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
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
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
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
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