Best Things To Do in NYC With Kids

Oh, to be a kid in NYC again. Growing up here, I had a great childhood filled with so many memories. From going to Prospect Park Zoo and live reenactments of Dutch colonial life at the Lefferts House. When it comes to the best things to do in NYC for kids, you gotta keep an eye out for events, those are the best ways to experience the charm and spontaneity of NYC. This list has a combination of must-see and unique events every kid would love to visit in NYC.

Bucket List Experiences for Kids in NYC

1. American Girl Doll Store & Cafe: To all the little girls who love playing with their dolls, this is the perfect day well spent in NYC. The store is right along 5th Avenue near Radio City Music Hall, and the perfect combo for a show or concert after. They’ve been around for decades, and aint going anywhere anytime soon. American Girl Dolls have single-handedly shaped little girls’ childhood, entertaining their imagination of sisterhood, motherhood, and all the things. If you don’t have a doll, this is the perfect place to get one and see all the options in person. If you have one, then consider also going to the “salon” to give her a makeover. To add more fun to the day, check out the Cafe and treat you and your doll to a well-deserved meal, she’s probably starving lol!
2. Broadway Shows: For anyone who loves Disney or the arts, taking them to a show is a must. Whether it’s The Lion King or Aladdin on Broadway, start with something popular and then, if they like Broadway, introduce them to the other classics like Wicked and Hamilton. If they don’t love to listen to people sing, the Radio City Rockettes keep their mouths shut the entire time and amaze you with their dancing skills. Going to a show is the best excuse to pass by Times Square at night and knocks two birds with one stone. I understand that these shows can quite literally break the bank, so I’d love to put you on to some affordable options with top-tier NYC talent. Welcome to programs like “Club Free Time”, which run on a subscription-based system, offering discounted and unique shows and events in NYC’s many theaters! From organ concerts to plays and beyond, Club Free Time is severely underrated and needs more love.
3. Serendipity: All the young girls love going to Serendipity for a “classy” bite to eat. This spot is perfect for birthdays and big celebrations. It’s not the best food, aside from the typical milkshake, burger, etc, you’re truly going for the aesthetic. At the end of the day, you’d do anything to see your kid smile, right? 

Best NYC Museums The Kids Won’t Get Bored With

Any kind of activity isn’t going to work for kids who have specific interests and attention span issues. Places like the Please Touch Museum, Children’s Museum, Museum of Ice Cream, and Museum of Illusions is exactly what your kid wants but doesn’t know yet. Above all, one museum you must check out for your little one is the Museum of Natural History. It has everything from North American mammals to bugs, crystals, and gems to new and fun exhibits that will excite your little ones. This museum may be the oldest in NYC, but it still has that young energy with fun activities left and right. It’s 100% worth checking out this incredibly fascinating museum and seeing a piece of NYC history. 

Best NYC Activities If Your Kid Loves Animals

If your kid loves animals, but the ones at the Museum of Natural History won’t cut it. Places like the Prospect Park Zoo, Bronx Zoo, and the NY Aquarium are great options for kids to immerse themselves in nature. From feeding giraffes at the Bronx Zoo to the cool shark exhibit at the New York Aquarium, start planning your getaway and remember to include some fun with animals.

Best NYC Activities For Kids That Won’t Break the Bank

During the summer, there are tons of free movies. From Coney Island to Brooklyn Bridge Park and more, this is an easy way to change things up without breaking the bank. They often release the movie times, showings, and locations a month ahead of time so you can prepare in advance. This is an easy way to change things up and help give your bank account a break. 

There You Have It

At the end of the day, kids are simple. They don’t need much, so the activities on this list go a long way and will tire them out. Try to make a combination of affordable experiences so it evens out the expensive ones.  

Veronica

Hi everyone! My name is Veronica, but you can also call me Vee! I grew up in the iconic city of Brooklyn, NY, the cultural hub of the world, and hence learned about so many different cultures. It was those experiences that inspired me to travel and from then on, I had learned the power of travel. In return, I want to give others that same experience, to help inspire others to unleash their inner travel enthusiast no matter the trip.

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