44 Fun Things to Do with Kids in NYC: Where to Stay and Where to Eat!
Planning a trip to New York City with kids? Start with the classics: the Statue of Liberty ferry, the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, a Broadway show, and a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Then add the free stuff, like the Staten Island Ferry and the High Line. Stay near Central Park, Midtown, or Lower Manhattan for the shortest commutes.
We pulled together 44 things to do in NYC with kids, 11 family-friendly hotels, and 14 places to eat that kids actually love, with prices, hours, and a parent tip for each pick. You'll also find the big holiday dates (hello, Macy's 100th Thanksgiving Day Parade) and a sample three-day itinerary.
Key Takeaways
Best home base: The Upper West Side and Central Park South for museums and park days, Midtown for Broadway and holiday lights, Lower Manhattan for the Statue of Liberty and 9/11 Memorial.
Best free fun: The Staten Island Ferry, the High Line, Little Island, the Brooklyn Bridge walk and the 9/11 Memorial pools. Kids 12 and under ride free on the Governors Island ferry.
Book ahead: Statue of Liberty Pedestal and Crown tickets, Broadway shows, observation decks and the 9/11 Museum.
2026 holiday dates: Macy's 100th Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, Nov. 26; the Rockefeller Center tree lighting on Wednesday, Dec. 2; the Christmas Spectacular from Nov. 4 to Jan. 4.
Getting around: The subway is fastest, and up to three kids 44 inches and under ride free with a paying adult. Many stations have stairs only, so a lightweight stroller or a carrier helps.
Money saver: At The Met, kids 12 and under get in free, and pay-what-you-wish deals at several museums are for New York residents only, so budget for full out-of-state prices.
Planning a Trip to NYC With Kids From LA
Getting to New York From LA
Nonstop flights from LAX to New York's airports (JFK, LaGuardia and Newark) take about five to six hours. New York is three hours ahead of Los Angeles, so plan easy first mornings and schedule the big-ticket activities a little later in the day.
Getting Around NYC With Kids
The subway is the fastest way around town, and you can pay by tapping a contactless card or phone with OMNY. Up to three kids 44 inches tall and under ride free with a paying adult.
Many subway stations have stairs only, so a lightweight umbrella stroller or a baby carrier makes life easier. For a scenic shortcut, the NYC Ferry costs $4, and kids under 44 inches ride free.
When to Visit and How Long to Stay
Fall and the holiday season are magical, with the Macy's parade, the Rockefeller Center tree and ice rinks all over town, but they're also the busiest and priciest. Spring and early fall bring milder weather for park days, and summer can be hot and humid.
Plan for four to five days so you can mix big attractions with downtime. Group your days by neighborhood to cut down on travel time.
Things to Do in Central Park and the Upper West Side With Kids
Central Park is where NYC trips with kids find their rhythm. Pair a morning at the zoo or the carousel with an afternoon at a big museum, and you've got a full day that never needs a cab.
Address: East 64th Street and Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10065
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Nov. 1 through March (longer hours April to October); last entry one hour before closing
Cost: $22.95 adults, $16.95 kids 3 to 12, free for 2 and under (full admission includes the 4-D Theater)
Ages: Best for toddlers through age 10
This is a zoo sized for little legs. In an hour or two, kids can watch the sea lions in the central pool, spot snow leopards and visit the steamy rainforest, then catch a short 4-D movie.
A cheaper "Limited Admission" ticket ($15.95 adults, $9.95 kids) skips the 4-D Theater and is sold online only. Ask about the Tisch Children's Zoo when you buy tickets, since its status has changed in recent years.
Parent Tip: Tickets are for a specific date, not a time slot, and all sales are final, rain or shine. There's no parking, so take the N, R or W to 5 Av/59 St and walk four blocks north.
Address: Mid-park at 65th Street (Children's District)
New York, NY
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to dusk, weather permitting
Cost: $3.50 per ride, per person
Ages: All ages
This classic carousel with hand-carved horses is a short stroll from the zoo. A ride is quick, cheap and almost guaranteed to fix a mid-morning meltdown.
Parent Tip: There are no restrooms at the carousel, so make a pit stop at the zoo first. You can buy tickets at the booth or online.
Address: East side of the Lake, between 74th and 75th Streets
Central Park, New York, NY
Season: April through October, weather permitting
Hours: From 10 a.m. daily; last rental 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Check the official website for 2027 rates (boats hold up to four people)
Rowing a little boat across the Lake, right under Bow Bridge, is one of the most "only in New York" moments you can give your kids. Rentals are first come, first served.
Rowboats are seasonal, so this one is for spring, summer and early fall trips. Visiting in winter? The Lake is still a gorgeous stop on a Central Park walk.
Parent Tip: Bring cash for the deposit, and go before lunch on weekends, when the line is shortest.
Address: 212 West 83rd Street
New York, NY 10024
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Check the official website for current admission
Ages: Babies through about age 10
CMOM is five floors of hands-on play, built for kids who need to climb, splash and pretend after a morning of "don't touch." It's an easy add-on to an Upper West Side museum day.
