40 Things To Do in NYC With Kids (Parent Reviews)

Nancy L. said:  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.

Stephanie W. said:  Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk is an absolute must on your family's NYC bucket list! It boasts 3 miles of sandy beaches, a delightful boardwalk to stroll down, and of course, Luna Park which has loads of classic carnival rides and roller coasters. Enjoy a Nathan's hot dog, lounge on the beach, take a dip in the water, and have a perfect beach day at Coney Island! Check out yearly Friday night fireworks during the summer, and off-season activities as well, such as the New York Aquarium - all accessible just a subway ride from Manhattan!

Nancy L. said:  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.

Nancy L. said:  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.

Amanda Banta said:  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.

Alexandra F. said:  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.

Kelly R. said:  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.

Kelly R. said:  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.

Joni Monacell said:  This is a fun family activity that allows you to see NYC from the water at a very reasonable rate! Leaving from Wall Street, Pier 11 or East 34th Street in Midtown, NYC Ferry offers numerous ferry rides to Rockaway and various parts of Brooklyn and Queens. Children under 44 inches traveling with an adult ride free.

Kelly R. said:  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.

May-August

Emily N said:  The New York Transit Museum is a must-see in NYC, especially for kids who are interested in trains! Housed in a real subway station, the museum features vintage subway cars open for exploring to see the evolution of the subway system as well as other fun things to see such as the bus and trolley exhibits.

Nancy L. said:  At 585 acres, Prospect Park is Brooklyn's second largest park and it's brimming with family-friendly activities. There are exhibits at the Audubon Society and Lefferts Historic House. There's the Greenmarket, playgrounds, ride a horse through park, the carousel, and much more.

Nancy L. said:  A walk across the 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.

Shila said:  The three locations (chapters I, II, and Alice's To-Go), are all "Alice in Wonderland" themed, as you'll see on the bright, whimsical wall decor. Many families and tourists make this a top destination! Specifically, this is a popular spot for Moms and daughters enjoying delicious tea time, alongside three-tiered sweets and savories. The tea list is huge, and it also contains many non-caffeinated drinks for kids. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are also served.

As a bonus, "fairy wings" are available to wear while dining (and for purchase). Ask your waiter to sprinkle fairy dust on you, too!

Nancy L. said:  Created in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company for a park in Ohio, this three-row carousel now has a home in Brooklyn. It features 48 carved horses and two chariots, and is open year round. In the mid 1980s the entire carousel was purchased at auction and painstakingly restored to its original glory. It was installed in Brooklyn Bridge Park in 2011.

Nancy L. said:  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."

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.

Nancy L. said:  There's nothing better than pizza in New York City. And, one of the best spots to enjoy it is Lombardi's, which is America's first pizzeria. Opened in 1905, this Little Italy restaurant will be an experience that kids and adults will enjoy.

Lisa R said:  BBG is a welcome respite from the city focused on understanding and conserving regional plants. Multiple themed gardens and indoor conservatories leave plenty to discover all year round. The Children's Garden is a one acre vegetable garden tended by kids as part of BBG's educational programs. The Discovery Garden for kids includes one acre of interactive exhibits covering a variety of habitats.

Kelly R. said:  Washington Square Park is home to three playgrounds that appeal to kids of all ages. The Mounds Play Area features rolling turf-covered hills with an elevated rope course for climbing. A Big Kid Playground features swings, sand play, slides, and more. There's also a separate Toddler Playground for the little ones.

Emily N said:  The Brooklyn Children's Museum is a fabulous place to explore and learn through creative exhibits and programming. What's special about this museum is the sensory room, a space designed for children of all different abilities where they have the freedom to touch, see and listen to a variety of different activities and also participate in guided programs. Parents are encouraged to let the Educator present know if their child has any needs or sensitivities, making it an inclusive space for all.

Kelly R. said:  This Williamsburg waterfront park is home to a pretty epic industrial playground inspired by the sugar refinery that once operated on the site. Play features bring kids through a Sugar Cane Cabin, Sweetwater Silo, and Sugarcube Centrifuge that mirror the refinery process, and an enclosed design means even younger kids will be able to safely enjoy the slides, ramps, tunnels, and climbing spots. The playground itself is worth a special trip, but stick around to experience the spray fountain, large playing field, Fog Bridge, bocce court and Tacocina, the in-park taco stand.

Nancy L. said:  The Empire State Building offers must-see views from its 86th and 102nd observation decks. The 86th floor is the highest open-air deck in New York City. Open for visits 365 days a year, there are day and night package options as well as a sunrise experience. An interactive multimedia tour is now included with any ticket purchase. A self-guided app tour is available in a variety of languages.

Cherisse Harris said:  How can you walk thru Times Square without going to Madame Tussauds? The amazing celebrity wax figures are so lifelike, they'll make you look twice. Be prepared for lines of visitors hoping to get a pic with their favorite famous celebrity figure. Madame Tussauds always has a variety of special attractions including: Music Zone, Fashion Experience, and interactive movie exhibits and simulations. So much fun!

