollman Rink in Central Park has gorgeous city views, and it is larger than the rink at Rockefeller Center.

If you are looking for more places to go ice skating with kids in New York City, check out Things to do in December in NYC.

Chelsea Piers has just about every type of sport you want. Kids will love the batting cages and driving range, plus they have ice skating and bowling. Check their site for a full list of current sports offerings.

Hudson River Park has it all. Biking, boating, basketball, and even trapezing.

Trapeze School New York offers classes for 6 and up. There are also 3 playgrounds at Hudson River Park. We love the Science Playground at Pier 26.

Stores for Kids in Manhattan

The American Girl Doll store in Midtown is so much more than just a place to buy dolls. Of course, you can buy a new American Girl Doll complete with new clothes and accessories, but they also have art workshops, a restaurant where you can eat with your doll, and a spa for kids and their dolls.

My favorite store for kids, CAMP, is near Union Square. While the store has changed, they still have a lot of fun merchandise, most of which has a NYC theme. You can also sign up younger kids for a workshop behind a secret door. Older kids can enjoy the slime bar.

Dylan’s Candy Bar will have you feeling like a kid in a candy store. You can find just about every kind of sweet at Dylan’s, and the shop is fun to walk around in. Some of their shops have dessert cafes located inside (currently at Hudson Yards).

If you want the candy, but not all of the extras, check out Economy Candy on the Lower East Side. This shop has a wide variety of candies, including hard-to-find items. Economy Candy has a smaller shop at Chelsea Market.

New York City has an entire multi-level store dedicated to M&Ms. Kids (and adults, of course) can choose from many flavors of M&Ms and even fill a bag by color at M&M World.

Hershey’s Chocolate World is also in Times Square. Kids can stuff their own Reese’s cup or pick up bulk chocolate and other treats.

The Harry Potter flagship store is now open near Madison Square Park. You no longer need a reservation and can pop in! They have a cafe along with a multi-level shop.

Little gamers and teenagers will love the Nintendo Store in Rockefeller Plaza. In addition to loads of merchandise, you can play games and even participate in tournaments sometimes.

Have kids who love Pokémon? Head to Poke Court near Chelsea Market.

There are 2 LEGO Stores in NYC, one in Midtown and one in the Flatiron District. The store in Rockefeller Center is the larger shop and is filled with interactive LEGO exhibits.

Of course, don’t forget about FAO Schwartz! Though this store has been through changes, even closing at one point, it is once again open and located at Rockefeller Center. Interactive experiences at FAO Schwartz include a slime customization center, a bracelet BaubleBar, Build a Bear, the Jellycat Diner, Style a Barbie, My FAO doll, a stuffed bunny embroidery center, custom Funko Pops or Monster Pops, and of course, dancing on the large piano a la Big.

Wander through a bookstore. My favorite is Housingworks, which is where I got married. My kids love to stop in and read while we are in the city. Other great options are The Strand (especially for teens, and as seen in Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares) and Books of Wonder.

Performing Arts

For a list of all current and upcoming Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, check Playbill.com. Theatres have age limits depending on the show. Playbill offers discounts for subscribers. If there is a particular show you want to see, join their mailing list as discounts are often announced via email.

What kid doesn’t like bubbles? The Gazillion Bubble Show is a 60-minute show filled with lights, bubbles, and lots of fun.

For lovers of ballet, check out what is currently on at the David H. Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center. Of course, Lincoln Center is well known, but it is great for those who want to see a show, not necessarily a Broadway show.

The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre is located in Central Park. They offer shows and workshops, and you can even rent out the theatre for a birthday party.

Transportation in Manhattan

If your kids are taller than 40 inches (102cm), they can go on The Beast Speedboat Ride. The Beast is a fun way to enjoy a 30-minute boat ride down the Hudson River, but you will get wet. What a fun way to view the city and see the Statue of Liberty.