The museum is still in its West 83rd Street home in 2026. A new, larger building on Central Park West is under construction, with a move planned for 2028.
Parent Tip: Plan CMOM for the afternoon after a morning at the Natural History Museum, which is a few blocks away. Little ones get a second wind here.
Address: 200 Central Park West
New York, NY 10024
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Cost: $37 adults, $22 kids, free under 3 (out-of-state prices; NY residents pay what they wish)
Ages: All ages, and a must for dinosaur fans
Dinosaurs, a 94-foot blue whale and the Hayden Planetarium make this the museum most kids remember. The Gilder Center, with its canyon-like atrium, butterfly vivarium and insectarium, has its own entrance at 415 Columbus Avenue at 79th Street.
Two special exhibitions are worth timing your trip around: Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs runs through Jan. 18, 2027, and the interactive The Nature of Color opens Nov. 16, 2026. Planetarium shows cost extra and need a timed ticket.
Parent Tip: The B and C trains stop right at the museum (81 St), but that station has stairs. With a stroller, use the 1, 2 or 3 to 72 St, which has elevators, and walk over.
Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10028
Hours: Sunday to Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Wednesdays
Cost: $30 adults; kids 12 and under free
Ages: Best for ages 6 and up
The Met is enormous, so pick three things and call it a win. Kids love the Temple of Dendur, the knights in armor and the Egyptian mummies.
Your ticket also gets you into The Met Cloisters, the museum's medieval branch in Fort Tryon Park, on the same day.
Parent Tip: Go on a Friday or Saturday evening, when the museum is open until 9 p.m. and the galleries feel calmer. Remember it's closed on Wednesdays.
Iconic NYC Landmarks and Skyline Views for Families
These are the postcard moments. A few are free, a few need tickets booked weeks ahead, and all of them are worth the subway ride.
Address: Whitehall Terminal (next to Battery Park)
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Hours: Daily, year-round; about every 15 to 30 minutes
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages; strollers welcome
This 25-minute ride across New York Harbor is the best free view in the city. The big orange ferries pass the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Lower Manhattan skyline on the way to St. George.
Parent Tip: Grab a spot on the right side of the boat heading to Staten Island for the best Statue of Liberty views. Everyone has to get off at St. George, then you can walk right back on for the return trip.
Address: 180 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10007
Hours: Memorial daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Museum Wednesday to Monday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last entry 5:30 p.m.)
Cost: Memorial free; Museum tickets $24 to $36, free for kids 6 and under (ticket still required)
Ages: Memorial for all ages; the Museum is best for older kids and teens
The twin reflecting pools are free and open to everyone, and they're a calm, powerful place to talk with kids about what happened on Sept. 11, 2001. The Museum goes deeper, with artifacts and personal stories that are moving and, for some children, intense.
Free Admission Mondays run from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with tickets released online at 7 a.m. ET that Monday.
Parent Tip: Talk with your kids before you go about what they'll see. Many families visit the Memorial pools with younger children and save the Museum for when kids are older.
Address: 89 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017
Hours: Open daily
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Look up at the star-covered ceiling in the Main Concourse, then head downstairs to the Whispering Gallery, the tiled arches outside the Oyster Bar. Stand in opposite corners, face the wall and whisper, and your voice carries across the room.
Parent Tip: Pair Grand Central with SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, whose entrance is right off the Main Concourse.
Address: Ferries depart Castle Clinton, Battery Park
New York, NY 10004
Cost: $26 adults, $17 kids 4 to 12, free under 4 (round-trip ferry, both islands and audio guides); Pedestal or Crown access adds $0.30
Ages: All ages; Crown visitors must be at least 42 inches tall
Statue City Cruises is the only official ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands, and one ticket covers both. Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge, and the Pedestal (with elevators) gives everyone a close-up look at Lady Liberty.
The Crown is a bucket-list climb: 162 narrow spiral steps, no elevator, and only a 10-minute visit. Children must be 42 inches or taller and can't be carried, and tickets sell out far in advance.
Parent Tip: Strollers are fine on the ferry and islands but not in the Pedestal or Crown, so look for stroller parking near the lockers. Take an early ferry to beat the crowds and the security line.
Address: 20 West 34th Street (visitor entrance)
New York, NY 10001
Hours: Generally 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; hours vary by season
Cost: From $46 for the 86th floor; 86th plus 102nd floors from $81
Ages: All ages
The open-air 86th-floor deck is the one from the movies, and the museum exhibits on the way up (including a giant King Kong) keep kids busy in line. The 102nd floor adds floor-to-ceiling windows and a quieter, higher view.
Parent Tip: Strollers are allowed but must be folded on the observation decks. Tickets can't be refunded, but you can change your date.
12. Top of the Rock
Address: 50 West 50th Street
New York, NY 10112
Hours: Daily 8 a.m. to midnight; last entry 11:10 p.m.
