For the same reasons that families from across the country—and around the world—choose to vacation here, local fams can feast on a remarkable diversity of kid-friendly attractions. From zoos and parks to historic landmarks and national treasures, there’s much to enjoy. And unlike tourists, we have the advantage of taking it slowly and repeating visits over the course of a childhood. Here are some of our favorites of the city’s best sights and attractions.
Broadway/Times Square
Times Square and Broadway’s theater district may seem daunting to navigate with children in tow, but Manhattan’s epicenter is home to the M&M store, Toys”R”Us, Hard Rock Café and the New Victory Theater, a full-time performing arts theater for kids. Not to mention, countless Broadway shows. timessquarenyc.org
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden houses The Cranford Rose Garden, The Shakespeare Garden and The Children’s Garden, where kids can grow their own crops and flowers during family workshops. bbg.org
Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is a must for youngsters who are animal lovers. The zoo is home to thousands of creatures such as gorillas, polar bears and lions. Be sure to check out the sea lion pool, the bug carousel and the exquisite butterfly garden. bronxzoo.com
Brooklyn Bridge & Brooklyn Bridge Park
A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge provides breathtaking views of the East River. At the end of the overpass lies Brooklyn Bridge Park, where families can enjoy fishing, boating, biking and even outdoor movie screenings. brooklynbridgepark.org
Carousels
Carousels are a familiar feature in parks throughout NYC. Take a spin on Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Le Carrousel in Bryant Park, the Bug Carousel at the Bronx Zoo, the Forest Park and Flushing Meadows Carousels in Queens, and of course, the beloved Central Park Carousel. nycgovparks.org
Central Park
One of the most famous public parks in the world, Central Park features a host of unique attractions including 21 playgrounds, a boathouse where visitors can rent rowboats and a children’s glade where kids can participate in storytelling, crafts and theater programs. The Central Park Zoo will delight with its small-scale, yet thoroughly enjoyable menagerie of wild animals. Plus, Victorian Gardens hosts amusement rides and a bevy of entertainers during warm months.centralparknyc.org; centralparkzoo.com
Chinatown
Although there are many cities across the nation with Chinatown districts, Manhattan boasts one of the largest. Stop by Pearl River Mart for traditional Chinese lanterns and toys, then head to the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory for samples of unique flavors. explorechinatown.com
City Island
Located off of the Long Island Sound, City Island is the perfect day trip destination for families. Accessible via subway and bus, the island hosts the educational City Island Nautical Museum. cityisland.com
The Cloisters
Within Fort Tryon Park is the Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. The museum and gardens offer highlight tours and family programs throughout the year. metmuseum.org
Coney Island
Having recently undergone extensive renovation, Coney Island is more fun-packed than ever. Everyone knows about the boardwalk and amusement park, however, Coney Island is also home to the New York Aquarium and the Abe Stark Ice Skating Rink. coneyislandfunguide.com
Dave & Buster’s
Dave & Buster’s is a great option for families who are looking for rainy day fun. With locations throughout the tri-state area, this restaurant/indoor arcade offers up a sports bar menu (think nachos and wings) and hours of play with favorites like Dance Dance Revolution and billiards. daveandbusters.com
Dylan’s Candy Bar
Dylan Lauren, daughter of iconic designer Ralph Lauren, opened her Willy Wonka-esque candy emporium in 2001. Since then, it has become the world’s largest candy store, carrying over 5,000 kinds of sweets. Be sure to stop by the flagship store’s Candy Café for signature shakes and sundaes. dylanscandybar.com
Ellis Island
The famed immigration center-turned-museum’s self-guided exhibits such as The American Immigrant Wall of Honor and the interactive American Family Immigration History Center are ideal for teaching kids a crucial piece of NYC history. ellisisland.org
The Empire State Building
Tourists and locals alike should visit this National Historic Landmark at least once. There is nothing quite like viewing the city from the 102nd floor observatory, a mere 1,250 feet above ground! esbnyc.com
Governors Island
