“Can We Go Again?” — Our Family’s Magical Ride Through RiseNY

Last weekend, I took my two kids, ages 13 and 9, to RiseNY, and it turned out to be a total game-changer for a family outing in the city. Located near Times Square, this is not your typical museum, it’s part history lesson, part immersive show, and culminates in an adrenaline-pumping flight ride that your kids will be talking about for weeks.

Your visit begins in a recreated 1904 City Hall subway station, complete with an immersive film narrated by Jeff Goldblum. My 13-year-old, usually glued to screens, surprisingly leaned forward, absorbed by the storytelling. My 9-year-old, less patient with history, was still intrigued, tons of artifacts, visuals, and interactive touchpoints kept them both engaged. It’s immersive and educational without ever feeling like a lecture.

After that, you drift through seven themed galleries that touch on everything from finance and fashion to film and music. There’s something for every age, my teen lit up when spotting memorabilia from shows like Friends and SNL, while my younger one went straight for anything Sesame Street or Broadway. Some of the more historical parts flew over their heads, but that was okay, we moved at our own pace and kept it light. A few photo ops and interactive displays helped keep them engaged.

RiseNY

Then comes the grand finale: the ride. If you’ve ever been on Disney’s Soarin’, this has a similar feel. Your feet dangle as you soar above a virtual New York, sweeping past the Statue of Liberty, flying over the Brooklyn Bridge, and gliding through Central Park, all enhanced by surround sound, wind effects, and even scents. My 9-year-old was completely in awe. The moment the ride lifted off, his eyes went wide and he gasped, grabbing my arm and whispering, “How is this even possible?” He couldn’t believe we were flying above the city like superheroes. Every twist and swoop had him grinning ear to ear, stunned that something so magical could exist in real life. The second we stepped off the ride, he turned to me, eyes still sparkling, and said, “Can we come back and do it again next week?”

My teen? Completely floored. “This is epic,” he said, and for a 13-year-old, that’s basically a standing ovation.

If you're thinking of going, I’d recommend a weekday if possible. The whole experience takes about 60 to 90 minutes, and you’ll want to check that your kids meet the 40" height requirement for the ride.

For families with a mix of ages, RiseNY delivers. It’s fun, immersive, and just the right blend of learning and entertainment to keep everyone happy. Whether your teen is into history, your 9-year-old loves rides, or you just want to experience something memorable together, this is a great way to spend a few hours in the city.