Cost: From $42; kids 5 and under free; The Beam and SKYLIFT experiences cost extra
Ages: All ages
Top of the Rock is our favorite view for families because you can see the Empire State Building and Central Park in the same shot. Older kids love The Beam photo op and the rotating SKYLIFT, both of which are still running in 2026.
Parent Tip: Go right at 8 a.m. for the smallest crowds; sunset is the busiest time. The lower decks have floor-to-ceiling glass, so small kids can see without being lifted.
Address: 45 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017
Hours: Daily 8 a.m. to midnight; last entry 10:30 p.m.
Cost: From about $39 to $44, plus a $3 per-order fee
Ages: Best for kids 6 and up; check the official website for child-ticket rules
SUMMIT feels more like a giant art installation than an observation deck, with mirrored rooms, floating silver balloons and glass ledges 1,000 feet up. Tweens and teens think it's the coolest thing in the city.
Parent Tip: Wear pants or shorts instead of skirts (the floors are mirrored), and skip heels. Book a late-afternoon slot to see the city in daylight and at dusk.
Address: 30 Hudson Yards (enter on Level 4 of The Shops)
New York, NY 10001
Hours: Usually 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; last entry one hour before closing
Cost: From $34 (Advance Saver, booked 14+ days out) or $42 general; kids 5 and under free
Ages: All ages; under 12 must be with a ticketed adult
Edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, with a glass floor kids can stand on and look straight down 100 stories. It's right at the north end of the High Line, so it pairs perfectly with #20.
Parent Tip: Check the official site for the current family discount. Strollers are allowed, but you'll fold them for the elevators. Take the 7 train to 34 St–Hudson Yards.
Address: Manhattan entrance on Centre Street, facing City Hall Park
New York, NY
Hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Ages: Best for kids who can walk a mile or so
The walk across is a little over a mile on an elevated wooden walkway, with skyline views in every direction. End in DUMBO for pizza, the carousel and Brooklyn Bridge Park (see #22 and our restaurant picks).
Parent Tip: Go early in the morning, before the crowds. The path narrows in spots and bikes share the bridge, so keep kids out of the bike lane and hold hands near the towers.
16. Intrepid Museum
Address: Pier 86, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue
New York, NY 10036
Hours: Oct. 1 to March 31: daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Cost: $38 adults, $28 kids 5 to 12, free for 4 and under
Ages: Best for ages 4 and up
Kids climb aboard a real aircraft carrier, walk among fighter jets on the flight deck and stand under the Space Shuttle Enterprise. The Growler submarine tour is a highlight for older kids.
Parent Tip: Strollers aren't allowed on the Growler submarine or the Concorde, and there's no bag check, so pack light.
Parks, Piers and Cheap Boat Rides in NYC
When the kids need to run, head to the water. These picks are free or close to it, and several double as transportation with a view.
Address: East 60th Street and Second Avenue
New York, NY
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 6 a.m. to 3:30 a.m.
Cost: Standard subway fare; OMNY and MetroCard passes accepted
For the price of a subway ride, you get a four-minute aerial tram ride over the East River with skyline views. The tram turned 50 in 2026, and it runs every 7 to 15 minutes.
Parent Tip: Ride over, walk Roosevelt Island's riverside promenade for a few minutes, and ride back. It's a cheap, quick thrill that kids talk about for days.
18. NYC Ferry
Address: Landings across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx
New York, NY
Cost: $4 one way; kids under 44 inches ride free
Note: Winter schedules start Nov. 2, 2026
The NYC Ferry is a commuter boat that doubles as a harbor cruise. The East River route links Wall Street, DUMBO and Long Island City, with Brooklyn Bridge and skyline views the whole way.
Parent Tip: Sit on the top deck when the weather's nice. Use the ferry to get from Manhattan to DUMBO instead of the subway, and it becomes part of the fun.
19. Little Island
Address: Pier 55 in Hudson River Park at West 13th Street
New York, NY 10014
Hours: Generally 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Cost: Free (some amphitheater shows are ticketed)
This tulip-shaped park floats over the Hudson River on concrete pots. Winding paths, hidden lookouts and wide lawns make it a fun 30-minute stop before or after the High Line.
Parent Tip: Timed-entry reservations are sometimes required on busy afternoons in warmer months, so check the official website before you go.
20. The High Line
Address: Elevated park from Gansevoort Street to West 34th Street
New York, NY
Hours: April 1 to Nov. 30: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dec. 1 to March 31: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
This former elevated railway is now a 1.45-mile garden in the sky. Kids love the 10th Avenue Square overlook, where you sit on bleacher steps above the traffic and watch yellow cabs zip by below.
Parent Tip: Bikes, scooters and skateboards aren't allowed. With a stroller, use one of the four elevators, and plan to start near Chelsea Market so you can refuel at the end.
21. Governors Island
Address: Ferry from the Battery Maritime Building, 10 South Street
New York, NY 10004
Hours: Island open daily, year-round (7 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Labor Day to Memorial Day)
Cost: Ferry $5 round trip for adults; free for kids 12 and under, and free for everyone before 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays
A seven-minute ferry ride takes you to a car-free island with lawns, hammocks and The Hills. The star for kids is Slide Hill, with four slides, including one that's 57 feet long and billed as the city's longest.
