Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids on Staten Island
Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids on Staten Island
1. Staten Island Zoo
A compact, easy-to-navigate zoo known for close-up animal encounters that won’t exhaust little legs. Interactive exhibits, a small aquarium, and shady paths make it a stress-free outing for families.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the perfect starter zoo for young kids—manageable, engaging, and educational without long lines or crowds.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring and early fall offer mild weather and active animals; arrive right at opening for the calmest experience.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the day’s schedule at the entrance for keeper chats and hands-on activities to time your visit around them.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents praise the friendly staff and bite-size scale; kids love getting close to animals without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Staten Island Children’s Museum
Hands-on galleries invite kids to build, climb, role-play, and create across art, science, and imaginative play. Outdoor spaces and seasonal programming add variety for repeat visits.
✓ Why Go:
It delivers hours of screen-free fun tailored to curious minds, ideal for toddlers through tweens.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings are quietest; in summer, pair an early visit with a stroll through the surrounding gardens.
✓ Insider Tip:
Combine with a walk to nearby Snug Harbor lawns for a picnic break between exhibits.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families rave about the interactive exhibits and the museum’s balance of learning and play.
3. Staten Island Ferry
A free, 25-minute harbor ride linking Staten Island and Lower Manhattan with sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty and skyline. Kids get a boat trip; parents get iconic photos without tickets or tours.
✓ Why Go:
It’s one of NYC’s best no-cost adventures and an easy thrill for transportation-obsessed kids.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Go at golden hour for dramatic light; avoid weekday rush hours for more space on deck.
✓ Insider Tip:
For the best Statue views: from Manhattan to Staten Island stand on starboard; from Staten Island to Manhattan stand on port.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the value, views, and novelty—kids talk about the boat ride long after the trip.
4. Fort Wadsworth
One of the oldest U.S. military installations, perched beneath the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge with grassy ramparts, cannon batteries, and jaw-dropping harbor overlooks. Trails and open lawns suit strollers and energetic kids.
✓ Why Go:
History meets open-air exploration—perfect for burning energy while sparking curiosity about NYC’s past.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Clear afternoons for bridge-and-bay views; spring and fall for comfortable temps and fewer bugs.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring binoculars for ship-spotting and bridge detail—there’s plenty to see from the overlooks.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families appreciate the space, scenery, and educational angle without museum fatigue.
5. Historic Richmond Town
A living history village where centuries-old homes, costumed interpreters, and hands-on demos bring early New York to life. Paths between buildings are easy to navigate with kids.
✓ Why Go:
It turns history class into an immersive, tactile experience that kids remember.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Autumn weekends for harvest-themed activities; spring for pleasant wandering and open-air demos.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look for seasonal events at nearby Decker Farm to add cider, crafts, or hayrides to your day.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents call it engaging and well-paced; children love trying old-time trades and tools.
6. Greenbelt Nature Center
Gateway to Staten Island’s forested heart, with kid-friendly exhibits and trailheads leading to ponds, boardwalks, and woodland loops. It’s nature immersion without leaving the city.
✓ Why Go:
Easy trails, wildlife sightings, and indoor learning make it a flexible outdoor day with kids.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings in late spring or early fall; after rain, stick to boardwalk paths to keep little shoes dry.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pick up a trail map inside and choose a loop under two miles to match your family’s pace.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families value the calm, clean facilities, and approachable hikes for beginners.
7. Alice Austen House
A waterfront Victorian cottage turned museum celebrating pioneering photographer Alice Austen. Expansive lawns and a promenade offer space to roam with postcard views of the harbor.
✓ Why Go:
Art, history, and outdoor play converge, giving grown-ups culture and kids room to explore.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon for softer light and breezes off the Narrows; summer for lawn picnics.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pack a picnic—the grassy waterfront makes an easy, scenic lunch stop after the galleries.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the intimate museum and stunning setting that keeps kids engaged outside.
8. Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve
Quiet pine barrens, sandy trails, and a family-friendly nature center introduce kids to unique habitats on Staten Island’s South Shore. Look for frogs, birds, and interpretive displays.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a gentle wilderness escape tailor-made for little naturalists and first hikes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Cool mornings from April–June and September–October for wildlife activity and fewer mosquitoes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Wear closed-toe shoes—some sandy and rooted sections can trip small feet.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families appreciate the serene vibe and educational visitor center that orients young explorers.
9. Staten Island University Hospital Community Park
A waterfront ballpark steps from the ferry where the hometown FerryHawks play. Intimate seating, promenade views, and kid-friendly concessions make for an easy first baseball game.
✓ Why Go:
Live sports without major-league prices, plus skyline sunsets the whole family will remember.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Summer evenings for cooler temps and a festive atmosphere; arrive early to snag plaza seats.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the schedule for family promotions—weeknights are typically less crowded and budget-friendly.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents love the convenience and value; kids get close to the action and mascots.
10. Conference House Park
At Staten Island’s southern tip, beaches, meadows, and the 18th-century Conference House combine outdoor play with Revolutionary War history. Wide paths and shore breezes suit family strolls.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a scenic, less-crowded corner of NYC where kids can run free and learn a slice of American history.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall for shore walks and open meadows; winter for quiet birdwatching.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring kites or beach toys—the bayside stretch is perfect for windy-day play.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families describe it as peaceful, spacious, and rich with teachable moments.
