NYC for Kids: Top Adventures and Must-See Places!
- Tamir Rosenblum
- Nov 18, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: Sep 22
Prepare for an exciting family adventure in a new city! Planning the perfect trip for your little ones can be like solving a thrilling quest. Every family enjoys fun in its own unique way, and planning your family trip can be quite a task.
With FunDay, building a full itinerary is easy. Tailor your plans based on your kids' interests, ages, and personalities. Not quite ready to dive into building a full itinerary? Explore our curated list of 19 kid-friendly categories for inspiration.
Let's start exploring together!
1. Kid-Friendly Immersive Experiences in New York City
New York City offers kid-friendly immersive experiences where children can step into interactive worlds, explore art, science, and storytelling, and enjoy fun, hands-on adventures the whole family will love. Click here for the full list of experiences.
2. Kid-Friendly Outdoor Tours in New York City
New York City offers kid-friendly outdoor tours that let families explore parks, landmarks, and neighborhoods through fun, engaging, and educational adventures.
3. Kid-Friendly Educational Experiences in New York City
New York City is filled with kid-friendly educational experiences that make learning exciting and fun. Families can explore world-class museums, science centers, historic landmarks, and cultural institutions where hands-on exhibits, interactive workshops, and storytelling bring knowledge to life. From discovering dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History to experimenting at the New York Hall of Science or uncovering history at Ellis Island, these experiences spark curiosity and inspire a love of learning for kids of all ages.
4. Landmark Locations in New York City
New York City is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, offering families the chance to explore history, culture, and breathtaking views together. From the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building to Times Square and Central Park, each landmark provides a unique glimpse into the city’s character and energy. Visiting these sites lets kids experience the excitement of New York firsthand while creating unforgettable family memories.
5. Indoor Gaming Places in New York City
New York City offers a variety of indoor gaming places where families can play, compete, and bond no matter the weather. From high-tech VR arenas and arcade halls to bowling alleys and escape rooms, these spaces provide fun challenges and entertainment for kids and teens. Many venues feature multiplayer experiences, interactive simulations, and family-friendly competitions that keep everyone engaged and excited. Whether you’re looking for a rainy-day activity or an action-packed evening, NYC’s indoor gaming spots deliver unforgettable fun for all ages.
6. Kid-Friendly Cruises Around New York City
Kid-friendly cruises around New York City let families experience the skyline, waterways, and landmarks in a fun and memorable way. From short sightseeing tours around the Statue of Liberty to themed boat rides with music, games, and family entertainment, these cruises provide both relaxation and excitement. Kids can enjoy fresh air and stunning views while parents appreciate the unique perspective of the city. Whether it’s a daytime adventure or an evening sail, NYC’s family cruises offer a perfect blend of learning, fun, and unforgettable moments on the water.
7. Kid-Friendly Shows in New York City
New York City is world-famous for its theater scene, and families will find plenty of kid-friendly shows that captivate audiences of all ages. From dazzling Broadway productions and Off-Broadway performances to puppet shows, musicals, and interactive theater experiences, these performances bring stories to life in fun and imaginative ways. Whether it’s singing along to a favorite classic, laughing at a comedy designed for kids, or watching breathtaking stage effects, NYC’s kid-friendly shows create magical memories the whole family will treasure.
8. Urban Views Locations in New York City
New York City offers countless spots to take in breathtaking urban views, making them a must for family trips. From the soaring heights of the Empire State Building and Edge at Hudson Yards to the sweeping panoramas from One World Observatory and Top of the Rock, each location showcases the city’s iconic skyline in a unique way. Families can enjoy daytime views of bustling streets and rivers or experience the magic of the city lights at night. These urban view locations create unforgettable moments and perfect photo opportunities for kids and parents alike.
9. Kid-Friendly Indoor Tours in New York City
New York City features a wide range of kid-friendly indoor tours that combine fun, education, and exploration, perfect for any weather. Families can step inside world-class museums, historic landmarks, or cultural attractions with guides who make learning engaging for children. From behind-the-scenes looks at iconic buildings to interactive storytelling in art galleries and science centers, these tours are designed to spark curiosity and keep kids entertained. Whether you’re seeking a rainy-day adventure or a unique way to explore NYC’s history and culture, indoor tours provide enriching experiences for the whole family.
10. Kid-Friendly Stores in New York City
New York City is a shopping paradise for families, with kid-friendly stores that go far beyond browsing. From toy emporiums and candy wonderlands to interactive flagship shops and themed boutiques, these destinations turn shopping into an adventure. Kids can explore hands-on displays, enjoy playful experiences, and even join special workshops or events, while parents find unique gifts and souvenirs. Whether it’s visiting the legendary FAO Schwarz, exploring LEGO creations, or indulging at M&M’s World, NYC’s kid-friendly stores make retail therapy fun for the whole family. Click here for the full list of experiences.
11. Dessert Places in New York City
New York City is a dream destination for families with a sweet tooth, offering dessert places that delight kids and adults alike. From world-famous cheesecake and decadent ice cream shops to whimsical cupcake bakeries and over-the-top milkshake bars, the city is filled with treats that turn a simple outing into a special memory. Many dessert spots also feature fun themes, interactive experiences, or Instagram-worthy creations that kids love. Whether you’re exploring classic New York flavors or trying something new and creative, these dessert places make every family adventure even sweeter.
