Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in SoHo
Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in SoHo
1. Museum of Ice Cream
A multi-room, candy-colored wonderland where kids slide, sprinkle, and lick their way through interactive installations capped by generous ice cream tastings.
✓ Why Go:
It’s sensory play meets selfie heaven, with enough sugar-fueled whimsy to delight little ones and keep tweens and teens engaged.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings or the last slots on weeknights to avoid peak crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book timed tickets in advance and budget 60–90 minutes; bring a small bag for souvenirs and keep hands free for activities.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families rave about the playful rooms and friendly staff; some note short waits between sections during busy hours.
2. Sloomoo Institute
A hands-on slime playground featuring mix-your-own stations, ASMR soundscapes, and tactile zones that turn goo into giggles.
✓ Why Go:
It’s creative, messy fun that sneaks in science and sensory learning—perfect for kids who love to touch, stretch, and experiment.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon on weekdays; weekend mornings sell out quickly.
✓ Insider Tip:
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little messy; lockers and hand-washing stations make cleanup easy.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents call it a guaranteed hit for elementary ages; teens love the photo ops and custom slime bar.
3. Color Factory
An immersive art journey through rooms of color, light, and playful surprises—from confetti to a giant ball pit—designed for all ages.
✓ Why Go:
It blends art appreciation with joyful, physical play, offering memorable family photos and bite-size treats along the way.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
First entry of the day or evening sessions for fewer lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Travel light—hands-free is best for interactive moments; plan about 75 minutes inside.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise the upbeat staff and polished exhibits; some wish for more time in the ball pit on busy days.
4. New York City Fire Museum
A historic firehouse filled with vintage apparatus, hands-on exhibits, and kid-friendly fire safety displays.
✓ Why Go:
Fire trucks and gear up close thrill kids, while parents appreciate the New York history and practical safety lessons.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings; rainy days are popular but manageable.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the calendar for children’s programs and bring a snack—there’s no café on-site.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families highlight the welcoming staff and well-curated displays; younger kids linger at the interactive areas.
5. The Drawing Center
A focused art space championing drawing, with exhibitions that spark creativity and occasional family programs.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a calm, manageable museum stop where kids can slow down and really look—then sketch what they see.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday on weekdays for quieter galleries.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a pocket sketchbook and pencils for quick family drawing breaks after viewing.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the intimate scale and thoughtful shows; parents say it’s an easy, enriching add-on to a SoHo stroll.
6. New York Earth Room
Walter De Maria’s legendary installation: a serene loft filled with 250 cubic yards of earth—quiet, contemplative, and free.
✓ Why Go:
A mind-bending introduction to conceptual art that fascinates kids with its sheer scale and simplicity.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons midweek; hours are limited, so check same-day times.
✓ Insider Tip:
It’s a look-don’t-touch experience; prep kids to use indoor voices and keep visits brief.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families call it weird in the best way; many say it sparks great questions about what art can be.
7. The Broken Kilometer
Another Walter De Maria landmark: 500 polished brass rods arranged with exacting precision inside a tranquil gallery.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a striking, math-meets-art moment that encourages kids to think about pattern, symmetry, and perspective.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons; combine with the Earth Room for a quick art duo.
✓ Insider Tip:
Free admission; visits are short—plan a nearby snack stop afterward.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests are surprised by how mesmerizing it is; parents note it’s a fast, memorable stop.
8. Angelika Film Center
A downtown cinema staple showing indie, international, and occasional family-friendly films with frequent daytime showtimes.
✓ Why Go:
A cozy screen break for older kids and teens, especially on rainy days or after a long SoHo walk.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early matinees for lighter crowds and easier seating.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pick age-appropriate titles and arrive a bit early—auditoriums can fill for popular releases.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Moviegoers love the artsy vibe and convenient location; some mention ambient train rumbles as part of the charm.
9. MoMA Design Store SoHo
A vibrant shop-museum hybrid where families try out clever design toys, puzzles, and creative kits curated by MoMA.
✓ Why Go:
It doubles as an interactive browsing break and a place to pick up engaging, design-forward gifts for kids.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning on weekdays before after-school crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Test-drive puzzles and kids’ kits together to gauge difficulty before buying.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents appreciate the friendly staff and hands-on displays; kids love the colorful, STEM-forward finds.
10. Mulberry Street Library (NYPL)
A welcoming neighborhood library branch with a cheerful children’s room, story times, and a calm spot to regroup.
✓ Why Go:
Free, air-conditioned downtime with books and programs—ideal for toddlers through tweens.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-mornings for open play and afternoon for after-school activities; check the branch calendar.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pick up a library card if you’re local; visitors can still enjoy reading nooks and occasional drop-in events.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Caregivers praise the friendly librarians and clean facilities; kids enjoy the cozy corners and craft times.