Take a tram to Roosevelt Island for the price of a subway ride. Being on Roosevelt Island feels like leaving Manhattan. Walk around, go to lunch, and enjoy the views. The tram to Roosevelt Island leaves from 59th Street and 2nd Avenue.

One of the few free things to do in NYC is the Staten Island Ferry. My kids like to take the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty.

Lanie’s Tips: Go on the right side of the ferry on the way to Staten Island and the left side on the way back. Before you get to Staten Island, make your way to the front of the boat so that you are one of the first people off the boat. Walk quickly to the ferry going back to Manhattan, or you will have to wait for the next ferry to arrive.

Walking Tours for Kids in Manhattan

While wandering is always recommended, it is also nice to join a tour and learn about a neighborhood or a period of time. Age recommendations vary based on the type of tour, but generally, tours are geared toward older kids and adults. Reservations are needed for walking tours.

AmazingCo has a variety of Mystery Picnic and Mystery Food Walk locations in Manhattan. There is no guide, and you need a phone to solve clues to find out where to go next. The picnic has your family picking up supplies for a picnic, while the food walk has you stopping in restaurants.

For older kids, the Accomplice is a scavenger hunt, interactive show, and walking tour combined. I don’t want to give too much away, but having been on 3 of their tours, I can highly recommend Accomplice for a fun day for everything. There is a decent amount of walking, so come prepared. Don’t worry if you do not understand what exactly is happening, that is the idea! It will all come together in the end.

Big Onion tours are typically 2 hours long, and all ages can join in. If you are interested in a certain neighborhood or event in history, chances are Big Onion has a tour for you.

For those of us who love the theatre, Broadway Up Close has walking tours every day of the week. You can learn about the beginning of Broadway, famous theatres and shows, and even take a ghost tour. Broadway Up Close has a Hamilton-specific tour (of course) where you can visit famous locations and learn behind-the-scenes stories.

Purchase Hamilton Musical Walking Tour tickets

Kids of all ages are invited to attend Free Tours by Foot. Some locations make strollers impossible. Tours are offered for free all over Manhattan.

Visit the Graffiti Hall of Fame and the Museum of the City of NY on the Upper East Side on this 2-hour Hip Hop Tour for all ages.

Madison Square Garden All Access Tours last 75 minutes and take you behind the scenes of this famous arena and sports venue. Guests get to visit a luxury suite, learn about the history of the arena, and view backstage.

Have a child who loves old movies and television shows? NYC TV and Movie Location tours have both bus and walking tours. Some focus on a specific show or movie, while others focus on an area like Central Park. There is even a holiday-specific tour from November to January and a Superhero tour for kids 6+.

Love Superheros?  Take a bus tour or a walking tour to see the top spots where Superhero TV shows movies were filmed.

Kids love scavenger hunts, and Watson Adventures has amazing hunts through neighborhoods, museums, zoos, and parks. Some of their hunts are specifically for children, while others are geared toward grown-ups.

Go on a scavenger hunt through Central Park.

There are so many great food tours in NYC. I have found that you can’t really go wrong with a food tour. They are a great way to see a neighborhood and try a bunch of food. Like most tours, these aren’t geared for kids. I usually suggest these tours for babies and teens, but not in between. Here are the tour companies that I have taken and recommended.

Foods of NY, some of the tours offer children’s tickets for kids under 12. Foods of NY offers my favorite food tours, especially for those who have never taken one before.
Ahoy NY Tours and Tasting focuses on Chinatown and Little Italy. Check their FAQ for suggestions on what ages to bring on various tours. The recommendation changes with each tour.
Secret Food Tours are free for kids under 2, and they say to bring the whole family. Obviously, you decide if a food tour is right for your kids.

Would you rather take a cupcake tour or a donut tour?  There is even a donut tour in Brooklyn.

Some of my favorite companies are no longer running, and there seem to be new food tour companies out all of the time. Read the FAQ and see if the tour you want to go on is appropriate for children. My kids can handle a shorter tour, but not one that runs half of a day.

Zoos in Manhattan

The Central Park Zoo is a small zoo on the edge of Central Park.

