Little Kids, Big Apple

Congratulations! You’ve made it through those first sleepless weeks and months of parenthood, and now it’s time to grab those strollers or baby carriers and start exploring the most wonderful city in the world with your little one in tow. From children’s museums to playgrounds, we’ve rounded up some of the best attractions for the littlest New Yorkers. Looking for more places to visit? Make sure to check out mommynearest.com or download the free Mommy Nearest app to discover family-friendly spots (restaurants with changing tables, play spaces, drop-in classes) wherever you are in New York City.

Visit the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM): CMOM on the Upper West Side is one of our top city picks for kids of any age. The 38,000-square-ft spot is filled with tons of interactive exhibits (both permanent and rotating) and programs. PlayWorks on the third floor is entirely dedicated to the museum’s youngest visitors. Favorites include a talking dragon that “eats” letters (kids growing up here all know Alphie!) and a fire truck that little firefighters-in-training can climb into. There’s also a special area specifically for babies—think foam blocks, mirrors and lots of other safe surfaces (even better: kids under one are free!). Keep in mind that strollers aren’t allowed in the museum, so be prepared to check it when you enter. cmom.org

Walk the High Line: This railroad-turned-park/garden on the West Side has been a favorite with parents since it opened in 2009, and for good reason. There are multiple elevators granting stroller access (you can find them at 30th, 23rd, 16th, 14th and Gansevoort Streets), and even changing tables in the restrooms at 16th Street (score!). In the lower 20s, you’ll find other families frolicking near the bleacher-style seating and a little lawn that’s perfect for new crawlers. You can also grab a snack from one of the many food kiosks that line the High Line (our current favorites include People’s Pops). thehighline.org

Meet the animals at the Central Park Zoo: Visiting the CP Zoo is one of the best things to do while browsing the lush oasis that occupies much of upper Manhattan. While you won’t see any large animals here, the zoo, which is only 6.5 acres, is much more manageable when you’re pushing a stroller. It’s also a perfect place to introduce little ones to animals like monkeys, penguins, grizzly bears, and reptiles, and the daily sea lion feedings are always a hit. In addition to the animals in the main zoo, you’ll want to visit the Tisch Children’s Zoo—the entrance is about a block up and it’s full of interactive features, animals to pet and feed, and lots of shade and stroller space. Another perk: Big, clean bathrooms for when those diapers need changing. centralparkzoo.com

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Play at Union Square Playground: Kids don’t officially receive their “I’m a New Yorker” card until they’ve played at this destination playground in Union Square. Located in the center of the city, this is truly the quintessential New York City playground. The most notable structure here may be the metal dome that older kids try to tackle like a mini Mount Everest, but there’s also a well-contained “tot lot” that’s perfect for your babe (you’ll find a swing set, sand pit, and mini climbing structures). When it’s naptime, head to the nearby open-air greenmarket to shop for local fruits and veggies. nycgovparks.org

See some art at the Whitney: Okay, so this one may be more for you than your 8-month-old, but, hey, it’s never too early to instill a love of culture. Since moving to Gansevoort Street from the Upper East Side last May, the Whitney has become a fave for new parents. Their stroller tours are for moms, dads and caregivers with babies ages 0-18 months, and take place on select Saturday mornings before the museum is open to the public. (Read: It’s okay if your baby cries while walking through the galleries!) When you need a little break from all of the exploring, head up to the outdoor space and soak up the views of the city and the Hudson River. whitney.org

Mommy Nearest was founded in New York City by a group of people who believed that finding family-friendly places shouldn’t be difficult. Whether you want to discover where other local parents are taking their children or you’re traveling to a new city and need inspiration on what to do, the Mommy Nearest app and website is with you every step of the way. To read articles and reviews from local parents and take the guesswork out of parenting, visit mommynearest.com!