Your guide to family adventures in NYC with kids

Planning a family trip? Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for another round of urban adventures, NYC is brimming with exciting experiences for all ages. 

From playgrounds with skyline views to museums where your kids can become astronauts, think of this guide as your go-to itinerary for creating memories.

There’s nothing like taking a breather outside, especially when it’s dotted with playgrounds, lush green spaces and scenic views. The parks in New York are more than just patches of grass – they’re a break from the city’s usual fast pace.

Central Park

No family trip to New York is complete without a day in Central Park. It's a haven for little explorers, from the fairground-style carousel to boating on the tranquil Conservatory Water. Kids can climb, slide and swing across over 20 playgrounds and you can enjoy a stroll through the park’s historic paths. Pack a picnic and find a quiet corner near Bethesda Terrace to refuel.

New York Botanical Garden

After a fix of nature? Head north to the Bronx and explore the New York Botanical Garden. With themed trails, interactive family weekends and rotating exhibitions, it’s a brilliant way to blend learning with leisure. Don’t forget to step into another world at the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

This riverside retreat blends sports fields, interactive water features, picnic grass and the iconic Jane’s Carousel. It’s no surprise this park ranks high on any list of things to do in NYC with kids. It’s also a great spot to watch the sunset behind Manhattan’s skyline. 

Battery Park Playscape

Located at the southern tip of Manhattan, this sustainable playscape is designed with climate resilience in mind. It incorporates eco-conscious design elements that make it both future-ready and family-friendly.

There are plenty of climbable structures, water features and creative learning zones. It’s not just a playground – it’s a whole experience.

Liberty State Park

Hop across the Hudson via ferry to reach Liberty State Park in New Jersey. It’s ideal for a relaxing day, taking in the expansive views of the Statue of Liberty. There is also plenty of open space, so your family can ride bikes, fly kites, play frisbee and even kick a football.

New York’s museums aren’t just for quiet contemplation – they’re immersive, interactive and great fun. If you’re looking for museums you can attend in NYC with kids, here’s where you can go.

American Museum of Natural History

Step into a world of wonder with towering dinosaur skeletons, glittering gems and immersive space shows at the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History. 

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

Suitable for young children, this museum focuses on hands-on learning through art, storytelling and physical play. Expect sensory zones, mini exhibitions and safe spaces for toddlers.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum

One of the first of its kind in the world, this museum turns learning into a full-body experience. Activities include cultural exploration and science, with spaces to build, paint and dig.

New York Transit Museum

Here, you can board vintage train cars and learn about the city’s vast transport system. It’s a perfect outing for vehicle-obsessed little ones who love to explore and imagine. 

Museum of Illusions

This one’s ideal for older children and teenagers. Expect mind-bending exhibits that mess with your perspective. 

Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

Housed aboard an actual aircraft carrier, the Intrepid is home to jets, helicopters and even a space shuttle. Interactive displays help bring the science of flight and space to life.

Sloomoo Institute

Think slime, sensory rooms and an explosion of colour. This experiential museum is all about texture and touch and is ideal for high-energy kids who love to get stuck in.

Museum of Ice Cream

A pastel playground full of giant sprinkles, slides and yes, real ice cream. The Museum of Ice Cream is a sugar-coated hit with kids and grown-ups alike.

Being in NYC with kids is a great way to spark some creativity and keep their minds buzzing. Thanks to the city’s list of interactive installations and immersive art experiences, you can keep the whole family entertained for hours.

ARTECHOUSE New York

This digital art museum offers high-tech installations full of motion and colour. Step into rooms that react to movement, sound and touch – it’s as futuristic as it gets.

Spyscape

Got a budding secret agent in the family? Spyscape turns espionage into an interactive game with code-cracking challenges and obstacle courses.

Color Factory

Wander through a vivid maze of colour-coded rooms with stories, treats and hands-on activities in each one. It’s like walking through a rainbow.

The Bronx Zoo

If your kids are animal lovers, you’ll want to carve out a full day for the Bronx Zoo. It’s one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world and a true gem when it comes to things to do in NYC with kids. 

See lions, giraffes and lemurs, then hop on the Wild Asia Monorail for a guided safari-style ride through tiger and red panda habitats. The Children's Zoo section has climbing nets and interactive exhibits that are perfect for smaller children.

While NYC itself may not be packed with rollercoasters, there are fantastic theme parks nearby that are easily reachable for day trips, especially if you hire a car on your adventures. 

These destinations are perfect for mixing adrenaline with family bonding.

The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark

Located in the Catskills, The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark  offers year-round fun with a variety of slides, splash zones and a lazy river. It’s a perfect escape for families, no matter the weather.

LEGOLAND New York

LEGOLAND New York features seven themed lands filled with interactive rides, life-sized LEGO sculptures and creative play zones. Highlights include the Dragon Coaster and the showcases of miniature LEGO versions of famous landmarks. 

DreamWorks Water Park

As North America's largest indoor water park, DreamWorks Water Park boasts over 40 attractions, including towering slides, a lazy river and themed play areas featuring beloved characters like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda. Thanks to its climate-controlled environment, it's a great year-round destination.

Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark

While not a traditional amusement park, this resort combines lodging with an indoor waterpark experience. Guests can enjoy water slides, a lazy river and interactive play areas, making it a great year-round destination for families seeking both relaxation and adventure.

While the hidden gems are great, some New York experiences are just too iconic to skip. These tried-and-true attractions round out any family itinerary.

Broadway shows

You don’t need to be a theatre buff to enjoy the magic of Broadway. With stunning costumes, live music and jaw-dropping sets, these shows are a treat for all ages. Experience Broadway flair with these family-friendly shows that are loved by both tourists and locals alike:

• Aladdin – A classic story with stunning visuals and catchy music. 

• The Lion King – A beloved musical with animal puppets and a heartwarming story. 

• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - A thrilling continuation of the Harry Potter saga, suitable for older kids and families.

Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Ride the ferry and learn about the nation’s immigration history. The views alone are worth the trip.

Walk the High Line

An old elevated railway transformed into a park, this route is dotted with art, food and views.

Walk around Times Square

People, and especially kids, love Times Square. It’s a sensory delight. With flashing lights, larger-than-life billboards and costumed characters at every turn, the whole area buzzes with excitement and wonder.

Walk on the Brooklyn Bridge

Take a stroll across one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks and experience the city from a whole new perspective. This historic bridge links Manhattan to Brooklyn and offers sweeping skyline views that are just as exciting for kids as they are for adults. Whether you walk the full length or just a portion, the elevated path is safe for prams and little legs.

Top of the Rock and Empire State Building

For breathtaking views of the city skyline, both of these observation decks offer something special. The Empire State Building is a legendary icon that shouldn’t be missed. It’s steeped in history and offers classic, cinematic views of the city that never sleeps. 

Whereas Top of the Rock provides a spacious, open-air experience with stunning, unobstructed views of Central Park and the Empire State Building. 

Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal offers a surprisingly family-friendly stop with food options, fascinating history and a whispering gallery that kids will love.

Ghostbusters Firehouse

Fans can swing by the hook-and-ladder station featured in the blockbuster film Ghostbusters. It’s a fun photo op in Tribeca.

New York City is bursting with activities for kids that are loved by both locals and tourists alike. Planning ahead means you can enjoy the journey just as much as the destination. So get ready to book your flights to NYC – it’s time to grab your backpacks, download your maps and explore this city like no other.