51 Things To Do in NYC With Kids Who Love Big City Fun 2025
New York City might not seem like the first place you’d take the family, but it’s full of surprises. Sure, it’s the city that never sleeps, but there are plenty of fun things to do in NYC with kids — and a lot more family-friendly moments than you might expect.
And the best part is that it doesn't matter when you visit, there’s always something to keep everyone entertained. It’s a playground for curious kids and a hit for adults, too.
Jump to Section
- Unique Things To Do in NYC With Kids
- Top 10 Things To Do in New York With Family
- Fun Things To Do in NYC With Kids This Weekend
- Free Things To Do in NYC With Kids
- Things To Do in Manhattan With Kids
- Indoor Things To Do With Kids in NYC
- Things To Do in NYC With Kids FAQs
Unique Things To Do in NYC With Kids
1. Cooking Classes in NYC
After trying all the good food in NYC, why not let the kids make some themselves? Cooking classes in NYC are a fun way to get them involved in the kitchen and excited to help.
2. Team Building Activities in NYC
Team-building activities in NYC aren’t just for office outings. They’re also a fun way to get the kids working together without feeling like they're at school because they'll be too busy having fun to notice they're learning.
3. Art Classes in NYC
Looking for something a little quieter than the buzz of Times Square? Try something different and sign the kids up for art classes in NYC. They're a great way to help kids embrace their creative side. Look into kid-friendly classes like street photography, terrarium-making or seasonal crafts.
4. Painting Classes in NYC
From watercolors to mural making, painting classes in NYC are great things to do in NYC with kids who love to get creative. They'll be encouraged to get in touch with their artistic side and their imaginations can run wild.
5. Pottery Classes in NYC
Sign your kids up for a pottery class in NYC; it'll surely be at the top of the list of memorable things to do with kids in NYC. Look for beginner-friendly options with step-by-step guidance that make it easy for kids to follow along. They will love getting their hands messy and creating one-of-a-kind clay pieces to take home.
6. Museum of Ice Cream
This one’s pure joy. From a three-story slide to unlimited samples and a pool full of sprinkles, the Museum of Ice Cream is colorful, playful and totally kid-approved.
7. Sloomoo Institute
Slime lovers, rejoice. This sensory-rich, interactive museum dedicated to slime is one of the most unexpectedly fun things to do in NYC with kids — and yes, adults get into it too.
8. Visit the Cloisters
The Cloisters, which are part of the Met, bring medieval art and architecture to life and will have the kids feeling like they're in a castle.
9. Color Factory
Even though the Color Factory has popped up in a few cities, the NYC location still stands out. It’s an immersive art experience that’s fun for all ages, not just the kids. And yes, the massive ball pit lives up to the hype.
10. Museum of Art and Technology
This high-tech museum makes art feel like a video game in the best way. The kids will get to explore animated versions of works by artists like Da Vinci. It’s art reimagined with sound, screens and cool tech.
11. Queens County Farm Museum
One of the longest continuously farmed sites in New York, this unique museum tops the list of outdoor things to do in NYC with kids. Tour the farm on a hayride, stock up on fruits and veggies at the farmstand and enjoy seasonal activities like a children’s carnival and pumpkin patch.
Top 10 Things To Do in New York With Family
12. Attend a Broadway Show
Not every Broadway show is geared toward kids, but you can usually find a family-friendly option playing. Catching a show is one of the top 10 things to do in New York with kids, especially if you have kids who love music and drama.
13. Statue of Liberty
A visit to the Statue of Liberty is an obvious choice and for good reason. Take a ferry to Liberty Island to tour the grounds and admire the iconic symbol of American freedom. If you’ve never had the honor of seeing Lady Liberty in person before, prepare for a moving experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
14. 9/11 Memorial & Museum
This may not be the first place that comes to mind for things to do in NYC with kids, but it can be a powerful way to teach older children about an important event in recent history.
15. Central Park Zoo
Central Park is full of great things to do in NYC with kids, and the zoo is always a winner. It is home to over 130 species and has a section specifically designed for children.
16. Empire State Building
Sure, it’s touristy — but it's totally worth it, especially for first-time visitors. And without a doubt, it has to be one of the most iconic things to do in NYC with kids. The views are second to none, but don't be surprised if the elevator ride is their favorite part.
17. Grab a Slice of Authentic NY-Style Pizza
Pizza is a meal that will keep the whole family happy, and grabbing a slice from a legendary spot like L’Industrie or Joe’s Pizza Broadway is practically a requirement. It’s one of the tastiest things to do in NYC with kids, and bonus points because it also doubles as a budget-friendly lunch.
