Things to Do With Kids in New York City - Must-Visit Spots

Emily N:  Historic Richmond Town is definitely worth a visit for a truly historic experience. The town takes you back to the 16th and 17th century with original homes and buildings on over 50 acres of land. Kids will love the "Toys!" exhibit where they can see what children played with throughout history!

Cost: $8/adults, $5-6/child, kids under 4 are free.

Nancy L.:  Some of the best things to do in NYC with kids are completely free! With all the hustle and bustle in New York City, it's easy to forget that Manhattan is an island. To see some of the best views of this unique island, take a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry. It's run by the City of New York for use by commuters and residents. This five-mile, 25-minute trip offers amazing views of New York Harbor, The Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. It leaves from Whitehall Terminal in lower Manhattan and goes to the St. George Terminal in Staten Island. To really enjoy this ride, avoid rush hour.

Nancy L.:  Was someone in your family one of the 12 million immigrants who passed through Ellis Island from 1892 to 1954? For many of us, the answer is yes! A tour of Ellis Island is an educational and eye-opening activity for families in NYC that allows you to step into the shoes of these newly-arrived Americans. Ellis Island can only be accessed through a ferry service and the voyage is usually combined with a trip to the Statue of Liberty. Statue Cruises is the official ferry operator for both locations.

Nancy L.:  Governors Island has military beginnings with the colonial militia in 1755. It became a major headquarters for the U.S. Army and Coast Guard and was one of the longest continually operating military installations in the U.S. until it closed in 1996. Now it's a beautiful park and national monument filled with family-friendly activities. Try the Slide Hill, bike paths, and play areas. Tour Castle Williams, Fort Jay, and the National Historic Landmark District. Access the island by ferry from lower Manhattan or Brooklyn.

Battery Park City's Teardrop Park offers plenty of spots to explore, with the play area built into a serene natural setting. A long slide is accessed by climbing up a rocky path, there are sand and water play areas, and plenty of nooks to climb and discover.

Alexandra F.:  If you're only going to go to the top of one of NYC's very tall buildings for that incredible view of the city, I'd recommend doing it here. My daughter and I were really impressed by the whole experience, including the phenomenal view from the observation deck, the truly awesome animation on the elevator ride taking you through a visual history of NYC's development, and the opportunity to see the 9/11 Memorial at the ground level. A definite must-do activity in NYC, with kids or without.

Amanda Banta:  Your little ones can imagine themselves on Stuart Little's sailing adventure when they guide model boats around the pond featured in E.B. White's classic chapter book for kids. The Conservatory Water offers model boat rentals, story time, and outdoor seating in the warm months and free public ice skating in the winter. Nearby are the famous literary sculptures Alice in Wonderland and Hans Christian Anderson, both erected in the 1950s. Take a break from the lightning fast pace of the city, pick up some light refreshments from the cafe and settle on a bench to watch the Saturday morning boat races.

Joni Monacell:  This is a fun family activity that allows you to see NYC from the water at a very reasonable rate! Leaving from Wall Street, Pier 11 or East 34th Street in Midtown, NYC Ferry offers numerous ferry rides to Rockaway and various parts of Brooklyn and Queens. Children under 44 inches traveling with an adult ride free.

The High Line is one of the world's first and few elevated linear parks, built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. Families can enjoy the many food vendors along the way, beautiful greenery, and family programs, as well as playgrounds and water features.

Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6 has several unique playgrounds that are all worth checking out. Swing Valley has 10 swing sets (for kids of all ages) and Tarzan ropes. Sandbox Village boasts an enormous sandbox. Slide Mountain area has jungle gyms and two-story slides and Water Lab is a kid favorite for its water jet design.

Nancy L.:  John's of Bleecker Street has been serving some of the best coal-fired brick oven pizza in Greenwich Village since 1929. But you'll have to sit down at one of their classic wooden booth to enjoy the full experience because one of the hallmarks of John's is there are "no slices."

Kelly R:  Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse offers free 20 minute kayaking sessions at their protected embayment between Piers 1 and 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park throughout the summer season. Participants are outfitted in a life vest and receive a kayaking primer before paddling out into a protected area. Kids age 14-17 can kayak on their own with an adult present, and kids under 14 can ride with an adult in a double kayak. They also offer a special Kids and Family Paddle program on Sundays over the summer. Reservations required.

Nancy L.:  A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is a beautiful way to spend the day as a family in NYC. This is a completely free activity and it will lead to you to nearby parks on both the Manhattan side or the Brooklyn side. If you start on the Manhattan side, you'll be right near City Hall Park. Once you cross the bridge into Brooklyn side you can walk to Brooklyn Bridge Park or a bit further to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. The walk across the bridge is a little more than a mile. There is plenty of people watching along the way and this will allow you to really enjoy the city like a native.

Stephanie W.:  Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk is an absolute must on your family's NYC bucket list! It boasts 3 miles of sandy beaches, a delightful boardwalk to stroll down, and of course, Luna Park which has loads of classic carnival rides and roller coasters. Enjoy a Nathan's hot dog, lounge on the beach, take a dip in the water, and have a perfect beach day at Coney Island! Check out yearly Friday night fireworks during the summer, and off-season activities as well, such as the New York Aquarium - all accessible just a subway ride from Manhattan!

Washington Square Park is home to three playgrounds that appeal to kids of all ages. Play Hills features rolling turf-covered hills with an elevated rope course for climbing. A Big Kid Playground features swings, sand play, slides, and more. There's also a separate Toddler Playground for the little ones.