Parent Tip: Reserve your ferry ahead even on free mornings. Slide Hill is about a 20-minute walk from the Soissons Landing ferry dock, so wear comfy shoes.
Address: DUMBO waterfront (enter at Dock Street or Main Street)
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Hours: Park 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.; carousel 11 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. through Dec. 31, 2026 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Cost: Park free; carousel $4 (a child under 42 inches can share a ticket with an adult)
The waterfront park under the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges is packed with playgrounds, lawns and skyline views. Jane's Carousel, a restored 1922 carousel in a glass pavilion right on the water, is the cherry on top.
Pier 2 has swings, play turf, roller skating and courts for basketball and pickleball.
Parent Tip: From Jan. 1 to March 16, 2027, the carousel is also closed on Wednesdays. Grab a pie at Juliana's (see our restaurant picks) and picnic on the lawn.
Midtown Magic: Broadway, Rockefeller Center and Holiday Fun
Midtown is where NYC turns up the volume, especially from November through early January. Here's how to do Times Square, Broadway and the holiday classics with kids in tow.
Address: TKTS Times Square: Broadway at West 47th Street
New York, NY 10036
TKTS hours: Monday, Tuesday and Friday 3 to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Same-day Broadway tickets up to 50% off, plus an $8 service fee per ticket
Times Square is loud, bright and a little overwhelming, which is exactly why kids love it. See it once after dark, then use the famous red steps above the TKTS booth as your meeting spot.
TKTS sells discounted same-day tickets for many Broadway shows. Inventory changes daily, so the hottest family shows may not be on the board.
Parent Tip: Agree on a meeting spot and make sure kids know your phone number before you dive into the crowds. Costumed characters expect a tip for photos.
Address: Minskoff Theatre, 200 West 45th Street
New York, NY 10036
Ages: Recommended for ages 6 and up; children under 2 are not admitted
Tickets: Check the official website for current prices and showtimes
The opening number, with animals parading down the aisles, is pure goosebumps. It's still the gold standard for a first Broadway show.
Parent Tip: Aisle seats in the orchestra get you closest to the animal puppets during "Circle of Life."
Address: Rockefeller Plaza between 49th and 50th Streets
New York, NY 10111
Season: Rink open Oct. 10, 2026, to March 27, 2027; daily 9 a.m. to midnight in 60-minute sessions
Cost: General skate from $22, skate rental extra
Tree: Arrives Nov. 7, 2026; lighting ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2026
Skating under the giant tree is a once-in-a-lifetime NYC memory. Everyone in your group needs a ticket, including non-skaters who stand on the ice with the kids.
The rink closes Dec. 1 and 2 for the tree lighting.
Parent Tip: Book the first morning session for the smallest crowds. After dark, the tree, Saks Fifth Avenue's light show and the Fifth Avenue windows are a free evening out.
Address: New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
Ages: Recommended for ages 6 and up
Tickets: Check the official website for current prices and showtimes
The Genie steals the show, and the flying carpet during "A Whole New World" gets gasps from grown-ups too. It's a great pick for kids who already know the movie.
Parent Tip: The New Amsterdam is right on 42nd Street, so book a pre-show dinner nearby and you won't fight Times Square traffic.
Address: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
Dates: Nov. 4, 2026, to Jan. 4, 2027
Cost: From $50 at the box office ($55 online)
This holiday classic is running a record 230 shows this season, with a brand-new number added. It's shorter than a Broadway show, which makes it a great first live show for younger kids.
Parent Tip: Weekday matinees are usually the easiest seats to get and the most budget-friendly.
Address: Gershwin Theatre, 222 West 51st Street
New York, NY 10019
Ages: Recommended for ages 8 and up; children under 5 are not admitted
Tickets: Check the official website for current prices and showtimes
With the movies making a whole new generation of fans, seeing Elphaba "Defy Gravity" live is a big deal for tweens.
Parent Tip: Wicked runs close to three hours with intermission, so plan a quiet morning before an evening show.
Address: Lyric Theatre, 214 West 43rd Street
New York, NY 10036
Ages: Recommended for ages 8 and up
Run time: About 2 hours 55 minutes
The stage magic here is jaw-dropping, from vanishing characters to swirling dementors. It's a fun splurge for older kids and teens who have read the books.
Parent Tip: Kids should know the Harry Potter story well before going, since the play picks up 19 years later.
Address: Bryant Park, between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues
New York, NY 10018
Dates: Opens Oct. 28, 2026; holiday shops through Jan. 3, 2027; rink through Feb. 28, 2027
Rink hours: Daily 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (until midnight from Nov. 19 to Jan. 3)
Cost: Free skating with your own skates (free ticket required); rentals from about $19
Bryant Park's free-admission rink is the budget-friendly alternative to Rockefeller Center. Wander the little holiday shops, sip hot chocolate and skate in the shadow of the New York Public Library.
