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Bringing children and adolescents to New York is a treat to their senses. Its special urban cocktail of nature, art, multiculturalism, and turbulent energy creates one of the most appealing and fancied tourist places in the world. New York is a place every traveler just has to visit at least once in their lifetime, and how good it is to have this opportunity shared with loved ones.
New York’s opportunities for both learning and fun for families are boundless. This family travel guide helps you find your way around the city and get the most out of your trip to New York with the little ones. Let us dive into the magical New York with kids!
Sightseeing in New York With Kids
New York City is massive. It has 8 million residents and welcomes 50 million visitors every year. Splitting your days by geographic location will ensure you cover off just about everything you need to squeeze in.
From iconic Central Park and Upper Manhattan, down through Midtown to Lower Manhattan and even some spots further afield, here is how to conquer New York City with kids.
1. @American Museum of Natural Histor
One of the delights, right by Central Park, is the American Museum of Natural History. Whether one likes the natural sciences or not, it is one of the most important museums in the world. Plan for a minimum of 2 to 3 hours for a visit.
The most exciting part for children would be the dinosaur exhibits located on the third level. They will be amazed at the giant skeletons and the interactive displays. Other thrilling exhibits are the American and African fauna, realistic dioramas, and displays on the origin of the earth and solar system.
Man, the first time I visited. The dinosaur bones and the life-like animal exhibits are so enticing. My kids really haven’t stopped talking about it ever since.
2. New York Observation Decks
You can not visit New York and be below the city. The observation decks are fantastic, and you got to see them. Admittedly, while you can find more than five primary viewing options, understandably you may choose one or two at most given the investment in time that is required to dedicate to the visit and the product’s price.
Our favorite was the Summit One Vanderbilt. It has three floors with views that are nice and with great immersive art installations. Kids loved playing in a room filled with helium balloons. Plus, the terrace bar is reasonably priced-a rare find in NYC.
3. Family-friendly Hotels in New York
Accommodation is one of the main things to look at when you are traveling with kids. Airbnb accommodations have been a bit scarce in New York lately, so this controlled hotel and apartment option is great. Book well ahead to get the most reasonable prices.
For those traveling with teenagers, the Omni Berkshire Place is the right hotel, located close to the major attractions of Rockefeller Center and the shops on Fifth Avenue. The Loews Regency Hotel is good for those who are getting along well with the kids. This is a family-friendly hotel that offers kids’ menus, free cribs, board games, and toys. For a more local experience, there is Nu Hotel in Brooklyn, close to subway lines, offering free breakfast and loaner iPads.
My kids loved the coloring books and the general family feel at the Loews. It made our trip that much more enjoyable.
4. Spyscape
For older kids and teenagers, Spyscape on 8th Avenue in Manhattan is a great place to visit. It’s exasperatingly futuristic, with interactive experiences that stretch from personality tests to observation challenges for your inner spy. It was a great and edifying way to spend a couple of hours.
When we visited Spyscape, my son was determined to ace every challenge. The whole family came out with a new appreciation for the world of espionage and some cool spy titles!
5. Manhattan Children’s Museum
In conclusion, the Manhattan Children’s Museum fits well with smaller children on the Upper West Side. The idea of the place is that it is a part play space, and part library and museum with permanent exhibitions and temporary ones. Kids can just roam around and enjoy without the dire necessity of a language.
This museum was a godsend on a rainy day. The kids had a great time, and I loved the educational bits that were woven into the play areas.
6. Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met is a must visit even with the children. Although the museum is gigantic and may create puzzle experiences while registration is done, with good planning in advance, this will be a delight for the whole family. Be sure to emphasize the Egyptian art area and the medieval armory and armor display which are sure to grab children’s attention.
The website’s “MetKids” section helped us plan our way through the Met and ensure that we didn’t miss the highlights that would spark the interest of the kids.
7. Central Park
Although to most of the people, Manhattan may infer concrete and skyscrapers, inside the island, Central Park maintains a tract of green at its very core. Children get plenty to do with the 340 hectares of gardens and forests. From picnicking at Great Hill to exploration time in Billy Johnson’s natural playground, everybody has something to have fun in.
We spent the whole day in Central Park, jumping from one playground to another and from one open field to another. It was a perfect break from the hustle of city life and a perfect way for the kids to get some energy out of their system.
8. Fifth Avenue Stores
Fifth Avenue is known for its stores, so it would not really be a ‘complete’ New York trip with the kids if they did not go to a few of them. From the huge FAO Schwarz toy store to the Disney and Lego stores—there is surely plenty to keep the kids amused.
As we walked into the American Girl Place, I will never forget the expression on my daughter’s face. She was in paradise and happy to the brim.
9. Times Square
Times Square is what really pegs the energy of New York City. It’s one of those “have-to” things you do in New York, but expect big crowds, especially after dark. Yes, it’s full of tourists, but it’s still worth seeing once.
We walked through Times Square at night, and the kids’ jaws were dropping at all the giant screens and the street performers everywhere. It’s frenetic, but in that very New York way.
10. RiseNY
Located in the heart of New York City near Times Square, RiseNY is an attraction that offers something a little different: a film about the city, a museum detailing its history, and a 4-D flight simulation ride. The whole family will enjoy this engaging, informational adventure.
