14 Things To Do With Kids in NYC

If you are planning to travel to New York with your family, you will probably want to set aside some time to make plans with the children. That way, they can also have fun and make the most of their holiday in this city.

With these 14 things to do with children in New York, you are sure to have a great time and take home lots of memories and stories when you return.

Taking the kids to see a Broadway musical (the theatre mecca in New York) is one of the most fun things to do as a family in the city.

Even if you're not passionate about this type of show or don't speak English, the little ones will love immersing themselves in the fantasy world created by the fabulous musical numbers, characters and spectacular staging full of colour, music and special effects.

The best musicals for children

What's more, if you decide to book a Broadway musical, there are many different options specially designed for children. It will be an experience your little ones will never forget!

• Book tickets for Radio City Christmas Spectacular: premiered in 1933, this musical is suitable for all audiences and is a Christmas tradition in New York City. If you're travelling with your family to the Big Apple at Christmas, you can't miss it!
• Book tickets for The Lion King on Broadway: this famous Disney film is also on Broadway. It's a classic that has already been seen by 60 million people from all over the world. However, this show is recommended for children aged 8 and above.
• Book tickets for Aladdin on Broadway: another Disney classic that is also a hit on Broadway and that you can enjoy with your children, provided they are over 6 years old. They'll be amazed!
• Book tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: if your family includes any fans of the Harry Potter universe, this is undoubtedly the perfect plan if you are travelling to New York with children over the age of 10.
• Book tickets for Back to the Future: who doesn't remember Doc Brown, Marty McFly and his inseparable DeLorean? Yes, I know, your children are too young to know the Back to the Future trilogy, but this Broadway show is suitable for children aged 6 and over, so you can all enjoy it together.
• Book tickets for Wicked: what better way to rediscover the magical world of Oz than with your children on Broadway? This musical is recommended for ages 8 and up.

If you always watch NBA games on television with your family at home, why not take advantage of being in New York to fulfil a dream and attend a New York Knicks game or see the Brooklyn Nets in person?

You'll have a blast! Not only because you love basketball, but because NBA games are a real spectacle of music, dance and celebration. A show with a capital S! The excitement and atmosphere that this sport creates in the city is an amazing experience that you can't miss with your children in New York. It will be an unforgettable memory of your holiday!

So now you know, get your tickets for the NBA in New York and buy your team's jerseys to cheer them on to the title!

Visiting the Bronx Zoo is one of the most enjoyable activities to do with children. Around 6,000 animals of hundreds of different species live here. Amazing, isn't it? Many of these creatures are endangered, so visiting the Bronx Zoo is a great way to teach children about the importance of caring for the environment while having fun seeing them up close.

In fact, the Bronx Zoo has an area within the park especially dedicated to children called The Children's Zoo, where they can pet and feed the animals in the pen. They will have a great time and it will be one of the most beautiful memories of their holiday in New York! So be sure to book your tickets to the Bronx Zoo.

Just remember to buy your Bronx Zoo tickets online because you will need to book your visit to the park in advance. I'll tell you all about it in the post Bronx Zoo Tickets!

If your trip to New York coincides with the Christmas season and you love decorations and lights, you have to book a Christmas tour of Brooklyn and visit the Dyker Heights neighbourhood! This place has become famous because every year, the residents, imbued with the Christmas spirit, put up enormous decorations and lights to carefully adorn their "American-style" houses during the Christmas season.

Children will love it because there are all kinds of snowmen, elves, reindeer and Santa Claus everywhere. Walking through its streets, you'll feel like you're on the set of a typical American Christmas film such as Home Alone and similar. There are even guided tours of Dyker Heights that will take you to the most picturesque spots in the neighbourhood!

Get ready because you've never seen anything like it! If you like the idea of seeing the Christmas lights in this Brooklyn neighbourhood, before you go with the kids, I recommend reading my article on how to visit the Christmas lights in Dyker Heights in New York, where I tell you how to get the most out of this experience.

Although New York may seem like a concrete jungle, it actually has many parks where you can stroll with your family and let your children play freely, both in the gardens and in the playgrounds that are usually installed there.

