Top 10 Things to Do in NYC for Families

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Traveling to the Big Apple with your kids doesn’t have to be an overwhelming remake of Home Alone 2 — families might even find the city to be more kid-friendly than expected, with tons of playgrounds, shops, and activities to keep young ones busy all day. Here are some great things to do with kiddos of all ages.

1. See a kid-friendly show

The Lion King is awesome, but there are so many great children’s theaters in NYC. The New Victory Theater has a great lineup of original productions, including shows made especially for children with disabilities. Or you can check out the lineup of original Off-Broadway offerings, like the Gazillion Bubble Show.

2. Experience “Old New York”

Explore the historic vessels at South Street Seaport and learn about how vital NYC was to shipping and trading. Learn about the real Alexander Hamilton (you know, that guy in Hamilton?) at his historic Harlem home, Hamilton Grange. Experience what immigrant life was like first-hand on Ellis Island.

3. Become a park ranger

Just because you’re in a city doesn’t mean nature takes a backseat. Each New York City park offers its own unique perspective on urban nature, from the lakes and ponds at Prospect Park in Brooklyn to the quirky art at the Socrates Sculpture Park in Astoria. Check out the Urban Park Rangers programs for a list of cool activities; they happen year round, and they’re usually free.

4. Be a tourist in Times Square

You could spend an entire afternoon in Times Square and still miss out on some of the action. Explore the interactive exhibitions at Discovery Times Square (they’ve done everything from Treasures of Ancient Egypt to costumes and props from Star Wars). Take celebrity selfies at Madame Tussauds. Grab a “dirty water hot dog” and a hot pretzel from a street cart, then people watch on the massive, lighted staircase of the TKTS Booth.

5. Become a mad scientist at the Jekyll and Hyde Club

Kids will have a blast watching gargoyles and Egyptian artifacts come to life at the Jekyll and Hyde Club in the West Village. The dinner includes an interactive show where waiters and costumed actors involve the audience in ghoulish antics.

6. “Go somewhere” at the New York City Transit Museum

If you thought the NYC Subway system was…“interesting” to navigate, maybe a trip to this underground spot in Brooklyn will help (literally, it’s located below ground). Set in an old, unused subway station, you can learn more about how New Yorkers get around and explore relics of old subway cars from the early 20th century.

7. Travel to another borough by boat

The Staten Island Ferry is free to ride and will connect you with a part of the city not many visitors get to explore. Once there, you can play ball with the Staten Island Yankees or explore the Staten Island Museum. Plus, you’ll get amazing photo opportunities while passing the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.

8. Eat your way around the world

Start in Chinatown where you can get four dumplings for $1.25 at Vanessa’s Dumpling House. Work your way up to Little Italy and grab some cannolis at Ferrara’s Bakery. Discover the best ceviche in town at Pio Pio — the food will seriously make you want to book your next family vacation to Peru.

9. Hit up Central Park

We’ve already listed some great parks, but Central Park deserves its own mention. The kids have probably seen this spot in their favorite movies, like Enchanted and Elf, so you know they’ll be excited to visit. Take them to the Central Park Zoo to see a snow leopard up close; re-enact the movies and head to the Wollman ice skating rink in winter, or rent bikes to explore the park’s 843 acres in summer. Stop and listen to the buskers, share a picnic on the rocks dotting the lawns, and when it gets too hot take them to Heckscher Playground to cool off in the giant water jet sprays.

10. When in doubt, find a museum

New York has some truly awesome children’s museums that even adults will enjoy playing around in. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan hosts exhibits that spotlight different cultures from around the world. The Brooklyn Children’s Museum has areas modeled after different neighborhoods, where kids can learn what it’s like to live in a big city. It’s a bit of a trek, but the New York Hall of Science will keep you entertained with two levels of interactive exhibits and live demonstrations.

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