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Parents Map NY guide
Top 33 Attractions in United States
byEmy Moore
Live update: Updated July 24, 2021Copy link
Copy link1. Staten Island Ferry
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Julia SSure, you’ll find the Staten Island Ferry on almost every New York City tourist guide, but there’s a reason. This free ferry provides great views of the Statue of Liberty and the New York Harbor, and the 25-minute, one-way trip is just long enough to hold your child’s attention. Once across, check out the St. George neighborhood or head back on another ferry for more great views. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
2. One World Observatory
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Julia SWhile the Empire State Building is always a good choice to check out the city view, we like the experience at One World Observatory. Kids get a kick out of riding some of the fastest elevators in the world and love knowing they are on top of the tallest building in the country. Don’t miss the 100th floor for HD videos of New York and the Sky Portal, where high-tech screens give you a bird’s eye view of the street 1,776 feet below. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
3. South Street Seaport Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Julia SHurricane Sandy caused extensive damage to the South Street Seaport Museum, but the reopened venue is a good stop for kiddos interested in ships, boating, and maritime history. Highlights include exploring five historic ships, learning to use a letterpress, and sailing around the New York Harbor in an excursion vessel. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
4. Children's Museum of the Arts
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Julia SThe world is full of stunning art museums, but most aren’t designed for little ones. Check out the 10,000-square-foot Children’s Museum of the Arts for kid-centered activities, plenty of hands-on art workshops, and 2,000 brightly colored paintings and drawings, most of them created by kids. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
5. New York City Fire Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Julia SSet in a historic 1904 Beaux Arts firehouse in Soho, the New York City Fire Museum is a paradise for kids obsessed with firetrucks. You’ll see vintage fire equipment, art, and learn about fire safety and the history of firefighters in New York. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
6. Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Julia SThis 28-acre sports complex on three Hudson River piers includes an 80,000-square-foot field house, a pool, a driving range, bowling alley, and an indoor ice-skating rink that’s available year round. And get ready for more: The company behind Chelsea Piers recently opened a 52,000-square-foot Brooklyn outpost. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
7. National Museum of Mathematics
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Julia SThink math is boring? Let the National Museum of Mathematics change your mind. This under-the-radar museum features a ton of hands-on exhibits showing how science, technology, engineering, and math inform every element of our lives. Kids can ride square-wheeled tricycles (really!), paint on a digital canvas, and stump their parents with an array of puzzles and quizzes. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
8. Empire State Building
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Julia STake adventurous kiddos to the new 102nd-floor observatory at the Art Deco icon, which whisks visitors more than 1,200 feet above the city. The panoramic views are spectacular (and a great way to introduce little ones to the buildings of Manhattan), and after you’ve taken it all in, you can explore exhibits that detail the skyscraper’s history and place in pop culture. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
ALSO FEATURED IN:Top 5 locations in Midtown South, New York
9. The New Victory Theater
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Emy MooreAs New York City’s premier nonprofit performing arts venue devoted to kids, the New Victory Theater aims to introduce theater, dance, circus, and music to audiences of all ages. The venue welcomes all patrons to performances, and it also hosts autism-friendly showings with warnings for loud noises and dimmed lights. Check out the calendar over here. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
ALSO FEATURED IN:Top 6 locations in Theater District, New York
10. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Emy MooreAviation fans, this one’s for you. Located in Hell’s Kitchen, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum documents the history of American aviation in an educational and interesting way. You’ll see giant fighter jets, submarines, a space shuttle, and the iconic aircraft carrier Intrepid. Ever-changing rotating exhibits also impress. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
ALSO FEATURED IN:Top 7 locations in Hell's Kitchen, New York
11. SPYSCAPE
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Emy MooreThose with Spy Kids aspirations will love Spyscape, which opened in Midtown in 2018. The immersive experience lets kids test their mettle in a variety of espionage-themed activities, including solving puzzles and dodging through lasers, a la Mission Impossible. At the end, your child will find out what kind of spy they are—intelligence analyst, agent handler, and more. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
ALSO FEATURED IN:Top 5 locations in Midtown West, New York
12. Roosevelt Island and Tram
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Emy MooreTake the famed Roosevelt Island Tramway over the East River to the two-mile long Roosevelt Island. Stay for a while to explore Southpoint Park, the pleasant paths next to the river, or the late-1800s era North Point Lighthouse. Don’t miss the Louis Kahn-designed Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, which has top-notch views of Manhattan. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
ALSO FEATURED IN:Top 6 locations in Lenox Hill, New York
