Fun Things to Do with Kids

Surprising fact: more than 30 million family visitors explore New York each year, and many miss the best photo spots and stroller-friendly routes.

I’ve been sharing NYC family tips since 2012, and I made this guide because I answer the same questions almost daily. I collect mom-tested picks across skyline icons and new attractions like Summit One Vanderbilt, Little Island, and the SeaGlass Carousel.

I’ll show where to book ahead, which entrances have elevators, and how I plan a day to keep energy high and meltdowns low. A quick 3-minute video highlights top stops and timing hacks.

Practical notes included: when to reserve Statue of Liberty ferries, which Broadway weekends sell out, and how Viator tours can save time. I also share money-saving passes and routes that link nearby highlights for an easier, more magical family day.

Key Takeaways

• Plan ahead for must-see attractions and book peak time slots.
• Mix parks, museums, and quick treats for steady engagement.
• Use stroller-friendly entrances and elevator tips I recommend.
• Consider passes and hotels with kitchens to cut costs.
• Follow my neighborhood routes to save steps and time.

Why I Love Visiting New York City with My Kids

Every trip I plan in New york city begins with one goal: keep curiosity alive and energy steady. I pick one anchor experience each day, then add a nearby park and a small treat. This simple rhythm stops overwhelm and gives the kids clear wins.

What makes NYC magical

I love how every corner of new york sparks curiosity—art, ferries, playgrounds, and street performers offer surprise moments. Museums often have child-friendly guides, Broadway has family-friendly shows, and free highlights like the Staten Island Ferry or Bryant Park programs stretch the budget while big thrills stay special.

How I plan days

• I check timed tickets first and build a buffer for transport and rest.
• I cluster stops by neighborhood so we play more and commute less.
• Simple games and choice help the children feel in charge.

Smart Ways I Save on NYC Family Attractions

I learned early that smart booking makes a New York City trip feel richer and less rushed.

Pass choice matters. CityPASS can save up to 43% on five attractions and always includes the Empire State Building and the American Museum of Natural History, valid nine consecutive days. Go City’s Explorer Pass covers 2–10 picks from about 80 sites and stretches up to 60 days, or choose the all-inclusive 1–10 day option.

CityPASS vs. Go City: What worked for us

I pick CityPASS when we plan three big icons in a week. For a longer pace, Go City Explorer gives useful flexibility.

Pre-booking popular tickets and time-slot strategy

Read the fine print for pre-book rules and blackouts. I grab early timed tickets, then follow with a park break so the kids decompress.

Hotel kitchenettes and easy breakfast hacks

I favor rooms with a mini-fridge or microwave. Quick in-room breakfasts—yogurt, fruit, bagels, nut butter—save money on food and keep mornings smooth.

• Book tickets as soon as dates are firm; check reputable partners if official slots sell out.
• Map small treats into the day; it makes paid attractions feel more worthwhile.
• Pad 15–20 minutes for security and bag checks at ferries and observatories.

For a full planning checklist, see my NYC family guide.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: My Kid-Approved Game Plan

Standing beneath Lady Liberty always resets our travel rhythm; I plan the visit so it stays magical instead of stressful. Ferries to Liberty Island and Ellis Island leave from Battery Park, and I buy tickets through Statue City Cruises as soon as dates are set.best-places-to-visit-in-november

Booking and the new screening location

Note the 2024 screening facility move: it’s now about 300 yards south in Battery Park, next to the View restaurant. I factor that walk into timing and arrive early for the security line.

Crown and Pedestal access: rules and timing

Pedestal and Crown need separate passes. The crown climb is 393 steps and children must be at least 42″ tall. Crown often sells out about two months ahead, so I decide early whether we will attempt it.

Junior Ranger and kid-friendly audio guides

We pick up the child audio guide (ages 6–10) and, in summer, a Junior Ranger packet. These tools turn the visit into a playful learning route and help my kids stay engaged.

1. I schedule an early ferry to beat crowds and plan a relaxed lunch or playground after the visit.
2. I pack light—water, snacks, layers—and brief the children on the climb and screening process.
3. For the best photo spots, stand on the ferry’s right side outbound, then left on the return for the skyline shot.