Parent Tip: Free skate tickets are released daily, one week ahead, so set a reminder. Weekday mornings are calmest.
31. FAO Schwarz
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10111
Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free to browse
Three floors of toys right next to the Rockefeller Center tree, with toy demonstrations happening all over the store. Even kids who leave empty-handed have a blast.
Parent Tip: Set a budget before you walk in. Seriously.
Address: 10 Rockefeller Plaza (48th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues)
New York, NY 10020
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free to visit
Gamers can try new releases, spot displays of classic consoles and shop Mario, Zelda and Pokémon gear you won't find at home.
Parent Tip: Weekday mornings mean shorter lines to get in during the holiday season. Take the B, D, F or M to 47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Ctr.
Address: Balloon inflation viewing: enter at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10023
Date: Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026 (the 100th parade); TV coverage starts at 8:30 a.m.
Balloon inflation: Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2026; viewing hours TBA
Cost: Free
The 100th Macy's parade is set to feature a record number of balloons and inflatables. Standing on the route is a cold, early commitment, so many families with little kids watch the balloons come to life the afternoon before instead.
Check the official parade page for the 2026 route and start time before you plan your morning.
Parent Tip: For balloon inflation, leave the stroller at the hotel and bring a carrier. Bags larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches aren't allowed. Take the B or C to 72 St.
Things to Do in Brooklyn and Coney Island With Kids
Brooklyn gives you more space, fewer crowds and some of the city's best kid spots. Plan at least one full day here.
Address: 145 Brooklyn Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11213
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $15 per person; free Community Access Thursdays, 2 to 5 p.m. (reservations recommended)
Ages: 6 months to 10 years
The world's first children's museum is still one of the best, with pretend-play spaces and hands-on exhibits that keep little ones busy for hours.
Parent Tip: The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so build it into a weekend or Wednesday plan.
Address: 1000 Surf Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Season: Spring through fall, with limited weekend hours in October; 2026 closing date TBA
Cost: Free to walk the boardwalk; Luna Park passes from $40
The Wonder Wheel, the 99-year-old Cyclone roller coaster and a boardwalk hot dog add up to a classic New York summer day. Deno's Wonder Wheel Park is free to enter, and you pay per ride.
Luna Park has hosted a winter Frost Fest on select dates in past years; 2026 dates: TBA.
Parent Tip: Check the official park-hours calendar the day before you go, because hours change often in the shoulder season. Combine it with the New York Aquarium (#36) next door.
Address: 602 Surf Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Hours: Nov. 1 to March: last entry 3:30 p.m., closes 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $29.95 to $32.95 adults, $25.95 to $27.95 kids 3 to 12, free for 2 and under
Ages: All ages
Sharks, sea lions, penguins and sea otters, right on the Coney Island boardwalk. The Aquatheater sea lion shows at 11 a.m., 1:30 and 4 p.m. are a must.
Parent Tip: Take the F or Q to W 8 St–NY Aquarium, the closest stop. Parking is $18 for up to three hours if you're driving.
Address: 450 Flatbush Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225
Hours: Nov. through March: daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $10.95 adults, $7.95 kids 3 to 12, free for 2 and under (date-specific tickets required)
Ages: Best for toddlers and preschoolers
This small, budget-friendly zoo has sea lions, red pandas and a barnyard area where little ones can get close to the animals. You can see it all in about two hours.
Parent Tip: Make a day of it in Prospect Park, and save the Brooklyn Botanic Garden next door for spring cherry blossom season.
Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island and a LEGOLAND Day Trip
Venture beyond Manhattan and you'll find the city's biggest zoo, a hands-on science center and a whole model of New York City.
Address: 47-01 111th Street
Queens, NY 11368
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $22 adults, $19 kids 2 to 17; free Fridays 2 to 5 p.m. (reservation required)
Ages: Best for ages 3 to 12
NYSCI is packed with interactive science exhibits, and its Science Playground and Rocket Park Mini Golf add outdoor fun when the weather cooperates.
Parent Tip: Take the 7 train to 111 St. Saturday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m. are a sensory-friendly hour.
Address: New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Queens, NY 11368
Hours: Wednesday to Friday noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Pay what you wish (suggested $8 adults); kids 12 and under free
The Panorama is a room-sized scale model of all five boroughs, with nearly every building in the city. Kids love hunting for their hotel, the Statue of Liberty and the bridges they just walked across.
Parent Tip: Visit at the end of your trip so kids can find all the places they've been. The Unisphere from the 1964 World's Fair is right outside.
40. Bronx Zoo
Address: 2300 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10460
Hours: Nov. 1, 2026, through March 2027: daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and MLK Day
Cost: From $28.95 adults and $20.95 kids 3 to 12, free for 2 and under (prices vary by date)
Ages: All ages
One of the largest city zoos in the country, the Bronx Zoo has gorillas, tigers, giraffes and miles of paths. Plan a full day.
In winter, some areas close, including the Children's Zoo, the Monorail and the Butterfly Garden, and prices drop. The zoo's Holiday Lights event changes daytime hours on select evenings, so check the official calendar.
