Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in February
Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in February
1. American Museum of Natural History
A winter-perfect, all-day adventure where kids wander among dinosaurs, a towering blue whale, and immersive dioramas across vast, stroller-friendly galleries.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the city’s ultimate curiosity-spark: science, nature, and space under one roof that captivates toddlers to teens and keeps everyone warm on cold days.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings in February, especially before lunchtime; arrive at opening to enjoy the dinos and mammal halls with lighter crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the 81 St–Museum of Natural History subway entrance for an easy indoor entry and head straight to the most popular halls first.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families praise the wow factor and breadth—many call it a must-do that entertains for hours without feeling rushed.
2. Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Interactive art, STEM, and pretend-play exhibits designed for younger kids make for an easy, cozy February play-and-learn session.
✓ Why Go:
Age-appropriate zones let little ones explore safely while older siblings stay engaged with creative, rotating installations.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early weekdays or late afternoons; expect more families during the midwinter school break around Presidents’ Day.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve timed tickets on busy weeks and bring socks for soft-play areas; stroller parking is typically required on entry.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents love the manageable size, friendly staff, and hands-on activities that make museum time feel like playtime.
3. New York Transit Museum
Set in a historic subway station, this museum invites kids aboard vintage trains and buses to discover NYC’s transit story.
✓ Why Go:
Train-loving children can climb into real cars, flip the switches, and imagine the city moving beneath their feet.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings; arrive near opening for space to explore the platform and photo ops in vintage cars.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a light layer—platforms can feel cool in winter; check the depot store for train sets and transit-themed gifts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it a hidden gem—nostalgic for adults, magical for kids—worth the easy hop to Downtown Brooklyn.
4. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Explore an aircraft carrier, climb into cockpits, and see the Space Shuttle Enterprise—an epic indoor-outdoor maritime adventure.
✓ Why Go:
Big machines, bigger stories: aviation, space, and sea history come alive in engaging exhibits for school-age kids.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-morning on weekdays; save the flight deck for clearer, calmer winter days and warm up in the hangar exhibits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start with the Space Shuttle Pavilion before it gets busy, then work back toward the submarine and carrier exhibits.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families rave about the hands-on feel and memorable scale—kids leave buzzing about planes and spacecraft.
5. Bryant Park Winter Village Ice Rink
Lace up for a classic NYC skate beneath Midtown towers, with festive lights and nearby hot chocolate to keep spirits high.
✓ Why Go:
An atmospheric outdoor activity tailor-made for brisk February days—great photo ops and kid-friendly energy.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings or early evenings; avoid peak weekend slots around Presidents’ Day week.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve a timed session in advance and bring warm socks and gloves; check lockers for stashing bulky winter layers.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families love the city-in-a-snowglobe vibe and smooth ice; even non-skaters enjoy the scene from the sidelines.
6. One World Observatory
Ride high to an indoor, 360-degree lookout with interactive exhibits that frame NYC’s skyline and landmarks for kids.
✓ Why Go:
Warm, weatherproof, and awe-inspiring—teens and grade-schoolers love spotting bridges, the Statue of Liberty, and tiny taxis below.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into sunset for dramatic winter skies; weekdays feel more relaxed than weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Prebook timed tickets and bring a lightweight layer—temperatures can vary near windows on chilly days.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors describe it as an unforgettable view with smooth logistics and engaging multimedia for families.
7. FAO Schwarz
A landmark toy emporium where kids test gadgets, meet plush characters, and dance on the famous floor piano.
✓ Why Go:
Part store, part attraction—hands-on demos and whimsical displays delight kids and offer a warm break between sights.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings; pop in after skating at Rockefeller Center for an easy Midtown combo.
✓ Insider Tip:
Set a souvenir budget beforehand and head straight to the piano to beat photo lines.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families call it pure joy—nostalgic for adults and magical for children—with friendly staff and great photo moments.
8. New York Hall of Science
Hands-on physics, biology, and engineering exhibits turn STEM into a playful, all-indoor winter escape in Queens.
✓ Why Go:
Kids build, test, and tinker—perfect for curious minds and a great complement to museum-heavy Manhattan days.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays or Sunday late afternoons; allow 2–3 hours to explore without rushing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the daily demo schedule on arrival so you can time interactive shows between gallery wanderings.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents applaud the value and engagement level—lots to touch, try, and learn for a wide age range.
9. Brooklyn Children’s Museum
One of the world’s first children’s museums offers culture, nature, and maker spaces tailored for imaginative play.
✓ Why Go:
Purpose-built for kids, with exhibits that encourage pretend play and tactile exploration—ideal for cold, short winter days.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning sessions on weekdays; expect higher demand during the midwinter recess.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pack snacks and water—cafés nearby can be limited; confirm session times to maximize play.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors highlight welcoming staff and thoughtfully designed spaces that engage toddlers through early grade-schoolers.
10. Museum of Mathematics (MoMath)
Interactive installations turn math into motion—ride a square-wheeled trike and explore kinetic illusions indoors.
✓ Why Go:
Smart fun for older kids and tweens, blending puzzles and play that spark problem-solving on chilly February days.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late mornings on weekdays; combine with lunch in nearby Flatiron before afternoon museum sessions elsewhere.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start upstairs to avoid bottlenecks at popular exhibits; plan extra time for the dynamic floor and light-based puzzles.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families appreciate the hands-on learning and staff demos that make concepts click for different ages.
