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Museums in New York City, NY
New York City is renowned worldwide as a cultural capital, and it boasts some of the most fascinating, family-friendly museums in the United States. Whether your kids love dinosaurs, art, science, history, or just having fun with interactive exhibits, NYC has a museum experience tailored just for them.
Start your family museum adventure at the iconic American Museum of Natural History. Famous for its towering T-Rex skeleton, immersive planetarium shows, and enormous blue whale model, this beloved museum makes science and nature accessible, fascinating, and fun. Kids can explore diverse exhibits ranging from ocean life and human evolution to meteors and precious gems. Don’t miss the Discovery Room, a special interactive area designed specifically for young explorers to touch, learn, and discover through hands-on activities.
For budding historians and future astronauts, the thrilling Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is a must-visit. Housed aboard the real WWII-era aircraft carrier Intrepid, this unique museum lets kids explore authentic aircraft, submarines, and even the Space Shuttle Enterprise up close. Interactive flight simulators and kid-friendly educational sessions about science, technology, and engineering make the experience unforgettable.
Creative kids and art-loving families will be amazed by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Located on the Upper West Side, this vibrant space is entirely dedicated to young children’s learning and play. Each floor features interactive, imaginative exhibits exploring art, culture, health, and science. Kids can splash and experiment in water-play areas, participate in daily storytelling and art workshops, or learn about cultures from around the globe in engaging, hands-on ways.
If your family loves trains and city life, head to the exceptional New York Transit Museum, located inside a historic subway station in Brooklyn. Kids (and adults!) can explore vintage subway cars, buses, and artifacts from NYC’s transit history. Interactive displays teach visitors about engineering, urban planning, and the city’s evolution, offering a playful yet educational look at transportation.
Want something playful and fun for the younger kids? Don’t miss the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, the first museum designed specifically for children. Here, imaginative play, sensory activities, and creative exhibits let kids learn while having endless fun. It’s ideal for younger children, with special exhibits dedicated to toddler-aged visitors.
Art enthusiasts shouldn’t overlook the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), one of the world’s premier art museums. Family programs here are superb, including interactive family maps, guided children’s tours, and storytelling sessions tailored to different age groups. Kids can enjoy creating their own masterpieces in workshops or taking part in scavenger hunts throughout this majestic museum.
Top Tips for Visiting NYC Museums with Kids
• Buy tickets in advance: Avoid lines and ensure entry by booking online.
• Check free days: Many NYC museums offer free or discounted entry on specific days each month.
• Plan snack breaks: Museums often have cafés but bringing small snacks for younger kids is wise.
• Participate in workshops: Many museums offer family workshops and activities; they’re worth attending!
• Pace yourself: Museums can be large; pick exhibits carefully to avoid tiring young children.
FAQs – Museums in New York City
Best NYC museum for toddlers?
Children’s Museum of Manhattan and Brooklyn Children’s Museum have excellent toddler-friendly spaces.
Are NYC museums stroller-friendly?
Most NYC museums are stroller-friendly with ramps, elevators, and designated stroller parking areas available.
Can we bring our own food?
Most museums allow small snacks and water bottles, but always check their websites for specific rules.
Is museum admission expensive in NYC?
Admission varies widely, but many museums offer discounts for kids or free entry days each month.
Which NYC museum is best for older kids and teens?
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and American Museum of Natural History have engaging exhibits specifically appealing to older kids and teenagers.
Planning your Trip to New York City
New York offers so much to do for kids too. With the wide variety of activities, NYC can satisfy the toughest critic. From admiring world-class museums, tasting global cuisine, and admiring the Statue of Liberty, there is never going to be a time when you run out of things to do, New York is a trip of a lifetime.
To help you search for the best activities to keep the little ones entertained, we’ve compiled a ‘bucket list’ of fun things to do with kids.
New York hosts multitudes of kid-friendly things to do. Walking the streets of Brooklyn by night or admiring the architecture of the infamous concrete jungle, New York invokes a sense of discovery that makes New York an adventurous and thrilling place to visit with the kids.
NYC is one of the most popular cities to visit in the United States. Everything from food to fun and the variety of cultures and craziness that is New York, you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time with the kids. Don’t be put off by the business and tourists as NYC is a kid-friendly city and has so much to offer to keep the little ones entertained from public parks along the waterfront, green spaces, food carts, and many more.