Here are some of the parks in New York that you can visit during your holidays:

• Bryant Park (Midtown Manhattan): one of the smallest parks in the city where you can relax and enjoy nature. It has a small vintage carousel where children can ride and have fun for a while. The ride costs $3.
• Battery Park (Lower Manhattan): one of the most beautiful parks in New York with spectacular views of the harbour. Near Castle Clinton is The Battery Fountain, a curious fountain with jets of water shooting out of the ground, which children love to play in during the summer (bring their swimsuits just in case!). And to the east of the park is the SeaGlass Carousel, which they can ride for £5.
• Domino Park (Brooklyn): this park has a very unique industrial style because it was built on the site of a former sugar refinery in the area. Children will love playing on the slides and adults will enjoy the beautiful views of New York in the background.
• Slide Hill (Governor's Island): on this island in New York Bay, children can play on the giant slides at Slide Hill and, if you feel like it, you can even have a go yourself, even if you're not a child anymore.

and don't miss Central Park

Central Park deserves a special mention . It is the most visited park in the United States and will delight young and old alike, whether simply strolling through its 340 hectares or enjoying the many leisure and entertainment options it has to offer:

• Take a guided tour of Central Park: for two hours you can explore every corner of the park and a guide will explain its secrets and curiosities. The little ones will be fascinated when they arrive at the zoo, the setting for the film Madagascar, and if they are a little older they will be amazed by the Bethesda Fountain, the location of the final scene of The Avengers.
• Book tickets for the Central Park Zoo: surprise your little ones with the setting of the film Madagascar. And who knows, maybe you'll bump into Alex, Melman or Gloria...
• Rent bikes to explore Central Park: what could make a child happier than riding a bike? This way , they'll have fun, get some exercise and burn off their energy while you quickly and enjoyably explore every corner of the world's most famous park.

Who said visiting museums is boring? This could be a cliché in any city, but New York also has a wide variety of museums for all tastes and ages, including, of course, the little ones:

• Be amazed by the wax figures at Madame Tussauds: the kids will have a blast and it's an experience they'll always remember. They can explore Madame Tussauds from top to bottom, taking all the photos they want with the wax figures and posing in the sets alongside characters such as E.T., King Kong and the Ghostbusters.
• Become spies at the Spyscape Museum: do your children dream of being spies? In this interactive adventure designed by a former head of the Intelligence Service, young and old alike will discover what kind of spy they would be and put themselves to the test by overcoming various challenges.
• Discover the American Museum of Natural History: visit what is undoubtedly the best family attraction in all of New York. The American Museum of Natural History has no less than 35 million objects, including animal fossils, life-size reproductions and minerals. Young and old alike will be amazed!
• Marvel at the Museum of the Sea, Air and Space: if your little ones love ships, submarines, aeroplanes or spaceships, you can't miss this museum, which is also located on the Intrepid aircraft carrier at Pier 86. What an adventure!
• Enjoy the Ice Cream Museum with all five senses: what child doesn't like ice cream? In this original interactive museum, you can taste exotic ice cream flavours from around the world, slide down a three-storey slide or take a dip in a bathtub full of coloured sprinkles. A real sensory experience!

Aquariums, botanical gardens, sensory experiences... New York is the perfect city to do everything your little ones have always dreamed of and more!

Be sure to visit one or more of these attractions during your visit to the city that never sleeps. It will be absolutely unforgettable!

• Book tickets for the New York Aquarium: this is the oldest aquarium in the United States, home to 350 marine species. Not only can you see penguins, sharks and sea lions, you can also watch their keepers feed and interact with them.
• Book tickets for the New York Botanical Garden: being surrounded by nature in the middle of the city is a treat for the senses that your little ones will appreciate. What's more, you can explore the 50 different gardens in this botanical garden on board a tram, which your kids will love.
• Book tickets to Nickelodeon Universe theme park in New Jersey: spend a super fun day at one of New York's best amusement parks. Characters such as the Ninja Turtles and SpongeBob SquarePants await you on endless roller coasters for all ages. What's more, the park is indoors, making it perfect for rainy days.

Taking a cruise is always a good idea when travelling with children for several reasons: on the one hand, almost all children like to try different modes of transport, and they definitely love sailing on a boat. On the other hand, it's a way to relax after a day of walking or visiting the different attractions that New York City has to offer.

Depending on your tastes, you have several options:

• Book a Circle Line daytime cruise to the Statue of Liberty: this tour lasts one hour and includes a guide who will explain the history of the most important monuments along the route and take you close enough to the Statue of Liberty to take some great photos.
• Book a Circle Line evening cruise to the Statue of Liberty: this cruise starts at 7 p.m. and lasts two hours, so it won't be too late, even if your little ones go to bed early. Besides, you're on holiday!
• Book a sunset cruise on the Hudson River: for an hour and a half, you can admire the New York skyline while enjoying the sunset aboard a classic 1920s-style yacht.

