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Fun-filled museums, free activities and famous landmarks: as one of the most iconic cities in the world, it’s no wonder that New York City is bursting with things to do for families of all types. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers or teenagers, here’s our ultimate guide to exploring New York City with kids.
The best hotels for families in New York City
Walker Hotel Tribeca
With a stay at Walker Hotel Tribeca, you’ll start the day with a freshly brewed coffee at Blue Bottle before savouring Mediterranean flavours at Mostrador. This hotel is perfect for a family of three as one infant (under three years old) can stay for free with a cosy cot included (subject to availability). Perched in the vibrant Tribeca district, this trend-setting hotel is within walking distance of the Brooklyn Bridge, Silverstein Family Park and One World Trade Center.
INNSiDE New York NoMad
With a stay at INNSiDE New York NoMad, you’ll be within walking distance of the Empire State Building, Fifth Avenue and Madison Square Park. Take in the cityscape views from the Double City View room or The Family Loft are perfect for a family of up to six people, then sit down for a meal at The Wilson with both its kid- and dog-friendly menus. Be sure to visit one of the seven must-see things in NoMad!
Hard Rock Hotel New York
Nestled between the Theatre District and Radio City Music Hall, Hard Rock Hotel New York is in a prime location for family activities. Here, you’ll spot rare music memorabilia and original artwork that pays homage to New York City’s underground music industry. The Deluxe Queens room is the perfect size for a small family who’s ready to discover the city.
The best museums for kids in New York City
American Museum of Natural History
Spend a day at the museum that inspired the classic film ‘Night At The Museum’. With immersive experiences, an out-of-this-world dinosaur exhibit and a giant 94-foot-long blue whale model, kids will be thrilled to spend hours exploring this world-famous museum.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Travelling with kids under six years old? They’ll love the engaging exhibits and programs at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Interactive exhibits encourage little ones to express their creativity and learn through storytelling, music, art and science.
AKC Museum of the Dog
For the dog lovers, the AKC Museum of the Dog is going to be paws-itively amazing, with interactive exhibits and a permanent collection of artworks dedicated to the humble dog. Have your whole family do the Find Your Match where an interactive screen will capture your photo and pair you with the dog breed that you resemble.
Intrepid Museum
See military and maritime aircrafts and ships up close (including the World War II USS Intrepid aircraft carrier and the first space shuttle Enterprise) at this exciting museum. Experience being in the pilot’s seat with a flight simulator, 4D theatre and other virtual and augmented realities.
The best free activities for kids in New York City
Let loose in Central Park
With fountains, ponds, bridges and 21 playgrounds, including one inspired by Ancient Egypt, Central Park is perfect for kids to run around and play games in the open space. Ride the more than 100-year-old Central Park Carousel, test your ice skating skills in the winter months at the Wollman Rink or spend an afternoon at Central Park Zoo.
Visit Times Square
Step into the heart of New York City at Times Square, where crowds gather around all year round to view the hundreds of advertisements flashing across the buildings. Stop by a Broadway show, marvel at Rockerfeller Plaza or discover many kid-friendly stores like Lego and the Nintendo flagship store.
Climb the Brooklyn Bridge
With playgrounds and parks on either side of the Brooklyn Bridge, kids can play to their heart’s content while adults sit back and take in the view. Walk across the bridge or visit Pier 35 at sunset to watch the lights of Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge and the city come to life.
Smell the roses at Wave Hill
Bursting with colour wherever you look, Wave Hill is a public park that’s perfect for family-friendly nature walks, where the little ones can spot birds and bugs while older kids will enjoy exploring different gardens and woodlands. Plus, entry is free on Thursdays.
Explore The High Line
What was once a railway track until 1980 is now a public park with sweeping city and river views. Younger children will have fun climbing, playing and running along the Pershing Square Beams, a repurposed section of rail yard that doubles as both a garden and a playground on 30th Street.
Take the Staten Island Ferry
Travelling between Whitehall Ferry Terminal in Manhattan and Staten Island’s St. George Ferry Terminal is a great way to see the city. After a quick 25-minute journey, take the time to explore Staten Island, visit the animals at the Staten Island Zoo and shop at Empire Outlets.
Eat your way through M&M’s New York
Filled with bright colours and delicious chocolate, M&M’s New York is a must-visit when on a family holiday. Located just around the corner from Times Square, it’s a great way to escape the crowds and take home your own customised pack of this delicious chocolatey treat.
The best ways to see New York City with kids
Take the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Take the family on a ferry ride to see Miss Liberty up close on Liberty Island. While you’re there, visit Ellis Island with its Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration where kids can join the Junior Ranger Program and complete activities to receive a Junior Ranger badge. Be sure to pre-book tickets.
Climb to the top of the One World Observatory
A focal point of the Manhattan skyline, the towering One World Observatory offers the highest 360-degree views in New York City. Spot landmarks like the Empire State Building and learn about New York City’s history through interactive exhibits.
Ride on the Roosevelt Island Tram
Experience beautiful views of Manhattan across the East River with a short four-minute tram journey to Roosevelt Island. Up to three kids 111cm (44inch) tall can ride the tram for free, otherwise it is also free to use with a valid Unlimited MetroCard!
See the city from Top of the Rock
Be wowed by breathtaking 360 views of New York City at Top of the Rock, featuring both indoor and outdoor observation decks. Remember this moment with the family by recreating the iconic 1932 photograph ‘Lunch Atop A Skyscraper’.
The best kid-friendly restaurants in New York City
Joe’s Pizza
Taste the authentic New York-style pizza with a thin, crispy crust, delicious sauce and stringy cheese. For almost 50 years, Joe’s Pizza has been a family-friendly favourite with plenty of toppings for everyone to enjoy.
Liberty Bagels
The kids will be in awe with the colourful Rainbow Bagel at Liberty Bagels. Here, the bagels are made the old-fashion and hand-rolled way, easily the best you’ll try in New York City. Kids can have them plain, with a selection of cream cheeses or turn it into a bagel sandwich with various fillings.
Serendipity 3
Ready for dessert? Serendipity 3 is best known for its over-the-top desserts and its world-famous frozen hot chocolates. From sundaes and cakes to beloved favourites like mac and cheese, hamburgers and hot dogs, Serendipity 3 will curve any craving your kids have.
Dough Doughnuts
Dough Doughnuts boasts seasonal flavours and year-round favourites, with a great selection to suite all tastebuds. The handmade artisanal doughnuts are delicious, sweet treats to have with plain glaze. Its most popular treat? Its Cinnamon Sugar doughnuts are, followed closely by Dulce de Leche and Nutella.
Juniors Cheesecake
Boasting a wide range of flavours from key lime pie to strawberry shortcake, enjoy a slice or two from Juniors Cheesecake with the family for a delectable afternoon snack.
Try a street cart
With vendors on every corner (many congregating around popular museums and landmark) and plenty of favourites like hot dogs, ice cream and pretzels, New York City’s legendary street food is a fast and budget-friendly solution to the mid-afternoon hunger tantrums.
