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

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.

Emily N said:  The Brooklyn Children's Museum is a fabulous place to explore and learn through creative exhibits and programming. What's special about this museum is the sensory room, a space designed for children of all different abilities where they have the freedom to touch, see and listen to a variety of different activities and also participate in guided programs. Parents are encouraged to let the Educator present know if their child has any needs or sensitivities, making it an inclusive space for all.

Nancy L. said:  Created in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company for a park in Ohio, this three-row carousel now has a home in Brooklyn. It features 48 carved horses and two chariots, and is open year round. In the mid 1980s the entire carousel was purchased at auction and painstakingly restored to its original glory. It was installed in Brooklyn Bridge Park in 2011.

Emily N said:  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!

Kelly R. said:  Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6 has several unique playgrounds that are all worth checking out. Swing Valley has 10 swing sets (for kids of all ages) and Tarzan ropes. Sandbox Village boasts an enormous sandbox. Slide Mountain area has jungle gyms and two-story slides and Water Lab is a kid favorite for its water jet design.

Emily N said:  Get a chance to visit NYC's largest remaining undisturbed farmland at the Queens County Farm Museum. This farm truly makes you feel like you've left the city and have stepped back in time! Kids can learn about farm life at the farmhouse, meet and feed the adorable farm animals or catch one of the special events the museum regularly hosts!

Lisa R said:  BBG is a welcome respite from the city focused on understanding and conserving regional plants. Multiple themed gardens and indoor conservatories leave plenty to discover all year round. The Children's Garden is a one acre vegetable garden tended by kids as part of BBG's educational programs. The Discovery Garden for kids includes one acre of interactive exhibits covering a variety of habitats.

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.

Nancy L. said:  The Children's Center at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (the central circulating library of NYPL) features a vast amount of books and media for children of all ages, as well as numerous public programs for kids and families including storytelling, various types of performances, and guest appearances by authors and illustrators. There are cozy reading spaces and computer stations with internet access available by appointment.

Across the street at the Schwarzman Building on 42nd Street, you can even see the real Winnie-the-Pooh and friends on display!

Annette Parks said:  This stunning, spring-fed glacial kettle pond is in Alley Pond Park, in Bayside. As a local, or when visiting NYC with kids, be sure to check out the estate on the grounds, aptly titled 'The Oaks,' and bring a picnic. There's plenty to do in the park - the Adventure Course is certainly worth a visit! - but the lake is so beautiful that you might not want to go anywhere else. Outside of the lush grounds, there are plenty of delicious places to dine in Queens.

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:  There's nothing better than pizza in New York City. And, one of the best spots to enjoy it is Lombardi's, which is America's first pizzeria. Opened in 1905, this Little Italy restaurant will be an experience that kids and adults will enjoy.

Kelly R. said:  Battery Park City's Teardrop Park offers plenty of spots to explore, with the play area built into a serene natural setting. A long slide is accessed by climbing up a rocky path, there are sand and water play areas, and plenty of nooks to climb and discover.

Kelly R. said:  Washington Square Park is home to three playgrounds that appeal to kids of all ages. The Mounds Play Area features rolling turf-covered hills with an elevated rope course for climbing. A Big Kid Playground features swings, sand play, slides, and more. There's also a separate Toddler Playground for the little ones.

Amanda Banta said:  Your little ones can imagine themselves on Stuart Little's sailing adventure when they guide model boats around the pond featured in E.B. White's classic chapter book for kids. The Conservatory Water offers model boat rentals, story time, and outdoor seating in the warm months and free public ice skating in the winter. Nearby are the famous literary sculptures Alice in Wonderland and Hans Christian Anderson, both erected in the 1950s. Take a break from the lightning fast pace of the city, pick up some light refreshments from the cafe and settle on a bench to watch the Saturday morning boat races.