Here is a list of fun things to do in New York with the kids:
New York hosts multitudes of kid-friendly things to do. Walking the streets of Brooklyn by night or admiring the architecture of the infamous concrete jungle, New York invokes a sense of discovery that makes New York an adventurous and thrilling place to visit with the kids.
NYC is one of the most popular cities to visit in the United States. Everything from food to fun and the variety of cultures and craziness that is New York, you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time with the kids. Don’t be put off by the business and tourists as NYC is a kid-friendly city and has so much to offer to keep the little ones entertained from public parks along the waterfront, green spaces, food carts, and many more.
Here is a list of fun things to do in New York with the kids:
NYC Ferry
One of the best views in New York is from the middle of the East River. Nothing beats sitting on the upper deck of a New York ferry and cruising along under the Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Manhattan bridges. This ride is fun at any time during the year but we recommend this activity during Spring Break to appreciate all that NYC has to offer.
Statue of Liberty
The statue of Liberty is familiar to most kids from a very early age. Climbing up Lady Liberty is an adventure for the whole family. There are stipulations for children to be able to climb; you have to be at least 48 inches tall (and the park rangers check) We also recommend booking tickets at least 4 months in advance to avoid missing out.
If climbing isn’t your thing, then be sure to visit the Statue of Liberty Museum where you can find the 16-foot high torch that is on display. As well as seeing the torch, the museum has floor-to-ceiling views of the statue herself and the rest of liberty island. The roof deck has panoramic views across the harbour and city skyline.
American Museum of Natural History
The Museum of Natural History is a global attraction that draws visitors from all over the Globe. Here you will find learning fun and interactive. Visit the hall of Biodiversity and walk under the giant whale or marvel at the displays in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life.
For something extra special, why not look into their sleepover offerings. Spend the evening with the kiddies sleeping under the giant whale! Yes, that is right, The Night at the Museum movie can be your reality.
Central Park
Due to its central location and unique history, NYC central park is one of the most popular parks in the world. Steeped in history, it was the first public park to be built in America and sees over 25 million visitors every year. Central Park is one of the most celebrated green spaces of history that ever existed, with over 36 bridges and arches and 50 monuments, the park contains 21 playgrounds, paddleboard rentals, and of course, access to the Central Park Zoo. Central Park offers everything to keep the kiddies entertained.
The best time to visit New York all depends on why you’re visiting the Big Apple. Its recommended to visit around Springtime (April to June) and the Festive period (November to December) Springtime tends to be the quieter time of the year as the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists. If you’re planning on taking in the sights, the best time to visit is between April and June as the summer months can be excruciating with the heat. Similar difficulties with the winters as they can be painfully cold, so spending time outdoors should be done during Springtime.
New York is steeped in history, technological innovation, and arts. New York City is on most people’s bucket list as one place to visit in their lifetime.
When visiting New York with kids you need to decide on your budget and how much you’re wanting to do. Are you a fan of Broadway? Do you like to visit museums? Are you wanting to splurge in Macy’s? Each season in NYC offers a different experience, unique city events, shows, and plenty of attractions. The best time to visit New York depends on what you plan to do.
New York City has so much in terms of entertainment. What truly makes this city so special is its variety of neighbourhoods which make up an integral part of New York.
In a city with a population of more than 8 million and over 305 miles, it can be hard to decide where to go and what to do with kids. This wonderful vibrant city is comprised of 5 boroughs, each being a little city within itself.
Midtown Manhattan
One of the most popular places to visit in New York is Manhattan. If you plan on visiting New York City to see the major sites, then it’s best to stay in Manhattan.
Surrounded by the Hudson and Harlem Rivers, Manhattan is referred to as the city of the historical and financial centre of New York. Manhattan is home to some of the world-famous landmarks, such as the Empire State Building, Broadway, Rockefeller, 9/11 memorial, and of course the Infamous Statue of Liberty.
Travelling around Manhattan with the Kiddies doesn’t have to be difficult. Thanks to the Big Apples’ public transport system, journeys around are easy and quick.
Greenwich Village
This neighbourhood is brimming with music and literal history, known for its bohemian movement back in the 1960s. Today, the culture is one of the most famous throughout NYC. Trendy dining, shops galore, and charming architecture make Greenwich an excellent place to visit the kids of an older age.