18. New York Transit Museum
Climb into vintage subway cars and see how things used to look at this unique Brooklyn museum. If you’re looking for educational things to do in NYC with kids, this is your stop. Train-loving little ones will be in heaven.
19. Chelsea Market
Need to please a picky eater? Take a trip to the Chelsea Market. With its huge indoor food hall and plenty of tasty options, it’s one of the easiest food-focused things to do in NYC with kids.
20. Purchase a CityPASS
If you’re planning to hit several major attractions, a CityPASS can help you skip the lines and save money at the same time. It lets you bundle all the top things to do in NYC with kids, like the Empire State Building and museums, into one ticket.
21. Visit the American Museum of Natural History
If you're looking for things to do in NYC with kids, museums are always a hit, and the American Museum of Natural History never disappoints. It has an awesome range of exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to outer space.
Fun Things To Do in NYC With Kids This Weekend
22. Have Breakfast at Liberty Bagels
Looking for kid-friendly things to do in NYC today? Head to Liberty Bagels. They’ve got locations around the city and a rainbow-colored bagel that kids go wild for, especially when paired with birthday cake cream cheese.
23. Battery Park Playscape
Playgrounds are essential for the kiddos, and Battery Park’s Playscape definitely delivers. It includes climbing areas, water features and the Seaglass Carousel, where each kid gets to ride inside a glowing fish.
24. Ride the Subway
It might not sound thrilling, but riding the subway can be a highlight for kids. It's one of the fastest, yet efficient things to do in NYC with kids when you need to get around fast. And to them, it feels like an underground adventure.
25. FAO Schwarz Toy Store
Still need ideas for kid-friendly things to do in NYC today? FAO Schwarz is like stepping into toy heaven — and yes, the giant piano from Big is still there.
26. The High Line
What used to be an old freight line is now one of the coolest urban parks in NYC. Kids will love the views and the 1.45-mile path lined with more than 100,000 plants.
27. Museum of Broadway
After seeing a Broadway show, follow it up with a trip to the Museum of Broadway. It’s in the heart of Times Square and features rotating exhibits with costumes, props and interactive displays that bring the history of theater to life.
28. Pebble Beach
For low-key fun with a view, head to Pebble Beach in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Kids can skip rocks while you take in views of the Manhattan skyline.
29. Take a Day Trip to Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island is perfect if you're looking for more relaxed things to do in NYC with kids. You can get there by tram, subway or ferry and it has plenty of playgrounds, peaceful riverside walks and space to run around.
30. The Oculus
The Oculus looks like a spaceship dropped into the city — and yes, it’s a subway station. With weekly markets, art exhibits and plenty to explore, it’s one of those unexpected things to do in NYC with kids.
31. Eddie’s Sweet Shop
Wrap up the day with ice cream at Eddie’s Sweet Shop in Queens. This old-school soda fountain is known for its towering sundaes, thick shakes and nostalgic charm — and it’s been family-run for over a century.
Free Things To Do in NYC With Kids
32. Times Square
Times Square definitely deserves a spot on your list of things to do in NYC with kids. Even though it's loud, crowded and chaotic, the kids will love it.
33. Picnic in Central Park
Central Park is a top spot for families. Bring a picnic, enjoy the fresh air and let the kids run around. It’s a classic free NYC pastime.
34. Take the Staten Island Ferry
Operating every 15-30 minutes, the Staten Island Ferry is one of the most overlooked free things to do in NYC with kids. It runs between Staten Island and Manhattan, and the views are unreal.
35. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is one of those things to do in NYC with kids that’s simple, scenic and totally free. The path is stroller-friendly, and the Manhattan views are spectacular from either direction.
36. Washington Square Park Playgrounds
This iconic park is a people-watching hotspot and offers several playgrounds for different age groups. You can let kids blow off steam without spending a dime.
37. Explore Famous NYC Neighborhoods
From the cobblestone streets of the West Village to the character of Hell’s Kitchen, strolling through NYC neighborhoods is a fun, free way to sightsee while letting the little ones burn off some energy.
38. Tour Rockefeller Center
A visit to Rockefeller Center is one of the top 10 things to do in New York with family. While ice skating and Top of the Rock require tickets, just exploring the plaza, art deco buildings and murals is worth the visit.