Open every weekend during the summer season, Governors Island has become the go-to destination for locals looking for art exhibitions, concerts and fairs. Its annual Family Festival is not to be missed. govisland.com
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central isn’t just where bustling commuters go to catch a train. The legendary station also boasts fine dining restaurants, designer clothing stores and its very own market. grandcentralterminal.com
Greenmarkets
Located in all five boroughs, these farmers markets are a perfect way to introduce kids to locally grown produce, baked goods and food specialty items. Start at the Union Square Greenmarket for a taste of what our local growers have to offer. grownyc.org
Hersheypark
For your summer getaway, only Hershey The Sweetest Place On Earth® offers a fun-filled family rush with more than 65 rides and attractions at Hersheypark® including the all-new SkyrushSM! Stay over at The Hotel Hershey®, Hershey® Lodge, or Hershey® Highmeadow Campground and beat the rush with exclusive early access to Skyrush and more than 10 rides! Book our Rush the Park package and enjoy included Park tickets! See details and book online at hersheypa.com
Historic Richmond Town
Historic Richmond Town on Staten Island is NYC’s living history village and museum. Visitors can take a walking tour of the grounds, view over 30 original historic homes and watch reenactments. historicrichmondtown.org
Hudson River Park
Can’t decide what to do on a beautiful summer day? Hudson River Park has a variety of outdoor activities including mini golf, sailing, tennis, skateboarding and acting classes. Plus, families can charter boats to sail down the river, while others may prefer to fish or visit the lighthouses that dot the shore. hudsonriverpark.org; hudsonriver.com
Ice Skating Rinks
Winter wouldn’t be complete without skating in the city. Bring your own blades or rent a pair from the Ice Skating Rink at Rockefeller Center, and then glide across the ice while admiring the center’s Christmas tree. Central Park’s Wollman Rink opens every winter to the delight of city children, offering lessons for skaters of all abilities at its Skating School. therinkatrockcenter.com; wollmanskatingrink.com
Imagination Playground Flagship
This innovative playground park in the South Street Seaport area is the first of its kind, incorporating loose objects like buckets, shovels, burlap sacks and fabric within structured play activities. imaginationplayground.com
Jamaica Bay
This Queens hotspot is teeming with fantastic places for kids. The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is filled with over 330 bird species and offers hikes and sunset tours. Alley Pond Park’s Adventure Course will also please outdoor enthusiasts. nyharborparks.org
Madame Tussauds
The infamous wax museum adds new figures frequently, making this house of wax a great place to revisit (or visit for the first time). The newest additions to the museum? The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Catherine. madametussauds.com
New York Aquarium
Brooklyn’s New York Aquarium makes learning about the sea and its creatures fascinating with its Sea Cliffs where otters and seals play and its deep-ocean exhibit where sharks abound. nyaquarium.com
New York Botanical Garden
Alongside the wondrous plants and flowers of its numerous ongoing exhibitions is the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden where kids can explore mazes and learn the secrets of plant growth. nybg.org
The New York Public Library
The NYPL has a multitude of branches across the city; however, the Stephen A. Schwarzman building at 42nd Street houses the Children’s Center. The center’s circulating children’s books collection makes for hours of reading delight. nypl.org
Pelham Bay Park/Orchard Beach
The largest of New York City’s public parks, the Bronx’s Pelham Bay Park has miles of hiking trails, baseball fields and basketball courts for athletic youngsters. Beach bums will love Orchard Beach, a sandy paradise located within the park. nycgovparks.org
Prospect Park
Aside from playgrounds, Brooklyn’s Prospect Park includes a zoo, horse stables, nature trails and tennis courts. Scavenger hunts for kids 8 and up turn exploring the park into an adventure. prospectpark.org
Radio City Music Hall
The largest indoor theater in the world, Radio City Music Hall hosts concerts and shows all year round including the Rockettes’ “Radio City Christmas Spectacular.” The hall also offers daily backstage tours! radiocity.com
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
