One of the greatest things about raising a family in the city is the opportunity to experience so many different neighborhoods just by stepping outside, and now is the perfect time to get out and explore the city with kids! To lend you some inspiration, we’ve put together five fun family itineraries:
Washington Heights: Enjoy roughly 5,000 works of art and architecture from medieval Europe at The Cloisters; a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Cloisters is located in Fort Tryon Park, so kids can enjoy one of two playgrounds as parents take in views of the Hudson. For lunch, try George’s Pizza—you can’t beat a $2 slice! Afterward, visit the famous Little Red Lighthouse in Fort Washington Park. Located under the George Washington Bridge, this is the last remaining lighthouse in Manhattan. Or, visit the Morris-Jumel Mansion, the oldest house in Manhattan and once headquarters for General Washington. Take part in one of their many family workshops, or enjoy a guided tour.
Flushing, Queens: Have a kid who loves to conduct experiments or has a million questions about space? Head straight for the NY Hall of Science, which has over 450 hands-on exhibits (not to mention a rocket ship-themed miniature golf course!). For lunch, slurp up some noodles at Xi’an Famous Foods. Spend the afternoon strolling the vast Flushing Meadows Corona Park, home to the 1964 World’s Fair, The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Citi Field and a playground. Or, ogle the Tiffany glass collection at the Queens Museum of Art (don’t miss the Duke Riley exhibition, either). If you’re visiting on a weekend, check out which family activity the museum is hosting.
Upper East Side: Start your day off with breakfast or brunch at the Barking Dog—kids will love the canine paraphernalia and doggy watering fountains outside. After fueling up, visit the Jewish Museum to discover Jewish artifacts and history. The museum has over 2,000 objects, a children’s exhibition and great educational workshops. Next, head to Central Park to enjoy a performance at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, which hosts puppet shows daily from Tuesday through Sunday.
Chelsea: Learn about the art and culture of the Himalayas at the Rubin Museum of Art. Exhibits juxtapose Eastern and Western concepts of the universe, illustrate the Himalayan landscape and more. Plus, the Rubin hosts art-making workshops for families every month. Next, stroll through Chelsea Market and salivate over all the enticing edibles. We recommend the chicken wings at Tebaya–they’re prepared with a Japanese twist and coated in roasted sesame seeds. Afterward, head up to the High Line for an elevated view of the city and a place to let the kids roam free. While there, snap a picture in front of the glass wall overlooking 10th Avenue!
Park Slope, Brooklyn: Located in Washington Park, The Old Stone House Historic Center explores colonial life and the American Revolution in Brooklyn. The house features a historic interpretive center and an exhibit about the Battle of Brooklyn. After visiting the house, kids can let off some steam at the J.J. Byrne Playground, located next to the historic center. Then take the kids to Aunt Suzie’s for some Italian cuisine. After lunch, feed a llama at Prospect Park Zoo, where you can also meet Aggie the cow!
