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

Nancy L. said:  John's of Bleecker Street has been serving some of the best coal-fired brick oven pizza in Greenwich Village since 1929. But you'll have to sit down at one of their classic wooden booth to enjoy the full experience because one of the hallmarks of John's is there are "no slices."

Emily N said:  The New York Transit Museum is a must-see in NYC, especially for kids who are interested in trains! Housed in a real subway station, the museum features vintage subway cars open for exploring to see the evolution of the subway system as well as other fun things to see such as the bus and trolley exhibits.

Kelly R. said:  Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse offers free 20 minute kayaking sessions at their protected embayment between Piers 1 and 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park throughout the summer season. Participants are outfitted in a life vest and receive a kayaking primer before paddling out into a protected area. Kids age 14-17 can kayak on their own with an adult present, and kids under 14 can ride with an adult in a double kayak. They also offer a special Kids and Family Paddle program on Sundays over the summer. Reservations required.

May-August

Stephanie W. said:  Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk is an absolute must on your family's NYC bucket list! It boasts 3 miles of sandy beaches, a delightful boardwalk to stroll down, and of course, Luna Park which has loads of classic carnival rides and roller coasters. Enjoy a Nathan's hot dog, lounge on the beach, take a dip in the water, and have a perfect beach day at Coney Island! Check out yearly Friday night fireworks during the summer, and off-season activities as well, such as the New York Aquarium - all accessible just a subway ride from Manhattan!

Nancy L. said:  At 585 acres, Prospect Park is Brooklyn's second largest park and it's brimming with family-friendly activities. There are exhibits at the Audubon Society and Lefferts Historic House. There's the Greenmarket, playgrounds, ride a horse through park, the carousel, and much more.

Nancy L. said:  Governors Island has military beginnings with the colonial militia in 1755. It became a major headquarters for the U.S. Army and Coast Guard and was one of the longest continually operating military installations in the U.S. until it closed in 1996. Now it's a beautiful park and national monument filled with family-friendly activities. Try the Slide Hill, bike paths, and play areas. Tour Castle Williams, Fort Jay, and the National Historic Landmark District. Access the island by ferry from lower Manhattan or Brooklyn.

Cherisse Harris said:  How can you walk thru Times Square without going to Madame Tussauds? The amazing celebrity wax figures are so lifelike, they'll make you look twice. Be prepared for lines of visitors hoping to get a pic with their favorite famous celebrity figure. Madame Tussauds always has a variety of special attractions including: Music Zone, Fashion Experience, and interactive movie exhibits and simulations. So much fun!

Kelly R. said:  This Williamsburg waterfront park is home to a pretty epic industrial playground inspired by the sugar refinery that once operated on the site. Play features bring kids through a Sugar Cane Cabin, Sweetwater Silo, and Sugarcube Centrifuge that mirror the refinery process, and an enclosed design means even younger kids will be able to safely enjoy the slides, ramps, tunnels, and climbing spots. The playground itself is worth a special trip, but stick around to experience the spray fountain, large playing field, Fog Bridge, bocce court and Tacocina, the in-park taco stand.