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New York City is home to over 8 million people across five boroughs. The city is a maze of skyscrapers, bright city lights, and endless delights to be discovered and explored. While the city is large and may sometimes feel intimidating, NYC is one of our favorite vacation destinations.
From the parks and gardens to the shows and museums, you’ll never run out of family-friendly activities in New York City, and it’s one of the few vacation destinations that truly offers something for everyone. In today’s post, I’ll give you an inside look at my family’s favorite kid-friendly things when visiting this marvelous metropolis.
Things To Do With Kids in New York City
Family-Friendly Activities in NYC For All Ages
Before I bombard you with the many family-friendly things to do when visiting NYC with kids, I want to remind you that planning and preparation are always the foundation for a great family vacation, and planning a trip to New York City is no different.
If you’re planning to visit with younger children, you’re going to want to strike a balance between indoor and outdoor activities, and you’ll want to ensure that your children have plenty of time for physical exercise. NYC is a huge city with many unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells, and it can easily become overwhelming for small kiddos.
When planning your trip and looking at the list of family-friendly activities in NYC below, we advise balancing each day between things to see, like museums and shows, and things to do, like playing frisbee in Central Park.
Finally, while there are hundreds of hotels to choose from, if you’re visiting NYC with kids, make sure you do some research to find a hotel large enough for everyone to spread out a bit and enjoy some personal space. If you’re unsure, we have a list of recommended family-friendly hotels in NYC.
Central Park Zoo
Speaking of Central Park, did you know there’s a Zoo in the park? Visiting the Central Park Zoo offers a fantastic day out for parents and children alike. The zoo houses various animals, from snow leopards and red pandas to tropical birds and sea lions.
In addition to the main zoo, there’s a children’s zoo where younger visitors can get up close with farmyard animals. Central Park Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and until 5:30 p.m. on weekends. Tickets cost $19.95 for adults and $8.95 for children.
Central Park is a must for a family vacation in New York City. When my family visits, we like to roam through the Strawberry Fields in the early morning when it’s still quiet, stop for a snack or an early packed lunch at the base of the iconic Belvedere Castle, and eventually make our way to the Zoo.
We think this combination is one of the best family-friendly activities in New York City because it gives everyone something special and personally interesting to enjoy.
American Museum of Natural History
Do your kids like dinosaurs, planets, and rocks? If so, no trip to NYC would be complete without a visit to the American Museum of Natural History.
Here, kids can marvel at dinosaur fossils, explore the cosmos in the Hayden Planetarium, and journey through the evolution of human civilizations in the Anthropology halls.
The museum operates from 10 a.m. to 5.45 p.m. every day. Suggested general admission for adults is $28 and $16 for children, but it’s worth noting that these prices can be higher if you want to include special exhibitions or shows.
If you’re visiting NYC with kids, this is one of those highly versatile, family-friendly activities in New York City. It’s perfect for a rainy day where tons of walking outdoors isn’t an appealing option or when the temperature in the city skyrockets in the late summer.
Need help getting around the city? Get our Ultimate Guide To Getting Around in NYC.
New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is another must-visit. The 250-acre site is home to over one million plants. It offers a range of family-friendly activities, including the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, where kids can play, explore, and learn about plant science.
The garden opens at 10 am from Tuesday to Sunday and closes at 6 pm. Admission for adults is $35 and $15 for children aged 2-12.
Similar to the Central Park Zoo, this is another one of those family-friendly activities in New York City that can easily be combined with another kid-friendly experience, a trip to the Bronx Zoo.
Bronx Zoo
As the largest metropolitan zoo in the U.S., the Bronx Zoo offers a world of discovery for kids. It’s like taking a global animal adventure, from the Congo Gorilla Forest to the Himalayan Highlands, without leaving the city. The zoo opens at 10 a.m. every day, and closing times vary depending on the season, with the latest being 5 pm. Entry costs $39.95 for adults and $29.95 for children.
A word of warning: the Bronx Zoo is huge. It’s much larger than you would expect, given where it’s located, so if you plan to do the Botanical Garden and the zoo when you’re visiting NYC with kids, plan on this combination taking up the day.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are iconic NYC landmarks offering kids a great educational experience and life-long memories. Families can take a ferry ride, explore the immigration museum on Ellis Island, and even climb to the Crown of Lady Liberty with reservations.
Ticket prices, including the ferry ride, vary depending on the tour chosen – $18.50 for adults, $9 for children for a basic pass, up to $79.00 for adults, and $75 for kids, including access to the statue’s pedestal.
This is one of our favorite family-friendly activities in New York City. My kids love taking the ferry and seeing the city from a different vantage point. Still, our family, descendants of Irish immigrants, have a personal connection to the history of Ellis Island, which helps my children connect with the material they’re being presented with on tour and what they’re seeing.