Brooklyn

Carousels in Brooklyn

Jane’s Carousel must be the carousel with the best views. Located by the Brooklyn Bridge, all ages can ride this beautiful carousel for just $2 a ride.

The Prospect Park Carousel is open seasonally and costs $3 per ride.

Looking for a family-friendly hotel in Brooklyn?  Find out where to stay in Brooklyn with kids.

ETC. for Kids in Brooklyn

coney island cyclone — Cyclone wooden roller coaster in Coney Island, Brooklyn

Luna Park at Coney Island is an old amusement park. Ride the Cyclone, eat a hot dog at Nathan’s, and take a walk on the boardwalk.

Want to go to Brooklyn but not sure what to do? Check out Industry City in Sunset Park. They have family events on summer Saturdays and plenty of events year-round.

See what classes are currently being offered at Milk Bar. They are back to hosting public classes as well as private classes. Children are allowed to join in. I made a cake at a Milk Bar class.

Gardens for Kids in Brooklyn

Brooklyn Botanic Gardens is a beautiful place to wander. They have a discovery garden and lots of gardening workshops for kids. Brooklyn Botanic Gardens is located by Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum.

Don't want to spend a lot?  There are plenty of free things to do in Brooklyn with kids!

Museums for Kids In Brooklyn

Brooklyn Children’s Museum is located in Crown Heights. There are both indoor and outdoor exhibits, as well as art classes in their color lab.

Also located in Crown Heights, the Brooklyn Jewish Children’s Museum is set up like a general hands-on children’s museum, but is also a great way to learn about and explore Jewish life.

It depends on what exhibits are currently on, but usually, the Brooklyn Museum is for older kids. I have taken middle schoolers to a few exhibits, including Ancient Egypt. The Brooklyn Museum is located near a bunch of different neighborhoods, including Prospect Heights, Park Slope, and Flatbush. It is near the north end of Prospect Park.

Do you have a kid who loves trains? Go to the New York Transit Museum. They have a group called Transit Tots aimed at kids under 5, plus school holiday workshops and family workshops. The Transit Museum is located in Downtown Brooklyn. Find out what to expect at the NY Transit Museum.

Don't let the rain ruin your day, there are plenty of fun things to do in Brooklyn when it's raining.

Performing Arts for Kids in Brooklyn

Located near Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Academy of Music- BAM has a large variety of workshops, films, and live performances. Be sure to see what is currently on for kids at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Brooklyn Children’s Theatre has a musical theater for children, by children in Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood.

Shops for Kids in Brooklyn

A writing studio and tutoring center is disguised as the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Shop and is located in Park Slope. Come in and enjoy all of the fun superhero supplies at the front of the shop, or see if there is a workshop running in the back.

Find Unique Things to do in Brooklyn, New York + Unique Brooklyn Accomodations.

Sports for Kids in Brooklyn

Want to see a baseball game, but don’t want to pay for a Yankees or Mets game? Check out the Brooklyn Cyclones, a minor-league team of the Mets that plays in Coney Island.

Watch a Nets basketball game at Barclays Center.

A place to play with gorgeous city views, Brooklyn Bridge Park has it all. Spread over multiple piers, you can play sports such as bocce, bouldering, and basketball. There are water sports and playgrounds.

Depending on the season, you can go roller skating or ice skating at Lakeside Center at Prospect Park. You can rent a paddleboat or a bike for up to 6 people. My kids love riding the Surrey bikes as a family, but you can also rent a kid’s trailer and a bicycle to ride through the park.

Walking Tours for Kids in Brooklyn

More of a self-guided tour, Amazing Co has a mystery picnic in Brooklyn. The mystery picnic includes puzzles and clues to solve to figure out where to pick up supplies for your picnic, and then a perfect spot to sit down and enjoy your goodies.

Big Onion offers tours across the Brooklyn Bridge and in various Brooklyn neighborhoods.

