100+ Things to do in New York City with Kids (2024)
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 2024?
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.
I wrote a post about our favorite things to do with kids in NYC, but new things are showing up each day.
Here is my list of more than 100 things to do in New York City in 2024 with kids of all ages, not including things like 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 when you are in New York City.
Keep reading to find more than 100 things to do in New York City with kids.
Looking to see it all in a limited amount of time? Purchase a Go City Pass with options to see some of the NYC highlights as well as unique things to do in the city.
New York City with Kids 2024
Manhattan
Carousels in Manhattan
#1 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.
#2 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 cheap things to do with kids in NYC.
#3 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.
#4 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.
#5 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
#6 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.
#7 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.
#8 While not specifically for kids, The FRIENDS Experience is kid-friendly. I would love to visit the FRIENDS experience, and while I am sure my kids wouldn’t be as excited, there is plenty for them to do. I know a 2-year-old who enjoyed a few of the exhibits, like the foosball table and poking Ugly Naked Guy with a stick. 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.
#9 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 as well. 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.
#10 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.
#11 Combine a few favorites and enjoy High Tea with Eloise at the Plaza Hotel. Kids under 12 are able to order off of the special Eloise menu which includes subbing pink lemonade for tea if they’d rather.
Find more places to have high tea in New York City.
#12 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.
#13 Looking for a different type of bus tour? Check out The Ride. Currently, 3 different tours are available. The Tour is open for all ages while The Ride and The Downtown Experience are aimed at children 6+. The Ride is a fun way for kids to experience New York City.
#14 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 Brooklyn Bridge among other landmarks, and the boat slows down so that riders can get amazing photos.
Museums for Kids in Manhattan
#15 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.
#16 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 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!
#17 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.
#18 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.
#19 For kids who are interested in American history, check out the Fraunces Tavern Museum and then have a meal at Fraunces Tavern the restaurant.
#20 Children’s Museum of Manhattan not only has plenty of hands-on exhibits for children, but they also have workshops for children starting as young as 6 months old. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is located on the Upper West Side.
#21 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 and currently have a virtual self-guided tour for K-12.
#22 Dimenna Children’s History Museum is part of the New York Historical Society and is geared towards children ages 8-13. New York Historical Society is located right next to the American Museum of Natural History and Central Park on the Upper West Side.
#23 Besides just being a fun and interesting museum to walk around, the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum have 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.
Book discount tickets to Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum with Get Your Guide.
#24 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.
#25 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.
#26 For older children, there is the Morgan Library and Museum. Free Fridays take place at Morgan Library and Museum each Friday evening.
#27 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 by Columbus Circle
#28 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.
#29 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.
#30 A museum dedicated to optical illusions? Check out the Museum of Illusions for fun with all ages. The Museum of Illusions is located on the border of Chelsea and the West Village.
#31 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.
#32 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.
#33 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 entrance to El Museo Del Barrio. The Museum of the City of NY is located near the top of Central Park on the west side.
#34 El Museo del Barrio is near the Museum of the City of New York and you can get in free with your entrance sticker. *Check before going, things change.* They have family programs. El Museo del Barrio focuses on Latino art and history.
#35 The National Museum of Mathematics is an entire 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.
#36 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.
#37 NYC Fire Museum focuses on the history of firefighting. They have fire safety tours for children. NYC Fire Museum is located near The Color Factory in Soho.
#38 For older kids who are interested in Asian art, head to The Rubin Museum in Chelsea.
#39 A museum dedicated to slime? The Sloomoo Institute is a child’s dream. It recently opened in Soho. Get your tickets now!
#40 Sony Wonder Technology Lab is a free, hands-on museum in the middle of Manhattan. While it is ever-changing, I used to bring classes of middle school students here and I would say it is best for tweens and teens. Sony Wonder Tech Lab is temporarily closed.
#41 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.
#42 Want to be a spy? Check out Spyscape for many fun challenges and visit their museum of secrets in Midtown.
#43 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.
#44 Sometimes you just don’t want to go to a children’s museum, but you want to make sure the kids are entertained. Whitney Museum of American Art has great programs for families who want to learn about and make art. Whitney Museum of American Art is located in the Meatpacking District on the west side of Manhattan.
Sports for Kids in Manhattan
#45 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.
#46 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.
#47 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.
Stores for Kids in Manhattan
#48 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.
#49 My favorite store for kids, CAMP, has multiple locations (2 in Manhattan, 1 in Brooklyn). Each store has a different theme and the theme changes throughout the year. Go behind a secret door and discover the most fun kid’s store around. There are free interactive areas for kids to play as well as workshops offered. If you are in need of a gift for a child, CAMP is your store. Be sure to check out what theme each store is currently offering as well as what programs will be offered during your visit.
