Things To Do With Kids in New York City, NY
Discover family fun in New York City with hands-on museums, thrilling zoos, and kid-friendly adventures all across the Big Apple!
100+ deals
Discover Boundless Entertainment With Kid-Friendly Activities In New York City
Family-Friendly Things to Do in New York City with Kids
Planning a fun-filled day with the whole crew? New York City offers a wide variety of engaging experiences that both kids and grown-ups can enjoy. Whether you're exploring classic landmarks or looking for hidden gems, there are endless family activities in New York City that promise memorable moments. From world-class museums to exciting indoor play spaces, the city has something for every family. Here are some kid-approved ideas to make your next family outing one to remember.
Explore Children's Museums and Hands-On Exhibits
Museums may not always sound like kid-friendly places, but NYC’s interactive spots are designed with younger visitors in mind. These attractions let kids learn through play and exploration.
- Children's Museum of Manhattan: Five floors of art, science, and creative exhibits designed for kids age 0–12.
- American Museum of Natural History: Check out the dinosaurs, walk through a rainforest, and gaze at the stars in the planetarium.
- New York Hall of Science: Located in Queens, this museum offers more than 450 interactive exhibits and a seasonal outdoor science playground.
Outdoor Parks, Zoos, and Seasonal Family Events
When the weather is nice, take your kids outside and explore the variety of fun greenspaces and family events NYC has to offer.
- Central Park Zoo: Meet snow leopards, penguins, and sea lions in the heart of Manhattan.
- Prospect Park: A Brooklyn favorite featuring a large playground, historic carousel, and its own zoo.
- Seasonal Events: Check local calendars for festivals, parades, outdoor concerts, and holiday markets geared toward families.
Indoor Play Areas and Creative Spaces
Rainy day? No problem. Indoor play centers and studios across the city keep kids moving, building, and socializing regardless of the forecast.
- MoMath (National Museum of Mathematics): This interactive museum combines art, engineering, and math for all ages.
- Twinkle Playspace: A Brooklyn-based indoor play area for toddlers and preschoolers, filled with themed zones for imaginative play.
- Art and craft studios: Let creativity run wild with clay modeling, slime-making classes, or DIY painting sessions.
Whether you're a local or visiting the Big Apple, it's easy to find things to do in New York City with kids that are fun, educational, and budget-friendly. From iconic attractions to neighborhood gems, you'll never run out of family things to do in New York City today. Explore, play, and create memories your kids will talk about for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
New York City has a wide variety of activities for kids. Some popular options include the Central Park Zoo, American Museum of Natural History, New York Hall of Science, Bronx Zoo, and Children's Museum of the Arts. For older kids, there's also Broadway and Off-Broadway shows that are family-friendly.
Yes, there are many free activities for kids in New York City. For instance, you can visit the High Line, a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. There's also the Staten Island Ferry that gives you a great view of the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline.
New York City offers numerous outdoor activities for children. Central Park has multiple playgrounds, boat rentals, and a carousel. Prospect Park in Brooklyn is another great option and it has a lake, zoo and playgrounds. The city also has many kid-friendly gardens like the New York Botanical Garden and Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
During winter, the city offers various indoor activities such as visiting museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of the Moving Image and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Children can also enjoy indoor ice skating rinks, bowling alleys, and the New York Public Library - which often hosts kid-friendly events and workshops.
Most activities in New York City are available for children of all ages, but some may have age restrictions. For instance, some museums might have exhibits or events designed for certain age groups. It's always best to check the specific requirements for the activity you are interested in before planning your visit.