My kids loved the 4D ride, and we all learned so much about New York’s history. It’s a great, educational stop, perfect for families.
11. Broadway Shows
Taking the family out to a Broadway show is one of the highlights of any New York trip. With shows like “The Lion King” to “Aladdin,” you have a number of choices that both you and your kids will enjoy. Make sure you book in advance to secure great seating and prices.
My children were truly overwhelmed with the live performance of “The Lion King.” The costumes, the music, the complete show had everyone in awe.
12. The MoMA
Another great museum to take families to is the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). It’s a bit smaller in size, and the modern pieces are usually pretty interesting to kids. There’s even a helicopter hanging from the ceiling in the main entrance, which is certainly impressive.
My children thought the interactive exhibits were great, and the garden outside was beautiful and a nice respite to set them loose for a few minutes.
13. UN Headquarters
The United Nations Headquarters may not be everyone’s idea of a traditional day’s outing, but it’s an educational experience for kids. The guided tours offer you a global view on politics and diplomacy first-hand.
We had a visit to the UN, which brought forward a lot of debatable topics for my teenagers to discuss about international relations and peacekeeping. It was an edifying experience.
14. Intrepid Museum
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum at Pier 86 is great for families. Set on an aircraft carrier, the USS Intrepid, this museum boasts a space shuttle and many fighter planes. This is a super interactive and hands-on museum that kids of all ages will enjoy.
Getting up close to the space shuttle was, for my son, a major highpoint. For days he could not stop talking about his experience!
15. Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is foodie’s heaven and a beautiful place to be with children, where the selection of eateries and architecture is pretty remarkable, hence good stopover. Besides, it houses Artechouse NYC—immersive art experiences.
We spent a leisurely afternoon tasting our way through Chelsea Market and meandering around the bustling market. The kids enjoyed the interactive art installations at Artechouse.
16. High Line
The High Line, an elevated urban park running on top of a historic freight rail line, is a beautiful green space abounding with art installations and views of the Hudson River. It is just right for a leisurely walk with the family.
This walk along the High Line was really peaceful, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Kids enjoyed seeing various types of flora and sculptures on the way.
17. Riverside Park
Riverside Park runs serendipitously, long fronting the bank of the Hudson River, and serves as a scenic view for families. There are playgrounds, and bike paths with views that are certainly magnificent. Bike rentals at Riverside Park really serve as a cool way of spending a fine sun-filled afternoon with family.
We rented bikes and were pedaling our way at Riverside Park all day. The children enjoyed various themed playgrounds and the views were splendid.
18. The Brooklyn Bridge
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is definitely a New York thing. It supplies the best view of Manhattan, and this fun way gets even farther for your family to explore Brooklyn.
We walked the bridge very early in the morning to avoid crowds. Kids liked the view; then, we spent the day in Brooklyn’s parks and cafes.
19. Statue of Liberty
Well, not to mention the Statue of Liberty that you viewed. You can have an up-close cruise dedicated to her, or you can just ride the free Staten Island Ferry for a more budget-friendly option.
We have really chosen the Staten Island Ferry because it’s free and convenient. And, yep, views were great—kids were delighted.
20. Watch an NBA Game
How about catching an NBA game in New York? The experience is really electrifying, whether it be the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden or the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center.
Well, it was fun and exhilarating to visit the Brooklyn Nets for the game. There was a lot of energy, and our kids fully enjoyed it.
21. Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn is a great hit with kids. It’s located in the historic subway station and features vintage subway cars and interactive displays.
The Transit Museum was a spectacular hit. The children found it delightful exploring the old subway cars and pretending to drive a bus.
22. South Street Seaport
One of the oldest neighborhoods in New York City, South Street Seaport offers maritime history and much scenic beauty. The perfect location for exploring with children, attractions in this area include the Seaport Museum and the Imagination Playground.
We enjoyed a relaxed afternoon at South Street Seaport. The children played in the playground, and we just breathed in the historic surroundings.
23. Christmas in New York
New York shines in these holidays. From the Christmas tree to the ice rink at Rockefeller Center, with a glide on the ice and Hudson Yard decorations to Times Square’s holiday lights, New York City turns into another winter wonderland.
We visited during Christmas, and it was unforgettable. Highlights were the skating at Rockefeller Center and seeing the festive lights of the city.
A must-visit location, especially around the holidays, is the Rockefeller Center. It’s just amazing to be at that famous ice rink and looking out over that colossal Christmas tree. It is a vibrant area filled with lots to see and do.
One of my children’s dream places to ice skate at was Rockefeller Center. Their joy and experience were multiplied by the happy decor, which initiated a sensational experience.
Don’t miss out on the exploration of New York’s diverse neighbourhoods. From the artistic SoHo to the historic Greenwich Village, each area has its own flavor.
We wandered through the neighbourhoods, trying some of the local food, and came out with a handful of absolute gems. It was really the perfect way to witness the diversity of the city.
Conclusion: Embracing the Magic of New York with Kids
Going to New York with your kids is going to be one amazing, thrilling experience. New York has an assortment of both educational facilities and areas for recreation, making the most unforgettable memories. Every family member can find a little bit of everything in New York, from the gigantic skyscrapers to the relaxing parks.
So even with the colors, at least you can plan in advance for that; bring your colourful energy and make fabulous memories with your child. So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the wonders of New York City with your family.
