We've collected NYC's best drop-in tot times at indoor playgrounds, toddler classes, singalongs, and other favorite events where children preschool age and younger (along with their caregivers) can enjoy open play, activities, socialization and learning opportunities that cater specifically to the youngest New Yorkers. Check out your local library for more drop-in playtimes, as well as our list of non-library story times for even more toddler fun!
BounceU Preschool Playdates
Lisa R: Kids can explore everything BounceU has to offer without interference from teens and grown-ups most weekday mornings at BounceU. Preschool Playdate hours vary, so check the online schedule or call before planning your visit. Reservations are required.
Age: 2-7, no exceptions
Cost: $16/child
Playspace at Brooklyn Arts Exchange
Lisa R: BAX offers drop-in play times which let kids explore tunnels, soft toys, and music, under the supervision of a BAX teaching artist.
New York Transit Museum - Transit Tots
Kelly R.: Transportation-loving toddlers and preschoolers are invited to drop in each week to experience art projects, stories, and other hands-on fun. Sessions revolve around themes like Animals Underground, People and Buildings of New York City, and Subways and Buses.
Congregation Beth Elohim Tots Drop-In Center
Open November-April
Tuesday-Friday, 9:15am-12pm
$10-$12/visit
Age: 0-24 months
Lisa R: The Drop-In Center at Beth Elohim is a great place to explore, learn and have fun! Visits include age appropriate toys and activities. The drop-in center follows Beth Elohim's preschool schedule, making it ideal for parents who have an older child enrolled in classes.
Karma Kids Yoga - Yoga StoryTime
Mondays & Wednesdays, 11:30am-12pm
Donation-based class
Infant-6 years
Jennie Utsinger: Looking for a more active storytime? Join Karma Kids for storytime, featuring puppets, songs, and yoga poses. Selected stories include animals and elements of nature that are linked to yoga poses.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Toddler Storytime & Storytime in Nolen Library
Toddler Storytime (18 months-3 years): Weekdays, 10:30am-11am
Storytime (3-6 years): Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 3pm-3:30pm & Select Sundays, 2pm-2:30pm
Free; Museum admission not required for the library portion of the program
18 months-6 years
Jennie Utsinger: Start off your museum tour with storytime in the Nolen Library. Enjoy listening to a story and then explore during a self-guided gallery hunt.
92NY Kids Konnection Playtime
Juan L.: This wonderful community center on the Upper Eastside of Manhattan offers so much for everyone in the community, including drop-in play sessions for toddlers and young kids.
American Museum of Natural History - Gateway Storytime
Most Fridays during the school year
10:10am & 11am
Free with Museum admission
2-5 years
Jennie Utsinger: Plan your museum visit on a Friday morning and listen to storytime in the Discovery Room. Children can listen to a story and explore the artifacts and features in the room. Line up at the 81st Street Planetarium Entrance between 9:45am and 10am for your story time pass. Passes are first-come, first-served.
Bounce N Play - Toddler Time Open Play
Fridays, 9am
$14/child, memberships & multipasses available
Age: 6 & under
Kelly R.: Bounce N Play hosts a weekly open play time for young kids only to enjoy access to the indoor play area, featuring inflatables, a rock climbing wall, a ball pit, jungle gym, and more!
Primary photo: Upparent
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.
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