Ninja & Sung’s *KIDS* Guidebook
INDOORS
Kid-friendly museums, exhibits, and other indoor activities.
Brooklyn – CLOSED MON & TUE –
Our kids‘ favorite back in the days. Everything is very hands-on and playful. Perfect for younger kids: barely walking toddlers into the first grades of elementary school.
So many immersive experiences on science, art, animals, music, NYC cultures and everyday life like a grocery store and (play) pizza kitchen. Plus water- and sand tables, a new outdoor rooftop playspace, and a cafeteria.
489 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de los Niños de Brooklyn
145 Brooklyn AveBrooklyn – CLOSED MON & TUE –
Our kids‘ favorite back in the days. Everything is very hands-on and playful. Perfect for younger kids: barely walking toddlers into the first grades of elementary school.
So many immersive experiences on science, art, animals, music, NYC cultures and everyday life like a grocery store and (play) pizza kitchen. Plus water- and sand tables, a new outdoor rooftop playspace, and a cafeteria.
Brooklyn – CLOSED MON/TUE/WED –
Historic MTA trains in a real subway station that is not in use anymore. Kids can enter all trains in the station, sit down and experience past eras. They can pretend to be a bus driver in a life-size model and learn about the history of the NYC subway system. Perfect for all ages, but our kids were most intrigued during their preschool days, when they loved "all things that go" with passion.
222 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
New York Transit Museum
89 E 42nd StBrooklyn – CLOSED MON/TUE/WED –
Historic MTA trains in a real subway station that is not in use anymore. Kids can enter all trains in the station, sit down and experience past eras. They can pretend to be a bus driver in a life-size model and learn about the history of the NYC subway system. Perfect for all ages, but our kids were most intrigued during their preschool days, when they loved "all things that go" with passion.
OPEN DAILY 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM – An absolute must-see for children of all ages. Much more to see and explore than anybody could ever do in a day. Our kids' favorites were the life-size blue whale model, all dinosaur skeletons, shark exhibits, and of course the Planetarium (needs separate admission). Lines can get pretty long, so it makes sense to purchase admission ahead of your visit and perhaps avoid weekend afternoons altogether if you have a free schedule.
1623 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Americano de Historia Natural
200 Central Park WestOPEN DAILY 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM – An absolute must-see for children of all ages. Much more to see and explore than anybody could ever do in a day. Our kids' favorites were the life-size blue whale model, all dinosaur skeletons, shark exhibits, and of course the Planetarium (needs separate admission). Lines can get pretty long, so it makes sense to purchase admission ahead of your visit and perhaps avoid weekend afternoons altogether if you have a free schedule.
OPEN DAILY 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM – The new Gilder Center, designed to resemble a towering canyon, adds 230,000 square feet to the American Museum of Natural History's vast Manhattan campus.
The Gilder Center features new exhibition galleries and one-of-a-kind experiences, including an insectarium, butterfly vivarium, floor-to-ceiling collections displays, and more—and connects to the rest of the AMNH on four floors.
Entry to the Gilder Center is included with AMNH Museum admission. Additional tickets are required for the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium and the Invisible Worlds immersive experience.
Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation
OPEN DAILY 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM – The new Gilder Center, designed to resemble a towering canyon, adds 230,000 square feet to the American Museum of Natural History's vast Manhattan campus.
The Gilder Center features new exhibition galleries and one-of-a-kind experiences, including an insectarium, butterfly vivarium, floor-to-ceiling collections displays, and more—and connects to the rest of the AMNH on four floors.
Entry to the Gilder Center is included with AMNH Museum admission. Additional tickets are required for the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium and the Invisible Worlds immersive experience.
OPEN DAILY 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM – Part of the AMNH (American Museum of Natural History), but needs separate admission for any of the space theater shows.
61 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Hayden Planetarium
200 Central Park WestOPEN DAILY 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM – Part of the AMNH (American Museum of Natural History), but needs separate admission for any of the space theater shows.
CLOSED WED – The MET Museum has many exhibits that are fascinating for kids, especially school age and up. The permanent exhibit on Ancient Egypt is a local favorite. Kids can learn about sphinxes, hieroglyphs, mummification, pharaohs. The Temple of Dendur is housed in an impressive indoor space, complete with waterfront setting. If you go up to the museum's roof terrace, you can enjoy a stunning view over Central Park and the Midtown skyline.
2653 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Museo Metropolitano de Arte
1000 5th AveCLOSED WED – The MET Museum has many exhibits that are fascinating for kids, especially school age and up. The permanent exhibit on Ancient Egypt is a local favorite. Kids can learn about sphinxes, hieroglyphs, mummification, pharaohs. The Temple of Dendur is housed in an impressive indoor space, complete with waterfront setting. If you go up to the museum's roof terrace, you can enjoy a stunning view over Central Park and the Midtown skyline.
