Walt Whitman, the famous Brooklynite, said that New York is home to many people. But there is a Kid-friendly city hidden in the concrete jungle. Walking along the streets of New York, whether they are Broadway, Bleecker, East 9th, or West 79th, can bring a sense of discovery that makes it a fascinating place for all ages. Family trips can include visiting famous landmarks or museums.
However, they also have the opportunity to explore the city and discover new playgrounds along the waterfront and surprising green spaces that will be of interest to visitors. Some of the city’s busiest areas are car-free, which means more street life and easier walking for children. In addition, new York is home to some of America’s finest pizzas, burgers, and ice cream, which is a significant part of many kids’ ideal diet.
Here is the list of Things To Do In New York For Kids:
Luna Park
It’s a 45-minute train ride from the end to New York City’s amusement park. This is an extra effort for those who live in Manhattan. A day trip to Coney Island can be fun, especially in the summer. Grab Nathan’s hotdog on Surf Avenue and fried clams along the boardwalk before you get your thrills on one of the rides.
Older children will be drawn to the Cyclone, a historic wooden roller coaster that has terrified kids for over 90 years. The carousel, Lynn’s Trapeze swings, and Wild River log flume will hit more minor children.
Eloise at The Palm Court
Your little Eloise (12 years and younger) will be impressed by afternoon tea served under the elegant Palm Court’s greenery and the domed glass ceiling. Everything is about the adorable children’s book character. Even the teapot and pink-rimmed cups are decorated with her image.
The tea tower features classic finger sandwiches such as English cucumber and PB&J for smaller tastes. You can also enjoy sweets like passionfruit s’mores and caramel cupcakes. There is also a tiny amount of pink cotton candy.
Ellis Island
The ferries depart from Castle Clinton, Manhattan’s Battery Park, to Liberty and Ellis Islands. Together they make up the Statue of Liberty National Monument (upper New York Bay). This iconic lady is the perfect introduction to the island from which many immigrants arrived. This massive red-brick building was opened in 1900.
12 million immigrants had passed through its doors before the island was closed in 1954. Nearly 100 million people are descendants of those immigrants today, so a visit to the island brings their story alive.
New York Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum is a small museum located near Brooklyn’s Borough Hall. To enter, you must descend from the sidewalk just like you would for your daily commute. This is a great place to spend an hour with your kids. They will enjoy running in and out of the vintage subway trains, climbing into the driver’s seat on a bus, or pushing through turnstiles. This place will allow you to see more than 100 years of New York’s mass transit history.
It will also bring back native New Yorkers to a time when the subway was more popular than today. Get souvenirs for NYC-obsessed people. There are many options, from vintage transit token necklaces to MetroCard cups and baseball caps with your favorite train lines embossed on them. They also have a Grand Central Terminal shop location if you need a souvenir.
Gulliver’s gate
Miniatures are adored by children, from train sets to Legoland to dollhouse furniture. This is Gulliver’s Gate at Times Square, covering 50,000 square feet. The Lilliputian cityscapes will capture the imaginations of younger visitors, as well as yours, right from the beginning. All of them are meticulously detailed, from the intricately painted ceiling at Grand Central Station to the models of actual visitors.
There are many tiny characters in action and moving cars, but the fun is in the unexpected. Spiderman leaping from the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most memorable. You can also get miniatures of yourself and your family at the gift shop.
Statue Of Liberty
Children are familiar with the Statue of Liberty from an early age. Seeing it up close will be a thrill for even teens and tweens. The whole family can enjoy the adventure of climbing up to Lady Liberty’s crown. However, it would be best if you were at least 48 inches tall to climb the narrow spiral staircase that leads to the pedestal. Tickets sell out quickly, so book your tickets at least three to four months ahead.
The original torch, 16 feet high, with its amber glass panes and the original torch, is displayed at the Statue of Liberty Museum. It was opened in 2019. The museum offers floor-to-ceiling views of Liberty Island, the Stature, and her torch. Additionally, the accessible roof deck affords panoramic views over the harbor and city skyline.
FAO Schwarz
The famous toy store, located on Fifth Avenue for nearly 80 years, was closed in 2015. However, it was reopened in Rockefeller Center just a few years later. Children flocked to the flagship to marvel at the towering 28-foot clock tower. In the ’80s and 1990s, children flocked in large numbers to play on the giant piano. The piano, along with all the rest, is back.
Domino Park
Domino Park is a five-acre green space located in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It is a popular spot for hipsters who come to enjoy fish tacos and beautiful views. Local families also frequent the park on weekends. This park is an excellent addition to Williamsburg’s vibrant scene. It is less than a quarter-mile long, making it easy for visitors to find all the main features from the entrance.
American Museum of Natural History
The museum is rich in 150 years of scientific discovery and history. It amazes children every day with its unique 3D experiences, tech-driven displays, and, of course, its T-Rex skeleton (which is taller than a school bus) and its massive blue whale model. The Hall of Ocean Life houses the exhibit. Visit The Discovery Room (for children aged 5-12) for a hands-on experience. Here, you can put together a dinosaur skull, draw specimens, and use a digital seismograph to track earthquakes.
The best experience for the whole family is to spend the night at the museum. Book, “A Night at the Museum,” to have a sleepover. After hours of exploring the halls and exhibits, you will be able to settle down on a blue whale-shaped cot. Bring a flashlight and a sleeping bag!
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is perhaps the most famous in America. For 40 years, the Empire State Building was the tallest skyscraper in the world. Many other facilities on three continents have overtaken it. However, the iconic New York landmark is still recognizable. There are long lines for tickets with more than 4,000,000 visitors annually. It’s best to order in advance online or get a VIP Express Pass. Even though the cost is twice as high, you will be able to skip the lines.
Jane’s Carousel
Jane’s carousel is the best, as it sits between Empire-Fulton Ferry Park’s Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge. Each revolution offers breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan, the bridges that span the river, and the DUMBO warehouses. The 48-horse wooden carousel was built in 1922. Jane and David Walentas, collectors, purchased and restored it, donated it to Brooklyn Bridge Park, and asked Jean Nouvel, architect, to create a square plexiglass container.
Bronx Zoo
Your family’s little pets will enjoy a day at the most extensive urban zoo. It’s best to pick the attractions your family wants to see and to plan accordingly. You can also rent single or double strollers to help short legs. Of course, it would help if you planned to get there as soon as it opens. For special programs like breakfast with penguins and big cats, check out the website of the zoo. Everyone can feed the miniature Nubian goats and donkeys at the Children’s Zoo farmyard.
The Wild Asia Monorail is the only way to see the most popular animals, such as the rhinos, Asian elephants, and red pandas. It takes 20 minutes (open seasonally). For older children, there is an aerial ropes course and a 400-foot zipline over the Bronx River.
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