This post is all about family-friendly things to do in NYC.
New York is where dreams come true! In this 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 17 family-friendly things to do in NYC that are fun for kids and parents too!
17 Family-Friendly Things to Do in NYC
1. American Museum of Natural History
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.
2. FAO Schwarz
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.
3. Central Park
Central Park is the ultimate outdoor playground for families. You can rent bikes, visit the Central Park Zoo, take a boat ride at Loeb Boathouse, or just relax on the lawn. The playgrounds throughout the park are fantastic for younger kids, and there’s plenty of space to picnic or let little ones run free.
4. 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.
5. Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is a great place for a casual bite with picky eaters. There are tons of vendors offering everything from tacos to noodles to cookies. It’s also a fun space to walk around, especially if you pair it with a stroll on the nearby High Line, an elevated park with views of the city. I love that they open at 7am, perfect if you’re jet-lagged and waking up super early and ready to get some food!
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Broadway Show
Broadway can absolutely be family-friendly, especially with shows like The Lion King, Aladdin, or Wicked. These productions are magical for all ages and a great way to introduce kids to theater. Just be sure to check age recommendations and book tickets in advance!
11. Brooklyn Children’s Museum
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.
12. Little Island
Little Island is a unique park, built on the Hudson River and a fun, whimsical spot for all ages. It always reminds me of something out of Dr. Seuss! The elevated, tulip-shaped structure has winding pathways, gardens, and performance spaces. It’s a great place to walk around, take in views of the city, and enjoy occasional free performances or kid-friendly events.
13. 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!
14. Staten Island Ferry
Hop on the Staten Island Ferry for a free boat ride with awesome views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. It’s a fun, breezy experience and gives kids a chance to be on the water without needing to buy tickets for a full cruise.
15. New York Transit Museum
If you have a train or transportation enthusiast in the family, this museum is a hit. Located in a decommissioned subway station in Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum showcases historic subway cars and exhibits on the city’s transportation system. Kids love hopping on the vintage trains and pretending to drive buses!
16. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of those iconic NYC experiences that’s fun for the whole family. The walk takes about 30–45 minutes, depending on your pace, and has amazing views of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Bonus: you’ll end up in DUMBO, which is another great area to explore with kids (don’t miss Jane’s Carousel!)
17. Coney Island
Head to Brooklyn for a day of classic boardwalk fun. Coney Island has rides, games, Nathan’s hot dogs, and a sandy beach for when the weather’s nice. It’s a great place to spend the day, especially in the summer months, and it feels like a step back in time.
That concludes this post of 17 family-friendly things to do in NYC.
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