OPEN 7 DAYS/week – MoMA has great guides and materials for kids/families and is a wonderful space to visit. Maybe not the best for toddlers, but our kids went from a very early age.
2114 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Museum of Modern Art
11 West 53rd StreetOPEN 7 DAYS/week – MoMA has great guides and materials for kids/families and is a wonderful space to visit. Maybe not the best for toddlers, but our kids went from a very early age.
Queens – CLOSED WED –
Housed in an old Elementary School building, the Queens outpost of MoMA houses the more contemporary, experimental exhibits. Best for adults and older children. Our favorite permanent installation, Portal to the Sky: James Turrell’s Skyspace, has been closed during the past visits. Check current exhibits before you go.
575 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
MoMA PS1
22-25 Jackson AveQueens – CLOSED WED –
Housed in an old Elementary School building, the Queens outpost of MoMA houses the more contemporary, experimental exhibits. Best for adults and older children. Our favorite permanent installation, Portal to the Sky: James Turrell’s Skyspace, has been closed during the past visits. Check current exhibits before you go.
OPEN 7 DAYS/week — INDOORS/OUTDOORS – The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is an American military and maritime history museum in New York City with a collection of museum ships. It is located at Pier 86 at 46th Street, along the Hudson River, in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood on the West Side of Manhattan.
379 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo del Mar, Aire y Espacio Intrepid
West 46th StreetOPEN 7 DAYS/week — INDOORS/OUTDOORS – The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is an American military and maritime history museum in New York City with a collection of museum ships. It is located at Pier 86 at 46th Street, along the Hudson River, in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood on the West Side of Manhattan.
OPEN 7 DAYS/week — Lots of playful, immersive experiences around Mathematics for kids and adults. Yes, Math can be FUN!
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Nacional de Matemáticas
225 E 26th StOPEN 7 DAYS/week — Lots of playful, immersive experiences around Mathematics for kids and adults. Yes, Math can be FUN!
Open FRI-MON, 12 - 7 PM and by appointment - CLOSED TUE/WED/THU
Kid-friendly cat adoption center and social space run by the Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition, an all-volunteer animal rescue group and the only non-profit cat cafe in New York City!
Hang out with cats and kittens and support this incredible team through admission sales or donations. We adopted our two cats from them in 2019 and they are simply the best!
Can‘t post links in this guide, but they have an adorable Insta feed and a live kitten cam on their website, if you want to preview the current cats. Walk-ins are welcome, but if you want to visit during popular hours, it might be best to reserve a time slot in advance.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Brooklyn Cat Cafe
76 Montague StOpen FRI-MON, 12 - 7 PM and by appointment - CLOSED TUE/WED/THU
Kid-friendly cat adoption center and social space run by the Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition, an all-volunteer animal rescue group and the only non-profit cat cafe in New York City!
Hang out with cats and kittens and support this incredible team through admission sales or donations. We adopted our two cats from them in 2019 and they are simply the best!
Can‘t post links in this guide, but they have an adorable Insta feed and a live kitten cam on their website, if you want to preview the current cats. Walk-ins are welcome, but if you want to visit during popular hours, it might be best to reserve a time slot in advance.
OUTDOORS
Parks, notable playgrounds, and outdoor activities
Brooklyn – CLOSED MONDAYS – Children under 12 are FREE – Lovely place, especially during Spring/Summer/Fall. Spectacular cherry blossoms, a great clean park for kids to run around in, ponds with fish and water lilies, and a greenhouse with different climate zones and plant exhibits.
2030 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
990 Washington AveBrooklyn – CLOSED MONDAYS – Children under 12 are FREE – Lovely place, especially during Spring/Summer/Fall. Spectacular cherry blossoms, a great clean park for kids to run around in, ponds with fish and water lilies, and a greenhouse with different climate zones and plant exhibits.
Brooklyn Bridge Park – One of the largest playgrounds in Brooklyn, located at the South end of Brooklyn Bridge Park. There's a whole Swing Park, multiple large climbing structures, a massive sandbox area, and a water park that's open during Summer season. Past the playground, there's a restaurant and public bathrooms and at the far end of the Pier you have several large picnic lawns to sit and play on, complete with the most specacular (sunset!) view of the Manhattan skyline.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pier 1 Playground
102 Furman StreetBrooklyn Bridge Park – One of the largest playgrounds in Brooklyn, located at the South end of Brooklyn Bridge Park. There's a whole Swing Park, multiple large climbing structures, a massive sandbox area, and a water park that's open during Summer season. Past the playground, there's a restaurant and public bathrooms and at the far end of the Pier you have several large picnic lawns to sit and play on, complete with the most specacular (sunset!) view of the Manhattan skyline.