“Standing under Lady Liberty is one of those moments that makes the whole trip feel unforgettable.”

The Staten Island Ferry: Free Views, Big Thrills

A short, free ferry ride can feel like a mini cruise and deliver huge skyline moments.

I treat the Staten Island ferry as a zero-cost, high-impact thrill. The boat runs roughly every 15–30 minutes and gives views of the Statue Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline.

Best times are mid-morning on weekdays (about 9–11am) or evenings after 7pm to avoid commuter crowds and enjoy calmer decks for photos.best-time-to-visit-australia

• I stand on the right side outbound to Staten Island and the left side returning to Manhattan for the best shots.
• I pad 90 minutes for a round trip so we move slowly and don’t rush the next stop.
• If a stroller naps, indoor seating still offers large-window views and shelter from wind.
• Bring light layers, hair ties, and a soft-zip bag to keep items secure while the kids move around.

When Crown passes are sold out, this short ride still makes the children feel like they saw the Statue up close. I usually follow the ferry with a snack and a Battery Park stroll or nearby playground.

Central Park Highlights My Kids Never Skip

When Manhattan gets busy, I head straight for Central Park; it always steadies the day.

Playgrounds that steal the show: Heckscher Playground at the south end and Ancient Playground by The Met rank top for us. Both have spray features in warm months, so I pack quick-dry layers and a towel.

Belvedere Castle, model boats, and the carousel

We never skip Belvedere Castle for its fairytale views. The Conservatory Water is perfect for model-boat fun, and the classic carousel is a must for small celebrations.best-time-to-visit-italy

Family-friendly dining near the lake

I treat meals as part of the memory. Tavern on the Green and The Loeb Boathouse offer kids’ menus and reservations. A lakeside table lets the children watch turtles and fish while we eat.

• I plan one zone per visit so feet stay fresh.
• A quick stop at Alice in Wonderland or the Hans Christian Andersen statue works when time is tight.
• I always note the nearest bathrooms and stroller-friendly paths for smooth transitions.

American Museum of Natural History and Our Favorite NYC Museums

I map our museum visits around one big exhibit so the day stays exciting and short.

The American Museum of Natural History packs major highlights: the giant blue whale, dramatic dinosaur halls, a humid butterfly conservatory, and the Rapa Nui sculpture. I buy timed-entry tickets online and aim for weekday openings to beat the crowds.

My rule is simple: beeline for the top pick at opening, then circle back like a relaxed scavenger hunt. We grab children’s guidebooks; they turn exhibits into games that hold attention.best-time-to-visit-grand-canyon

Quick museum-day pacing tips

• Start at a single favorite exhibit, usually the dinosaurs.
• Plan a mid-visit snack and use quiet corners for regrouping.
• Pick one wing if the space feels huge, and end with a playground break.
• Consider a short private tour when deeper engagement matters.

“One clear goal makes big museums feel like a win for every member of the family.”

Empire State Building, Top Views, and Iconic Photo Ops

The Empire State’s views never get old; I time visits so the crowds and glare stay small. I aim for opening or late evening visits for softer light and fewer lines. CityPASS includes the empire state building, which often simplifies entry and saves time on busy days.

Timing and ticket tips

Timing your visit and skip-the-line options

Best practice: buy timed tickets early when dates are firm, or look for skip-the-line upgrades that align with the children’s bedtimes. Many observatories list timed-entry and priority options on their official sites and trusted third-party platforms.

• I aim for first entry or late evening at the Empire State Building for lighter lines and golden-hour photos.
• I prep the kids for security, elevator rides, and wind at the top so they’re excited rather than surprised.
• We play a simple “spot the landmark” game on the deck—bridges, parks, and tiny taxis get everyone pointing and smiling.
• I carry a soft phone case and a lens wipe; wind and fingerprints are real at the rails.
• If a line builds, quick snacks and water calm impatient little ones and keep energy steady.

“The kids love hearing that this is the ‘famous one’ from movies—it adds to the magic when the elevator doors open.”

Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park: A Perfect Family Half-Day

A half-day that blends skyline views and playground time often becomes the highlight of our New York outings. The Brooklyn Bridge spans 1.1 miles and the pedestrian entrances sit about 1.6 miles apart, so I allow at least an hour one-way when we walk slowly.best-places-to-visit-in-december

How I walk the bridge with a stroller

The wooden promenade is stroller-friendly but crowded. I start on the Brooklyn side for the best skyline reward and check the stroller tires before we go.

I budget an hour for photo stops and child-led pacing. If legs fade, a quick ferry or subway hop shortens the return.

Playgrounds, carousels, and ice cream along the waterfront

Brooklyn Bridge Park has playgrounds, a roller rink, and Jane’s Carousel—perfect for a ride that feels gentle and thrilling at once.

We cap the morning with ice cream by the water and a quiet bench snack. I pack sun hats, a light layer, wipes, and a small first-aid kit.

“The combo of bridge plus park gives movement, views, and play in one easy half-day.”

The High Line and Little Island: Easy Outdoor Wins

A short walk along the High Line earns big skyline moments without wearing everyone out. I start at 23rd Street for elevator access, then head south so the route feels mostly downhill and full of small discoveries.

Gelato break strategy and weekday crowd tips

Weekday mornings are my sweet spot—fewer crowds and more room for little legs to roam. We stop near 15th Street for a half-day reward at L’Arte del Gelato, then exit at 14th for an easy roll over to Little Island.

Little Island’s interactive surprises for kids

Little Island sits over the Hudson and feels like a visual playground. My kids chase spinning chairs, try music makers, and find optical illusions in the planted nooks.

• I keep the High Line stroll short and set clear expectations: it’s a walk, not a playground.
• Mini-games—spotting bridges or counting window patterns—make the way playful.
• I pack a simple picnic for Little Island’s lawns and enjoy the river breeze while the children explore.
• Elevators and ramps keep this route stroller-friendly, but I travel light so we move easily when it gets busy.

“This combo is one of my favorite low-effort, high-delight stops in new york city.”

Times Square, Bryant Park, and Midtown Classics

Times Square punches above its weight for a fast photo moment, then Bryant Park soothes the group. I treat this area as a quick contrast: neon energy followed by a calm green reset.

Fast Times Square walkthrough and photo spots

I move through Times Square briskly and use the central bleachers for a quick family photo. I warn the children about costumed characters and bright lights so the walk stays short and fun.best-time-to-visit-puerto-rico

Bryant Park carousel, Art Cart, and seasonal skating

Bryant Park is our Midtown sanity stop. The carousel and Art Cart spark creativity, and the Winter Village offers an ice skating rink from late October through mid-March.

• I pack a small snack for the park lawns or hit a nearby café for a reset.
• When crowds swell, I detour to a side street and return only for the key photo.
• I save a surprise carousel token as a reward for good listening—simple and effective.
• Short visits work best in New York; a quick show or landmark feel special without wearing little legs out.

“Neon energy, then greenspace calm — a few blocks can change the whole mood.”

Coney Island and Classic Boardwalk Fun

A salty breeze and a wooden boardwalk make Coney Island feel like a tiny, thrilling world apart from Manhattan. I plan this as a half- to full-day escape that mixes retro charm with easy thrills.

Luna Park has classic rides, including the historic Cyclone wooden roller coaster. Nathan’s Famous hot dogs are the boardwalk staple, and ice cream carts keep little smiles wide.

Practical tips: expect about a 45-minute subway ride from new york boroughs, pack sunscreen and a light towel for sandy toes, and pick rides by height and comfort so everyone stays happy.

• I time visits outside peak weekend hours for shorter lines.
• Bring a lightweight day bag and cash or card for quick food stops.
• We leave before fatigue sets in — happy memories beat one more ride.

Broadway with Kids: Shows We Loved and How I Book

A well-timed matinee can make a busy New York day feel calm and magical for the whole family. I choose performances that match age and stamina, then lock seats early when weekend times fill fast.

My go-to kid-friendly picks: The Lion King and Aladdin thrilled our younger audience, while Harry Potter and the Cursed Child worked best once my children were 8 and older. Each runs long, so I check run times before I buy.