Soho
Soho is for the chic, fashion-forward and adventurous traveller. Visiting Soho is suitable for kids of all ages. Here you will find some of the best eateries, artistic crowd, and celebrity hangouts.
New York is a great getaway for a family vacation because of all that it has to offer. Kids of all ages can enjoy NYC all year round.
New York and its bustling traffic can be overwhelming so we would advise against hiring a car to get around the city, so the best option is to walk or take advantage of the public transport system.
Uber or Lyft
Both taxi booking apps are easy and most convenient to use to get around the city. However, you will have to consider a car seat for young children.
Subway
Travelling the subway isn’t that hard with young children. Try to avoid rush hour so you’re guaranteed a seat. Most of the subway stations have stairs and not many elevators, so be aware that you will need to carry your baby carrier up and down the stairs.
Ferry
A great way to get around the city and take in the best views is to take one of the ferries. It’s an enjoyable way to get around the city and the views are spectacular from the river! We recommend taking the ferry during springtime as the weather offers perfect conditions for enjoying the sights and being warm enough to stand out on the deck.
If the thought of traveling on public transport is too much then you should look to stay more centrally located to give easy access to many attractions. Although this option can be limiting if you plan on covering large parts of New York.
If you’ve got a trip coming up to NYC and wondering where to stay with your kids, then you’ve come to the right place. One guarantee for sure is the hotels in NYC can be expensive so it’s best to plan your trip well in advance to get the best deals. There are many family-friendly places to stay with kids in New York. The hotels listed below are some of the most family-orientated and centrally located.
Four Seasons Hotel New York – Midtown East
Location: 57 E 57th St, New York, NY 10022, United States
You know you’re guaranteed luxury when staying at the Four Seasons. This hotel in particular is a family-friendly place to stay. Not only does this place boast upscale rooms to stay in, but it caters to children of all ages, everything from colouring books, DVD rentals for the rooms, bottle warmers for babies, monitors, and child-sized robes. Here at the Four Seasons New York, you will find everything to make your stay enjoyable and luxurious.
Hotel Beacon – Upper West Side
Location: 2130 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, United States
Staying at the Hotel Beacon is a great place to stay in New York with kids. Centrally located you can walk to the American History Museum, Central Park, or Lincoln centre very easily. One of the best features of this hotel is the suites that come with small kitchens, making feeding your kids easier if you don’t fancy heading out on an evening.
Freehand New York – Flatiron
Location: 23 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010, United States
If you prefer to stay in a hotel of understated luxury then this is the hotel for you. Each room is impeccably designed with its exclusive mural. This child-friendly hotel has plenty of room options to suit children of all ages. On-site restaurants, coffee shops, and the location make Freehand New York the perfect hotel to stay in.
Milkshakes
The New York milkshake is more of a dessert than a drink. You can find all the standard flavours in New York such as Vanilla, Chocolate, and strawberry, but if you’re looking for something special then be sure to try the milkshake with candy! This delicious treat is enjoyed by kiddies of all ages.
Bagels
You can’t visit New York and not try a bagel. Rumour has it that Eastern European Jewish immigrants brought bagels to New York back in the 1800s. In most food carts, corner shops, and delis you will find all kinds of this doughy delight. For those wanting to immerse in true New York style, try a bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon. Impress the little ones with a fluffy centred bagel topped with their favourite topping.
Hot Dogs
Hot Dogs are as popular in New York as are the yellow taxis. This frankfurter-style sausage is made using ground pork, beef, or both. Head over to Brooklyn to visit the famous Nathans Frankfurters, or swing by a street cart on any street corner and try a garlicky hot dog with mustard and sauerkraut.
Chicken and Waffles
Chicken and Waffles believe it or not is a delicious breakfast treat. Kids love waffles and many have not tried this delicious combo unless they’ve been to NYC. First appeared in Pennsylvania, this Southern-style dish was first introduced in Harlem back in the 1900s. The salty-meets-sweet combo is a sure delight for kiddies of all ages.
Cheesecake
The most famous treat you can try is the New York Style Cheesecake! Known for its simplicity, this sweet delight can be found at many diners in NYC. This iconic dish it’s the dessert of choice for any child visiting New York. Be sure to grab yourself a large slice as this popular dessert is a must-try!