Parent Tip: Take the 2 train to Pelham Pkwy (it has elevators) and walk to the Bronx River entrance. Strollers can be rented for about $16 single or $22 double.
Address: 2900 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10458
Dates: Nov. 14, 2026, to Jan. 10, 2027; evening hours until 8 p.m. on select dates
Cost: 2026 prices TBA; tickets include the All-Garden Pass
Ages: All ages
Model trains zip past nearly 200 New York landmarks made entirely from plants, bark and seeds inside the glass Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. New this year is a plant-made replica of One Vanderbilt.
Parent Tip: Sensory-friendly mornings run from 9 to 11 a.m. on Nov. 21 and Jan. 9. Pair it with the Bronx Zoo for a full Bronx day.
Address: 36-01 35th Avenue
Astoria, NY 11106
Hours: Thursday 2 to 6 p.m.; Friday 2 to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $20 adults, $10 kids 3 to 17, free under 3; free Thursdays 2 to 6 p.m.
Kids can try stop-motion animation, dub their voices into movie scenes and meet Muppets and other characters in The Jim Henson Exhibition.
Parent Tip: Go on a free Thursday afternoon, and check the official website to confirm which exhibits are open that day.
Address: 614 Broadway
Staten Island, NY 10310
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Cost: $12 adults, $8 kids 3 to 14, free for 2 and under; free Wednesdays after 2 p.m.
Ages: Best for younger kids
A small, friendly zoo with a carousel, an aquarium and a reptile wing. It's a sweet add-on to a Staten Island Ferry ride, and parking is free if you're driving.
Parent Tip: From the St. George ferry terminal, take the S48 bus to Forest Avenue and Clove Road, then walk about four and a half blocks.
Address: 1 LEGOLAND Way
Goshen, NY 10924
Distance: About 60 miles northwest of NYC
Season: Closed January through March; select dates in November and December
Cost: From $49 online; under 2 free
Ages: Best for ages 2 to 12
If your crew loves LEGOLAND California, the New York version has a fresh lineup of rides, a giant MINILAND of New York and plenty of building play. It works best as a day trip with a rental car.
Parent Tip: Online tickets are far cheaper than buying at the gate, and the season ends in early January, so check the official calendar before you plan a winter-break visit.
Where to Stay in NYC With Kids: 11 Family-Friendly Hotels
Where you sleep matters more in NYC than almost anywhere else, because your hotel is your home base between outings. Look for suites or kitchenettes, an easy subway stop and something fun on site, like a pool.
Every hotel name below links to live rates so you can compare prices for your dates.
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Address: 2130 Broadway (at 75th Street)
New York, NY 10023
Best for: Families who want a kitchen and a neighborhood feel
Hotel Beacon's rooms and suites come with kitchenettes, and there's a self-service laundry room, which is a lifesaver on a longer trip. Two-bedroom suites give parents a door to close at bedtime.
Parent Tip: You're within walking distance of Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History, and grocery stores nearby make easy breakfasts possible.
Neighborhood: Midtown West, near Columbus Circle
Address: 1717 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
Best for: Breakfast included and full kitchens
Studios and suites with full kitchens plus a free hot breakfast buffet make this one of the best values for families in Midtown.
Parent Tip: Central Park, Broadway theaters and the Rockefeller Center rink are all a short walk away.
Neighborhood: Central Park South
Address: 36 Central Park South
New York, NY 10019
Best for: Park views and connecting rooms
Facing Central Park, the Park Lane offers connecting rooms and City View Two Queen rooms that sleep four. Ask for a park-view room for a front-row seat to the city's backyard.
Parent Tip: Request connecting rooms when you book; with older kids, two rooms side by side can cost about the same as a suite.
Neighborhood: Fifth Avenue and Central Park South
Address: 768 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10019
Best for: A splurge with storybook magic
Home of Eloise, The Plaza is the ultimate NYC splurge for families. The hotel offers family experiences and Eloise-themed fun, and the Central Park Carousel and Zoo are steps away.
Parent Tip: Check the hotel's Eloise at The Plaza and Family Experiences pages for current packages before you book.
Neighborhood: Times Square and the Garment District
Address: 560 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10018
Best for: A rooftop pool in Midtown
Yes, a heated rooftop pool in Times Square. Rooms with two double beds and suites make it easy for families, and you're in the middle of the Broadway theater district.
Parent Tip: Pool access is included in the nightly resort fee, so factor it into your budget and confirm pool hours at check-in. Book months in advance as this hotel is very popular.
Neighborhood: Times Square and Bryant Park
Address: 136 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
Best for: Value near the holiday action
This straightforward Hilton sits between Times Square and Bryant Park, and rooms have a microwave and mini fridge for snacks and leftovers.
Parent Tip: Bryant Park's Winter Village and free ice rink are steps away, so you can squeeze in a quick skate before dinner.
Neighborhood: Hell's Kitchen near Times Square
Address: 400 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
Best for: Budget-friendly stays with older kids
Pod's Bunk Pods are small and smartly designed, and its Pod Pads (one- and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens) give families more room to spread out.