#50 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. Some of their shops have dessert cafes located inside (currently at Hudson Yards).
#51 If you just 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 items that are hard to find.
#52 The Harry Potter flagship store is now open near Madison Square Park. It isn’t as simple as just walking in, so check out their website for information on how to get your reservation.
Performing Arts
#53 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.
#54 What kid doesn’t like bubbles? The Gazillion Bubble Show is a 60-minute show filled with lights, bubbles, and lots of fun.
#55 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, but not necessarily a Broadway show.
#56 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
#57 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.
#58 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.
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 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.
#59 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.
#60 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.
#61 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.
#62 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.
Click here to purchase Hamilton Musical Walking Tour tickets.
#63 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.
#64 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.
#65 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.
#66 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+.
#67 Love Superheros? Take a bus tour or a walking tour to see the top spots where Superhero TV shows movies were filmed.
#68 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 grownups.
#69 Go on a scavenger hunt through Central Park
#70 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 offer 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 could probably handle a shorter tour, but not one that ran half of a day.
Zoos in Manhattan
#71 The Central Park Zoo is a small zoo on the edge of Central Park.
New York City with Kids 2024
Brooklyn
Carosauls in Brooklyn
#72 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.
Looking for a family-friendly hotel in Brooklyn? Find out where to stay in Brooklyn with kids.
ETC. for Kids in Brooklyn
#74 Luna Park at Coney Island is an old amusement park. Ride the Cyclone, eat a hotdog at Nathan’s, and take a walk on the boardwalk.
#75 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.
#76 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.
Gardens for Kids in Brooklyn
#73 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
#77 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.
#78 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.
#79 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.
#80 Do you have a kid who loves trains? Go to the New York Transit Museum. While most of their programs are currently virtual, they do have a group called Transit Tots aimed at kids under 5. The Transit Museum is located in Downtown Brooklyn
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
#81 Located near Barclay’s 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.
#82 Brooklyn Children’s Theatre has a musical theater for children, by children in Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood.
Shops for Kids in Brooklyn
#83 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
#84 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 play in Coney Island.
#85 Watch a Nets basketball game at Barclay’s Center.
#86 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.
#87 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
#88 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.
#89 Big Onion offers tours across the Brooklyn Bridge and in various Brooklyn neighborhoods.
#90 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.
#91 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.
#92 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
#93 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
New York City with Kids 2024
Queens
Gardens in Queens
#94 Queens Botanical Gardens has year-round family workshops, classes, and special events. The gardens are located by Downtown Flushing.
Museums for Kids in Queens
#95 MOMA PS1 is free for children 16 and under and is located in Long Island City, Queens.
#96 In Astoria, the Museum of the Moving Image is perfect for television and movie lovers. They have family tours, movies, and special events.
#97 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.
#98 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.
#99Queens 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
#100 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
#101 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
#102 Queens Zoo has animals from North and South America. They offer special events for families like pajama storytime and scientists in training.
New York City with Kids 2024
The Bronx
Gardens in the Bronx
#103 New York Botanic 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.
#104 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
#105 Bronx Children’s Museum has both a museum building and a traveling bus. Bronx Children’s Museum is located next to Yankee Stadium.
Sports for Kids in the Bronx
#106 Go see a Yankees baseball game at Yankee Stadium, and/or take a tour of the stadium.
#107 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
#108 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.
New York City with Kids 2024
Staten Island
#109 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
#110 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.
#111 Staten Island Museum is better for older children. They do have special family events occasionally.
#112 Staten Island’s Children’s Museum is a fun place for younger kids to play.
Zoos in Staten Island
#113 Staten Island Zoo has fun family events all year round.
What Else Is There to Do in NYC with Kids in 2024?
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.
- Fun Things to Do in Park Slope and Prospect Park with Kids
- The Best of NYC with Kids
- The NYC Luxury Bucket List with Kids
- Unique Off-the-Beaten-Path Tours of 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.
A Metro card works on all subway lines and bus lines.
Check out the prices for multiple days to see if it is worth getting a week pass or a month pass instead of paying per ride.
I often get a week pass even if I will not be in New York City for the whole week as it works out to be cheaper than paying per ride.
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
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 you are visiting, there are plenty of parks, museums, shops, shows, and tours that are geared towards children of all ages.
While many of the 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.
Some of the more kid-friendly neighborhoods include the Upper West Side in Manhattan and Park Slope in Brooklyn.
Plan for a minimum of 3 days when visiting New York City, though there are definitely enough attractions to warrant a longer trip.