New York is where dreams come true! In the city, you can certainly find something for any age or interest so we’re dedicating this post to kid-friendly activities. If you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple soon, read on for 9 family friendly activities in New York City that are fun for kids and parents too!
FAO Schwarz
View this post on Instagram
FAO Schwarz is an iconic toy store located in Rockefeller Center, right by the famous ice rink. You won’t forget the larger-than-life experience here – from the mustached man at the door who welcomes you inside to the interactive walk-on piano keyboard. The store is filled with any toy you can imagine and has interactive stations where kids can play, build, and explore.
Museum of Ice Cream
The Museum of Ice Cream is a family-friendly museum and fun for all ages. It feels like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory but ice cream version. Each room is uniquely decorated and there are lots of stops for ice cream throughout. The finale is a ride down a huge winding pink slide and a dip in a pool filled with huge plastic sprinkles.
American Girl Place
If you’re visiting New York with a kid who loves dolls and dress up, the American Girl Doll store is a really special and memorable place to visit! Browse through their limited edition dolls or check out the permanent collection to design your own. There are also stuffed toys and soft dolls for younger children. They do a great job personalizing the experience and have a full line of clothes/accessories available for dolls as well has children. If you want to go for the full experience, visit the restaurant which adorably accommodates for dolls with chairs and table settings. There’s also a salon where you can get a makeover for your little one and doll.
New York Botanical Garden
Some kids just need some open space to run and play. If you’re a nature-loving family, head to New York Botanical Garden. It’s located in the Bronx and has 250 acres filled with plants, trees, gardens, and plenty of space to explore. Check out their calendar of events for family-friendly activities and learning experiences. You could easily spend an entire day here and enjoy a nice picnic. Or check out their cafe for a selection of sandwiches, pizzas, and salads.
Color Factory
This is another immersive and interactive museum, similar to the Museum of Ice Cream. The Color Factory is an explosion of colors and a more casual and interactive senosry art museum. Each room has different themes and activities and is so satisfyingly colorful. There are photo stations throughout the experience, but instead of snapping photos on your own phone, they give you a card with a QR code that will save all of your photos and send them to you via email. They have treats and little souvenirs throughout the experience and it ends with a huge blue ball pit.
POSTS YOU MAY LIKE: 5 Best Art Museums in New York
Alice’s Teacup
This is a darling spot for a tea party. Finger sandwiches, pots of tea, scones, and tiered platters of sweets are all part of the experience at Alice’s Teacup. They welcome diners of all ages but have a special menu for kids. This tearoom is a great option to celebrate a kid’s birthday or just enjoy a memorable meal with your family.
American Museum of Natural History
View this post on Instagram
Museums can be tough with little ones, but the American Museum of Natural History is a fun museum for kids (and adults) of any age. The nearly 100-foot whale suspended from the ceiling is probably the most famous attraction, but this museum also houses the world’s largest collection of dinosaurs, a hall of African mammals, a planetarium, and more! If your child enjoys hands-on activities, check out the Discovery Room, where they can dig for fossils, explore artifacts, and flip through books.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
View this post on Instagram
Opened in 1899, this is the first children’s museum in the United States! The Brooklyn Children’s Museum has a collection of over 30,000 interactive historical artifacts inviting children from toddler age to high school to explore and learn. Whether your child is interested in science, history, or art, this museum encourages kids to stretch their minds through hands-on discovery.
Harry Potter Store
Is your kid into Harry Potter? A trip to the Harry Potter Store is a must! There are 15 themed rooms throughout the store that feel like stepping into the world of Harry Potter. You’ll enter into the wand room, see a huge Griffin, and have a chance to call someone in an iconic red phone booth. The store is full of photo ops and curiosities and, of course, lots of Harry Potter merch including attire for each Hogwarts House. There are also some VR experiences to really transport you. Don’t leave without grabbing a cup of butter beer!
As you can see, there is a lot to do in NYC, even with kids. We hope you find some fun in this list of family friendly activities in New York City!