Things to Do With Kids in New York City: Must-Visit Spots

Shila said:  The three locations (chapters I, II, and Alice's To-Go), are all "Alice in Wonderland" themed, as you'll see on the bright, whimsical wall decor. Many families and tourists make this a top destination! Specifically, this is a popular spot for Moms and daughters enjoying delicious tea time, alongside three-tiered sweets and savories. The tea list is huge, and it also contains many non-caffeinated drinks for kids. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are also served.

As a bonus, "fairy wings" are available to wear while dining (and for purchase). Ask your waiter to sprinkle fairy dust on you, too!

Created in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company for a park in Ohio, this three-row carousel now has a home in Brooklyn. It features 48 carved horses and two chariots, and is open year round. In the mid 1980s the entire carousel was purchased at auction and painstakingly restored to its original glory. It was installed in Brooklyn Bridge Park in 2011.

Yes, there will probably be a line. And no, the Dominique Ansel Bakery isn't cheap. But if you're looking for and willing to pay for a truly innovative dessert experience, your family will not be disappointed. Kids will love the flavor, color, and fun of items like the chocolate chip milk shot, the cronut, the chocolate chip cookie, and more...

Nancy L. said:  John's of Bleecker Street has been serving some of the best coal-fired brick oven pizza in Greenwich Village since 1929. But you'll have to sit down at one of their classic wooden booth to enjoy the full experience because one of the hallmarks of John's is there are "no slices."

The High Line is one of the world's first and few elevated linear parks, built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. Families can enjoy the many food vendors along the way, beautiful greenery, and family programs, as well as playgrounds and water features.

Nancy L. said:  There's nothing better than pizza in New York City. And, one of the best spots to enjoy it is Lombardi's, which is America's first pizzeria. Opened in 1905, this Little Italy restaurant will be an experience that kids and adults will enjoy.

Lisa R said:  BBG is a welcome respite from the city focused on understanding and conserving regional plants. Multiple themed gardens and indoor conservatories leave plenty to discover all year round. The Children's Garden is a one acre vegetable garden tended by kids as part of BBG's educational programs. The Discovery Garden for kids includes one acre of interactive exhibits covering a variety of habitats.

Washington Square Park is home to three playgrounds that appeal to kids of all ages. Play Hills features rolling turf-covered hills with an elevated rope course for climbing. A Big Kid Playground features swings, sand play, slides, and more. There's also a separate Toddler Playground for the little ones.

If you don’t mind giving your kids a little sugar high, take them to Dylan’s Candy Bar. It’s like a real-life Willy Wonka factory! You can definitely buy candy there, but it’s also a candy museum filled with cool installations that combine pop culture and art with tasty treats.

The Intrepid Museum has tons of retired shuttles and aircraft carriers that kids can get up close and personal with, including the USS Intrepid from World War II, which the museum is named after. There’s also a missile submarine, a space shuttle, and a spy plane. Out of all the fun things to do in New York City with kids, this is one that both parents and kids can definitely enjoy together!

Emily N said:  The Brooklyn Children's Museum is a fabulous place to explore and learn through creative exhibits and programming. What's special about this museum is the sensory room, a space designed for children of all different abilities where they have the freedom to touch, see and listen to a variety of different activities and also participate in guided programs. Parents are encouraged to let the Educator present know if their child has any needs or sensitivities, making it an inclusive space for all.

This Williamsburg waterfront park is home to a pretty epic industrial playground inspired by the sugar refinery that once operated on the site. Play features bring kids through a Sugar Cane Cabin, Sweetwater Silo, and Sugarcube Centrifuge that mirror the refinery process, and an enclosed design means even younger kids will be able to safely enjoy the slides, ramps, tunnels, and climbing spots. The playground itself is worth a special trip, but stick around to experience the spray fountain, large playing field, Fog Bridge, bocce court and Tacocina, the in-park taco stand.

Nancy L. said:  The Empire State Building offers must-see views from its 86th and 102nd observation decks. The 86th floor is the highest open-air deck in New York City. Open for visits 365 days a year, there are day and night package options as well as a sunrise experience. An interactive multimedia tour is now included with any ticket purchase. A self-guided app tour is available in a variety of languages.

Cherisse Harris said:  How can you walk thru Times Square without going to Madame Tussauds? The amazing celebrity wax figures are so lifelike, they'll make you look twice. Be prepared for lines of visitors hoping to get a pic with their favorite famous celebrity figure. Madame Tussauds always has a variety of special attractions including: Music Zone, Fashion Experience, and interactive movie exhibits and simulations. So much fun!

Nancy L. said:  The Children's Center at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (the central circulating library of NYPL) features a vast amount of books and media for children of all ages, as well as numerous public programs for kids and families including storytelling, various types of performances, and guest appearances by authors and illustrators. There are cozy reading spaces and computer stations with internet access available by appointment.

Across the street at the Schwarzman Building on 42nd Street, you can even see the real Winnie-the-Pooh and friends on display!