[2025] 17 Amazing Things to Do in NYC with Kids (Family Picks!)

By mi2748514@gmail.com Aug 12, 20250

Wondering how to keep your kids excited and entertained in the Big Apple?

New York City may be famous for its towering skyscrapers and busy streets, but it also offers a world of wonder for families traveling with children. From world-class museums to thrilling outdoor experiences, NYC is packed with activities that can turn an ordinary trip into a magical memory.

So, in case you are a family traveling and want to know all there is to do in New York City with kids, you are on the right spot. With this guide, you will get to know the most enjoyable, secured, and fulfilling places that you and your little ones will enjoy.

Let’s dive into the top family-friendly attractions in New York City for 2025!

1. Visit the American Museum of Natural History

Located on the Upper West Side, this museum is one of the most exciting places for children in NYC. From life-sized dinosaur fossils to the mesmerizing planetarium shows, your kids will be wide-eyed throughout the visit.

Make sure to stop by the Hall of Ocean Life—it features a giant blue whale hanging from the ceiling!

🧠 Pro Tip: Reserve your tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

2. Explore Central Park Zoo and the Tisch Children's Zoo

Who says you need to leave the city for a wildlife experience?

Central Park Zoo offers an up-close look at animals like sea lions, penguins, red pandas, and even snow leopards. Nearby, the Tisch Children’s Zoo allows kids to feed goats, sheep, and pot-bellied pigs in a hands-on petting area.

🌳 Don’t Miss: The Delacorte Musical Clock that plays whimsical tunes every half hour.

3. Ride the Carousel in Central Park

The Central Park Carousel is a timeless favorite for families. With its hand-carved horses and vintage charm, it offers a gentle ride that’s perfect for younger children.

🎠 Why it’s fun: It feels like stepping back in time—plus, it’s only $3.25 per ride!

4. Marvel at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

If your kids love planes, ships, or space, the Intrepid Museum is a must-see. Housed on a real aircraft carrier docked on the Hudson River, it features jets, a space shuttle, and even a Concorde.

👨‍🚀 Kid Favorite: The Space Shuttle Pavilion with the Enterprise on display.

5. Visit the Children’s Museum of Manhattan

Tailored for ages 0–10, this interactive museum encourages creativity through play. Exhibits include art labs, water tables, storytelling areas, and rotating educational themes.

🎨 Fun Fact: The museum is constantly updating with new exhibits to keep kids engaged.

6. Take a Ferry Ride to the Statue of Liberty

Seeing Lady Liberty up close is a magical moment for children and adults alike. The ferry ride itself is an adventure, offering beautiful skyline views.

🗽 Kid Tip: Get the audio tour made just for children—it turns history into a fun story!

7. Enjoy Broadway or Off-Broadway Kid-Friendly Shows

Seeing Lady Liberty up close is a magical moment for children and adults alike. The ferry ride itself is an adventure, offering beautiful skyline views.

🗽 Kid Tip: Get the audio tour made just for children—it turns history into a fun story!

8. Experience Gulliver’s Gate (Miniature World)

Located near Times Square, Gulliver’s Gate is a magical miniature world featuring tiny recreations of landmarks from all over the globe. It’s like traveling the world in one afternoon!

🌍 Why Kids Love It: Interactive displays and moving trains make it truly engaging.

9. Take a Stroll on the High Line

This elevated park built on an old railway offers views, gardens, and public art that fascinate children. It’s a great way to enjoy NYC outdoors without the usual traffic.

🌼 Family Tip: Grab some snacks from Chelsea Market nearby and have a mini picnic on the High Line.

10. Visit FAO Schwarz (Iconic Toy Store)

This legendary toy store near Rockefeller Center is more than a place to shop. It’s a play zone! Kids can try giant pianos, customize dolls, or build remote-controlled cars.

🧸 Instagram Moment: Capture your kids dancing on the oversized piano made famous in the movie Big.

11. Spend a Day at the Bronx Zoo

Covering 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo is one of the largest in the world. With over 10,000 animals, it’s perfect for a full day of exploration and fun.

🦁 What to Do: Take the monorail, see the tiger mountain, or visit the butterfly garden.

12. Play at Brooklyn Children’s Museum

This is the oldest museum established specially to serve children as it was created in 1899. It has practical exhibits on culture, science and arts..

🧪 Why It Stands Out: It has an entire area where kids can pretend to run a mini city—grocery store, pizza shop, and more!

13. Ride Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park

This restored 1922 carousel offers incredible views of Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges while spinning to soft music. It’s a peaceful break with a great photo opportunity.

📸 Don’t Forget: Bring a blanket and enjoy the nearby lawns after your ride.

14. Climb the Vessel at Hudson Yards

The honeycomb like structure of the vessel is enjoyed by older kids and teens. Going up its 154 interlinking flights of stairway offers a spectacular sight and experience.

🧗 Safety Note: Children under a certain height must be accompanied by adults at all times.

15. Explore the New York Transit Museum

Located in a decommissioned subway station in Brooklyn, this museum features vintage subway cars, tokens, and hands-on exhibits that teach kids about the city’s transit history.

🚆 Cool for Kids: They can walk through subway cars from the early 1900s to today!

16. Relax at Pier 25 Playground in Tribeca

This riverside park features climbing structures, water features, mini golf, beach volleyball courts, and a skate park. It’s a great way to unwind while staying active.

🌞 Bonus: There’s a snack bar nearby for easy refreshments.

17. Discover the LEGO Store at Rockefeller Center

Who doesn’t love LEGO? This store is more like an interactive museum where kids can build, explore, and even scan their face to create custom LEGO mini figures.

🧱 Highlight: The towering LEGO replicas of NYC landmarks.

Travel Tips for Exploring NYC with Kids

1. Choose Kid-Friendly Accommodations: Look for hotels that offer cribs, kid menus, and family suites. Midtown and the Upper West Side are great family-friendly areas.

2. Use a MetroCard: NYC’s subway system is safe and fun for kids—plus, it makes getting around easier.

3. Pack Snacks and Water: NYC adventures require energy! Street vendors and cafes are everywhere, but it’s good to have your own supply too.

4. Plan Downtime: It’s tempting to pack your itinerary, but remember that children need time to rest and play without structure.

5. Book Attractions in Advance: Skip-the-line tickets or early reservations will save you a lot of time, especially during peak seasons.

Important point

New York City truly offers something special for every family. Whether you’re looking to educate, entertain, or simply enjoy time together, there’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in NYC with kids.

So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an epic family adventure in the city that never sleeps—but always plays!