If you are looking to explore a neighborhood in Brooklyn, but don’t want to go alone, head out on a Free Tours by Foot. Tours are geared towards adults and teens. Their Bushwick, Graffiti, and Street Art tour looks like a great way to see a neighborhood you probably wouldn’t walk around alone. If you are around during the holidays, check out their Dyker Heights Christmas Lights tour.

Free Tours by Foot also has food tours! They currently offer a pay-what-you-wish tour of Williamsburg.

Head out on a Street Art Graffiti Tour of Brooklyn and then take a Brooklyn Graffiti class where you design your own canvas to bring home.

Watson Adventures offers scavenger hunts in Brooklyn. At this point, they are only offering private tours, but check back-they have fun hunts of various neighborhoods and museums. They have a kid-specific scavenger hunt at the Brooklyn Museum, and I am sure the kids would love to complete a scavenger hunt at Coney Island.

Zoos in Brooklyn

Prospect Park Zoo is a great size for younger kids. Besides the animals, there is a great section for kids to play in. Workshops are available for kids.

30 Fun Things to do in Park Slope, Brookyn with Kids

Queens

Gardens in Queens

Queens Botanical Gardens has year-round family workshops, classes, and special events. The gardens are located in Downtown Flushing.

Museums for Kids in Queens

MOMA PS1 is free for children 16 and under and is located in Long Island City, Queens.

In Astoria, the Museum of the Moving Image is perfect for television and movie lovers. They have family tours, movies, and special events.

The very first field trip I went on as a teacher was to the New York Hall of Science in Corona, Queens. Their outdoor playground is so much fun for kids. From a 3D theatre to mini-golf to all kinds of workshops and exhibits, the NY Hall of Science is a great place for kids.

Queens County Farm Museum is another place I used to take 7th graders on a field trip. They offer many great workshops for kids. City kids don’t often see farm animals, and the Queens County Farm Museum, located in the Glen Oaks neighborhood, is a great place to learn about life on a farm without leaving the city. Check their events, especially in the fall. Many free events are happening.

Queens Museum has family workshops on Saturdays. Queens Museum is located next to the NY Hall of Science and the Queens Zoo.

Sports for Kids in Queens

Of course, you can watch a baseball game at Citi Field, but you can also take your little sports fan on a tour of the stadium.

Walking Tours for Kids in Queens

Check back soon, Amazing Co is about to offer a Mystery Picnic in Queens. Just like their locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, the mystery picnic has you solving clues to find ingredients for a picnic.

Zoos in Queens

Queens Zoo has animals from North and South America. They offer special events for families, like pajama storytime and scientists in training.

The Bronx

Gardens in the Bronx

The New York Botanical Gardens not only have beautiful gardens to explore, but they also have family workshops starting at age 2. Scavenger Hunts are always available. If you are around for the holidays, they have a fantastic train exhibit.

Wave Hill is a beautiful garden open year-round with workshops available for all ages. Check out their performing arts schedule to see what is on during your visit. Wave Hill is located in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx.

Museums for Kids in the Bronx

The Bronx Children’s Museum has both a museum building and a traveling bus. The Bronx Children’s Museum is located next to Yankee Stadium.

Sports for Kids in the Bronx

Go see a Yankees baseball game at Yankee Stadium, and/or take a tour of the stadium.

Kids 7 and up can climb up high and zipline through the trees at Bronx Zoo Treetop Adventure. You do not need to purchase a ticket to the zoo to participate.

Zoos in the Bronx

The Bronx Zoo is probably the most famous of the zoos in NYC. It is also the largest. Besides all of the animals, families can go ziplining at Treetop Adventures. You can also book a behind-the-scenes adventure with a wide variety of animals.

Staten Island

Snug Harbor and Cultural Center has it all in one location. Take the Staten Island Ferry over and transfer to a bus. Directions can be found here. Each of the following is located at Snug Harbor and Cultural Center.

Gardens in Staten Island

Snug Harbor Botanical Garden is one of the things you can find at Snug Harbor and Cultural Center. Whether you are just visiting the gardens or plan to visit multiple things in the area, Snug Harbor Botanical Gardens is a pretty place to wander with kids.