The Times Square “Odditorium” is known for its collection of all things strange and surprising, but few are aware of Ripley’s Impossible LaseRace, where participants must dodge lasers as they navigate a twisty maze. ripleysnewyork.com
Sport Stadiums
Formerly New Meadowlands Stadium, the newly crowned MetLife Stadium has become the joint home of the NFL’s Giants and Jets. During baseball season, take the opportunity to catch a game at Yankee Stadium or Citi Field. Madison Square Garden is the place to be for Knicks and Rangers games, while tennis devotees can watch matches at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. metlifestadium.com; newyork.yankees.mlb.com; newyork.mets.mlb.com; thegarden.com; usta.com
Top Of The Rock
The Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center provides truly breathtaking views of Central Park and the Hudson River. Don’t forget to bring quarters for the coin-operated binoculars and a camera to capture it all. topoftherocknyc.com
Snug Harbor
Staten Island’s Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden is a regional arts center where theater, music, dance, architecture and more thrive. Take the kids to the Harbor and visit the Staten Island Children’s Museum. snug-harbor.org
Sony Wonder Technology Lab
This free entertainment and tech museum is unlike any other children’s museum. Every exhibit is a completely immersive and hands-on experience. Kids will enjoy spending time in the Robot Zone, the Animation Studio and the High Definition Theater. sonywondertechlab.com
The South Street Seaport
With its eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, it’s no wonder that the South Street Seaport welcomes thousands of families per day. Bike rentals are available and the Fulton Stall Market is open every weekend. southstreetseaport.com
Staten Island Ferry
Traveling to and from Staten Island can be an adventure in and of itself when you take the Staten Island Ferry. The free 25-minute ride takes the stress out of the schlep and mesmerizes little ones with views of New York Harbor. siferry.com
The Statue of Liberty
While the interior of the statue is currently closed for construction, it plans to reopen by early winter. In the meantime, National Park Rangers will remain on Liberty Island to provide tours of Lady Liberty’s façade. nps.gov
The United Nations
Although guided tours of the UN are not permitted for children under the age of 5, kids of all ages will get a kick out of creating stamps from photos of themselves in the Personalized Stamp Shop. visit.un.org
Wave Hill
This picturesque 28-acre public park and cultural center in the Bronx hosts family art projects every Saturday and Sunday morning alongside family yoga classes on Fridays. wavehill.org
For more fun in the city, visit our Family Calendar at www.newyorkfamily.com/events.
Big Tip: When The City Itself Is The Attraction
By Sarah Greene
Call it tourist-style. Some of the best ways to enjoy the city with kids is discovering it by land or sea, and on wheels, subway or foot. Here are some special suggestions.
Circle Line
Circle Line cruises offer passengers a relaxing way to view the world’s most famous skyline, without getting stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Catch the breathtaking sights of the Statue of Liberty at sunset or the Empire State Building’s silhouette through the steel vessel’s ceiling-reaching glass windows. circleline42.com
Walking Tours
There are many! Among our favorites for kids are food tours like Scott’s Pizza Tours, where you and your kids can taste the rich diversity of the city’s pizzerias. Food on Foot Tours has many options to satisfy even the pickiest palates—like their Ice Cream, You Scream Tour. What better way to experience New York than to bite right into the Big Apple itself? scottspizzatours.com; foodonfoottours.com
Gray Line’s Double-Decker Bus Tours
Experience the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan, the fresh greenery of Central Park and the hustle and bustle of Times Square from above street-level! Knowledgeable tour guides on double-decker buses provide information on New York’s most fascinating and historical buildings, parks and restaurants. graylinenewyork.com
Watson Adventures
Watson Adventures presents a way for you to experience the city’s magic firsthand. With witty puzzles and challenging questions, these scavenger hunts allow you to interact with each site you encounter while learning fascinating details about the city’s history, culture and more. watsonadventures.com
Bonus Tip
The official guide to NYC—nycgo.com—often has great ideas for family fun, especially in the “free” section. Check it out!
