Things to Do With Kids in New York City: Must-Visit Spots
There’s no place like the Big Apple for creating family memories and enjoying kid-friendly activities. In New York City, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do that the entire family can enjoy. From cultural experiences to educational adventures and just plain fun, the opportunities are practically endless. Every neighborhood offers new discoveries — you might find a world-famous museum on one block and a hidden playground on the next. With the subway connecting all five boroughs, you can easily explore everything from downtown Manhattan's landmarks to Brooklyn's family-friendly parks.
Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, we've gathered recommendations from our community of parents to help you discover the best things to do with kids in New York City.
Tips for Navigating NYC with Kids
While there are many kid-friendly things to do in New York City, we know the busy sidewalks and streets can feel overwhelming with kids. Don't worry – we've got the insider tips you need to have an amazing time exploring the city's famous landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods.
Prepare for the Weather
New York City enjoys four distinct seasons — part of what makes it so special! From hot, sunny summers to snowy winters, here's how to stay comfortable year-round:
- Bring backpacks: We recommend bringing backpacks for the whole family when exploring the city. You’ll likely be out all day, and they're perfect for storing layers as temperatures change.
- Get good walking shoes: In winter, everyone who's walking needs boots with solid grips — NYC sidewalks can get icy!
- Time your transit wisely: During extreme weather (whether it's a snowy day or a summer scorcher), plan activities and routes to minimize long walks outdoors.
- Buy handheld fans: The subway can be brutal during the summer, especially during rush hour. Invest in a few hand-held fans to keep everyone cool and dry.
Don’t let weather planning discourage you! Winter in NYC is truly magical (just imagine ice skating in Rockefeller Plaza!) and summer transforms the public parks into lively gathering spots.
Transportation Recommendations for Non-Locals
You’ll find several great options for navigating the city with kids. Here’s what we recommend: Skip the car rental — it’s both inefficient and expensive. With excellent public transit options available, here are the three best ways to explore:
- The subway: The subway system connects you to every corner of the city quickly and affordably. Kids usually enjoy the ride, and there's a great bonus: up to three children under 44 inches tall ride free with a paying adult.
- Ubers/Lyfts: Rideshare services are everywhere in NYC. You’re typically just a few blocks away from an available driver, and you can request vehicles with car seats when needed.
- Taxis: It wouldn’t be a classic NYC trip without riding in a yellow taxi! Flag one down on the street, or if the weather’s bad, ask your hotel to call one for you.
Stroller-friendly tip: Choose a lightweight, slim, foldable model. You'll appreciate this when navigating crowded subway cars and station stairs.
Lodging Recommendations for Non-Locals
New York offers wonderful family-friendly accommodation options across its diverse neighborhoods. From the elegant Upper East Side to bustling Midtown West, to hotels along the Hudson River, you'll find plenty of welcoming spots. Here are some family favorites:
- The Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Penn Station: You can’t beat this location in terms of convenience. Located at Penn Station, you can easily reach any part of the city. The hotel features spacious suites with sofa beds and includes breakfast.
- Hotel Beacon: Located on the Upper West Side, this hotel is in one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC. It offers 2-bedroom suites with kitchens, perfect for family meals (and saving a little money on dining out).
- Loews Regency New York: Situated on the Upper East Side, this hotel is steps away from Central Park, Museum Mile, and Madison Avenue. The Loews Loves Family program includes child-friendly amenities like bed rails, baby-proofing supplies, and special kids' menus.
Looking for more space? Consider a rental property in Brooklyn's charming brownstones or nearby New Jersey towns like Hoboken and Weehawken — just a 30-minute train ride from the city. Be sure to check current short-term rental regulations, as they frequently change.
The Best Things to Do in New York City with Kids
There’s nothing like the magic of NYC, where excitement awaits around every corner. For those wondering what to do in New York City with kids, the options are endless. Theater kids can experience a real Broadway show, creative kiddos can find inspiration at the Metropolitan Museum, and young fashionistas can explore NYC’s famous Fifth Avenue. We've created an interactive map of family-friendly attractions based on real experiences from our community. These recommendations come directly from families who have enjoyed these activities with their own children. You can:
- Explore the map to find activities in your area
- Read authentic reviews from other families
- Share your own favorite spots and experiences
Want to discover more? We're always adding new family activities:
- Set your location to find nearby options
- Browse our family event calendar
- Check our curated lists, including:
- Educational activities and kid-friendly libraries
- Teen and tween activities
- Free family-friendly activities
Start exploring our growing collection of family activities in New York City. Your next memorable adventure could be just around the corner!
Historic Richmond Town
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.
Staten Island Ferry
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.
Get directions
Ellis Island & Statue of Liberty Tour
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.
Governors Island
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.
Teardrop Park
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.
SeaGlass Carousel
While you are waiting for the Staten Island Ferry, you may want to check out this unique carousel in Battery Park. Unlike traditional carousels, riders sit in a glass enclosure shaped like giant fish that light up and move in all directions, making it feel more like an underwater adventure than a simple carousel ride. As a bonus, there is a great free view of the Statue of Liberty from the park.
One World Observatory
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.
Central Park - Conservatory Water
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.
NYC Ferry
Joni Monacell: If you are looking for a fun way to see NYC from the water at a very reasonable rate, this is it!
The High Line
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 - Pier 6 Playgrounds
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.
John's of Bleecker Street
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."
Brooklyn Bridge Park - Boathouse
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.
Brooklyn Bridge
Nancy L.: A walk across the iconic 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.
Dylan's Candy Bar
If you don’t mind giving your kids a little sugar high, take them to Dylan’s Candy Bar. It’s like a real-life Willy Wonka factory! You can definitely buy candy there, but it’s also a candy museum filled with cool installations that combine pop culture and art with tasty treats.
Primary photo: Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.
