If you are looking for the ultimate family getaway that will thrill and excite your little ones, you may look no further than the magical and vibrant city of New York!
The Big Apple is bursting with child-friendly attractions and activities that will ignite your kids’ imaginations and leave them with unforgettable memories. From towering skyscrapers to sprawling parks and museums, New York offers endless opportunities for fun and adventure.
With so much to see and do, planning the perfect family vacation can be overwhelming.
But don’t worry, our team of travel experts has compiled a list of the best kid-friendly things to do in New York. Get ready to experience the magic of the city through the eyes of your little ones!
Take in the Sights and Sounds of NYC on a Bus Tour
Hop aboard a double-decker bus tour and see New York City from a whole new perspective! With five unique loops to choose from, you and your family can sit back and relax as a professional tour guide leads you to the most iconic attractions the city has to offer.
Admire the stunning views of Times Square, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and the Empire State Building as you and your kids soak in the sights and sounds of the bustling city streets.
With comfortable seating and informative commentary, a bus tour is the perfect way to keep your kids entertained while also getting an insider’s view of the city. Plus, with convenient pick-up and drop-off locations, it’s easy to fit into your family’s schedule.
Explore the wonders of Central Park
Let the kids burn off some energy in one of the fantastic playgrounds in Central Park. There is so much to discover in Manhattan’s famous Central Park, with something for all ages.
The park is alive throughout the year with lots of fun activities to take part in. If you are visiting in the summer, rent a boat from the boathouse and row around the stunning Conservatory Water. Or, catch a live performance at one of the park’s many entertainment venues. If you fancy getting competitive you can borrow a Field Day Kit consisting of a wiffle ball and bat, football, soccer ball, frisbee, jump ropes, cones and more from the North Meadow Rec Center for a family games day in the sun.
And when the winter chill sets in, head to the famous Central Park ice rink for a day of family fun. With so many options for adventure, Central Park is the perfect destination for a day of adventure with your kids!
Go Wild at the Tisch Children’s Zoo
The Tisch Children’s Zoo in Central Park is managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society and is especially geared towards encouraging the little ones to become aware of the natural world and how they can help in protecting it.
The Zoo offers a magical experience for children as it invites them to learn about the many different species through hands-on interaction, art activities and story time. It really is one of the best things to do with the kids in New York City.
With a variety of exciting activities and programs, including hands-on workshops, wildlife demonstrations, and interactive exhibits you’ll have mini zoologists on your hands in no time.
And with its convenient location in Central Park, the zoo is just a short walk from many other top family-friendly attractions, making it the perfect addition to your NYC itinerary.
See New York from New Heights at the Top of The Rock Observatory
The Top of the Rock Observation Deck is one of the main attractions in New York City. Located at Rockefeller Center, these iconic 360-degree-view observation decks at Top of the Rock are the perfect places to see the city’s magnificent skyline.
Towering over the city, you can point out all the key attractions including the famous Empire State Building and the Manhattan bridge. You and the kids can look at the now-miniaturised landscape of Central Park and have some fun by pointing out all the places you have been to already.
The Observatory has many interactive exhibits and immersive multimedia experiences so the kids can learn about the history and construction of Rockefeller Center, as well as the science and engineering behind the building’s design.
Be sure to remember to snap a family photo against the stunning backdrop of the New York City skyline – it’s the perfect souvenir to remember your trip!
Children’s Museum of the Arts
The Children’s Museum of the Arts in Manhattan’s popular South Village district is fabulous. The museum invites families to explore art through experimentation and captivating exhibits.
All kinds of ways to be creative are celebrated at this arts centre. Visit the Fine Arts Studio where the kids can paint, draw, or sculpt or the Media Lab and Sound Booth where kids can learn how to animate a short film or record a song.
If your little one is under the age of 5, the WEE Arts studio and the Ball Pond are the perfect place to let them run around and work off excess energy before you leave. The best part is, everyone can take their art work with them – the perfect holiday souvenir to take home.
Step back in time at the American Museum of Natural History
When it comes to things to do with kids in New York, a visit to the American Museum of
Natural History is a must. This iconic museum boasts a fascinating collection of interactive exhibits and your little ones may even recognise it as the setting of the well known “Night at the Museum” films.
Step into a world of prehistoric giants and marvel at the impressive T-Rex skeleton in the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs. Walk through the Hall of Biodiversity and discover the vast array of animal and plant life that calls our planet home. The museum’s interactive exhibits will keep your kids entertained for hours if not days as they learn about everything from outer space to the depths of the ocean.
Don’t miss out on the planetarium shows that transport you and your kids to the far reaches of the universe. Learn about constellations, galaxies, and the mysteries of the cosmos in a breathtaking visual display.
Make sure to plan ahead and book your tickets in advance to avoid the crowds and long lines of this must-visit spot.
Discover More…
As you can see, NYC is jam-packed with child-friendly activities, to make the itinerary for your family trip to NYC one that will live on in your children’s memories for years to come!
We imagine you’re itching to get planning and with our expert knowledge and insider tips, we can help you make the most of your trip to the Big Apple!
So why wait? Contact one of our travel experts now to hear about our latest New York holiday offers and get ready to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
Thinking of taking a trip with the kids to New York? Contact us for more information and hear about our latest New York Holiday offers.