Explore New York City

10 Things to Do With Kids in New York City

Kids and Parents Having Educational Fun at the Children's Museum of Manhattan

(Courtesy Children's Museum of Manhattan)

Mackenzie Allison
March 27, 2020

Traveling with the children in tow? Check out these attractions for family fun for kids of all ages.

NYC for Families

The whole clan can enjoy playtime, whether it’s ice-skating, bowling, volleyball or basketball; get lost in a mind-blowing 3-D film experience; learn what really goes on inside a robot; take a ride on an historic carousel or roller-coaster; or stare at the remains of a 100-million year old T. rex. There is a reason why you are bound to run into strollers and tykes screaming with laughter at all our city parks; this city is an awesome place to raise a family and a helluva town for you and your kids to come visit!

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

Interactive exhibits, such as “Eat Sleep Play: Building Health Every Day,” “PlayWorks ”and “Adventures With Dora and Diego,” promote fun and wellness and encourage learning for children ages 18 months thru 6. Hours: Tu-F, Su 10 am-5 pm, Sa 10 am-7 pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

Coney Island

Located on the Atlantic Ocean in Brooklyn, this historic and family-friendly area boasts a sand beach, boardwalk, Luna Park (home of The Cyclone, one of the world’s oldest roller coasters), Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, the New York Aquarium, Ford Amphitheater and Nathan’s Famous (for hot dogs and fries).

American Museum of Natural History

Guests explore halls filled with full-scale dinosaur skeletons, fossils, dioramas, artifacts, gems and minerals (including a rare 2-foot-long jade slab), meteorites and more. The Hayden Planetarium, with its immersive space show, is located in the museum’s Rose Center for Earth and Space.

Bronx Zoo

The largest urban zoo in the United States provides natural habitats and environments for its 4,000 species, including snow leopards, lemurs and Western lowland gorillas. Winter hours (Nov. 4, 2018-April 5, 2019): Daily 10 am-4:30 pm Spring/summer hours: M-F 10 am-5 pm, Sa & Su 10 am-5:30 pm

Prospect Park Zoo

The zoo’s 12 acres contain an interactive discovery center, sea lion feedings and more than 125 species. Thru Nov. 1, 2015: Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $8 adults, $6 seniors (65+), $5 ages 3-12, under 3 free.

Statue of Liberty

She is an icon, a national treasure, and one of the most recognizable figures in the world. Each year millions who cherish her ideals make the journey to experience her history and grandeur in person. She is the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom, inspiration, and hope.

National Museum of Mathematics

The first and only math museum in the nation offers more than 40 interactive exhibits appealing to both calculus stars and beginners in a 20,000-square-foot space. Hours: Daily 10 am-5 pm Admission: $17 adults, $14 seniors (60+)/students/children 2-12

Chelsea Piers

This multisport, 30-acre waterfront facility features two indoor ice-skating rinks, an indoor swimming pool, a golf driving range, gymnasium, weight-training room, track, batting cages, the largest rock climbing wall in the Northeast and a full-service spa for men and women. Hours/prices vary.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

This park boasts stunning views of John Augustus and Washington Roebling’s iconic bridge and offers grassy knolls, a playground and path along the East River.

New York Hall of Science

Although designed primarily for children, this hands-on learning center appeals to the scientist in everyone. Visitors explore biology, physics, chemistry and technology through more than 450 permanent exhibitions.  Hours: M-F 9:30 am-5 pm, Sa-Su 10 am-6 pm