Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids near the Empire State Building
Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids near the Empire State Building
1. Empire State Building Observatory
Ride up to the 86th-floor open-air deck and introduce kids to New York’s skyline, with clear views of landmarks they’ll recognize from movies and books. Interactive exhibits on the building’s history make the journey as fun as the view.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the quintessential NYC moment and an easy anchor for a family day—short lines early, straightforward security, and a payoff that wows all ages.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings right at opening or late evenings after 8 pm for lighter crowds and softer light.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a light layer for wind on the deck and consider a quick restroom stop in the lobby before heading up; coin-operated viewers keep little ones engaged.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents praise the smooth operations and kid-friendliness of the exhibits; occasional crowding at sunset is the most common complaint.
2. Bryant Park
A welcoming lawn, a charming carousel, and seasonal programming transform this Midtown green space into a kid magnet just a short walk from the Empire State Building.
✓ Why Go:
Shady seating, clean public restrooms, and free activities (games carts in warm months, ice skating in winter) make it an easy, low-cost family stop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings on weekdays for open space; late afternoons for carousel rides; November–March for the Winter Village rink.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head to the award-winning public restrooms on the 42nd Street side and borrow board games from the park’s games cart when it’s operating.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families love the safe, lively vibe and frequent programming; some note lunch-hour crowds on sunny weekdays.
3. New York Public Library – Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Meet Patience and Fortitude (the famous lion statues) and step into a Beaux-Arts treasure with free exhibits and soaring halls that spark curiosity.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a calm, inspiring break between high-energy stops, and the changing exhibitions give kids bite-size cultural moments.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning or early afternoon on weekdays for quieter galleries.
✓ Insider Tip:
Snap photos with the lions on the 5th Avenue steps, then pop around the corner to the SNFL branch for a dedicated Children’s Center.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about the architecture and free exhibits; families appreciate the peaceful pause from Midtown buzz.
4. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
A multi-sensory observatory with mirror-filled rooms, sky-high views, and immersive light for spectacular family photos a short stroll from Bryant Park.
✓ Why Go:
It turns an observation deck into an interactive art experience, keeping older kids especially engaged while delivering knockout views.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for fewer reflections from crowds; golden hour for dramatic photos.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring sunglasses—the mirrored spaces are bright—and secure loose items before entering the immersive rooms.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families love the wow factor and photo ops; some mention the glare and occasional wait for elevators.
5. Macy’s Herald Square
Beyond shopping, this flagship offers seasonal window displays, Santaland in winter, and a maze of historic wooden escalators kids find surprisingly fun.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an easy indoor detour with restrooms, cafes, and holiday magic if you’re visiting in November–December.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings; arrive early during the holidays to avoid lines for Santaland.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start on the lower floors to ride the vintage wooden escalators and check the events calendar for pop-ups and kid-friendly activations.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families praise the holiday experiences and convenience; crowds and navigation can feel overwhelming at peak times.
6. National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath)
Hands-on exhibits turn patterns, shapes, and motion into play. Kids pedal, spin, and experiment their way through math concepts without realizing they’re learning.
✓ Why Go:
It’s STEM disguised as fun—perfect for curious grade-schoolers and tweens, rain or shine.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons during the school year or early on weekend mornings.
✓ Insider Tip:
Popular exhibits can bottleneck; loop back later rather than waiting. Check for family workshops on the day you visit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents love the engaging staff and interactivity; a few wish for more space during busy hours.
7. Madison Square Park
A leafy pause with a solid playground, rotating public art, and Flatiron views—ideal for a snack stop and a wiggle break.
✓ Why Go:
Reliable shade, benches, and an easy loop make it a stress-free park for families exploring Midtown South.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning or late afternoon for playground time; spring and fall for public art installations.
✓ Insider Tip:
If the playground is busy, stroll the outer paths for Flatiron photo angles, then grab lemonade from nearby kiosks.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families value the cleanliness and calm compared to busier parks; occasional lunch-hour crowding noted.
8. Harry Potter New York
A two-level flagship filled with wands, house robes, and Instagrammable set pieces, plus a Butterbeer Bar for a sweet treat.
✓ Why Go:
For wizarding fans, it’s a destination unto itself and an easy reward after museum time or a park visit.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings or early evenings; weekends can see short entry lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check age/height requirements for VR experiences in advance and budget time for the Butterbeer queue.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Kids are dazzled by the immersive merchandising and photo spots; lines for special items can form on busy days.
9. LEGO Store Flatiron District
Floor-to-ceiling builds, hands-on play areas, and New York–themed mosaics inspire creativity just south of the Empire State Building.
✓ Why Go:
A quick, weatherproof stop that delights builders of all ages—and a good place to pick a small souvenir.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays before 3 pm or evenings after 6 pm.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about the Minifigure customization station; reservations may be offered during busy periods.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families love the friendly staff and interactive elements; expect crowds right after school lets out.
10. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)
A bright, modern library branch with a dedicated Children’s Center, plentiful seating, and a rooftop terrace with Midtown views.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a free, calming reset with storytimes and spaces tailored to families—steps from Bryant Park.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning on weekdays for story hours; early afternoons for quiet reading nooks.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head up to the rooftop terrace for skyline peeks and bring a library card if you’d like to borrow books.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents appreciate the welcoming staff, clean facilities, and kid-focused layout; limited stroller space during events can occur.
