40 NYC Museums for Kids to Explore

Step inside a historic library and experience a truly unique museum! Children and adults will both enjoy the gorgeous interior, rare book collections and beautiful works of art. The museum also features programs geared toward families including a drop-in family day each month where kids can have an interactive experience touching, seeing and hearing the history of the museum!

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to be Gulliver on the island of Lilliput? Visit Miniature World in Times Square and wander by a tiny Empire State Building, Iguazu Falls in Argentina, Chords Bridge leading into Jerusalem, Taj Mahal, Matterhorn, and much more. While kids might not recognize all of the landmarks, they'll love seeing the elaborate miniature models of our world and searching for all of the whimsical touches, such as a mummy chasing tourists around the pyramids of Egypt.

The Spyscape Museum is part museum, part immersive spy experience, and sure to entertain teens and adults alike. Visitors discover their optimal Spy Role and receive a personalized Spy Profile, developed by a former British Intelligence employee. Learn the stories of real spies and complete spy challenge experiences while visiting seven galleries: deception, encryption, surveillance, hacking, intelligence, cyber warfare and special ops.

Emily N said:  The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) does a fabulous job with engaging children through different activities and programming. Parents can pick up or print out family visit brochures and activity cards, attend an art lab session to create some work, listen to an audio tour with a kid friendly version and even catch a family-friendly film screening!

The American Folk Art Museum features beautiful pieces and interesting exhibits that can be tailored to excite the whole family. The museum offers tips for visiting with children as well as family guides in the museum that will help make for a smooth, meaningful visit. Be sure to check the website for upcoming Families and Folk Art Programs.

Closed Mondays & Tuesdays

Jennie Utsinger said:  If your older child or teenager loves to draw or loves comic books, take them on a visit to the Society of Illustrators. Dedicated to the art of illustration, the museum houses a permanent collection of over 2,500 works of illustration, comic, and cartoon art. Special exhibits have included New Yorker cartoonists, comics featuring characters from the Marvel Universe, and the works of top college level illustration students.

Emily N said:  The New York Historical Society offers an impressive space for children to be immersed in history! The DiMenna Children's Museum gives children and families the chance to see history as a story through the point of view of a variety of different historical figures. Children are encouraged to engage with the exhibit through objects and games.

Emily N said:  New York City is so full of history and the one of the best places to learn about it is the New York Historical Society. This museum offers unique programming that doesn't exclude the younger bunch. With a whole separate children's museum, your kids can learn about impact New Yorkers (including Alexander Hamilton) through objects and games.

Children's Museum of Manhattan is a New York City classic that is worth experiencing time and time again with young kids. Five floors of interactive, playful exhibits offer something for kids as small as babies up through elementary age! There are always fun new exhibits to check out that immerse children in sensory-inducing educational fun. Additionally, the museum hosts programs and events that are often free with paid admission including crafts, parachute play and music!

Emily N said:  The Museum of Natural History is probably one the most iconic museums in NYC and another must-see. There is so much to see in this huge museum that it calls for multiple visits! Kids love the dinosaurs (who doesn't?!), the giant whale who hangs from the ceiling at the Hall of Ocean Life and of course the very cool planetarium. AMNH hosts events and programs throughout the year for children and families as well making it the perfect place to return to again and again.

Emily N said:  Step inside a historic hotel at the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden. What used to be an escape from the city, this museum now sits right in the middle of it. Learn about what life was like in the 19th century and the daily procedures of the hotel.

Emily N said:  Kids can get the opportunity to see pieces by iconic artists such as van Gogh and Monet and then experience one of many family programs offered by the Met. Family guides are available for touring the museum with younger ones and on weekends, the Met offers drop-in family workshops, an art trek for kids 7+ and story time.

Emily N said:  Aside from the amazing architecture, the Guggenheim will definitely pique the interest of families and children with their family programming. Catch a stroller tour, attend an open studio to create some art or take a family tour!

Emily N said:  Opened by renowned artist Issamu Noguchi, the Noguchi Museum features a large collection of his work throughout the years. Offering programming for kids, teens and adults, the museum is mindful of even its smallest visitors. Along with art for tots and families programming, the museum offers tips for visiting and even a printable scavenger hunt for children to complete!

Emily N said:  The Museum of the City of New York features exhibits all about our wonderful, interesting, diverse city from its past to its future. See how NYC transformed throughout the decades, visit My City Lab for an interactive space for families to explore and check out the special 12 room dollhouse that took 20 years to make!