Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in Chinatown
Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in Chinatown
1. Museum of Chinese in America
A welcoming museum that brings Chinese American stories to life through interactive exhibits, kid-friendly displays, and rotating installations that connect directly to the neighborhood outside.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a meaningful primer on Chinatown for kids, adding context to the food, language, and traditions they’ll encounter on nearby streets.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for quieter galleries; look for weekend family programs and special holiday activities around Lunar New Year (late January–February).
✓ Insider Tip:
Pick up the family activity guide at the front desk and budget time for the gift shop’s beautifully curated children’s books.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families praise the engaging exhibits and helpful staff, calling it both educational and easy to navigate with children.
2. Columbus Park
Chinatown’s community living room, with open lawns, a lively playground, and daily tai chi, music, and friendly mahjong games that offer a window into local life.
✓ Why Go:
Kids can burn energy at the playground while parents take in authentic neighborhood rhythms—great for picnics and people-watching.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings to see tai chi and music; late afternoon for shaded playground time. Weekends are busiest and most animated.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring snacks and water; restrooms are by the park house. Pack a small blanket for impromptu picnics on the lawn.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the mix of calm and culture, noting it feels safe, welcoming, and quintessentially Chinatown during daylight hours.
3. Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
A beloved dessert stop scooping inventive flavors like lychee, black sesame, and almond cookie alongside kid-approved classics.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a sweet, low-commitment way to introduce kids to new flavors while rewarding good walking legs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-afternoon on weekdays to avoid peak lines; evenings and weekends can stretch out the wait.
✓ Insider Tip:
Flavors rotate—ask for tiny sample tastes before committing, and grab a photo outside the colorful storefront.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Crowds form for a reason—parents say portions are generous and the adventurous flavors win over even picky eaters.
4. Mahayana Buddhist Temple
A serene temple near the Manhattan Bridge with a towering Buddha, bright altars, and the calming scent of incense—an easy cultural stop for families.
✓ Why Go:
Offers a peaceful counterpoint to busy streets and a chance to teach kids about respect and quiet rituals.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning on weekdays for a calm visit; around Lunar New Year the temple is beautifully decorated but crowded.
✓ Insider Tip:
Make a small donation and ask staff about etiquette; photos may be restricted near altars—always check first.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests describe it as welcoming and reflective, a quick but memorable cultural experience for kids.
5. Chinatown Fair Family Fun Center
Old-school arcade energy with ticket games, rhythm and racing cabinets, and head-to-head fighters that delight kids and nostalgic parents alike.
✓ Why Go:
Perfect for a rainy day or a short, high-energy break between meals and sightseeing.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons or weekend mornings; evenings can get loud and crowded.
✓ Insider Tip:
Load a game card with a set budget and bring ear protection if your child is sound-sensitive.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families praise the friendly staff and clean machines, calling it a fun, no-fuss stop that’s easy to fit into any itinerary.
6. Canal Street Market
A design-forward indoor market blending food stalls and indie retail where kids can sample dumplings, noodles, and sweets under one roof.
✓ Why Go:
Everyone finds something to eat, and the rotating vendors keep repeat visits fresh and fun.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday lunch for shorter lines; weekends buzz with energy but expect crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head to the back for extra seating and check for seasonal pop-ups and art installations kids can explore.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors like the variety and vibe, noting prices are a touch high but quality and convenience make it worth it.
7. Chatham Square Library (NYPL)
A bright neighborhood library with bilingual storytimes, a well-stocked children’s corner, and cooling/heating—ideal for a quiet reset.
✓ Why Go:
Low-cost, low-stress screen-free time with literacy activities tied to the community.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday late mornings for storytime; mid-afternoons for quieter browsing and homework help hours.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the online calendar for drop-in programs; the branch makes a reliable bathroom and water-break stop, too.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents appreciate the welcoming staff and engaging kids’ events; families feel at home here.
8. Church of the Transfiguration
A historic 19th-century church on Mott Street where East meets West, with peaceful interiors and multilingual services reflecting Chinatown’s mosaic.
✓ Why Go:
A quick, contemplative stop to explore architecture and neighborhood history with school-age kids.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays between services for quiet viewing; Sundays are livelier and better for observing community life.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter through the side gate for a look at the courtyard; keep voices low and avoid visiting during weddings or services.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers describe it as beautiful and welcoming, a brief but meaningful cultural visit.
9. Museum at Eldridge Street
A magnificently restored 1887 synagogue offering family scavenger hunts and stories about immigration that connect directly to Chinatown’s past and present.
✓ Why Go:
It broadens kids’ understanding of how different communities shaped this area and complements a Chinatown walk.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunday family programs are a standout; arrive early for calmer galleries and natural light through the rose window.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for children’s activity sheets and, when permitted, peek from the balcony for the best view of the sanctuary.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors are wowed by the restoration and passionate guides, calling it an unexpected favorite for families.
10. Nam Wah Tea Parlor
A century-old dim sum institution on photogenic Doyers Street serving shareable dumplings, noodles, and buns in a cozy, throwback space.
✓ Why Go:
Small plates make it easy for kids to try new foods, and the historic setting feels like stepping into a movie set.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays before noon to minimize the wait; weekends draw long lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a mix of familiar and new (shrimp dumplings, scallion pancakes, roast pork buns) and bring a collapsible stroller for the narrow lane.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families report tasty, approachable dishes and an iconic atmosphere—most say the wait is worth it with kids in tow.
