There are so many fun places for kids in New York City, but we managed to narrow them down to our top 8. Given that New York is known as the city that never sleeps, it’s no surprise that sifting through all the attractions may take some time, so we’ve gone ahead and done it for you. You’re bound to find something right up your family’s alley, which makes it a wonderful place to visit with kids – and be sure to grab some New York pizza while you’re at it! Here are 8 Fun Places for Kids in New York – let’s go!
Central Park Zoo
Though not the biggest zoo in New York, you can’t visit New York without going to Central Park. The zoo is home to about 130 different species of animal, including penguins, amphibians and even snow leopards. It also has a children’s zoo division, where the kids can pet goats, cows and other animals. Visit the carousel and Belvedere Castle.
New York Aquarium
There are a lot of sharks here, for starters! The New York Aquarium features a whopping 800 000-gallon exhibit of sharks you’ve never even heard of. There are glass tunnels filled with fish, as well as rays, turtles, penguins and sea otters. They can also experience the Ocean View Learning Laboratory.
New York Botanical Garden
There are beautiful exhibitions at this botanical garden that will knock your socks off. Escape the hustle and bustle of the modern-living concrete jungle and get a good dose of natural medicine. Find the Everett’s Children Adventure with boulders and mazes, themed craft projects and family events like the annual Holiday Train Show. Learn about plants, learning why eating healthy is important, and take part in science activities.
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
Little aviation enthusiasts will love this aircraft carrier turned science museum. It hosts an indoor activity zone divided into nautical, aviation, and cosmos themes. It is also home to the iconic USS Intrepid, which is the aircraft carrier used in World War II, which survived five kamikaze attacks and one torpedo strike. Also learn why metal ships don’t sink, check out the Intrepid’s crew quarters, and board some boats!
The Museum of the City of New York
The museum is very informative and absolutely worth a visit. We suggest watching the video on the first floor before seeing the exhibits as it gives a very good overview. Spend a good amount of time on the floor which shows the history of New York and visit the ‘Urban Indian’ exhibit. Plan on being there a good 3-4 hours, for a proper exploration. Pick up a guide for the Stettheimer Dollhouse and enjoy creative activities, or do an 80s themed scavenger hunt across all three floors of the museum.
Gulliver’s Gate
This real world in miniature exhibit is located in Times Square, hosting almost 50 000 square feet of the world’s most iconic attractions – the Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building, Buckingham Palace, and the pyramids. You’ll also see 1000 trains, 12 000 wagons and 10 000 cars and trucks on display, with the longest track being almost 8 miles long.
Ocean Odyssey
Ever wanted to swim with underwater creatures? Now you can, at this 60 000 square foot virtual reality experience. It boasts some very impressive tech features that assist in going tail to tail with water life. Kids can interact with lifelike projections of sea animals like rays, dolphins, sharks and sea lions and also partake in educational activities about marine research.
Tips for going to Fun Places in New York
Let the kids have a say in what you do and see.
Expect to move at a slower pace.
Don’t be afraid to wing it.
Keep valuable safe.
Discuss a plan in case you get separated.
More Fun With Yombu
There are tons more things to do and see in New York. Some more of our favorites include: Runaway Rapids Water Park, Bryant Park, Jodi’s Gym and The Gaga Center. Head to Pier i Café for delicious al fresco dining! And keep coming back to Yombu for more tips for the children to have fun.
FAQ’s:
What is the most popular attraction in New York?
No doubt the Statue of Liberty. The Liberty National Monument on Liberty Island offers guided park tours, access to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and visiting the crown! Note that to get to the crown requires walking up 162 stairs in a narrow stairwell – there is no elevator.
What Did you Think?
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Wonderful ideas! I think we see the hustle and fast pace of New York and feel that we need to also be moving at that pace, but it’s such an important caveat to remember to slow down when you’re with children. I went to Central Park for the first time in 2021 and had no idea there was a zoo! Definitely adding that to my list of places to visit during my next trip there.
It’s really an amazing City to visit. Check out our post on Outdoor party venues there are also some amazing places listed there: Party Guide New York