Museums for Kids in Staten Island

There are several museums at Snug Harbor Cultural Center (and you can find them all by clicking on the link above), but I am only going to list the ones to visit with children.

The Staten Island Museum is better for older children. They do have special family events occasionally.

Staten Island’s Children’s Museum is a fun place for younger kids to play.

Zoos in Staten Island

Staten Island Zoo has fun family events all year round.

What Else Is There to Do in NYC with Kids in 2026?

I know there are many other amazing things to do with kids in New York City. If you know of something that I did not add, please let me know!

Of course, I can not add every single thing there is to do in New York City with kids, but hopefully, there are items you have not yet heard of or thought about visiting.

Maybe something on this list has closed. New York City is ever-changing. Please let me know, and I will make a note of it.

This list will be updated as things always change in New York City.

Organizing Your Trip

I like to save what I want to do on Google Maps on my phone. That way it is easy to see where things are located and how far away they are from each other.

You can test out how long it will take you to walk, drive, or take public transportation, but of course, beware that it could always be longer based on the time of day.

It is good to get a sense of how far apart things are.

I tag the shops and restaurants I want to go to as well.

Of course, it is fun to just wander, but if there is something around the corner that I had wanted to check out, it is nice to see that it is there instead of me forgetting about it.

Usually, there are more things on my list than time in the day, so we do what we can. I do not know one person who has seen and done everything in New York City (much less with kids) and believe me, I try!

New York City is made up of 5 boroughs.

Generally, when we think about New York City, we think of Manhattan.

With limited time, most people stay in Manhattan during their visits to NYC, but I am organizing by borough just in case you want to explore even more of New York City.

Family Friendly NYC (or Not)

Many of these locations are small and do not allow strollers.

Check ahead to make sure that you can bring in backpacks and strollers if that is your plan.

Sometimes it is worth calling ahead to see if they make exceptions.

Don’t expect most restaurants to have changing tables.

Not all subway stations have elevators. Depending on where you are going, it may be easier to take a bus so that you do not have to go up and down a lot of stairs with small children.

New York City can be a tough place to take the kids, but it is worth it. I suggest you pack light each day and only bring what you need.

Family Friendly Transportation

The Subway is usually the quickest mode of transportation in NYC.

An OMNI card works on all subway lines and bus lines, but you can also just tap your credit card. Everyone should have their own card, as there is a max spend per week.

Children do not need to be in a car seat in a taxi in NYC (but of course, you can bring your car seat).

I stay away from cabs when traveling with kids. The one time I took one (late at night, after the 8 p.m. show of Frozen the Musical), my then 5-year-old sat in a Mifold. I much prefer the subway.

A fun way to get around all 5 boroughs is a water taxi.

When I have the kids and don’t want to take public transportation, I use a car service. There are plenty of car service options that will include a car seat for an additional price. I have used Eastern and Arecibo, which you can book online in advance.

NYC with Kids FAQ

Where can I take my child for fun in NYC?

Read the list above of more than 100 places you can take your child for fun in NYC! Depending on their interest and which part of NYC they are visiting, there are plenty of parks, museums, shops, shows, and tours that are geared towards children of all ages.

Is New York City child-friendly?

While many activities in New York City are child-friendly, it is not necessarily easy to get around NYC with kids.

Not every subway station has an elevator, which makes bringing a stroller difficult for those taking public transportation. Most visitors plan to do a lot of walking, which is why they prefer to bring a stroller for younger kids.

While car seats are not required in cabs in NYC, for safety reasons, they are recommended.

Many of the bathrooms in New York City are small and do not include changing facilities.

What part of New York City is kid-friendly?

Some of the more kid-friendly neighborhoods include the Upper West Side in Manhattan and Park Slope in Brooklyn.

How many days do you need in NYC with kids?

Plan for a minimum of 3 days when visiting New York City, though there are definitely enough attractions to warrant a longer trip.