Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Families
Top Things to Do in New York City for Families
1. American Museum of Natural History
A blockbuster museum where dinosaurs, a giant blue whale, and immersive space shows wow kids and adults alike. Hands-on halls and rotating exhibits keep all ages engaged, rain or shine.
✓ Why Go:
It blends education with spectacle—T. rex skeletons, dioramas, and the Hayden Planetarium spark curiosity from toddlers to teens in one easy stop on the Upper West Side.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings soon after opening or late afternoons; aim for shoulder seasons (spring/fall) to avoid peak crowds and school groups.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter on 81st Street near the Rose Center to bypass heavier Central Park West traffic and head straight to dinosaurs before the galleries fill.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families rave about the wow factor and say kids leave buzzing about dinosaurs and space for days.
2. Central Park
843 acres of playgrounds, lawns, lakes, and quiet paths. From rock scrambling and carousel rides to model sailboats at Conservatory Water, it’s a free-range day out.
✓ Why Go:
It’s NYC’s backyard—easy picnic spots, room to run, and classic experiences that fit every budget and energy level.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring blooms and fall foliage are magical; arrive by 9 a.m. in summer for shade and cooler temps.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair Heckscher Playground with nearby boulders for climbing, then rent a model sailboat at Conservatory Water for a calm mid-day break.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents love the flexibility and the chance to let kids be kids between big-ticket attractions.
3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Epic art through the ages with kid magnets like the Arms and Armor galleries and the sunlit Temple of Dendur. Family guides and frequent drop-in activities help focus short attention spans.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a world tour under one roof, perfect for sparking stories and curiosity across generations.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays after lunch or late afternoons when school groups thin; winter weekdays are the calmest.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start in Arms and Armor to hook kids fast, then move to the Temple of Dendur’s open space for stroller-friendly exploring.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families are surprised how approachable the Met feels with a plan—many call it a highlight for art-loving tweens.
4. Bronx Zoo
One of the largest zoos in the U.S., with tigers, gorillas, and immersive habitats spread across leafy grounds that feel like an urban safari.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a full-day outdoor adventure with space to roam, animal encounters, and seasonal extras that captivate kids.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Cooler months and early mornings year-round; animals are most active before midday heat.
✓ Insider Tip:
Plot a loop that links Tiger Mountain to the Congo Gorilla Forest to minimize backtracking with strollers.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents praise the scale and variety, calling it worth the trip for animal-loving families.
5. New York Hall of Science
Hands-on STEM heaven with hundreds of interactive exhibits, maker spaces, and outdoor science play in Queens.
✓ Why Go:
Kids can touch, build, and test—perfect for curious minds and rainy-day energy.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings or late afternoons; avoid rainy weekend peak times if you prefer quieter galleries.
✓ Insider Tip:
Target the Design Lab and sports-themed physics exhibits first—they’re favorites that get crowded later.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families love the tactile learning and say even reluctant museum-goers get hooked.
6. Staten Island Ferry
A free 25-minute harbor ride with postcard views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline—an easy win for short legs and budgets.
✓ Why Go:
It’s iconic, free, stroller-friendly, and delivers big scenery without lines or tickets.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-mornings on weekdays for elbow room; golden hour for the best photos.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sit on the right side leaving Manhattan for Statue views; left side on return.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents call it a crowd-pleaser that resets kids between busy museum days.
7. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Explore an aircraft carrier, step into a submarine, and see the Space Shuttle Pavilion—history your kids can actually climb into.
✓ Why Go:
It’s tactile, high-energy, and uniquely New York on the Hudson River.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive at opening, especially on weekends and holidays; winter weekdays are quietest.
✓ Insider Tip:
Do the submarine Growler first—capacity is limited and lines build quickly.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Highly rated by families with grade-schoolers and teens who love planes and space.
8. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Waterfront lawns, stellar skyline views, and inventive playgrounds strung along repurposed piers in Brooklyn.
✓ Why Go:
It’s equal parts playground crawl and photo op, with ferry access and food nearby.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoons for softer light and breezes; spring and fall for comfortable temps.
✓ Insider Tip:
Hit Pier 6’s playgrounds, then time sunset at Pier 1 for family photos with the Manhattan skyline.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents love the space, safety, and variety—easy to spend hours without spending much.
9. Luna Park Coney Island
Classic boardwalk fun with rides for tots and thrill-seekers, steps from the beach and Nathan’s hot dogs.
✓ Why Go:
Old-school amusement park energy pairs with seaside vibes for a big day out.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive at opening on weekends or go weekdays in late spring and early fall for shorter lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Mix in beach time and the nearby boardwalk playgrounds to pace younger kids between rides.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families praise the mix of kiddie rides and coasters and the easy beach escape.
10. New York Aquarium
Sea life up close, from sharks and penguins to touch tanks, right on the Coney Island boardwalk.
✓ Why Go:
It’s manageable in size, stroller-friendly, and pairs perfectly with a beach/boardwalk day.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings for active animals and fewer crowds; winter weekdays are especially calm.
✓ Insider Tip:
Plan your route around feeding times and the shark tunnel to keep kids engaged start to finish.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents call it a sweet spot for toddlers and early grade-schoolers with plenty of wow moments.
