Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in Harlem
Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in Harlem
1. Apollo Theater
Introduce kids to Harlem’s musical heartbeat at the legendary Apollo Theater, where future stars have taken the stage since 1934. Even just stepping inside this ornate venue and seeing the iconic marquee can spark curiosity about music and performance.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a living classroom for Black music history and a chance for children to experience live performance energy in an intimate setting on bustling 125th Street.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Wednesday evenings for Amateur Night (seasonal schedule) or daytime family-friendly programs; arrive 30–45 minutes early.
✓ Insider Tip:
Before your show, stroll the sidewalk Walk of Fame to spot the names of legends kids may recognize from playlists at home.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families praise the friendly staff and electric atmosphere, noting that even older kids who are “too cool for museums” light up here.
2. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Part of the New York Public Library, the Schomburg is a welcoming cultural hub with exhibitions, readings, and youth-focused programs that bring Black history and creativity to life.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a powerful place to explore age-appropriate stories of resilience and achievement, helping kids see themselves in history.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for quieter galleries; look for weekend family programs and school-break events.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stop by the gift shop for beautifully illustrated children’s books by Black authors and illustrators to extend learning at home.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents describe the experience as enriching and thoughtfully curated, with approachable exhibits and helpful librarians.
3. Hamilton Grange National Memorial
Set inside St. Nicholas Park, Alexander Hamilton’s relocated country home offers ranger talks, period rooms, and bite-size history perfect for curious kids.
✓ Why Go:
Hands-on Junior Ranger activities and a manageable size make early American history feel accessible and fun.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekends late morning for ranger-led programs; spring and fall are especially pleasant for pairing with park playtime.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at the front desk—completing it earns kids a badge to remember their visit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families appreciate the free entry, friendly rangers, and the quick, engaging visit that fits easily into an uptown day.
4. Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park
Perched above the Hudson, this expansive park packs in a seasonal pool, skating rink, playgrounds, ball courts, and sweeping river views—an urban playground for all ages.
✓ Why Go:
It offers active fun in one stop, ideal for kids with energy to burn and parents who want easy amenities close by.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Summer for the outdoor pool and spray features; winter for the ice rink; weekday mornings are calmer for little ones.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a small picnic and aim for sunset—kids love watching boats drift by while you take in skyline colors.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it a hidden gem with a community feel and affordable activities that make repeat visits a no-brainer.
5. Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling
A museum designed with kids in mind, featuring interactive art-making studios, storytelling sessions, and exhibits that celebrate imagination and community.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a joyful, low-pressure space where children can create, touch, and try—perfect for preschoolers through tweens.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend mornings for art labs; check the calendar for story hours and visiting artists.
✓ Insider Tip:
Time your visit with nearby lunch options on 155th Street, then head to a neighborhood playground to keep the creative energy flowing.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents note welcoming staff, manageable crowds, and activities that keep kids engaged longer than expected.
6. National Jazz Museum in Harlem
A compact museum with listening stations, instruments on display, and occasional family-friendly jams that make jazz approachable for young ears.
✓ Why Go:
Kids can connect sounds they hear at home or in movies to the real Harlem stories behind them.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons midweek for quieter exploration; check listings for family programs and live sets.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff for age-friendly playlists to spark the ride-home dance party.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families describe it as intimate, friendly, and unexpectedly fun—even for kids new to jazz.
7. Museum of the City of New York
Interactive exhibits like “NYC at Its Core” and rotating family programs help kids grasp how New York grew, block by block.
✓ Why Go:
Hands-on elements and vivid storytelling bring big-city concepts—transport, neighborhoods, cultures—down to kid size.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend mornings; look for seasonal family days and school-break workshops.
✓ Insider Tip:
Download the family activity guides before you go to turn the galleries into a scavenger hunt.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents praise the clear layouts and helpful educators; kids enjoy the maps and model-making stations.
8. El Museo del Barrio
Celebrating Latinx, Caribbean, and Latin American art and culture, El Museo offers bilingual programs and art-making that welcome families of all backgrounds.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a colorful, inclusive space where kids can see diverse stories reflected in the art and activities.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
First Saturdays and family days; weekday afternoons are quieter for strollers.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pop into the shop for craft kits and Spanish/English kids’ books inspired by the exhibits.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families love the warm, community vibe and programs that work for multiple ages.
9. AMC Magic Johnson Harlem
Catch the latest family films with reserved seating and modern screens right off 125th Street—perfect for a rainy-day plan or a post-museum wind-down.
✓ Why Go:
It’s convenient, central, and offers kid-friendly showtimes alongside plenty of nearby dining for an easy dinner-and-a-movie combo.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend matinees for the best seat selection; Tuesdays often feature value pricing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book seats in the back third for the clearest view if your kids tend to fidget.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents appreciate the clean theaters and smooth ticketing; kids rave about the big-screen experience.
10. Harlem Grown
An inspiring urban farm where children learn how food grows through garden beds, composting, and seasonal tastings—right in the heart of the neighborhood.
✓ Why Go:
It connects city kids to nature and healthy eating with hands-on learning they’ll remember long after the trip.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall for outdoor activities; check for weekend open hours and farm stand days.
✓ Insider Tip:
Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a reusable water bottle; little farmers may get delightfully messy.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families call it eye-opening, friendly, and empowering—kids leave proud of what they planted or tasted.
