35 kid-friendly attractions in New York City

Exploring New York with children can be a challenge at times, but it can also be one of the best experiences you can give your little ones! With so many entertainment options available in the city, it’s easy to get lost as to what to enjoy, so in this post I’ve listed some of the ones I like best and go to with my daughter Serena. There are lots of free parks, museums and attractions, but there are also lots of fun paid experiences for the whole family to enjoy!

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Sloomoo Institute

The Sloomoo Institute is a unique attraction in New York that offers a sensory and interactive experience centered on slime, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in a variety of slime-related activities, including creating personalized slime, experimenting with different textures and colors, and immersing themselves in themed art installations.

Regular tickets cost U$48 per person (free for children under 24 months) and include a slime that you can choose the color, smell, texture and decorations/charms.
There is also the option of a special ticket to get slimed (take a “slime shower”) – these cost U$80 per person.

The space is very interactive and fun for children of all ages!

How to get tickets: You can buy your ticket with a 10% discount using my coupon code NYABOUT10OFF by clicking on this link HERE!

Address: 475 Broadway, New York, NY 10013, United States

Color Factory

Color Factory is an interactive and immersive exhibition that combines art and colors to provide a unique experience for visitors, a space to interact in a variety of ways involving vibrant colors, lights, visual effects, designed to stimulate creativity, instagrammable spaces to take lots of photos (they even send everything to your email at no cost or you can buy a print at the exit) and offer a really cool experience for the little ones – my daughter loves it!

There are 16 interactive rooms to entertain the whole family. You can dive into the ball pool, draw, dance and explore colors through all your senses. Tickets aren’t cheap, especially if you have multiple kids, so I recommend checking their instagram to see more of the experience to see if it is something your kids would be interested in.

How to get tickets: For more information on tickets, click HERE to access the official website.

Address: 251 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013

Camp – seasonal attractions

Camp is a very unique children’s store that offers rotating themed experiences throughout the year! I always like to go there with Serena and enjoy the various attractions they offer. We’ve already enjoyed the Trolls Experience, the Paw Patrol Experience and much more! Keep an eye on the official website to find out which experiences will be active when you come to New York!

How to get tickets: For more information, visit the official website HERE!

Address: 110 5th Ave (at 16th St) New York, NY 10011

Rise NY

This is a family-friendly experience and one of my favorites in New York! Rise NY is part museum and part interactive experience that includes the famous flight simulator where you “fly over” New York City! It’s an incredible, fun experience that I recommend to everyone and a great way to end your trip on a high note.

How to get tickets: You can buy tickets for Rise HERE and you can use the blog’s coupon code NYABOUT10OFF to get a 10% discount and free cancellation!

Museum of Ice Cream

The Museum of Ice Cream is more than just a museum, it’s a place where visitors can explore themed rooms, each with an ice cream-related theme. You can interact with the various installations, which often include ice cream tasting rooms, a pool of pink sprinkles and much more. If you like fun and colorful photos, it’s pretty cool.

How to get tickets: You can buy your ticket with a 10% discount and free cancellation using the code NYABOUT10OFF by clicking on this link HERE.

Address: 558 Broadway, New York, NY 10012, United States

Observatories (and how to buy at a discount)

Now that’s something everyone likes to do in New York! If you can only choose one to go to with the family, I highly recommend the Summit. It has a more complete experience and works well on very cold days because it’s enclosed and yields beautiful photos!

My second favorite for cool photos and a bit of “adventure” is the Edge! This one is more impacted by the weather, as its great differential is its external side, a platform outside the building where everyone stands to take photos and see the city, and a small area even has a glass floor. Top of the Rock has also launched a pay-as-you-go activity (U$25+) called The Beam, but children must be at least 132 cm tall to go on their own and at least 107 cm tall to go with an adult. More information about The Beam HERE!

The observatory at the Empire State Building can also be fun with children, there’s an area with King Kong to take photos and some areas that children can enjoy if they’re a bit older and like history. You can also buy them all with a discount and free cancellation via the blog link HERE or by clicking on the name of each one above.

How to get tickets: To guarantee the discount for evert observatory/observation deck, simply enter the coupon NYABOUT10OFF HERE after choosing the date and time.

