New York City may be known as the city that never sleeps, but it’s also a fantastic destination for families with children. We had an amazing time in New York with our sons (11 and 8 at the time of our visit) and I've put together the best family friendly itinerary of New York for those who are looking for inspiration for their visit. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there’s something magical for kids of all ages. Whether you're visiting for the first time or you're a local looking for fresh ideas, here are the best things to do in New York with kids for an unforgettable adventure.
1. Explore Central Park
No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to Central Park. This huge urban oasis offers countless activities for little explorers. Kids will love climbing the Alice in Wonderland statue, riding the vintage Central Park Carousel, or letting off steam at one of the many playgrounds, like the adventure-filled Heckscher Playground. Don’t forget to visit the Central Park Zoo, home to red pandas, sea lions, and even snow leopards!
2. Visit the American Museum of Natural History
Step into a world of dinosaurs, space exploration and fascinating exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History. The iconic giant blue whale model and the towering T. rex skeleton never fail to impress. If your little ones love stars and planets, the Hayden Planetarium offers immersive space shows that are out of this world. Make sure to book your ticket to the planetarium when booking your tickets to the American Museum of Natural History as they're not included in the normal admission price. Our visit to the planetarium was one of the most relaxing experiences of our lives!
3. Take a Ride on the Staten Island Ferry
For a budget-friendly adventure, hop on the Staten Island Ferry. This free ferry ride offers gorgeous views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. It’s a great way to introduce kids to NYC’s waterways while enjoying some fresh air and spectacular photo opportunities. And what child doesn't love going on a boat (ferry)?
4. Get Creative at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Perfect for toddlers and younger children, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is a hands-on wonderland of creativity and imagination for little ones. From interactive exhibits to play spaces, it’s designed to spark imagination and learning in a fun environment. Expect water play areas, building zones, and engaging cultural exhibits which kids will absolutely love!
5. Discover the Wonders of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
For kids fascinated by airplanes, submarines and space, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is a must-visit. My boys loved their visit here and we spent hours here! It would make for a great place to visit on a rainy day in the city as it's mostly inside a WWII aircraft carrier. Explore the Intrepid aircraft carrier, climb inside a real space shuttle and see historic jets up close. There’s even a hands-on Exploreum for younger visitors to play and learn.
6. Experience the Magic of a Broadway Show
NYC is home to some of the best family-friendly theatre productions in the world. Catching a Broadway show like The Lion King, Aladdin, or Harry Potter and the Cursed Child can be a mesmerising experience for children. Be sure to book tickets in advance, as these shows tend to sell out quickly!
7. Ride the Roosevelt Island Tram
For a unique and scenic ride, take the Roosevelt Island Tramway from Manhattan. This aerial cable car ride offers stunning views of the city and is an exciting experience for kids. Once on Roosevelt Island, enjoy the scenic waterfront, picnic areas and playgrounds to your hearts content.
8. Explore the New York Hall of Science
Budding scientists will adore the New York Hall of Science in Queens. This interactive museum is packed with hands-on exhibits covering topics like physics, technology and engineering. There’s also an outdoor science playground and a mini-golf course based on scientific principles which the kids will love!
9. Indulge in Sweet Treats at the Museum of Ice Cream
If your kids are ice cream lovers, like mine are, then a visit to the Museum of Ice Cream is a must! This place is not like a traditional museum, but more like a giant indoor playground. Both of us adults and the kids enjoyed the swings, arcade, swirl slide and pool of 'sprinkles' in the Museum of Ice Cream. The place is beautifully decorated too, making for lots of fun photo opportunities! Be warned though, tickets are expensive for here and it was the most expensive attraction we visited during our trip to New York.
10. Visit the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
As one of the first children’s museums in the world, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum offers engaging, hands-on exhibits which are perfect for young minds. Kids can explore cultural exhibits, role-play in a mini Brooklyn city and even have fun engaging in sensory-friendly activities.
11. Check Out the Sea Glass Carousel
Located in Battery Park, the Sea Glass Carousel is unlike any other. Instead of traditional horses, children ride beautifully illuminated fish that glide and spin, creating a magical underwater-like experience.
12. Take in the Views from the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock
For an unforgettable skyline view, take the family up to the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock. Both offer breath-taking panoramic sights of the city, making kids feel like they’re on top of the world. We chose Top of the Rock for our visit due to it's closeness to St. Patrick's Cathedral and FAQ Schwartz, which were too other places we wanted to visit during our time in New York.
13. Discover the High Line
If you're looking to get the kids outdoors in the city, take them to the High Line, an elevated park built on a former railway track, perfect for a leisurely family stroll. Along the way, kids can enjoy interactive art installations, water features and plenty of green space to explore.
14. Play at the Chelsea Piers Sports Complex
If your little ones need to burn off energy, Chelsea Piers is the place to go. With rock climbing, ice skating, bowling, and trampoline zones, there’s no shortage of fun activities to keep kids entertained.
15. Visit the Bronx Zoo
One of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world, the Bronx Zoo is home to thousands of animals from around the globe. Must-see exhibits include the Congo Gorilla Forest, the Butterfly Garden and the Children’s Zoo, where kids can get up close with friendly farm animals.
New York City is bursting with family-friendly attractions, and there’s truly something for every child’s interest. We had a great time exploring the city with our boys, which, to my surprise, is incredibly kid friendly (I didn't know what to expect as someone from the quiet Irish countryside!). Whether you’re having fun exploring museums, riding ferries or catching a Broadway show, New York offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery with the kids.
Have you visited NYC with kids? Let us know your favourite spots in the comments below!