13. Central Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Emy MooreLove this place. I'm waiting for it to be open again...Emy MooreNo child-friendly attraction list would be complete without the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Central Park, the most-visited urban park in the United States. Head over here for a map of the park’s hidden gems, and make sure to see the historic carousel, which is close to the Dairy. It’s a hit with kids of all ages and a great photo opportunity. Belvedere Castle, which recently reopened after a big renovation, is another fun one for kids. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
14. DiMenna Children’s History Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Emy MooreNestled within the New-York Historical Society is this smaller institution devoted to kiddos, with exhibits designed to help youngsters understand the history of NYC. They’ll learn about major historical figures (like Alexander Hamilton) and important points in the evolution of the city; they can also meet re-enactors who help bring those moments to life. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
ALSO FEATURED IN:Top 13 locations in Upper West Side, New York
15. American Museum of Natural History
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Tiffany WoodsPick up the Kids Guide to the American Museum of Natural History and get ready for a museum-wide scavenger hunt through the world’s largest collection of dinosaurs, an impressive array of towering totem poles, and much more. Don’t miss the Discovery Room, where children ages five to 12 can get a behind-the-scenes look at artifacts, specimens, and scientific research; and the Hayden Planetarium, one of the best planetariums in the country. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
ALSO FEATURED IN:Top 13 locations in Upper West Side, New York
16. Children's Museum of Manhattan
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsThere’s lots to do at this children’s museum located near Central Park, so it’s a good bet if you need an indoor activity. Interactive exhibits like “Let’s Dance!” get kids moving and performing, and there’s also story time and more low-key options for the toddler crowd. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
ALSO FEATURED IN:Top 13 locations in Upper West Side, New York
17. Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsThis 17,000-square-foot children’s museum in Harlem is located on the first two floors of an affordable housing project designed by British architect David Adjaye. With a focus on children ages three to eight, the museum offers year-round art exhibitions, storytelling series, art-making workshops, and an early childhood arts education curriculum. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
18. New York Botanical Garden
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsThe New York Botanical Garden is an oasis in the city, known for its top-notch exhibitions. But it’s also a great place for children any time of the year. Check out the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden where kids can climb boulders, run through a maze, and examine lily pads. In the winter, the garden’s annual Holiday Train Show is a must-see attraction. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
19. Museum of the Moving Image
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsNot far from Kaufman Astoria Studios, the home of Sesame Street, sits the Museum of the Moving Image, a stopover for kids of any age. The main attraction is “Behind the Screen,” an exhibition that showcases 1,400 artifacts (like a real Chewbacca mask from Star Wars) and interactive exhibits that let kids make their own stop-motion animations, sound effects, and flipbooks. Another hit is the permanent Jim Henson exhibit that displays original puppets and behind the scenes footage from his pop-culture contributions. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
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20. Queens Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsBudding building nerds will get a kick of out The Panorama of the City of New York, a scale model of the five boroughs that was constructed for the 1964 World’s Fair and has been updated sporadically since then. The museum also hosts regular family-focused workshops that let kids channel their inner artist. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
21. New York Hall Of Science
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsHands-on exhibits bring science, technology, engineering, and math to life at the New York Hall of Science, another holdover from the 1964 World’s Fair. Don’t miss the Science Playground, the preschool area for little ones, and the Sports Challenge exhibit that shows how physics and mathematics are involved in everyday sports like basketball. If it’s hot out, hit the outdoor playground that’s full of water features and science-oriented, wet fun. The New York Hall of Science also boasts one of the most beautiful interiors in the city: the Great Hall. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
22. Brooklyn Bridge Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsTraveling 1.3 miles along the East River, Brooklyn Bridge Park contains 85 acres of enjoyment for the whole family with a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline to boot. The park is broken down into sections and includes six refurbished piers full of different playgrounds and amenities. Must-dos include the Slide Mountain playground at Pier 6, the restored vintage carousel at Empire Fulton Ferry, and roller skating at Pier 2. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
23. New York Transit Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsHead to the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn—there’s also a small satellite location in Grand Central Terminal—to explore a decommissioned subway station full of interactive exhibits. Kids can learn about the history of fare collection, see how subways are built, and even get up close and personal with vintage subway cars and buses. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
24. LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park Brooklyn
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsThis 75,000-square-foot, year-round recreational facility includes winter ice skating, summer roller skating, and a warm-weather splash pad with 41 different sprinklers. Kids and adults can bring their own skates or rent them on site. It’s one of many things to do in Prospect Park, which has plenty of playgrounds, a zoo, and an under-the-radar carousel. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
