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

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.