Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in the Bronx
Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in the Bronx
1. Bronx Zoo
A sprawling urban wildlife park where kids can wander immersive habitats, ride the Bug Carousel, and watch sea lions splash. Paths are stroller-friendly and shaded.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the borough’s blockbuster for animal-loving kids, with marquee exhibits and plenty of space to explore without feeling crowded.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring and fall for mild temps and active animals; arrive at opening on weekends and school breaks.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head straight to popular areas like Congo Gorilla Forest early, then circle back for smaller exhibits and playground breaks.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families praise the variety and say a full day flies by—“clean, well-run, and magical for animal-obsessed kids.”
2. New York Botanical Garden
A 250-acre living museum with colorful seasonal displays and the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden for hands-on discovery.
✓ Why Go:
Kids can dig, build, and learn about plants while grown-ups soak up beautiful landscapes and glasshouse wonders.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring blooms and autumn foliage shine; winter highlights include indoor conservatory exhibits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Budget time for the Children’s Adventure Garden and pack a snack for a picnic on the lawns.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents love the calm, stroller-friendly paths—“educational without feeling like school.”
3. Wave Hill
Riverfront gardens and woodlands with skyline views and a weekend Family Art Project that sparks creativity in nature.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a gentle, low-stress outing: art-making, wildlife-spotting, and space to roam that’s perfect for younger kids.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall for gardens in bloom; crisp winter days for quiet trails and views.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the Family Art Project schedule and bring layers—breezes off the Hudson can be cool.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it “a serene escape” and rave about the staff who engage kids with hands-on activities.
4. Bronx Children's Museum
Interactive exhibits celebrate the Bronx’s waterways, music, and neighborhoods—built for curious, climb-happy kids.
✓ Why Go:
It’s tailor-made for families, with learning-by-doing zones that keep toddlers to tweens engaged.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for lighter crowds; reserve timed entry on peak days.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a change of clothes for little ones—some exhibits get delightfully messy.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents say the museum feels welcoming and culturally rooted—“our kids didn’t want to leave.”
5. Yankee Stadium
Home of the New York Yankees, with big-league energy, ballpark bites, and kid-friendly amenities.
✓ Why Go:
Even non-fans love the spectacle—music, mascots, and the thrill of seeing a game in a legendary venue.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Day games in spring and early fall offer milder weather and easier bedtimes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter early to visit Monument Park before lines build, and set souvenir budgets ahead of time.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families call it “electric and unforgettable,” noting smooth operations and helpful staff.
6. Bronx Museum of the Arts
A contemporary art museum with rotating exhibits and community programs that welcome families.
✓ Why Go:
It introduces kids to art from the Bronx and beyond in an approachable, light-filled space.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons on weekends for family programs; weekdays for quieter galleries.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask at the desk for family guides or scavenger hunts to make exhibits interactive.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors appreciate the inclusive vibe—“thoughtful shows and easy for kids to engage.”
7. Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
A historic mansion tucked inside Pelham Bay Park with gardens, lawns, and kid-focused events on select days.
✓ Why Go:
History meets outdoor play—great for mixing a short tour with time in nature.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring and summer for garden strolls and lawn games; holiday season for festive family events.
✓ Insider Tip:
Combine with a stop at nearby Orchard Beach for a full Pelham Bay day.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families find it “charming and low-key,” praising friendly guides and open space for kids.
8. Van Cortlandt Park
A vast park with hiking trails, playgrounds, a lake, and meadows where kids can run off city energy.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the Bronx’s outdoor classroom—spot turtles, hike manageable loops, and picnic under big trees.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through fall for trails and picnics; winter for brisk walks and birding.
✓ Insider Tip:
Try the Old Croton Aqueduct trail for a wide, mostly flat path that’s stroller-friendly.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents call it “a nature reset,” applauding the space and wildlife sightings.
9. Orchard Beach
The Bronx’s crescent-shaped beach with calm water, a promenade, and playgrounds—easy summer fun for families.
✓ Why Go:
Sandcastles, swimming, and seaside snacks without leaving the city or breaking the budget.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Summer mornings for easier parking and gentler sun; shoulder season for breezy walks.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pack water shoes for pebbly patches and bring shade—umbrellas go fast on sunny weekends.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Kids love the waves and icees; caregivers appreciate lifeguards and the lively boardwalk vibe.
10. Arthur Avenue Retail Market
A bustling indoor market in Little Italy of the Bronx where families can sample fresh bread, pizza, and cannoli.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a delicious cultural stop—kids watch pasta being made and pick treats while adults browse Italian specialties.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning on weekdays for fewer crowds; weekends for lively atmosphere.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring some cash—small purchases at multiple vendors add up, and some counters prefer cash.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors say it’s “tasty, friendly, and authentic,” with something every picky eater will enjoy.
