17 Best Things to Do with Kids in New York
New York City – a place of endless activities and where families make memories that last generations. It’s an exciting playground for families, whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a local of the city that never sleeps. So, without any delay, let’s jump into the 17 most exciting and fun activities to do with kids in New York!
1. Explore Central Park
Yes, Central Park is more than just a green space. For kids, it’s a hub of fun right here in the heart of New York. It has playgrounds and famous carousels – almost something for everyone. But that’s not all. You can enjoy a peaceful picnic or a game of catch with many wonderful and kid-friendly attractions across the park.
2. Visit the American Museum of Natural History
Do your children love animals? They’ll love the big, incredible exhibits of dinosaur fossils at the American Museum of Natural History. It captivates both children and adults. It’s also home to the iconic “Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs” Make sure you check out the interactive “Discovery Room” over there, it’s a must for all curious minds.
3. Wander Through the Children’s Museum of Manhattan
If your children like hands-on fun, head down to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. You will find a range of exhibits that will bring out the best of the creative spirits of your children and improve their imagination. It’s a must for children who love science, art – and pretend to play!
4. Step Back in Time at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
You’ve got a pilot or aircraft engineer in the making within your family? It’s time to pay a visit to the Intrepid Museum. It’s located on Pier 86, W. 46th St., where you’ll find real submarines and fighter jets to explore and discuss with your kids. It even has a “Space Shuttle Enterprise”. You can check out the flight simulators if your kids are up for an adventure.
5. Stroll Through the Bronx Zoo
There are more than 6,000 animals and exhibits at the Bronx Zoo. So, for a day well spent, it’s the ultimate attraction for families with children. It’s the attractions like the Children’s Zoo that let kids get up close to goats, sheep, and other friendly animals that make it more exciting. You can plan a trip to the Bronx Zoo during the fall to experience the “Boo at the Zoo” Halloween event.
6. Get Slimy at Sloomoo Institute
At the Sloomoo Institute, children can create their own slime and take it home! It’s an unforgettable sensory experience and a unique attraction, nonetheless. It’s an opportunity where children can play, touch, and learn about artisanal slime.
7. Spend Time at Coney Island
Coney Island is a must-visit for families with or without children. Even locals love to visit it every once in a while thanks to all the thrilling amusement park rides and iconic boardwalk attractions. Make sure you don’t miss Nathan’s Famous for hot dogs and Luna Park for rides – all suitable for younger kids too! In case you want to treat your children, stop by Williams Candy, it’s the home of nostalgic treats like caramel apples and cotton candy.
8. Enjoy the Sea Life at the New York Aquarium
Right there in Coney Island, you’ll discover the New York Aquarium. It is home to amazing sea creatures, including:
● Penguins
● Sea otters
● Sharks
It is a wonderful exhibit for young visitors and familiarizes them with marine life. Plus, you can plan it with your summer itinerary and combine it with a trip to the Coney Island Amusement Park.
9. Have Fun at Chelsea Piers
Don’t forget the Chelse Piers. It’s an action-packed destination that’s always a hit with children. It has sports, bowling, ice skating, rock climbing, and so much more for children of all ages. It’s at 62 Chelsea Piers, and it is best for families who love to stay active.
10. Ride the Historic Carousel at Prospect Park
If the children have been asking for a carousel, then the beautiful carousel at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park is a hidden gem you’ll be grateful to find. The carousel was built in 1912 – yes, it’s over a century old! Plus, there are lots of playgrounds, paddle boating at the LeFrak Center, and boat rides.
11. Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
You can take a ferry to visit Lady Liberty – a classic New York experience. It’s both, educational and fun. YOu can explore the museum there and learn about the immigration history at Ellis Island. You have to be with children who are over 4 feet tall to get to the statue’s crown.
12. Go Wild at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
At the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, the exhibits are changing regularly. So, there’s always something more fun, exciting, and educational for the kids. The place has a fun water play area that’s open to visitors during summer. Check out the schedule for art and science workshops to plan for fun in advance!
13. Join a Festival or Street Fair
There’s never a shortage of seasonal street fairs and festivals in New York City. In the city that never sleeps, there are bustling city corners replete with seasonal fairs and festivals. There’s kid-friendly entertainment, arts and crafts, live music, delicious food, and much more. If you’re there around Halloween, make sure you catch the parade at the Queens County Farm Museum – it’s an instant hit with the families.
14. Take a Swing at CityPickle
If you’re in Queens, you can’t miss out on the CityPickle’s Pickleback. It’s where all the kids join in on the fun and it becomes more than just a play area. Children get lessons, camps, courts, and endless activities that also include their families for maximum engagement – and fun.
15. Attend Broadway or Off-Broadway Shows
Even though most are adult-rated shows in New York, you will find endless family-friendly productions too. There are countless shows that are suitable for children of different ages, both on and off Broadway. Want to plan quick? Search up a “Lion King” or “Aladdin” Broadway show for your little theater lovers. We also suggest going for the matinee showtimes for younger kids who might get sleepy during evening performances.
16. See a Puppet Show at Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
In Central Park, there’s a theater that hosts charming puppet shows that are fun, memorable, and interesting. They’re the perfect treat for little performance lovers, and even older children can enjoy them. These shows usually feature classic fairy tales along with educational stories. But make sure you’re checking in with the schedule in advance because the shows are seasonal.
17. Enjoy a Day at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Want to put a day of relaxation in the itinerary? Get ready for some jaw-dropping views from the waterfront Brooklyn Bridge Park. It’s got playgrounds, and picnic areas, and is home to the popular “Jane’s Carousel”, which is a vintage 1922 ride in a glass pavilion.
Are you ready for a memorable experience here in New York? Well, you can’t miss out on the amazing, entertaining indoor play venues by Max Adventures. From themed parties to holiday celebrations and playdates, our child-safe event spaces are one of the best activities for visitors in New York.
Amidst the museums, historic landmarks, and outdoor adventures, take a moment to enjoy indoor play venues with customizable decorations and a hands-on experience for memories that last a lifetime!