Brooklyn Bridge Park – This is the North End of the park. You'll find a playground, several meadows, and the iconic DUMBO ferry landing, right at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge. Our kids love to get a Shake Shack burger, or a scoop at Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory and eat it with a view right at the waterfront.
Both the Fulton Ferry Landing and the lawns have spectacular views and during the Summer season, you can catch FREE "Movies With a View" screenings every Thursday night. It's great with Middle- and Highschoolers.
If you like to combine DUMBO and the Financial District in Manhattan (Ground Zero, Wall Street, State Island Ferry), you can take the NYC commuter ferry from Fulton Ferry Landing (DUMBO) to Pier11/Wall Street. It's only one stop, and an exciting 5-minute ferry ride along the Brooklyn Bridge and the downtown skyline.
951 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque del Puente de Brooklyn
334 Furman StBrooklyn Bridge Park – This is the North End of the park. You'll find a playground, several meadows, and the iconic DUMBO ferry landing, right at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge. Our kids love to get a Shake Shack burger, or a scoop at Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory and eat it with a view right at the waterfront.
Both the Fulton Ferry Landing and the lawns have spectacular views and during the Summer season, you can catch FREE "Movies With a View" screenings every Thursday night. It's great with Middle- and Highschoolers.
If you like to combine DUMBO and the Financial District in Manhattan (Ground Zero, Wall Street, State Island Ferry), you can take the NYC commuter ferry from Fulton Ferry Landing (DUMBO) to Pier11/Wall Street. It's only one stop, and an exciting 5-minute ferry ride along the Brooklyn Bridge and the downtown skyline.
Brooklyn – CLOSED TUE – By far the most scenic carousel in all of New York City. Open year-round, the glass pavilion opens up side walls in Summer, for an open-air experience. The carousel is located in DUMBO, between the Brooklyn- and Manhattan Bridges. Postcard views, along with plenty of food choices in nearby TimeOut Market, as well as the waterfront streets.
118 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jane's Carousel
Dock StreetBrooklyn – CLOSED TUE – By far the most scenic carousel in all of New York City. Open year-round, the glass pavilion opens up side walls in Summer, for an open-air experience. The carousel is located in DUMBO, between the Brooklyn- and Manhattan Bridges. Postcard views, along with plenty of food choices in nearby TimeOut Market, as well as the waterfront streets.
Brooklyn – One of our kids' favorite playgrounds growing up. The large ship climbing structure was always a hit. Stop by for a quick romp if you bring young children to DUMBO
Main St. Playground
Brooklyn – One of our kids' favorite playgrounds growing up. The large ship climbing structure was always a hit. Stop by for a quick romp if you bring young children to DUMBO
Brooklyn – Rock climbing in DUMBO, under the Manhattan Bridge. Ages 6 and up
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Cliffs at DUMBO
99 Plymouth StBrooklyn – Rock climbing in DUMBO, under the Manhattan Bridge. Ages 6 and up
Brooklyn‘s biggest park. It's beautiful and we love it ... but for visitors, it often makes more sense to go to Central Park when they're in Manhattan already.
3418 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Prospect
Brooklyn‘s biggest park. It's beautiful and we love it ... but for visitors, it often makes more sense to go to Central Park when they're in Manhattan already.
It's not very big, but perfect for younger children. They have a specific "Children's Zoo" area that is more immersive, public sea lion feedings on the hour, a penguin habitat, and just enough exotic wildlife to see that it makes for a satisfying zoo visit
394 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zoológico del Parque Central
East 64th Street It's not very big, but perfect for younger children. They have a specific "Children's Zoo" area that is more immersive, public sea lion feedings on the hour, a penguin habitat, and just enough exotic wildlife to see that it makes for a satisfying zoo visit
Huge playground area at the South end of Central Park with natural climbing rocks and vast play areas, slides and sandboxes
Parque infantil Heckscher
East 65th StreetHuge playground area at the South end of Central Park with natural climbing rocks and vast play areas, slides and sandboxes
The Central Park Carousel, officially the Michael Friedsam Memorial Carousel, is a vintage wood-carved carousel located at the southern end of Central Park, near East 65th Street.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Central Park Carousel
1802 E 65th StThe Central Park Carousel, officially the Michael Friedsam Memorial Carousel, is a vintage wood-carved carousel located at the southern end of Central Park, near East 65th Street.