12. Kid-Friendly Bookstores in New York City
New York City is home to a wonderful selection of kid-friendly bookstores that inspire imagination and a love of reading. These shops go beyond shelves of books, offering cozy reading corners, interactive story times, author events, and carefully curated collections for children of all ages. Families can explore independent bookstores with a personal touch, large flagship stores with expansive kids’ sections, and specialty shops dedicated entirely to young readers. Whether your child loves picture books, fantasy adventures, or graphic novels, NYC’s kid-friendly bookstores provide engaging spaces where stories come to life.
13. Sports Activities in New York City
New York City offers a wide variety of sports activities that families can enjoy together, from world-class games to hands-on play. Kids and parents can cheer on professional teams like the Yankees, Knicks, or Mets, or take part in recreational fun such as ice skating at Rockefeller Center, biking through Central Park, or playing soccer in local fields. Indoor sports complexes and climbing gyms also provide active options year-round, while waterfront areas offer kayaking and other outdoor adventures. Whether spectating or participating, NYC’s sports activities keep families active, entertained, and connected.
14. Kid-Friendly Restaurants in New York City
New York City is full of kid-friendly restaurants where families can enjoy great meals together in a welcoming atmosphere. From themed dining spots that bring extra fun to the table to casual eateries with menus designed for picky eaters, NYC offers a wide range of options that keep both kids and parents happy. Many restaurants feature interactive elements, play areas, or special treats just for children, making mealtime part of the adventure. Whether you’re craving classic New York pizza, international flavors, or unique dessert experiences, these family-friendly restaurants turn dining out into a memorable part of your trip. Click here for the full list of experiences.
15. Theme Restaurants in New York City
New York City is home to a wide variety of theme restaurants that transform dining into an experience the whole family will enjoy. From whimsical, kid-friendly spots filled with bright colors and playful décor to immersive venues inspired by movies, cartoons, or pop culture, these restaurants combine great food with entertainment. Families can enjoy meals in settings that spark imagination, from magical dessert parlors to over-the-top diners with live performances. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a unique place to eat, NYC’s theme restaurants make dining out a fun-filled adventure for kids and parents alike. Click here for the full list of experiences.
16. Kid-Friendly Outdoor Thrill in New York City
New York City offers plenty of kid-friendly outdoor thrills that turn a day outside into an unforgettable adventure. Families can soar on ziplines, climb high ropes courses, or try roller skating and biking in expansive parks. Seasonal activities like amusement rides at Coney Island, boat tours around the Statue of Liberty, or winter ice skating rinks add extra excitement. These experiences give kids the chance to burn energy, challenge themselves, and enjoy the city’s lively outdoor atmosphere, while parents get to join in the fun or watch their little adventurers shine. Click here for the full list of experiences.
17. Playgrounds in New York City
New York City is filled with playgrounds that give kids the perfect space to play, explore, and connect with other children. From iconic spots like Central Park’s Heckscher Playground to waterfront play areas with climbing structures, splash pads, and creative designs, the city offers endless opportunities for outdoor fun. Many playgrounds are themed, blending art, history, and imagination into the play experience, while others provide safe and accessible spaces for all ages. Whether your family is visiting uptown, downtown, or Brooklyn, NYC’s playgrounds make for exciting, energy-filled breaks during any adventure.
18. Observation Decks in New York City
New York City’s observation decks offer families breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences high above the skyline. From classics like the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock to modern marvels such as One World Observatory and Edge at Hudson Yards, each deck provides a unique perspective of the city. Families can take in panoramic sights of iconic landmarks, rivers, and skyscrapers by day, or marvel at the dazzling lights by night. With interactive exhibits, glass floors, and thrilling heights, NYC’s observation decks turn sightseeing into an exciting adventure for kids and parents alike.
19. Public Art Locations in New York City
New York City is like an open-air museum, filled with public art locations that families can enjoy while exploring the city. From large-scale sculptures in parks and plazas to colorful murals across neighborhoods, these artworks add creativity and culture to any walk. Families can discover iconic pieces like the LOVE sculpture, visit seasonal installations, or stumble upon hidden gems that spark curiosity. Public art in NYC often invites interaction, making it engaging for kids and teens while giving parents a chance to share stories about history, culture, and expression. These spots turn everyday city strolls into enriching, family-friendly adventures. Click here for the full list of experiences.
New York City is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities, offering something exciting for kids of all ages. From soaring views atop iconic observation decks and exploring landmark locations to discovering immersive indoor experiences, thrilling outdoor adventures, and creative public art, families can design the perfect itinerary. NYC also delights with kid-friendly restaurants, themed dining, dessert spots, bookstores, and stores that turn shopping into fun. Add in playgrounds, sports activities, cruises, guided tours, and Broadway shows, and you’ll find endless opportunities to blend learning, play, culture, and entertainment. Whether it’s your first trip or a return visit, New York City ensures unforgettable family memories around every corner.
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