Nancy L. said:  The Children's Center at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (the central circulating library of NYPL) features a vast amount of books and media for children of all ages, as well as numerous public programs for kids and families including storytelling, various types of performances, and guest appearances by authors and illustrators. There are cozy reading spaces and computer stations with internet access available by appointment.

Across the street at the Schwarzman Building on 42nd Street, you can even see the real Winnie-the-Pooh and friends on display!

Alexandra F. said:  Catching a Broadway show is a must when you're in NYC, and I think Wicked is one of the best musicals ever made, period. It also happens to be one of the most kid-friendly! It tells the untold story of the Wizard of Oz, giving us a behind-the-scenes look into the unlikely friendship between the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Incredible music, a fabulous and original (but also familiar!) story, and an absolutely dazzling stage presentation makes this a must-watch broadway show for kids and adults alike!

Nancy L. said:  Most people walk around Rockefeller Center but it's even better to see it at the top! Top of the Rock has three observation decks. The top two are outdoors allowing for amazing photos. The highest point at this attraction is the 70th floor. The views up here are breathtaking and you'll get great views of the Empire State Building too. There are a variety of ticket options and combo packages for nearby attractions. Purchase online or in person.

Nancy L. said:  Rockefeller Center is most famous for the Christmas tree but this complex offers a lot to do all year long. Walk the plaza and check out all of the surrounding shops and places to eat. Check the events calendar for even more options.

Nancy L. said:  Shop for dolls, accessories, and more in this American Girl location, which has so much to offer. Doll-loving kids can experience spa treatments, get their nails done, ear piercing, hair styling, or enjoy a meal in the cafe—and it's all available for both kids and their American Girl doll.

Nancy L. said:  St. Patrick's Cathedral welcomes five million visitors per year and guided tours are available. This is also a quiet location to sit for awhile as you escape the hustle and bustle of all the nearby tourist spots. It is the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of New York and the seat of its Archbishop. This is an active church and mass takes place daily.

Nancy L. said:  Serendipity 3 is famous for its Frrrozen Hot Chocolate dessert. But this restaurant has a full menu of what it calls "Serious Food." While it's a great family-friendly menu, choose something light so you can save room for dessert.

Emily N said:  Children's Museum of Manhattan is a New York City classic that is worth experiencing time and time again with young kids. Five floors of interactive, playful exhibits offer something for kids as small as babies up through elementary age! There are always fun new exhibits to check out that immerse children in sensory-inducing educational fun. Additionally, the museum hosts programs and events that are often free with paid admission including crafts, parachute play and music!

Emily N said:  The Museum of Natural History is probably one the most iconic museums in NYC and another must-see. There is so much to see in this huge museum that it calls for multiple visits! Kids love the dinosaurs (who doesn't?!), the giant whale who hangs from the ceiling at the Hall of Ocean Life and of course the very cool planetarium. AMNH hosts events and programs throughout the year for children and families as well making it the perfect place to return to again and again.

Nancy L. said:  This is a beautiful setting inside Central Park. The zoo is small in comparison to other zoos but that makes it easy to spend less than two hours here with kids and still be able to do other activities within Central Park or the surrounding area. For toddlers/early grade schoolers specifically, there's the Tisch Children's Zoo where kids can feed the animals and climb on "spider web" ropes. The penguins are also always a hit with kids of all ages.

Joni Monacell said:  For something a bit different, try rowboating in Central Park! The Loeb Boathouse has a fleet of rowboats available for rent, along with a restaurant and casual cafe for lakeside dining.

Nancy L. said:  Central Park stretches from 59th Street to 110th Street between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West. There are countless things to see and do at the park and the Central Park Conservancy's website has it all outlined in detail. Enjoying the day in the park is free but if you choose to partake of certain activities such as the carousel, the Central Park Zoo, or Wollman Rink, there is a charge.

Emily N said:  There is so much to see and do at the New York Hall of Science, your family will surely come back to explore more! Featuring amazing outdoor exhibits including a miniature golf course and science playground to a 3D movie theater and preschool learning area, this museum has it all.

Nancy L. said:  The Bronx Zoo is a day trip outside of Manhattan that's certainly worth the effort. Take a camel ride, watch a penguin feeding, and try the Nature Trek exhibit where kids can climb, explore, and play. Plan your visit with the year-round experiences menu broken down into activities, programs, and events.

Annette Parks said:  This stunning, spring-fed glacial kettle pond is in Alley Pond Park, in Bayside. As a local, or when visiting NYC with kids, be sure to check out the estate on the grounds, aptly titled 'The Oaks,' and bring a picnic. There's plenty to do in the park - the Adventure Course is certainly worth a visit! - but the lake is so beautiful that you might not want to go anywhere else. Outside of the lush grounds, there are plenty of delicious places to dine in Queens.

Emily N said:  Get a chance to visit NYC's largest remaining undisturbed farmland at the Queens County Farm Museum. This farm truly makes you feel like you've left the city and have stepped back in time! Kids can learn about farm life at the farmhouse, meet and feed the adorable farm animals or catch one of the special events the museum regularly hosts!