• I book weekend seats as soon as dates are firm; matinees often sell out first.
• If a preferred time is gone, I search trusted resellers or shift plans to a weekday evening for better availability.
• Aisle seats help with quick exits, and I pre-plan intermission bathroom runs to avoid stress.
• I pack quiet fidgets and a small, non-crinkly treat for pre-show and intermission.

We arrive 20–30 minutes early for security and to settle. After curtain call, a quick walk past the stage door adds a little backstage magic that ties the whole day together.

“Booking the right show at the right time turns Broadway into a highlight everyone talks about long after the trip.”

NYC Ice Skating, Ice Cream, and Sweet Treat Stops

A good sweet stop can turn a chilly afternoon into a favorite memory for everyone. In winter, I plan one active moment and one dessert reward so the day feels balanced and fun rather than rushed.

Seasonal rinks I rotate through

• Bryant Park Winter Village runs late October through mid-March and offers a festive central rink plus hot cocoa nearby.
• I also pick a neighborhood rink now and then so each visit feels new — smaller crowds often mean more playtime on the ice.
• Before we go, I check rental details and session times so we’re not stuck waiting at the counter.

Where we splurge on frozen hot chocolate and gelato

For a true dessert moment, Serendipity 3 is our pick for frozen hot chocolate—book ahead and treat it as a small splurge. Near the High Line, L’Arte del Gelato is my mid-walk motivator; a quick cone revives tired legs and keeps the day moving.best-places-to-visit-in-colorado

• I pack warm layers, extra socks, and gloves for little skaters.
• If lines run long, we pivot to a nearby bakery or café—flexibility keeps spirits high.
• My rule: one treat, one memory. It makes choices simple and the day feel special.

“A cozy dessert finale is our favorite way to end a city day on a high note.”

Riding the Subway with Kids: My Stress-Free Tips

A single $2.90 swipe can unlock a day of museums, parks, and ferries around this city. The subway often proves the fastest and most affordable way for families to move across new york neighborhoods.

Fares, stroller navigation, and station swaps

Up to three children 44″ and under ride free with a paying adult, so the subway is a clear budget win. Many major stops link directly to museums, ferry terminals, and other top attractions.

• Map elevators: I plan routes that list elevator stations and keep a backup if one is out of service.
• Keep payment ready: Have MetroCard or contactless payment before you reach the turnstiles to pass through as a unit.
• Stroller strategy: I bring a small foldable carrier for stairs and avoid center rush-hour crowds for calmer boarding.
• Make it fun: We play “spot the station art” on the ride and time a quick snack during long transfers.
• Tickets tip: Group attractions by line so you spend more time playing and less time commuting.

“Once the children learn the map, the subway feels like part of the adventure, not just the way to get places.”

My Favorite NYC Family Photo Hack

A quick pro session often gives us the authentic family shots I can never capture while juggling a stroller.

Booking a short, focused shoot solves the classic travel photo problem: one adult behind the lens and no one in the frame.

Booking a quick session to actually be in the photos

What I book: a 30–60 minute shoot in a photogenic New York spot, or up to 90 minutes for more variety. Services like Flytographer offer local pros who know scenic routes and light.

• I schedule early morning or golden hour for soft light and calmer streets.
• We pick a stroller-friendly meeting place near a park or café for an easy post-shoot treat.
• The photographer guides poses and keeps moments candid so the children stay natural and smiling.
• Edited images arrive ready for prints and frames—no extra sorting on my end.

“A short professional shoot gave us frames I’ll actually hang at home—not the blurry selfies I usually get.”

Conclusion

A flexible rhythm—one main stop, an outdoor reset, and a small reward—turns big streets into manageable adventures.best-time-to-visit-seattle

I pack layers, snacks, and a loose timeline, then mix free highlights like the Staten Island ferry and parks with pre-booked icons such as the Statue of Liberty or AMNH. That balance keeps energy steady and lines from stealing the day.

Lean on neighborhoods: cluster stops, save steps, and let subway and ferry rides become part of the fun. My family finds that short, planned pauses make every activity feel special.

Plan a few must-sees now and leave space for next time—visit new york again and you’ll have fresh surprises left to enjoy on your next trip.