25. Brooklyn Children's Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsAs the first museum created expressly for children when it was founded in 1899, the award-winning Brooklyn Children’s Museum offers plenty of hands-on fun for toddlers to middle schoolers. Check out World Brooklyn, where pint-sized shops let kids take on the roles of shopkeepers and builders, or head to the Neighborhood Nature exhibit to examine diorama habitats and a greenhouse. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
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26. New York Aquarium
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsThe New York Aquarium is a year-round destination in Coney Island that helps kids learn about all of the creatures that live in (and under) the sea. Last year, its major new exhibit, “Ocean Wonder: Sharks!,” debuted in a swanky 57,500-square-foot pavilion situated right on the boardwalk. It houses marine animals, including some of the exhibit’s titular saw-toothed predators. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
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27. Luna Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsA bit of a trek for those staying in midtown Manhattan, New York City's very own amusement park is a 45 minute train ride to the end of the line. But a day trip to Coney Island is a blast, especially in summer; grab a Nathan’s hot dog on Surf Avenue or fried clams on the boardwalk before getting your thrills on the rides. Older kids will make a beeline for the Cyclone, the historic wooden roller coaster that has been scaring the bejeezus out of children for more than 90 years. Smaller kids will love the carousel, the swings on Lynn's Trapeze, and the Wild River log flume. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
ALSO FEATURED IN:Top 6 locations in Coney Island, New York
28. Eloise in The Palm Court
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Tiffany WoodsAfternoon tea under the greenery and domed glass ceiling of The Plaza's elegant Palm Court will likely impress your mini Eloise (12 and under only) into better behavior. Everything here is about the precocious children's book character; even the pink-rimmed teacups and teapot are decorated with her image. The tea tower is the highlight, with classic finger sandwiches like English cucumber, with PB&J to please smaller palates. Sweets include caramel cupcakes, passionfruit s'mores, and a puff of pink cotton candy.
. https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
29. Ellis Island
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Joshua KaufmanCrowds board the ferries that sail from Castle Clinton in Manhattan’s Battery Park to Liberty and Ellis Islands, which together make up the Statue of Liberty National Monument in Upper New York Bay. The iconic lady, lifting her lamp beside the golden door, is the best introduction one could have to the island where many Americans’ immigrant ancestors arrived. The massive red-brick building opened in 1900 and 12 million immigrants passed through its halls before the island closed in 1954. Today, there are nearly 100 million people descended from those immigrants, and a visit really brings their story to life. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
30. FAO Schwarz
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Joshua KaufmanAfter nearly 80 years on Fifth Avenue, the famous toy store closed in 2015, but was brought back to life just a few years later in Rockefeller Center. Kids flocked to the flagship to gaze up at the 28-foot tall clock tower and marvel at the toy soldiers in their bright uniforms; in the '80s and '90s, little ones came in droves to dance on the giant piano, just as Tom Hanks did in that famous scene in "Big." Well the piano is back, as is all the rest . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
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31. Domino Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Joshua KaufmanDomino Park is a five-acre oasis on the edge of the always-hip neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Hipsters flock to it on weekends for fish tacos and great views; local families head straight to the playground. Those who love the feel of Williamsburg will love this as a vibrant addition to the scene. The park is only a quarter-mile long, making it easy to navigate—all the major features are easy to spot from the entrance. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
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32. Jane's Carousel
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Joshua KaufmanThere can’t be many other carousels with better views than Jane's, which sits between the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge in Empire-Fulton Ferry Park. Every revolution gives you thrilling snapshots of lower Manhattan, the bridges spanning the river, and the old brick DUMBO warehouses. Built in 1922, the 48-horse wooden carousel is an example of a successful private-public partnership; collectors Jane and David Walentas bought and restored the carousel, donated it to Brooklyn Bridge Park, and commissioned architect Jean Nouvel to build a square plexiglass box to house it. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
33. Bronx Zoo
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Joshua KaufmanThe little animals in your family will love spending the day at the largest urban zoo in the country. At 265 acres, it’s best to choose the attractions the family will want to see and plan accordingly — you can even rent single or double strollers for when short legs tire out. Plan on getting there when it opens or check the zoo website for special pre-opening programs such as breakfast with penguins or big cats. Speaking of food, everyone can feed the mini Nubian goats, donkeys, and sheep at the Children’s Zoo farmyard. Note that the only way to see some of the most popular animals—the Asian elephants, rhinos, and red pandas—is on the Wild Asia Monorail, a 20-minute ride (open seasonally). And for something to tire out older kids, there's an aerial ropes course and a 400-foot zip line over the Bronx River. . https://ny.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-new-york-city-kids
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