Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in March
Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in March
1. American Museum of Natural History
Dinosaurs, dazzling dioramas, space shows, and interactive halls make this a full-day adventure that keeps kids engaged even on chilly March days.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the ultimate family museum in NYC, with world-class exhibits that spark curiosity across ages, perfect when spring weather is unpredictable.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive at opening on weekdays in March to enjoy the halls with fewer school-break crowds; save marquee exhibits for the first hour.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter via the 81st Street subway entrance for a smoother start, and plan snack breaks in the lower-level cafeteria between gallery bursts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families rave about the sheer scale and kid enthusiasm for dinosaurs and the planetarium, noting smooth logistics and friendly staff.
2. Children's Museum of Manhattan
Colorful, hands-on exhibits encourage climbing, creating, and pretend play—ideal for toddlers through early grade-schoolers.
✓ Why Go:
A compact, kid-sized museum that channels March energy indoors, with learning-through-play experiences parents appreciate.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late mornings on weekdays in early March are calmer; reserve timed entry on weekends near spring break.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pack grippy socks and a change of layers; nearby cafés on Amsterdam Avenue make easy lunch stops.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise approachable staff, clean play spaces, and exhibits that engage younger kids for hours.
3. New York Hall of Science
STEM discovery in Queens with hundreds of interactive exhibits—from physics puzzles to space and biology—that turn learning into play.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a hit with school-age kids, offering wide-open galleries that are perfect for burning off energy on brisk March days.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons in March see lighter crowds; budget extra time for the Design Lab and hands-on tinkering zones.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a small notebook so kids can sketch ideas from exhibits; Flushing Meadows Corona Park next door is great for a quick run-around if it’s mild.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families applaud the interactive approach and value for time, calling it a must for science-loving kids.
4. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Climb aboard an aircraft carrier, step inside a submarine, and see the space shuttle—history that feels hands-on and heroic.
✓ Why Go:
It combines STEM, history, and wow-factor vehicles, keeping kids engaged even on windy March waterfront days.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings right at opening are best; colder March days are quieter, making narrow passages easier with kids.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring light gloves and a hat—flight deck winds can be brisk; the hanger decks offer warmer indoor breaks.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents report high excitement levels and memorable conversations about planes, ships, and space travel.
5. Brooklyn Children's Museum
One of the first children’s museums in the world, with multicultural exhibits, sensory play, and maker activities tailored to young explorers.
✓ Why Go:
A neighborhood gem that turns a gray March morning into a vibrant, interactive playdate with learning built in.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early weekday sessions in March are relaxed; consider a mid-nap break and return for afternoon energy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check for short pop-up workshops when you arrive; St. Marks Avenue nearby has easy snack options.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the welcoming vibe and thoughtfully designed exhibits for toddlers and early elementary kids.
6. Staten Island Ferry
A free harbor ride with grandstand views of the Statue of Liberty and skyline—quick, thrilling, and stroller-friendly.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a budget-friendly mini-cruise that delights kids and gives parents a classic NYC experience in under an hour.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday rides in March are less windy and often less crowded than rush-hour commutes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sit on the starboard side outbound for Statue views; bring a windbreaker for the outdoor decks.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families applaud the value, ease, and unbeatable photo ops without the time commitment of longer cruises.
7. National Museum of Mathematics
Puzzles you can ride, shapes you can build, and math you can touch—this interactive museum turns numbers into play.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a compact indoor win for March, especially for kids who love challenges, patterns, and hands-on problem solving.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday late afternoons in March tend to be quieter; plan 90 minutes to two hours.
✓ Insider Tip:
Don’t miss the square-wheeled tricycle—it’s the quickest way to hook skeptics on math.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents praise the balance of fun and learning, noting engaged staff and well-paced exhibits.
8. One World Observatory
Ride a sky-high elevator to sweeping, all-weather views with multimedia exhibits that bring the city’s story to life.
✓ Why Go:
An indoor observation deck is perfect for March, giving kids a citywide perspective without braving rooftop winds.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Clear mornings after a cold front can deliver the farthest views; reserve timed tickets for weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Point out bridges and boroughs using the digital guides—turn it into a scavenger hunt from above.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families describe it as a trip highlight with friendly staff and efficient crowd flow.
9. Bronx Zoo
America’s largest urban zoo offers vast habitats and kid favorites like tigers, gorillas, and the Children’s Zoo (seasonal).
✓ Why Go:
Cool March days mean more active animals and lighter crowds, making wide pathways ideal for strollers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Aim for late morning when animals are most active; bundle up and map indoor exhibits as warm-up stops.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the Asia and Congo Gorilla Forest indoor areas as cozy interludes between outdoor trails.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors value the space to roam and the variety of exhibits that engage all ages.
10. New York Aquarium
Ocean Wonders: Sharks! and sea lion shows bring marine life up close in an easy, mostly indoor outing on Coney Island.
✓ Why Go:
A weatherproof win for March with captivating tanks and short attention-span-friendly exhibits.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early afternoons avoid morning school groups; plan a brisk boardwalk stroll if the sun pops out.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sit high and center for sea lion show visibility; save the coral reef galleries for the end when it’s quieter.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families praise friendly educators, clean facilities, and engaging displays that work for mixed-age groups.
