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

Alexandra F. said:  Catching a Broadway show is a must when you're in NYC, and I think Wicked is one of the best musicals ever made, period. It also happens to be one of the most kid-friendly! It tells the untold story of the Wizard of Oz, giving us a behind-the-scenes look into the unlikely friendship between the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Incredible music, a fabulous and original (but also familiar!) story, and an absolutely dazzling stage presentation makes this a must-watch broadway show. In our family, both the adults and kids loved it!

Nancy L. said:  Most people walk around Rockefeller Center but it's even better to see it at the top! Top of the Rock has three observation decks. The top two are outdoors allowing for amazing photos. The highest point at this attraction is the 70th floor. The views up here are breathtaking and you'll get great views of the Empire State Building too. There are a variety of ticket options and combo packages for nearby attractions. Purchase online or in person.

If you go to NYC with little kids you can take them to one of the most famous toy stores in the world. Parents can enjoy a bit of nostalgia thanks to all the classic toys in the store, too. They often offer interactive experiences, such as a live magic show, and kids will love dancing all over the famous Piano Dance Mat (from the movie “Big”).

Nancy L. said:  Rockefeller Center is most famous for the Christmas tree but this complex offers a lot to do all year long. Walk the plaza and check out all of the surrounding shops and places to eat. Check the events calendar for even more options.

Nancy L. said:  Shop for dolls, accessories, and more in this American Girl location, which has so much to offer. Doll-loving kids can experience spa treatments, get their nails done, ear piercing, hair styling, or enjoy a meal in the cafe—and it's all available for both kids and their American Girl doll.

Nancy L. said:  St. Patrick's Cathedral welcomes five million visitors per year and guided tours are available. This is also a quiet location to sit for awhile as you escape the hustle and bustle of all the nearby tourist spots. It is the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of New York and the seat of its Archbishop. This is an active church and mass takes place daily.

Nancy L. said:  Serendipity 3 is famous for its Frrrozen Hot Chocolate dessert. But this restaurant has a full menu of what it calls "Serious Food." While it's a great family-friendly menu, choose something light so you can save room for dessert.

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.

Nancy L. said:  This is a beautiful setting inside Central Park. The zoo is small in comparison to other zoos but that makes it easy to spend less than two hours here with kids and still be able to do other activities within Central Park or the surrounding area. For toddlers/early grade schoolers specifically, there's the Tisch Children's Zoo where kids can feed the animals and climb on "spider web" ropes. The penguins are also always a hit with kids of all ages.

Joni Monacell said:  For something a bit different, try rowboating in Central Park! The Loeb Boathouse has a fleet of rowboats available for rent, along with a restaurant and casual cafe for lakeside dining.

Alexandra F. said:  I absolutely loved visiting Central Park regularly when I lived in NYC, and one of the best things about it is that it is big and diverse enough that you can always discover something new to love. However, any time I am back to visit NYC I make sure to wander around The Rambles, and see Belvedere Castle, which my kids really enjoy as well.

If you love baseball but aren't sure whether the kids will tolerate a ball game, check out the Kids Clubhouse on the 300 level. Kids will love climbing all over the Yankees-themed playground equipment, and parents will love the TV monitors playing the game so they don't have to miss a thing.

Emily N said:  There is so much to see and do at the New York Hall of Science, your family will surely come back to explore more! Featuring amazing outdoor exhibits including a miniature golf course and science playground to a 3D movie theater and preschool learning area, this museum has it all.

Nancy L. said:  The Bronx Zoo is a day trip outside of Manhattan that's certainly worth the effort. Take a camel ride, watch a penguin feeding, and try the Nature Trek exhibit where kids can climb, explore, and play. Plan your visit with the year-round experiences menu broken down into activities, programs, and events.