Central Park and Bronx Zoo

I’m going to talk about the main zoos, but there are other smaller zoos in NY too. The first couldn’t be the Central Park Zoo, which isn’t very big but is very centrally located, so you can put it on your itinerary without any worries. The penguins and seals are the main attraction. They also have a section with farm animals and children can feed and touch them! And yes, it’s all inside Central Park, on the east side at 64th Street.

How to get tickets: You can buy your ticket with a 10% discount using the code NYABOUT10OFF by clicking on this link HERE!

The Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the USA and well worth a visit! You can easily spend an afternoon there and both children and parents love it. There are lots of cool outdoor experiences, as well as a much larger selection of animals than the Central Park Zoo!

How to get tickets: You can buy your ticket with a 10% discount and free cancellation using the code NYABOUT10OFF by clicking on this link HERE!

Address: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460, United States

Amusement parks for children in New York

The American Dream Mall is a very large shopping mall full of attractions in New Jersey and we love going there as a family! What you will find:

Nickelodeon Universe, with rides, attractions and unique experiences for children of all ages. You can buy your ticket with a 10% discount using the code NYABOUT10OFF by clicking on this link HERE!

DreamWorks Water, the largest (or one of the largest) indoor water parks in North America, with several pools, slides and lots of activities for children. You can also buy your ticket with a 10% discount using the code NYABOUT10OFF by clicking on this link HERE!

Big Snow, the only year-round snow-covered resort in North America. It’s great for children to ski and have fun in the snow.

American Dream has many more attractions (including a Legoland Discovery Center HERE – same coupon applies: NYABOUT10OFF) and on the website they explain different ways to get there, it’s worth looking at the official website HERE.

Address: American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

Legoland

Legoland New York is about 1.5 hours from Manhattan, in Goshen, NY 10924. The park opened in 2021 and is great for young children! It also has a themed hotel and lots of great family activities. On the official website you can find more information on how to get there, including a ticket with transportation from New York to the park, click HERE.

How to get tickets: You can buy your regular ticket without transportation included with a 10% discount using the code NYABOUT10OFF by clicking on this link HERE!

If you don’t want to leave New York, but have children who love LEGO, a great option is to visit the store in Rockefeller Center. There are lots of different toys and incredible decorations. The kids are sure to LOVE it and on some days they have activities for the little ones. To find out more just click HERE.

LEGO Store address: 636 5th Ave, New York, NY 10020, United States

Address: American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

Six Flags Great Adventure

This is a chain of parks that are located throughout the USA and it’s not in New York, but in New Jersey, in Jackson Township, but it’s an option for those who want a more adrenaline-filled trip. It has attractions for the whole family, especially those who like more extreme attractions. There are more than 50 attractions including roller coasters, a kids’ area with rides for younger children, a safari and much more! You can go by car for more convenience or by bus. Check their instagram for updates on rides, I heard is common for some rides to be closed, but can’t confirm.

How to get tickets: Get 10% off your tickets HERE with coupon NYABOUT10OFF

For more information, including how to get to the park, visit the official website HERE!

Address: 1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson Township, NJ 08527

Indoor playgrounds

New York has a number of what we call “indoor playgrounds”, which are playgrounds and toy libraries that are indoors. It’s a good option for rainy/cold days and also for having a different experience! Prices vary, so I’ll give you the websites of some of the most famous ones below:

Broadway musicals

On Broadway, there is always a choice of shows suitable for children (usually over 4 years old). Some of the famous and popular shows for children are:

The Lion King: Based on the classic Disney film, this show is considered to be the greatest musical of all time, The Lion King has marked all generations with incredible music, dazzling costumes and a heartwarming story that captivates children and adults alike.

How to get tickets: Tickets may vary depending on the seat and you can buy them with a 10% discount using the code NYABOUT10OFF by clicking HERE!

Aladdin: Another Disney hit, Aladdin is a theatrical adaptation of the beloved animated film, and the costumes and set design of this show are among the most beautiful on Broadway. Aladdin and Jasmine’s magic carpet ride to “A Whole New World” inspires sighs of joy, a great option for children and the family.

The story is very faithful, so if you’ve seen the movie before, you’ll understand. The genie is a lot of fun and makes several jokes during the show.

How to get tickets: Tickets may vary depending on the seat and you can buy them with a 10% discount using the code NYABOUT10OFF by clicking HERE!