If there's one thing New York has, it's an overwhelming skyline. And if there's one thing most children like, it's climbing to great heights and gazing down, like little birds, at the views below.

That's why visiting one or more of the viewpoints offered by the city that never sleeps is a great plan for both children and adults:

• Book tickets for the Empire State Building: climb to the main observatory of the Empire State Building, located on the 86th floor, and admire the incredible views of the Big Apple from every possible angle. Your little ones will be amazed!
• Book tickets for the Top of the Rock observation deck: from the top of the Rockefeller Centre, you can enjoy another 360º panoramic view; from here, you can see the Empire State Building and Central Park. Get your camera ready and prepare to take some impressive photos.
• Book tickets for SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: if climbing up to the clouds will thrill your little ones, when you take them to the mirror room, they'll be left speechless. Not to be missed!
• Book tickets for The Edge observatory: this viewpoint is located 345 metres above ground, and from here you can enjoy a complete panoramic view of the Big Apple. The glass floors will test the vertigo of the little ones... or yours!

Children are sure to love the idea of riding a boat and sailing the waters around New York as if they were intrepid sailors in search of adventure. How about taking them on the NYC Ferry for a while during your holiday? If they've never been on a boat before, they'll be amazed!

What's more, this option will allow you to see the beautiful Manhattan skyline from a different perspective and, at the same time, travel to other districts of New York for an excursion to Brooklyn or Governors Island if you feel like exploring other areas of the city. And it's very inexpensive, because a ticket for the NYC Ferry only costs £2.75, and children under 1.10 metres tall ride for free.

It's a highly recommended experience, especially in spring and summer, because when the weather is nice, you can enjoy the sunshine, sea breeze and views from the upper deck of the ferry. The trip on the NYC Ferry is very pleasant and there is even a café on board where you can buy snacks in case the little ones get hungry.

If your children have never ridden a cable car before, in New York you can go to the Upper East Side neighbourhood to ride the Roosevelt Cable Car, which connects Manhattan with Roosevelt Island. It's a really fun thing to do as a family and quite inexpensive, as all you need to travel is a Metrocard, the same card you use to get around by bus or underground.

Although it's not one of the most popular tourist attractions, the Roosevelt Cable Car is very charming and offers beautiful views of New York. They'll be amazed when they see themselves floating in the air above the East River! When you get off, you can take a short tour of Roosevelt Island because there are several cool things to see.

Children can take advantage of the opportunity to run and jump outdoors in the island's playgrounds, which you'll find in the Main Street area and at The Octagon. They can even visit a cat sanctuary and meet these friendly little animals. They'll have a blast!

If you visit New York during the winter, you'll have the opportunity to go ice skating at one of the rinks set up in different parts of the city. It's one of the coolest things to do with children in New York and the perfect setting for them to play for a while and have fun doing pirouettes.

What's more, you'll get some fantastic photos with a very wintery feel. Which ice rinks can you go to in New York?

• Wollman Rink (Central Park): it has beautiful views of the park on one side and the city's legendary skyscrapers on the other. After skating, you can go for a hot chocolate at Wollman Café, the ice rink's café.
• The Rink (Bryant Park): located on the lawn area inside the park and in the middle of the Christmas market stalls. If you bring your own skates, admission is free, but if not, don't worry, you can rent them.
• Rockefeller Rink (Rockefeller Plaza): you'll recognise this ice rink from hundreds of films. It's one of the most typical, but there are sometimes queues to get in. However, skating next to the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is an unforgettable experience.

If you want to buy your kids a souvenir of their stay in the city, you'll find many shops where their eyes will pop out and they'll lose track of time. There are plenty of toy shops in New York! Here are some of the most interesting ones to visit with children.

• FAO Schwarz: this is the city's most iconic toy shop, located in Rockefeller Center. At the entrance, you'll be greeted by an employee dressed as a toy soldier who, if you ask, will take a souvenir photo with the children. Inside, you'll discover a toy paradise. I'm not exaggerating!
• Disney Store: if you love the world of Disney, Marvel or Star Wars, don't miss the store in Times Square, right in the heart of New York. It's amazing!
• Lego Store: also in Rockefeller Center and opposite St. Patrick's Cathedral, you'll find the famous building block store, with two floors! If you're Lego fans, you'll love it.
• Build-A-Bear Workshop: at this toy shop, children can take home their own personalised souvenir from New York. All they have to do is choose a soft toy and they will fill it and dress it to their liking right there and then. Great, isn't it?

