13 Best Things to Do in NYC With Kids
New York City with kids sounds like chaos, but the Big Apple knows how to keep little ones entertained.
The trick is knowing which attractions deliver fun instead of just draining your wallet and patience. Here are the best things to do in NYC with kids.
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1. American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History holds one of the world’s largest collection of dinosaurs, so if you’ve got young explorers, prepare for some wide-eyed stares. Kids love hunting for fossils and gawking at a massive T-Rex skeleton.
The planetarium has space displays that’ll wow children of any age. You can’t cover everything in one day, especially with kids. Don’t be afraid to come back for round two.
The exhibits keep little ones engaged while you wander the endless halls. And the donation-based admission for locals is a relief for your wallet.
Best For: Dinosaur-obsessed kids and families craving educational fun in a classic NYC landmark.
2. Central Park Zoo
Central Park Zoo squeezes an amazing lineup of animals into just 7 acres right in Manhattan’s heart.
Snow leopards, sea lions, and grizzly bears—your kids will meet them all without leaving the city.
The Tisch Children’s Zoo lets little ones feed goats and sheep up close. Penguins put on a show during daily feeding times at 10:30am and 2:30pm.
Sea lion shows run three times daily and always draw a crowd. The tropical zone is home to colorful birds and reptiles that fascinate kids year-round.
Best For: Families looking for wildlife and interactive animal encounters without leaving central Manhattan.
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3. Children’s Museum of Manhattan
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan turns hands-on learning into an adventure on the Upper West Side.
Little ones can learn about art, science, and culture with interactive exhibits made for ages 0-6.
CMOM’s been inspiring young minds for over 50 years. Every corner encourages curiosity, from creative art projects to science experiments.
Best For: Interactive learning adventures for toddlers and young children in a safe, playful space.
4. Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo sprawls across more than 265 acres and is home to over 11,000 animals from all over the globe.
As the nation’s largest urban zoo, this place is packed with wildlife encounters your kids won’t stop talking about.
Watch bison graze or catch keeper chats where animal experts share fun facts. The zoo’s immersive environments make you feel like you’re traveling the world, minus the jet lag.
Best For: Families curious about animals from every continent and eager to explore diverse habitats.
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5. New York Hall of Science
The New York Hall of Science is one of Queens’ most unique, kid-friendly museums. There are over 450 interactive exhibits that make science feel like playtime.
There’s The Big Bubble activity and a 60,000 square-foot Science area where children can run wild while learning.
Live demonstrations by NYSCI staff cover chemistry, physics, and engineering in ways that actually stick.
Best For: Families who want hands-on STEM learning through interactive exhibits and demos.
6. Ride Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park
A restored 1922 carousel spinning with Manhattan’s skyline as your backdrop? That’s Jane’s Carousel. The 48 hand-carved horses live inside a gorgeous glass pavilion by Jean Nouvel.
At just $3 per ride, it’s a steal in pricey NYC. Kids love the vintage charm, and you’ll get your best family photos with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background.
The carousel runs year-round, so weather can’t ruin your plans. Its waterfront DUMBO location pairs perfectly with other Brooklyn Bridge Park adventures.
Best For: Affordable family fun with epic views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.
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7. Explore the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum floats on the Hudson River inside a real 900-foot aircraft carrier.
Kids can clamber onto fighter jets, helicopters, and even see the Space Shuttle Enterprise.
Interactive exhibits and military artifacts let children touch history and get a taste of aviation and space exploration. Climb into cockpits and walk the flight deck where Navy pilots once took off.
Best For: Kids who love planes, ships, and space adventures—on Manhattan’s only floating museum.
8. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge stretches over 6,000 feet between Manhattan and Brooklyn with killer city views.
Built in 1883, it’s a historic suspension bridge with a walkway above traffic—so no dodging cars.
Kids love spotting boats on the East River below. The wooden planks underfoot make it feel completely different from a regular sidewalk.
Give yourself 30-45 minutes for the full crossing—skyline and Statue of Liberty photo ops are everywhere.
Best For: Families chasing amazing photos and a free outdoor activity with unbeatable city views.
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9. Enjoy the Central Park Playgrounds
Central Park is dotted with 21 unique playgrounds across its 843 acres. Each one’s got a different theme and creative equipment to keep kids busy for hours.
The Heckscher Playground near Columbus Circle has climbing structures and swings for every age.
Ancient Playground, near the Met, is Egyptian-themed and even has a pyramid to scale.
Diana Ross Playground features a climbing net and even a water feature in the summer. Kids scramble up the wooden structure while you kick back on a bench.
Best For: Free outdoor fun with creative equipment—let the kids burn energy while you soak up some fresh air.
10. Take a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise
Circle Line cruises offer award-winning guided tours that show Manhattan from a whole new angle. Sail around the island and spot landmarks your family’s seen in movies and TV.
The cruise covers over 100 sights—Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, all five boroughs. Kids love waving at Lady Liberty and counting bridges as you pass underneath.
Best For: Taking in NYC’s skyline and landmarks from the water while keeping the kids happy.
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11. Discover the New York Aquarium
The New York Aquarium in Coney Island features over 500 marine species across 14 acres of waterfront. Sharks, rays, sea otters, jellyfish—kids can watch them all glide by in massive tanks.
The Aquatheater hosts fun shows starring sea lions. Feeding demos and conservation talks sneak in some learning without feeling like school.
Right on the boardwalk, it’s easy to pair your aquarium visit with beach time or a classic Coney Island ride.
Best For: Families who want to see marine life and catch entertaining, educational shows by the ocean.
12. Catch a Kid-Friendly Broadway Show
Broadway shows are the stuff of family legends. Kids get swept up in the music, costumes, and jaw-dropping performances.
Disney musicals like The Lion King and Aladdin are easy wins. Wicked is a hit with older kids—those visuals and songs are hard to beat.
Long-running family-friendly Broadway shows include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, perfect for budding wizards. Most theaters have booster seats and snacks that won’t break the bank.
Best For: Creating magical memories with dazzling performances and stories kids will talk about for ages.
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13. Explore Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock
The Top of the Rock observation deck gives you jaw-dropping views of Manhattan from 70 floors up.
Kids love spotting the Empire State Building and Central Park from the outdoor terraces.
Weekend family programming keeps kids entertained during summer. Plus, discounts at FAO Schwarz and nearby kid-friendly restaurants sweeten the deal.
Best For: Families craving spectacular city views and photo ops from an iconic NYC skyscraper.