Parent Tip: Standard rooms are compact, so this works best for families with older kids who travel light.
Neighborhood: Battery Park City
Address: 102 North End Avenue
New York, NY 10282
Best for: All-suite rooms near the Statue of Liberty ferry
Every room at the Conrad is a suite, which means space for kids to sleep and parents to stay up. The 9/11 Memorial, One World Observatory and the waterfront paths are minutes away.
Parent Tip: Look for the Breakfast Included package, which includes breakfast for kids 5 and under dining with an adult.
Neighborhood: Battery Park
Address: 2 West Street
New York, NY 10004
Best for: Harbor views and the Statue of Liberty
Many rooms at The Wagner look out on New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty, and harbor-view rooms come with telescopes. The Statue City Cruises ferry leaves from Battery Park, a short walk away.
Parent Tip: Ask the concierge about babysitting if you want a grown-ups-only dinner.
Neighborhood: Brooklyn Bridge Park
Address: 60 Furman Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Best for: Skyline views and a rooftop pool
Set right in Brooklyn Bridge Park, this eco-chic hotel has a rooftop pool, connecting suites and rooms that sleep up to six. Its Starlit Sleepover package adds a kids' tent, a star projector and a family movie.
Parent Tip: Jane's Carousel, Juliana's pizza and the Brooklyn Bridge walk are all right outside the door.
Neighborhood: JFK Airport, Queens
Address: One Idlewild Drive
New York, NY 11430
Best for: Early flights and plane-obsessed kids
Built in the 1962 TWA Flight Center, this retro hotel has a year-round rooftop pool heated to 95 degrees in winter, runway views and vintage exhibits. Two- and three-bedroom suites are available.
Parent Tip: Book it for the night before a morning flight home to LA, and reserve pool time in advance.
Where to Eat in NYC With Kids: 14 Family Favorites
Feeding kids in NYC is half the fun. Here are 14 family-friendly favorites, from cheap slices to a diner where the servers sing.
Address: 7 Carmine Street
New York, NY 10014
Price: $
Reservations: No
What to order for kids: A plain cheese slice
Joe's has been the classic Greenwich Village slice since 1975: thin, foldable and hot. There's also a Times Square location at 1435 Broadway.
Parent Tip: Seating is limited, so plan to eat standing up or take your slices to a nearby bench. Late afternoon has the shortest lines.
Address: 19 Old Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Price: $$
Reservations: Check the official website
What to order for kids: A margherita or plain cheese pie to share
Coal-fired pies right at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, made by pizza legend Patsy Grimaldi. It's the perfect reward after walking across the bridge.
Parent Tip: The kitchen closes between 3:15 and 4 p.m. Order a pie to go and picnic in Brooklyn Bridge Park when the line is long.
Address: 1650 Broadway (at 51st Street)
New York, NY 10019
Price: $$
Reservations: Walk-ins; call (212) 956-5151 for groups
What to order for kids: Mac 'n' cheese sliders, chicken nuggets or a hot dog with fries
Dinner and a show: the servers are Broadway hopefuls who belt out show tunes between orders. Kids can even request a song.
Parent Tip: Come early for breakfast or a late lunch to skip the longest wait.
Address: 205 East Houston Street
New York, NY 10002
Price: $$
Reservations: Groups only
What to order for kids: A hot dog or matzo ball soup; split a pastrami on rye
This Lower East Side institution has been slicing pastrami since 1888, and Time Out named it NYC's top deli in 2026. The sandwiches are huge, so share.
Parent Tip: Each adult gets a ticket at the door at this place for ordering food, and losing it means a $50. Counter service is cash only; table service takes cards. Go before 1 p.m. or after 4 p.m. on weekdays.
Address: Madison Square Park, Madison Avenue and East 23rd Street
New York, NY 10010
Price: $–$$
Reservations: No
What to order for kids: A ShackBurger or hot dog, crinkle fries and a frozen custard shake
The original Shake Shack is a kiosk in Madison Square Park, with outdoor seating under the trees and a playground nearby.
Parent Tip: Seating is outdoors only, so save this one for a nice day, and check the official website for current hours.
Address: 1515 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
Price: $$
Reservations: Call (212) 302-2000
What to order for kids: A slice of strawberry cheesecake (and maybe a burger first)
Junior's famous cheesecake is a Brooklyn legend with a big Times Square outpost. It's open late, which makes it a great pre- or post-Broadway stop.
Parent Tip: Plan on sharing dessert. One slice easily feeds two kids.
Address: 225 East 60th Street
New York, NY 10022
Price: $$–$$$
Reservations: Yes, book ahead
What to order for kids: The Frrrozen Hot Chocolate
This whimsical dessert spot near Bloomingdale's is known for its giant frozen hot chocolate. A second location sits at 157 West 47th Street near Times Square.
Parent Tip: Reservations are a must. One frozen hot chocolate is big enough to share.
