40 Things To Do in NYC With Kids (Parent Reviews)

Nancy L. said:  Central Park stretches from 59th Street to 110th Street between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West. There are countless things to see and do at the park and the Central Park Conservancy's website has it all outlined in detail. Enjoying the day in the park is free but if you choose to partake of certain activities such as the carousel, the Central Park Zoo, or Wollman Rink, there is a charge.

Nancy L. said:  A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is a beautiful way to spend the day as a family in NYC. This is a completely free activity and it will lead to you to nearby parks on both the Manhattan side or the Brooklyn side. If you start on the Manhattan side, you'll be right near City Hall Park. Once you cross the bridge into Brooklyn side you can walk to Brooklyn Bridge Park or a bit further to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. The walk across the bridge is a little more than a mile. There is plenty of people watching along the way and this will allow you to really enjoy the city like a native.

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.

Nancy L. said:  Some of the best things to do in NYC with kids are completely free! With all the hustle and bustle in New York City, it's easy to forget that Manhattan is an island. To see some of the best views of this unique island, take a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry. It's run by the City of New York for use by commuters and residents. This five-mile, 25-minute trip offers amazing views of New York Harbor, The Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. It leaves from Whitehall Terminal in lower Manhattan and goes to the St. George Terminal in Staten Island. To really enjoy this ride, avoid rush hour.

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.

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.

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:  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.

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.

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.

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!

Nancy L. said:  Was someone in your family one of the 12 million immigrants who passed through Ellis Island from 1892 to 1954? For many of us, the answer is yes! A tour of Ellis Island is an educational and eye-opening activity for families in NYC that allows you to step into the shoes of these newly-arrived Americans. Ellis Island can only be accessed through a ferry service and the voyage is usually combined with a trip to the Statue of Liberty. Statue Cruises is the official ferry operator for both locations.

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.

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.

Joni Monacell said:  This is a fun family activity that allows you to see NYC from the water at a very reasonable rate! Leaving from Wall Street, Pier 11 or East 34th Street in Midtown, NYC Ferry offers numerous ferry rides to Rockaway and various parts of Brooklyn and Queens. Children under 44 inches traveling with an adult ride free.