Even though they're thousands of miles away from home, children still have a sweet tooth and won't pass up a treat (and neither will adults!). If you want to indulge in lots of sweets during your holiday in New York, you have to visit some of the most original sweet shops in New York. There's something for everyone!

• Economy Candy: you'll find this candy paradise on the Lower East Side. Despite its small size, the shop is crammed to the brim with sweets of all flavours, colours and shapes. What's more, the prices are quite cheap (there are items for $0.99), hence its name.
• Dylan's Candy Bar: this is a must-see for those with a sweet tooth on the Upper East Side. The shop has three floors overflowing with sweets! More than 7,000 types! A dream come true for millions of children.
• M&M's World: another must-see in Times Square for those with a sweet tooth. Here you can buy lots of sweets and merchandise from the brand. The hard part will be not leaving with a bag of chocolates.

Buy tickets in advance

New York is one of the cities that receives the most visitors per year, so it's no surprise that many of the attractions it offers tourists are packed with visitors.

Planning the activities you're going to do on your trip to New York in advance and booking tickets in advance is essential to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Oh, and remember that at Hellotickets you'll find many tickets with direct access options to avoid long queues that could bore and frustrate your little ones.

When purchasing tickets, keep the following tips in mind:

• Most Broadway theatres do not admit children under the age of 4 (these are policies established individually by each theatre).
• None of the theatres sell children's tickets for Broadway musicals, so all spectators must pay the same price for tickets.
• As for whether children can attend NBA games for free, the truth is that it depends on each team: Madison Square Garden (home of the New York Knicks) policy states that children over the age of two must have a ticket. At the Barclays Centre (home of the Brooklyn Nets), children up to 34 inches tall can enter for free if they share a seat with a ticketed adult accompanying them.

Choose the best time to do activities

In general, children wake up early and go to bed early. This is ideal in a city like New York, where many attractions receive fewer visitors in the early morning:

• A good time to go ice skating with the children is early in the morning and on weekdays, as there are hardly any people around. In addition, skating aids and support are free before 11 a.m.
• If you feel like going to see the Christmas lights in Dyker Heights, I recommend arriving a little before dusk so you can watch the lights being switched on, which in New York happens around 4:30 pm in December. It's a magical moment!
• I recommend taking the cable car around midday when it's less crowded. Don't forget that it's a means of transport that connects Roosevelt Island with Manhattan and that New Yorkers use to get around. That's why it's best to avoid rush hour between 7 and 9 a.m. and 5 and 7 p.m.
• The best time to visit museums is usually early in the morning on weekdays. Plus, the kids will be more receptive and less tired from the day. Afterwards, head outdoors and explore!
• NBA game days are a special occasion in New York. I recommend going to the stadium at least an hour early so you don't get caught out. That way, you can go through security calmly, browse the souvenir and snack shops, find your seats in the stands, and enjoy the pre-game atmosphere with the cheerleaders' dances, the national anthem, and the players' entrance onto the court.

Plan how you're going to get around

No one likes to waste time travelling, especially children who are impatient to reach their destination. That's why, in a city as huge as New York, it's even more important to consider the best way to get to each attraction.

For example, the NYC Ferry runs less frequently than the underground, but depending on the route and the day of the week, there are different frequencies. My advice is to check the timetables on the website beforehand so that you can board on time.

However, an excellent way to get around and make the most of your time admiring the sights of the Big Apple is to book a seat on the New York tourist bus, which has many advantages:

• You can choose one- or two-day tickets, depending on how long you will be in the city.
• You can hop on and off as many times as you like, so you can use it to get a first glimpse of the city, as a means of transport between attractions, or simply to rest your legs for a while.
• Thanks to its mobile app, you'll know exactly how long until the bus arrives, so you can plan your trips perfectly.
• There are two routes to choose from: Uptown, which passes Madison Square Garden, Fifth Avenue, Times Square, the Metropolitan Museum, MoMa and Central Park; and Downtown, which passes Broadway, Wall Street, Battery Park, Little Italy, Chinatown and Soho.

Best family-friendly areas to stay in New York

:::link|text=New York has several neighbourhoods|element=sc-1-564::: that are ideal for staying if you are travelling with children, as they combine proximity to attractions, comfort and a range of family activities. In my opinion, the best family-friendly areas to stay in are the following:

• Upper East Side: this residential neighbourhood is very well connected by underground and is within easy reach of two of the favourite attractions for children, Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History.
• Brooklyn Heights / Dumbo: this is a very family-friendly and safe area, with parks along the river, the popular Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park. It is also very easy to reach by underground from Manhattan.
• Upper East Side: located on the east side of Central Park, this is an elegant and safe neighbourhood with numerous cultural activities such as the Central Park Zoo and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• Chelsea/Flatiron: offers activities for the little ones, such as the High Line elevated park, markets such as Chelsea Market, and a wide range of restaurants.
• Midtown Manhattan (near Bryant Park or Times Square): this is a busier area, although it has a wide range of hotels and popular activities such as Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and the popular FAO Schwarz toy store.
• Battery Park City (Downtown): close to the World Trade Centre, this is a quiet area with green spaces, where you will find numerous places to walk, leisure areas and quiet hotels.

