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Things To Do With Kids in Manhattan

Known as the cultural, financial and entertainment capital of the world, Manhattan is the crown jewel of the New York City experience. The heart of the “City that Never Sleeps,” Manhattan is an unparalleled destination home to some of the most iconic and historic landmarks and attractions in America. Explore the multitude of exciting things to do with kids in Manhattan as you plan your stay in the birthplace of the Big Apple.

It doesn’t get much more exciting or action-packed than a family vacation in Manhattan. With some of the country’s premiere attractions and a never ending supply of activities, consider some of the best things to do with kids in Manhattan including:

  • Ride the ferry to Liberty Island and tour the Statue of Liberty
  • Hike along the miles of paths and explore Central Park
  • Soak up the panoramic views from the Observation Deck of the Empire State Building
  • Adventure to the diverse shops and restaurants in Times Square
  • Admire the amazing collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

More Things To Do

Manhattan is filled with attractions for kids of all ages that parents can enjoy too. With the best theater in America, premiere professional sports and various other forms of entertainment, get ready to experience something special during your stay in Manhattan like:

  • See a world-class live performance at one of the many theaters on Broadway
  • Grab a slice of New York’s finest at Joe’s Pizza
  • Watch a New York Rangers or Knicks game at Madison Square Garden
  • Admire sophisticated exhibits at the New Museum of Contemporary Art
  • See a classic or indie film at the IFC Theater
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Admission for Two or Four to Children's Museum of the Arts (Up to 57% Off)

Children's Museum of the Arts

Children's Museum of the Arts SoHo $22 $10
Museum of the City of New York Visit for Two or Four, or Annual Individual or Family Membership (Up to 41% Off)

Museum of the City of New York

Museum of the City of New York Upper East Side $28 $18
Museum of the City of New York - Any Date Through March 31, 2019

Museum of the City of New York

Museum of the City of New York Upper East Side $18 $12.50

From skyscrapers and television studios to art museums and grand subway stations, Manhattan is home some of the most exciting and awesome attractions in New York City. Check out some of the best places to visit during your trip including:

  • Climb the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, One World Trade Center
  • Tour the TV studios and visit the ice skating rink at the Rockefeller Center
  • View works from Van Gogh, Warhol and more at the Museum of Modern Art
  • Visit the iconic Grand Central Terminal and ride the subway
  • Sample the food and explore the shops in Chinatown
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Admission for Two or Four to Children's Museum of the Arts (Up to 57% Off)

Children's Museum of the Arts

Children's Museum of the Arts SoHo $22 $10
Museum of the City of New York Visit for Two or Four, or Annual Individual or Family Membership (Up to 41% Off)

Museum of the City of New York

Museum of the City of New York Upper East Side $28 $18
Five or Ten Hip Hop Dance Classes for One or Two at Hip Hop Dance Junkies (Up to 74% Off)

Hip-Hop Dance Classes

Hip Hop Dance Junkies Midtown Manhattan $85 $27

Whether your kids want to meet the penguins or their favorite Disney characters, they are sure to make unforgettable memories in this city. There are plenty of fun things to do in Manhattan for kids. Try kid-friendly activities across the borough like:

  • Meet the penguins, monkeys and more at the Central Park Zoo
  • Check out the dress-up area and faux bodega playground at The Playroom NYC
  • Build your own ice cream sandwich at OddFellows Ice Cream Co.
  • Go backstage with the Disney on Broadway Behind the Magic Experience
  • Enjoy beautiful views and family festivals in the Highline Park and Walking Path
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Big Apple Circus (Through January 27)

Big Apple Circus

Big Apple Circus Lincoln Center $33 $15
$12 for General Skating Session and Skate Rental For One at Chelsea Piers ($19 Value)

General Skating & Skate Rental

Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers Midtown Manhattan $19 $12
Monster Jam Triple Threat Series January 25 or 26 at 7 p.m.

Triple Threat Series

Monster Jam Conference Center Prudential Plaza $33.85 $19

No matter how many friends or family members you bring, there’s always something exciting to do in Manhattan. Invite them all to hop on the subway and prepare for exciting adventures like:

  • Explore life on the docks at the museum and ships of the South Street Seaport
  • Visit a kid-friendly food hall like City Kitchen or Gotham Market
  • Enjoy storytime at the New York Public Library’s Children’s Center at 42nd Street
  • Watch a free summer film in Bryant Park
  • Learn about sound in the interactive exhibits at the Whisper Gallery

With some of the world’s premiere art and history museums, there’s no easier place to play and learn than Manhattan. Check out some of the best education activities for kids including:

  • Experience history coming to life at the American Museum of Natural History
  • Admire the vast collections at the Guggenheim Museum
  • Play in the interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan
  • Honor our fallen heroes at the 9/11 Memorial
  • Explore the ocean floors and stars at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

Home to some of the premiere performing and fine art venues in the world, Manhattan is a great place to experience art then encourage your kids to explore their creative side. Some of the best creative and performing arts classes for kids include:

  • Paint your own pottery keepsake at Ceramics-N-More
  • Work on your drawing skills at Kids at Art
  • Learn a few dance moves at the American Youth Dance Theater
  • Try a new instrument or hone your skills at Little Maestros
  • Test your acting skills during a class at TADA! Youth Theater

Rain or shine, adventure awaits in Manhattan. Whether you need to beat the summer heat or warm up during a wintry morning, explore some of the most popular indoor games and activities for kids in Manhattan like:

  • Get up close and personal with the animals at the Art Farm in the City
  • Run, climb and race down the slides at City Treehouse
  • Bowl a new high score at Frames Bowling Lounge
  • Shop for comics, action figures and more at Midtown Comics
  • Go behind the scenes of the show at the Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour

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