39. Bethesda Terrace
Not only is Bethesda Terrace beautiful, but it’s also off the beaten path if you're looking for kid-friendly things to do in NYC this weekend. You can simply people-watch or enjoy the arcade at your own pace.
40. Little Island
This manmade island is perfect if you need free things to do in NYC with kids. Built on the Hudson River, Little Island has winding paths, gardens and wide-open spaces to explore.
41. Sheep Meadow
Want to go somewhere where you can forget you're even in the city? Sheep Meadow in Central Park will do the trick. It's a 15-acre field in perfect for picnics, flying kites and soaking up the sun.
Things To Do in Manhattan With Kids
42. CAMP Store
CAMP Stores aren’t unique to NYC, but they’re still a good choice when looking for things to do in NYC with kids. The 5th Avenue location has a secret entrance that opens into a magical wonderland packed with hands-on arts and crafts activities, a slime bar and meet-and-greets with favorite characters.
43. American Girl Store + Café
Complete with a doll hair salon and charming café, this iconic spot is a dream for American Girl fans.
44. Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Need fun things to do in NYC with kids that sneak in a little learning? This award-winning museum is full of interactive exhibits that are perfect for young minds. It's also a great location for team-building activities in NYC for families or small groups.
45. Top of the Rock
At the top of the Rockefeller Center, you'll find the observatory with 360-degree views of the city. As far as sky-high things to do in NYC with kids go, this one's a definite winner.
46. Heckscher Playground
Heckscher Playground is the oldest and largest playground in Central Park. It's spread across three acres and includes everything from climbing structures and water features to swings and slides.
47. Intrepid
This military and maritime museum is a popular pick for things to do in Manhattan with kids. Standout attractions include the supersonic spy plane and the world’s first space shuttle.
48. One World Observatory
At the top of One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the U.S., this observatory will give you incredible panoramic views. Don't miss the elevator ride and sky portal.
49. Admire Street Art
Manhattan’s street art scene makes for a colorful walking tour and is a memorable choice from the free family activities in NYC. From murals in SoHo to hidden gems in the Lower East Side, kids love seeing creativity in action.
50. Enjoy an Epic Dessert at Serendipity 3
Food-based things to do in NYC with kids don’t get much sweeter than this. Be sure to try the towering frozen hot chocolate or go all out with a rainbow-sprinkled unicorn sundae. The desserts are as fun to look at as they are to eat.
51. Metropolitan Museum of Art (the MET)
Field trips to art museums can help kids think more critically and connect with history in new ways, and the Met is one of the best NYC art galleries to do just that. As the largest art museum in the Americas, it’s packed with fascinating exhibits — from ancient mummies to medieval suits of armor.
Indoor Things To Do With Kids in NYC
When the weather takes a turn, NYC still delivers. From trampoline parks and bowling alleys to hands-on workshops and escape rooms in NYC, there are plenty of indoor activities in NYC to keep kids entertained, whatever the forecast.
Things To Do in NYC With Kids FAQs
What Can You Do With One Day in NYC With Kids?
Even with just one day, you can still fit in a handful of memorable things to do in NYC with kids. Start with something fun and educational like the American Museum of Natural History. After that, take in the views from the Brooklyn Bridge or hop on the Staten Island Ferry for a look at the Statue of Liberty. Wrap things up with a picnic or playground stop in Central Park to help them burn off energy before the day ends.
Is NYC a Good Destination for Kids?
Absolutely. Despite the crowds and nonstop pace, there are so many family-friendly things to do in NYC with kids. Think parks, museums, street art, Broadway shows and all the pizza you could ever want. There’s a great mix of fun, culture and food to keep everyone happy — adults included.
What To Do With Kids Inside NYC?
Need indoor ideas? There are plenty of things to do in NYC with kids when the weather’s not playing nice. Explore iconic spots like the Oculus or take them to interactive stores like CAMP. Museums like the Met, the American Museum of Natural History or the Children’s Museum of Manhattan are perfect for curious minds and busy hands.
What To Do With a 4-Year-Old in NYC?
Younger kids need a little more movement and hands-on fun. Great things to do in NYC with kids this age include the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, the Central Park Zoo or a ride on the historic carousel. Try to avoid overly stimulating areas like Times Square, and bring a stroller — it’s a lot of ground to cover for little legs.
You don't have to skip New York City just because you're traveling with kids. With the right mix of parks, culture and treats, there are plenty of things to do in NYC with kids that actually feel fun for everyone.
For even more fun things to do in NYC, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