It is also important to consider a number of factors when choosing your accommodation if you are travelling with children: proximity to the underground so you can get around easily, and look for apartments and hotels with kitchens and common areas for your convenience.

Recommendations for visiting New York with young children (aged 0 to 5)

When travelling with the youngest members of the family, it is important to bear in mind a number of recommendations:

• Plan breaks: don't try to fit too many activities into one day. Alternate activities and visits with rest time in parks.
• Use transport: the underground is the most convenient, but bear in mind that there are no lifts.
• Weather and clothing: in winter, it is important to wear thermal clothing, coats, hats and gloves; and in summer, use sunscreen, light clothing and a hat to cover your head.
• Parks and green spaces: if you have a very busy day, take breaks in parks. New York has a lot to offer.
• Avoid crowds: places and locations with high tourist traffic, such as Times Square, can be overwhelming for young children. Go during off-peak hours; early morning is a good option.
• Useful apps: MyCityWay NYC, to find family restaurants, play areas and toilets; KidPass, for last-minute bookings and family activities; and Citymapper, for using public transport.
• Don't forget: snacks and drinks, baby carrier, folding pushchair and portable changing mat.

Free activities for children in New York

New York offers a wide variety of free activities. Here are some highlights:

• Visit the American Museum of Natural History: fascinating for children of all ages, this museum has dinosaur exhibits, a planetarium, and numerous activities. A suggested price is given, but you can pay what you want, making it accessible to all families.
• Discover Central Park: Without a doubt, this is the park par excellence, ideal for families. There you will find Heckscher Playground, the largest playground in the park, and the Central Park Zoo, which offers free admission on special occasions. In addition, the park has numerous trails and picnic areas.
• Enjoy the playgrounds: New York has several playgrounds such as Domino Park in Williamsburg or Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
• Walk along the High Line: an elevated park built on an old railway line with green areas that will delight the little ones. It offers a breathtaking view of New York.
• Visit the Museum of the Moving Image: an interactive space on the history of cinema, television and video games, with free admission on Thursdays from 2pm to 6pm.
• Explore the Staten Island Ferry: it's free and offers an incredible view of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan.
• Visit the public libraries: they offer free programmes and activities for children, such as storytelling, educational activities and workshops.

Best times of year to visit New York with children

When choosing the best time to visit New York with children, you have to take into account that each season has its advantages:

• Spring (April to June): the weather is pleasant (between 10°C and 25°C), it's a perfect time for outdoor activities, and there are fewer tourists than in summer.
• Summer (July to August): water parks and playgrounds with fountains are open to the public, and there is a wide range of outdoor events and activities for children.
• Autumn (September to November): the weather is just as pleasant as in spring and the parks are stunningly beautiful with the colours of the season. What's more, there aren't many tourists.
• Winter (December to March): the magic of Christmas will dazzle you with its lights, lighting events, ice rinks and decorated shop windows.

Activities in museums and interactive centres

New York has so many museums and interactive centres that it is difficult to decide, but here is a list of my favourites:

• American Museum of Natural History: my favourite choice, ideal for both children and adults with its dinosaur exhibits.
• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: a very original museum, with an aircraft carrier as its centrepiece. It combines history and adventure with interactive activities.
• The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): everyone knows the MoMA, but not everyone knows that it has activities and family programmes aimed at the youngest members of the family.
• The Met Cloisters: this museum transports children to medieval times, surrounded by nature.
• The Staten Island Children's Museum: a museum with a firefighter area, climbing spaces and craft workshops.
• Children's Museum of Manhattan (CMOM): a museum designed exclusively for children aged 0-6, with themed areas and interactive exhibits (sensory areas, construction workshops, art and music) focused on learning through play.
• Liberty Science Centre: an interactive science museum with fossil excavation areas, hands-on exhibits, live experiments and a theatre with educational screenings.
• Brooklyn Children's Museum: and finally, don't miss the world's first museum dedicated to the youngest members of the family, with construction spaces and a sensory garden, among many other activities.