Immersive Family-Friendly Activities in New York City
Explore the city that never sleeps with your family and gain a new perspective and appreciation for the creative currents that fuel this city with one of the many immersive experiences NYC offers.
Photo by hannahmorgan7 on Unsplash
Step into the Theatrical Experience of Ellen’s Stardust Diner
If you’re looking for fun, family-friendly activities in New York City that combine food and art, consider one of the many dinner theatre options on your next vacation.
For an unprecedented dining experience, go to Ellen’s Stardust Diner in the dynamic Times Square. This one-of-a-kind eatery wows with its singing waitstaff, who perform Broadway hits as they serve classic diner dishes. Kids will love the pomp and circumstance, and it’s also a lot of fun for parents.
A selection suitable for kids, from cheesy treats like mac ‘n’ cheese to more refined dishes for adults, can be found in their varied menu. Comparatively pricier than average, it nevertheless generously makes up for it with the incomparable experience it offers.
Alice’s Tea Cup
If you or your children are fans of Alice in Wonderland, Alice’s Tea Cup is a must-visit. This whimsical establishment offers various tea services, with scones, sandwiches, and pastries.
Kids will love the fun “Wee Tea,” which consists of one scone, a pot of tea or hot chocolate, and one sandwich. You can find Alice’s Tea Cup at several locations throughout the city, including on the Upper West and Upper East sides.
Costumes are also welcome here if dressing up is your kiddo’s jam.
Jekyll and Hyde Club
The Jekyll and Hyde Club presents a slightly spookier dining experience, perfect for families with older children. This haunted-themed restaurant offers an interactive dining experience with animatronics, live actors, and a mystery to solve during dinner.
Alongside the entertainment, there is an assortment of American-style dishes – burgers, pasta, sandwiches, and desserts. Located in Greenwich Village, visiting the Jekyll and Hyde Club could perfectly round off a day of city exploration and is one of our favorite family-friendly activities in New York City when we visit in October.
Peanut Butter & Co
It’s hard to resist the allure of Peanut Butter & Co, nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village. A treat for peanut butter enthusiasts in your family, this haven of savory delights is home to exceptional sandwiches, intriguing peanut butter flights, and mouthwatering desserts inspired by the magical ingredient – peanut butter.
Their offerings are irresistible, and their thoughtfully considered menu includes gluten-free and vegan options to cater to all dietary requirements.
Photo by alexhaney on Unsplash
Family-Friendly Activities in NYC: Shows, Workshops, and Festivals
Broadway Shows for Families
Moving from the culinary delights of Peanut Butter & Co. to the cultural epicenter of New York City, let’s discuss the famously family-friendly Broadway shows. Famed productions such as “The Lion King,” “Aladdin,” and “Wicked” have captivated audiences of all ages, making them must-see attractions when in New York City.
Besides providing an entertaining and memorable family bonding experience, these shows also introduce children to the mesmerizing world of theater and music. These spectacles come to life at various theaters around Times Square, and different shows are running at different times, so make sure to check back early and often if there’s a specific show you’d like to catch.
Tickets can be secured from the theater’s box office, the Broadway website, and other reliable ticket outlets. Given their popularity, booking your tickets ahead of time is prudent to avoid last-minute disappointments.
Educational Workshops
New York City is also well-known for its educational workshops and classes that cater to families. Libraries, for example, often host reading circles and storytelling events for young children and their parents. Furthermore, local community centers frequently run craft workshops, music classes, and sports activities open to families of all sizes. These workshops provide an excellent opportunity for children to learn new skills in a fun and relaxed environment.
To find local family-friendly workshops, check out the events page of the library or community center’s website, or keep an eye out for flyers and posters in the local area. Due to limited space, registration is often required for these workshops and classes, so signing up early is advised.
Family-Centered Festivals
Another great way to spend time as a family is to attend one of the many family-centered festivals in New York City throughout the year. Whether it’s a music festival, a food fair, or a holiday-themed event, these festivals provide a great way to experience the city’s rich culture.
You can find festivals by visiting tourism websites, event listing sites, or simply by word of mouth. Again, due to the popularity of these events, it’s a good idea to plan and mark them on your calendar.
If you plan to travel to New York City during the holidays, the obvious can’t-miss items are the Thanksgiving Day parade and the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center.
With its wealth of family-friendly activities, New York City offers an incredible array of things to do for people visiting NYC with kids of all ages. You’ll create incredible memories that last a lifetime and experience a depth of culture that’s unlike anything else in the world.
So, fasten your seatbelts, embrace the possibilities, and prepare to be amazed by the city that never sleeps. Let the grandeur of New York City sweep you off your feet as you create lifelong memories with your loved ones!