Yes, New York is an amazing place to go with kids! So, we put together several kid friendly things to do in New York City to help you out!
There are so many kid friendly things to do in New York City that it can be hard to figure out what to do at first.
If you’re going to the city with kids, it can be even harder.
You might think of New York as the perfect getaway for adults. But, it’s actually set up for kids to have the best time of their lives, and there are many things for kids to do in NYC.
No matter how much time you have in New York, you’re sure to run out of time (and maybe space on your laptop for storing photos if you don’t do a hard drive cleanup before you go!) if you don’t plan ahead and know what you want to do and see.
Here are some of the best things for kids to do in New York City to get your family trip started.
Luna Park
Even though you have to take a 45-minute train ride from midtown Manhattan to get to Luna Park, it’s one of the best things to do in NYC.
Coney Island is known for its fun rides and great street food. While you’re there, don’t forget to try a Nathan’s hot dog or Feltman’s!
There are rides and games for kids and adults of all ages at Luna Park. You can easily spend a whole day there if you don’t plan ahead.
Ellis Island
To get to Ellis Island, you have to take a ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan. It is possible to take a ferry to Ellis Island and then to Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty is located.
All immigrants who came to New York did so through Ellis Island, which is now a fascinating museum that tells the stories of the 12 million people who went through the center from 1900 to 1954.
This should be at the top of your list of things to do in New York City with your kids that will both teach them and keep them busy.
Do take a look at an exclusive experience called “Behind The Scenes Tour Of The Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital“! You’ll have access to out of bound spots not offered to the general public that visits Ellis Island! Note: This is recommended to older kids.
The Statue of Liberty
Seeing the Statue of Liberty should be at the top of any New York City visitor’s to-do list. It’s not too difficult to get to because, like Ellis Island, you can take a ferry from Battery Park to get there.
Get to the top of the Crown, if you can. In addition to the amazing scenery, you’ll also get to tick that off your bucket list.
However, keep in mind that you need to be 48 inches tall to go up that high, and there are, as you might think, many narrow steps to climb.
The Statue of Liberty Museum is another must-visit since it houses the historic torch from the statue itself, which measures 16 feet in height, among other artifacts.
Oh, and during the summer, an amazing activity is the jetski ride on the Hudson River! It’s definitely a memorable experience!
New York Transit Museum
Anything different is sure to keep kids very busy. The New York Transit Museum could do very well as a different thing to do in NYC.
It’s in a building that used to be a subway station, so you have to go underground to get there, which is always fun.
Once you get there, you’ll be able to look at old subway trains and even sit in the driver’s seat. You’ll also be able to learn as much as you can about how the huge subway system that so many New Yorkers and tourists use today got started.
It’s a small museum that you can see in about an hour. So, it’s a great place to stop on any day of your trip.
Here to can read more about it and a few other under the radar museums in NYC!
The American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is a great place to take the kids if you want to figure out what to do in NYC with them.
It is 150 years old and has lots of interesting things to look at that will keep everyone busy for hours.
There are some high-tech things to do, like 3D exhibits, but you can also see some amazing real-world things, like the t-rex skeleton and the famous, huge blue whale model.
Kids ages 5 to 12 can learn how to put dinosaur bones together and do a lot more in the Discovery Room.
Jane’s Carousel
No one can refuse a spin on an old-fashioned carousel at the carnival.
Jane’s Carousel in Empire-Fulton Ferry Park (near the Brooklyn Bridge) is always a terrific time, so be sure to include it in your itinerary when visiting New York City.
Everyone knows about this carousel. It’s one of the last remaining classic carousels, having been constructed in 1922.
It’s a great time, it still operates flawlessly, and it’s a historic piece of New York.
And, not far from Dumbo, be sure to check out Domino Park that was renovated not that long ago. There’s an amazing view of Manhattan, a beautiful wall by the river, food vendors, some activities and sports area.
Photo Credits: @BehindTheScenesNYC and Courtesy of New York Transit Museum