Carousels in New York

SeaGlass Carousel

The SeaGlass Carousel is a unique attraction located in Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan in New York. Unlike a traditional carousel with wooden horses, the SeaGlass Carousel features a completely different design inspired by the sea. Visitors are invited to ride on these fish, which move gently up and down as they revolve around a giant shell in the center of the carousel. The aquatic atmosphere and vibrant lights make it a cool experience for the whole family! They are very casual and it’s important to keep an eye on their instagram for any changes to the itinerary.

Tickets are only available for purchase in person for U$6 individually or U$50 for a pack of 10 tickets.

Address: just put SeaGlass Carousel into Google Maps and you’ll find it, it’s in the area of The Battery park near the intersection of Water and State Streets (Water Street & State Street, New York, 10004).

Visit the official website HERE!

Traditional carousels in Central Park, Brooklyn and Bryant Park

If you want to experience taking the kids on a traditional carousel, these are the main ones in New York!

Central Park Carousel: visit the official website for more information HERE! Honestly, I don’t see much fun in it, but it’s a good option for cold or even rainy days if you’re in the park because it’s practically all enclosed. It costs 2024 U$3.25 per person and they only accept cash.

Brooklyn – Jane’s Carousel: visit the official website for more information HERE! This is a historic carousel, built in 1922 and with a beautiful view of the Brooklyn Bridge. It costs U$3 per adult with a child under 107cm. An additional child under 107cm must pay the entrance fee. Prices as of 2024. It doesn’t open every day, and opening days and times can change, check the official website HERE!

Bryant Park – Le Carrousel: visit the official website for more information HERE! This is very small and costs 2024 U$4 per person. Despite this, it has a beautiful classic French style.

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Luna Park, Beach and Aquarium in Coney Island

Luna Park is an old-fashioned amusement park that appeals to both children and parents. There are options to buy tickets as a package or individually in the park. You can save money by buying in advance. How to get tickets: Find out more on the official Luna Park website here!

You can easily get there by subway. The area is nothing like Manhattan, but it’s worth a visit if you have time in your itinerary during the warmer months! And while you’re there, don’t miss Nathans’ famous hot dog! In the summer, from the end of June to the end of August, they set off fireworks on the beachfront on Fridays. It’s really cool and usually very crowded!

The New York Aquarium is also located there and is a good choice for children all year round.

How to get tickets: You can buy tickets for the aquarium with a 10% discount and free cancellation using the code NYABOUT10OFF by clicking on this link HERE! For those who want to save even more, they offer free entry after 15:30 every Wednesday – but you need to book your ticket in advance via their website on Mondays at 15:00. For those who don’t plan on spending a lot of time there, it can be a great option, but it’s worth remembering that Coney Island is relatively far from downtown Manhattan, so it can be a bit tiring to take the subway there and back.

Spyscape

Spyscape is a museum and an immersive experience for those who love the world of espionage! There are two different types of experience to enjoy: SPY HQ and SPYGAMES. It could be great for children who enjoy experiences like this, so they can feel like real spies!

How to get tickets: You can buy your ticket with a 10% discount and free cancellation using the code NYABOUT10OFF by clicking on this link HERE!

Museums for children in New York

Wax Museum

Madame Tussaud’s, a classic in many cities around the world, has new attractions every now and then. In the heart of Times Square, in addition to the countless wax statues, you can also buy tickets with access to different experiences such as the 4D presentation with Marvel heroes and Ghostbuster!

How to get tickets: You can buy your ticket with a 10% discount and free cancellation using the code NYABOUT10OFF by clicking on this link HERE!

Address: 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, United States

Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

This museum will surprise the whole family, especially children who love airplanes, submarines, space shuttles and ships. The museum is on an aircraft carrier that served in the Second World War and the Vietnam War, which means it’s unlike anything you’d imagine in New York! It’s a very interactive attraction that the little ones will love! I just don’t recommend it on very cold or rainy days, so I recommend purchasing your ticket with a 10% discount and free cancellation using the code NYABOUT10OFF via this link HERE! This way you can change the date of your visit if the weather forecast isn’t the best the week of your trip.

Address: Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, United States

New York Transit Museum

The Transit Museum, a journey through the history of the most used means of transportation in New York! One of the must-see attractions on your Brooklyn itinerary with kids that will arouse curiosity and delight the little ones! The museum is located in a disused subway station on the corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street in Downtown Brooklyn (to get there, put New York Transit Museum or Boerum Pl & Schermerhorn Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 in your GPS).

