Top Activities for Kids in New York City

New York City offers experiences for people of every age, including the littlest visitors.

This global hub boasts captivating museums, creative dining options, and stunning parks, all of which kids can enjoy just as much as adults with a bit of planning. Discover the best activities for children in New York City.

Is New York City Suitable for Kids?

The city's vibrant pace can tire out both children and parents quickly. Long stretches can wear out little legs, and cozy cafes often feel cramped with strollers. However, exploring Gotham with kids offers a unique magic, allowing adults to see one of the world's most iconic cities through fresh eyes. Here are some tips for making your next family trip to New York City a joy.

Top Activities for Kids in New York City

American Museum of Natural History

You don’t need to be a science enthusiast to appreciate the famous American Museum of Natural History. With life-sized dinosaur skeletons, including a fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex), and the galaxy-spanning exhibits at the Hayden Planetarium, this exciting museum offers enough attractions to keep families engaged for days. Kids will be particularly amazed by the stunning, 94-foot-long hanging blue whale crafted from 21,000 pounds of foam and fiberglass.

New Victory Theater

While many visitors to New York City are drawn to its dazzling Broadway productions, kids often struggle to sit through lengthy shows, and the cost of tickets can feel wasted if you find yourself in the lobby with an energetic child.

Fortunately, there’s New Victory Theater. Nestled in the heart of Times Square yet often overlooked, this nonprofit venue specializes in performances tailored specifically for children and families. Each show has a recommended age range, from infants to older kids, making planning easy for parents. Once the lights dim, audiences will be enchanted by high-quality theatrical performances, featuring puppetry, fairytales, magic shows, and more—all at an accessible price. Sensory-friendly performances are frequently available as well.

SeaGlass Carousel

One of the most enchanting new attractions in the city, the SeaGlass Carousel dazzles with aquamarine, pink, and coral hues spinning beneath a spiral-domed pavilion. Best viewed at night, the illuminated fish create an underwater atmosphere with a light show reflected on the walls. Kids can select from a variety of fish to ride; instead of revolving around a pole, the fish glide on turntables, enhancing the dreamlike adventure.

Central Park

Spanning 843 acres, Central Park is New York’s favorite (and most renowned) green sanctuary. With well-kept meadows perfect for picnics, scenic pathways for strolls, and an incredible 21 playgrounds, the park is a must-visit for most travelers.

Be sure to stop by Wollman Rink for ice skating during the winter, and check the events calendar before your summer visit for free concerts, scavenger hunts, birdwatching tours, and more. Young visitors will especially love the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, a whimsical venue that features amazing puppet shows.

Coney Island

Riding the subway to Coney Island is a summer tradition for New Yorkers from all walks of life. Located at the end of the D, F, Q, and N subway lines in Brooklyn, this unique destination features two amusement parks along a beautiful beachfront boardwalk. Enjoy a taste of urban Americana as you spin on the 150-foot-high Wonder Wheel and savor a Nathan’s hot dog. Older kids can thrill on the Cyclone, a wooden roller coaster delighting riders since 1927, while younger children can enjoy the kiddie rides. Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks show every Friday night.

Chinatown

An afternoon in Manhattan’s Chinatown offers endless fun for the whole family. There are plenty of attractions to keep everyone entertained, from family-friendly programs at the Museum of Chinese in America to the surprising flavors available at the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory.

For a memorable brunch, families should visit the spacious and beautifully decorated dining rooms of Golden Unicorn in the lively neighborhood. This multi-level Cantonese dim sum restaurant offers an experience as delightful as its menu. Steaming carts glide by tables, allowing diners to choose from pig-shaped dumplings, pork buns, sweet sesame balls, and more. Even the pickiest eaters will find favorites here.

Top Recommended Neighborhoods in New York City for Families

New York boasts countless delightful neighborhoods, with a vast array of hotel options that suit every budget and interest. Families often opt to stay on the Upper West Side, which provides easy access to restaurants, museums, and the beautiful Central Park. Conversely, the South Street Seaport area features historic streets and many playgrounds. A particularly unique place to stay is Brooklyn’s Dumbo, where charming cobblestone streets (with minimal traffic) meet the East River, all under the majestic shadows of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.

The eco-friendly 1 Hotel Brooklyn provides families with an ideal retreat for resting after a busy day. Kids are welcomed throughout the hotel, including at the rooftop plunge pool with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and at the cafe, which features a dedicated kids' menu. (Pets are welcome too, so feel free to bring along your furry friends!)

Located on Pier 6 within Brooklyn Bridge Park, the hotel is surrounded by a vast waterfront green space offering sports fields, playgrounds, expansive lawns, and even kayaking. Kids of all ages will enjoy the restored Jane’s Carousel, a charming 101-year-old carousel that provides breathtaking views of Manhattan across the river.

Hungry little ones can join in a beloved New York tradition: searching for the ultimate pizza slice. Grimaldi’s is a legendary coal-brick-oven pizzeria known for its delicious pies, so good that Frank Sinatra was rumored to have them flown to the West Coast. You’ll spot it by the line winding out the door (but don’t worry, it moves quickly!).

Navigating New York City with Kids

The subway is the best way to get around New York City with kids. It's economical too, as children under 44 inches (112cm) can ride for free when accompanied by an adult (up to three kids per adult). Just be aware that not all subway stations have elevators, so parents with strollers should plan accordingly.

Parents still managing diaper duty will be relieved to learn that since 2019, all new public buildings and communal areas such as restaurants, retail outlets, and movie theaters are mandated to include diaper-changing stations, helping you avoid any urgent bathroom situations.