Address: 127 Orchard Street
New York, NY 10002
Price: $$
Reservations: No, walk-in only
What to order for kids: A bagel with plain cream cheese, latkes or an egg cream
A sit-down version of the century-old appetizing shop, with bagels, smoked fish and classic Jewish comfort food. It's a five-minute walk from Katz's.
Parent Tip: Last seating is 2:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 3:30 p.m. Friday to Sunday, so make it a brunch stop.
Address: 75 Ninth Avenue
New York, NY 10011
Price: $–$$
Reservations: No
What to order for kids: Let them graze: tacos, doughnuts, pizza and ice cream
This indoor food hall in an old Nabisco factory lets everyone pick their own lunch. It's right next to the High Line.
Parent Tip: Arrive before 11 a.m. on weekdays to beat the crowds, then walk up the High Line toward Hudson Yards.
Address: 55 Water Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Price: $$
Reservations: No
What to order for kids: Mini doughnuts, pizza or a bagel
Picky eaters and adventurous eaters both win at this DUMBO food hall, and the rooftop has Brooklyn Bridge views. A second Time Out Market opened near Union Square at 124 East 14th Street.
Parent Tip: Individual kitchens keep their own hours, so check before you go if you have your heart set on one vendor.
Address: 167 West 74th Street
New York, NY 10023
Price: $
Reservations: No
What to order for kids: The chocolate chip walnut cookie, or the walnut-free dark chocolate chocolate chip
Levain's six-ounce cookies are thick, gooey and famous. The original is a tiny takeout shop on the Upper West Side, near the Natural History Museum.
Parent Tip: One cookie easily feeds two kids. Mornings have the shortest lines.
Address: 401 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10014
Price: $
Reservations: No
What to order for kids: Banana pudding and a vanilla cupcake
The original West Village shop is famous for its cupcakes and creamy banana pudding.
Parent Tip: It's a short walk from Joe's Pizza, so make it a two-stop Village snack crawl.
Address: 229 West 43rd Street
New York, NY 10036
Price: $
Reservations: No
What to order for kids: A plain chicken taco on a flour tortilla
Some of the best tacos in the city, steps from Times Square (with another stall in Chelsea Market).
Parent Tip: It's standing room only, so this is a fast, cheap refuel, not a sit-down meal.
Address: 1310 Surf Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Price: $
Reservations: No
What to order for kids: The original all-beef hot dog and crinkle-cut fries
Coney Island's hot dog stand has been serving franks since 1916. Eat at the outdoor tables, then hit the boardwalk.
Parent Tip: Check hours before a winter visit, and pair it with the New York Aquarium.
A Sample 3-Day NYC Itinerary for Families
Short on time? Here's how we'd string the highlights together on a first trip, grouped by neighborhood so you spend more time playing and less time on the subway.
Day 1 (Central Park and the Upper West Side): Central Park Zoo and the carousel in the morning, lunch and cookies near Levain, the American Museum of Natural History in the afternoon, then dinner and a song at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Day 2 (Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn): An early Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry, the 9/11 Memorial pools, then walk the Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO for Juliana's pizza, Jane's Carousel and sunset in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Day 3 (Midtown): Top of the Rock at 8 a.m., FAO Schwarz and Nintendo New York, the High Line from Chelsea Market to Edge, then a Broadway matinee or the Christmas Spectacular.
With more time: Add the Bronx Zoo and the Holiday Train Show, a Coney Island day, or a LEGOLAND New York day trip.
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Takeaway
New York City with kids is easier than it looks. Pick a home base near the subway, group your days by neighborhood, and mix one or two ticketed attractions a day with free favorites like the Staten Island Ferry, the High Line and Central Park.
Book the Statue of Liberty, Broadway and holiday shows early, especially for Thanksgiving and winter break, and always check official websites for the latest hours before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York City good for kids?
Yes. NYC is packed with kid favorites, from the Central Park Zoo and the American Museum of Natural History to Broadway shows, ferries and the Coney Island boardwalk. Many top experiences are free, including the Staten Island Ferry, the High Line and the Brooklyn Bridge walk, and the subway makes getting around fast.
How many days do you need in NYC with kids?
Four to five days is ideal for a first family trip. That gives you time for the Statue of Liberty, a museum, Central Park, a Broadway show and a Brooklyn day, plus downtime. With only three days, focus on Manhattan and group your plans by neighborhood to limit travel.
What is the best area to stay in NYC with kids?
The Upper West Side and Central Park South are great for families thanks to the park and museums. Midtown near Times Square puts you close to Broadway and holiday lights, while Lower Manhattan is convenient for the Statue of Liberty ferry. Choose a hotel near a subway stop with elevators.
Do kids ride the NYC subway for free?
Yes. Up to three children who are 44 inches tall or under ride the subway and local buses free when traveling with a fare-paying adult. Older kids pay the standard fare. On the NYC Ferry, kids under 44 inches also ride free.
What is the best time of year to visit NYC with kids?
Spring and early fall offer mild weather for parks and walking. The holiday season, from Thanksgiving through New Year's, is the most magical, with the Macy's parade, ice rinks and the Rockefeller Center tree, but it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit, so book early.
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