How to get tickets: In 2024 tickets cost U$10 per adult and U$5 per child (aged 2-17).

Find out more HERE!

Natural History Museum

Animals, exhibitions and history in one place! The marine animals and dinosaurs part is one of the children’s favorites, you can spend hours inside with the little ones, my daughter loves it! More information on the official website HERE!

How to get tickets: You can buy your ticket with a 10% discount and free cancellation using the code NYABOUT10OFF by clicking on this link HERE!

Legend has it that during the last hour of opening there is free admission for visitors, but unless you don’t want to see too much, I think it’s too short a time to enjoy the museum, you can literally spend hours inside, there’s a lot for the kids to enjoy.

Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024

The FDNY Fire Zone and New York City Fire Museum

The Fire Zone is New York’s fire safety learning center. At the Fire Zone, you can climb into a very realistic fire truck, try on bunker gear, meet a firefighter and learn how to crawl through a smoke-filled corridor. It’s great fun and the kids love it! The fire simulator takes place on specific dates and times, for more information visit the official website HERE. Admission is free but they accept donations in a box near the entrance and it is located at 61 West 48th Street, New York, NY 10020.

The New York City Fire Museum is also a super cool option, located in SoHo and dedicated to the history of the New York Fire Department. It’s ideal for a family visit and the kids will love it! They can interact a lot with what’s in the museum and see a close-up demonstration of firefighters in action, it’s super cool!

How to get tickets: You can buy your ticket with a 10% discount and free cancellation using the code NYABOUT10OFF by clicking on this link HERE!

Below, photos of Serena in the Fire Zone, she loves it!

Address: 278 Spring St, New York, NY 10013

More museums and activities to do with children in New York

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

The museum isn’t really a traditional museum, it’s more like a version of an indoor playground, but it’s pretty cool! It’s not very big, but it’s worth taking the little ones there, especially between the ages of 1-5. There are age-appropriate toys, books, art materials and more. For more information click HERE.

Address: 212 W 83rd St, New York, NY 10024

Children’s Museum of the Arts

It’s located in the SoHo neighborhood, and although it’s a small museum, it’s entirely focused on art-related activities for children. There are various classes every day for kids up to five years old, and anyone who wants to attend can just show up—no need to schedule! The activities include playdough, painting, glue crafts, and many other things designed to encourage children to create art. On Thursdays, from 4 PM to 6 PM, museum admission is donation-based, meaning you pay whatever you want. For more information, just click HERE.

Address: 103 Charlton St, New York, NY 10014-3645

I’ve listed below some more great museum recommendations to visit with kids!

New York Hall of Science

If you’re traveling with kids, the New York Hall of Science in Queens is an excellent option for various ages, as it includes everything from a playground to activities that will teach and engage the little ones through hands-on experiences and games. I highly recommend it—the space is huge, so you can easily spend several hours there. You can purchase your tickets on the official website HERE.

How to get tickets: They offer free admission every Friday between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, but you need to reserve in advance on the website HERE!

Address: 47-01 111th St., Corona, NY, 11368

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Free attractions you can’t miss
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You can book all of the above with a 10% off discount and free cancellation by using my coupon code NYABOUT10OFF HERE!

Where to buy your discount passes for New York attractions:

If you wanna save money on tickets and have plans to visit some of the best attractions, I recommend checking out some of the passes below:

CityPASS at the normal price on the official website HERE!

CityPASS with a 10% discount HERE! (code NYABOUT10OFF)

The Sightseeing DAY PASS at the normal price on the official website HERE! (one of my favorites)

The Sightseeing DAY PASS with a 10% discount HERE(code NYABOUT10OFF) (one of my favorites)

The Sightseeing FLEX Pass at the normal price on the official website HERE! (one of my favorites)

The Sightseeing Flex PASS with a 10% discount HERE (code NYABOUT10OFF) (one of my favorites)

Go City New York Explorer Pass: with a 10% discount HERE! (code NYABOUT10OFF) (one of my favorites)

Go City: The New York Pass with a 10% discount HERE! (code NYABOUT10OFF) (one of my favorites)

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Hotels: Click HERE to check out my post with the best hotels in Queens (super close to Manhattan) and HERE for hotels in NYC in general.

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35 kid-friendly attractions in New York City

Martha Sachser