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

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!