16 Things You Must Do In New York City with Kids

My kids LOVE New York City. They ask to go multiple times a year and we have taken them to the city ten times, including “moving” to the city for three weeks in 2022.

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When planning our trips, I ensure we are doing new things so that my kids experience and learn something different. Of all the things we have done during past trips, these are considered must-dos by my kids.

1. The American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is my son’s number one request for every trip. We became members because we loved it so much as a family and wanted to find a way to support the museum even when we weren’t in the city. The museum contains dinosaur fossils, specimens of different wildlife, gems, minerals, a planetarium, and so much more. The American Museum of Natural History is by far one of the best museums for kids in the city.

2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Now for my daughter’s top museum request. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is huge, and unless you plan on staying for a while, it isn’t easy to see everything in one visit. My kids always want to explore Egyptian art and arms and armor, while my favorite is the artwork of Edgar Degas. I also make sure we visit a new museum gallery on each trip to ensure they are being introduced to unfamiliar art and the artists behind the work. Another perk of visiting The Met, the Ancient Playground in Central Park is located next door, the perfect place for your kids to run around after walking nicely through a large museum.

3. Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum

Sticking with the museum theme, the Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum is an exciting, hands-on museum for your kids to visit. It is unique in that it is located on the former aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, which was used in World War II, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, and as a recovery vessel for NASA. The exhibitions are immense, as they are made up of real aircraft from the U.S. armed forces, the space shuttle Enterprise, and the submarine Growler. It is an experience you want to include in your trip. Bonus, you have a beautiful view of the city while on deck.

4. Central Park

While there are quite a few parks and green spaces in the city, there is nothing like Central Park. Boasting 843 acres, Central Park is huge and filled with many sights to see. My kids love to climb rock formations and play at their favorite playground, the Billy Johnson Playground. Turtle Pond is another favorite spot to stop at while strolling the many paths.

5. Central Park Zoo

The Central Park Zoo is one of my favorite zoos that I have visited with my children. It is on the smaller side, which makes it a very doable addition to your NYC itinerary. There is also a small children’s zoo near the main zoo with animal exhibits and a petting zoo.

6. Conservatory Water

The Conservatory Water is a fun stop with your kids in Central Park. Enjoy the beautiful view, let your kids explore the Alice in Wonderland and Hans Christian Anderson statues, or rent a remote control boat to sail around the pond.

7. See a Show

There is nothing like experiencing a live performance in New York City. The first Broadway play I saw was Chicago during my senior class trip. I had never experienced a huge production before and loved it so much. Taking your child to see a live performance is truly a gift. When visiting the city, we always include at least one live performance. Our kids have seen Broadway shows, including The Lion King, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Wicked, Frozen (no longer on Broadway as it is on tour), and Once Upon a One More Time. We have also seen off-Broadway productions, including Blue Man Group and The Lightening Thief (now closed), The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, and Swan Lake, performed by the American Ballet Theatre.

8. Visit the Top of a Skyscraper

Nothing makes you feel smaller than viewing the city from the top of a skyscraper. There are multiple buildings with viewing platforms in New York City; the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, Edge at Hudson Yards, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, One World Observatory, and the Statue of Liberty (pedestal or crown). All of them offer stunning views from a different vantage point.

9. The Statue of Liberty

There is nothing more iconically American than the Statue of Liberty. Visiting this beautiful monument is an addition you will want to make to your itinerary. You will ride a ferry to Liberty Island and can either explore the island and base or visit the pedestal or crown for a beautiful view of the city. Take note, purchase your tickets directly from the Statue of Liberty’s official website, and do so in advance. Dates and times do sell out, especially for the crown.

10. Times Square

Times Square is the quintessential tourist destination of New York City. Filled with billboards, lights, and people, lots and lots of people, Times Square is something you have to see at least once, especially at night. Aside from just walking around, there are stores your children will love to visit, including Hershey’s Chocolate World Times Square, M&M’s World Times Square, and Disney Store Times Square. Madame Tussauds New York and The Museum of Broadway are also located in Times Square.

11. Rockefeller Center

Although it is super busy, Rockefeller Center is a must, especially at Christmas time. The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is massive and something you must see in person. Add on ice skating at the Rockefeller Center Rink in the winter and roller skating during other seasons of the year. A few stores your kids will likely be interested in visiting include The LEGO Store, American Girl Place New York, Nintendo NY, and FAO Schwartz. The Top of the Rock observation deck I mentioned above is also located in Rockefeller Center. Want to try to be on television? The Today Show films at the corner of 49th and Rockefeller Center.

12. Harry Potter New York

Have a Harry Potter-obsessed child? You have to visit the Harry Potter New York Flagship Store. Located in the Flatiron District, Harry Potter New York is a unique shopping experience that allows you to look for your own wand, order Butterbeer, and shop for unique souvenirs.

13. Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too

Housed in the New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building are the original stuffed animals that inspired A.A.Milne to write about Winnie the Pooh and his friends. Visit the library to see the display, as well as rest your feet and let your kids read a few books.

14. Governors Island

Located a short ferry ride from Manhattan is Governors Island. It is a car-free island filled with history, so many fun things to do, and breathtaking views of the city and the Statue of Liberty. Rent bikes and explore the island, including Slide Hill, Hammock Grove, The Hills, playgrounds, and more.

15. Ride a Carousel

Surprisingly, there are multiple carousels located within the five boroughs that make up New York City, including the SeaGlass Carousel in Battery Park, Central Park Carousel in Central Park, Le Carrousel in Bryant Park, and our favorite, Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn. (Jane’s Carousel was initially built for Idora Park, an old amusement park that was located near where we live. It closed in 1984, and the carousel eventually ended up in Brooklyn.)

16. Attend a Professional Sporting Event

New York City has quite a few professional sports teams. Attending a sporting event at an iconic venue while in the city is another unique opportunity.

Honorable Mention: 9/11 Museum and Memorial

I wanted the 9/11 Museum and Memorial to have a special place on my list. I believe the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is possibly one of the most moving and essential monuments/museums you should visit in your lifetime. While it may be a little overwhelming for younger children, it is definitely a place you want to take them at some point once you feel they can handle the emotion that comes with visiting the museum.

While we had previously visited One World Observatory and the 9/11 Monument, our children were nine and eleven the first time we took them to the museum. We have talked about the events of that day many times, including when we have previously visited the observatory and monument.

Before visiting the museum, we again spoke about the events, and I explained there would be some things in the museum that were hard to see or hear and that if at any time they were uncomfortable, to let us know, and we would move on to the next exhibit. Some of the material was emotionally overwhelming for them. There were things they moved through quickly or asked to skip over entirely.

You know your children better than anyone. You will know when they are ready to handle the artifacts housed in that museum.

Now it’s time to plan your visit to The Big Apple. Need help? Check out my Ultimate 3-Day New York City Itinerary (Kid Friendly) blog post.

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