Brooklyn – year-round skating rink. Ice skating, figure skating, curling, and hockey in the winter, and roller skating, biking, boating, and water play in the warmer months. The Bluestone Cafe provides light fare and beverages year-round.
194 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park Brooklyn
171 East DrBrooklyn – year-round skating rink. Ice skating, figure skating, curling, and hockey in the winter, and roller skating, biking, boating, and water play in the warmer months. The Bluestone Cafe provides light fare and beverages year-round.
Public park (island) and event space with a striking stilt design, featuring flower beds & shows at a waterside amphitheater. It’s fun for kids to run free, and the waterfront views are spectacular.
Visit if you are in the area: Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market (and art galleries), the Whitney Museum, and the Highline are all nearby.
114 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pequeña Isla
West 13th StreetPublic park (island) and event space with a striking stilt design, featuring flower beds & shows at a waterside amphitheater. It’s fun for kids to run free, and the waterfront views are spectacular.
Visit if you are in the area: Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market (and art galleries), the Whitney Museum, and the Highline are all nearby.
Popular park 30 feet above street level on an old rail line, with river & city views. Connects The Whitney Museum at the south end with Hudson Yards at the north end. Lots of stunning architectural sights, great native-inspired landscaping, and a number of outlooks and access points to stop, play, or explore the neighborhoods below. During the warmer months, especially on weekends, you'll find food and ice cream vendors right on the highline. It can get pretty crowded on weekends, but it's always a spectacular outing.
2323 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque High Line
Popular park 30 feet above street level on an old rail line, with river & city views. Connects The Whitney Museum at the south end with Hudson Yards at the north end. Lots of stunning architectural sights, great native-inspired landscaping, and a number of outlooks and access points to stop, play, or explore the neighborhoods below. During the warmer months, especially on weekends, you'll find food and ice cream vendors right on the highline. It can get pretty crowded on weekends, but it's always a spectacular outing.
Brooklyn – If you want to explore Williamsburg for all of it's cool cafes and stores, the kiddos might just last long enough to make it to Domino Park on the waterfront, located right at the old sugar factory. The park has of the city's newest playgrounds, so our kids didn't grow up with it ... but it looks amazing!
432 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Domino Park
15 Kent AveBrooklyn – If you want to explore Williamsburg for all of it's cool cafes and stores, the kiddos might just last long enough to make it to Domino Park on the waterfront, located right at the old sugar factory. The park has of the city's newest playgrounds, so our kids didn't grow up with it ... but it looks amazing!
Near South Street Seaport – Imagination Playground at Burling Slip, designed by famed architect David Rockwell, is an interactive, transformable space that prompts children to manipulate their environment and create a play space of their own with sand, water, and loose parts. With giant foam blocks, mats, wagons, fabric, and crates at their fingertips, children have the potential to build and explore endless possibilities.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Imagination Playground
159 East DrNear South Street Seaport – Imagination Playground at Burling Slip, designed by famed architect David Rockwell, is an interactive, transformable space that prompts children to manipulate their environment and create a play space of their own with sand, water, and loose parts. With giant foam blocks, mats, wagons, fabric, and crates at their fingertips, children have the potential to build and explore endless possibilities.
Brooklyn – Iconic beachfront promenade and amusement park. Do you dare ride the historic (wooden!) Cyclone rollercoaster? The Wonder Wheel? Or any of the more contemporary rides? There are food vendors everywhere, especially in Summer, but don't miss out on getting an original Nathan's hot dog.
The Brooklyn Aquarium is just a short stroll down the boardwalk. If you drive your own car, parking is easiest at the Aquarium – but we recommend taking the subway (G, later transfer to F on the very same line, all the way to the last stop)
663 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Coney Island
Brooklyn – Iconic beachfront promenade and amusement park. Do you dare ride the historic (wooden!) Cyclone rollercoaster? The Wonder Wheel? Or any of the more contemporary rides? There are food vendors everywhere, especially in Summer, but don't miss out on getting an original Nathan's hot dog.
The Brooklyn Aquarium is just a short stroll down the boardwalk. If you drive your own car, parking is easiest at the Aquarium – but we recommend taking the subway (G, later transfer to F on the very same line, all the way to the last stop)
Brooklyn – OUTDOORS/INDOORS – open every day.
The New York Aquarium is the oldest continually operating aquarium in the United States, located on the Riegelmann Boardwalk in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City. It was founded at Castle Garden in Battery Park, Manhattan in 1896, and moved to Coney Island in 1957
173 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Acuario de Nueva York
602 Surf AveBrooklyn – OUTDOORS/INDOORS – open every day.
The New York Aquarium is the oldest continually operating aquarium in the United States, located on the Riegelmann Boardwalk in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City. It was founded at Castle Garden in Battery Park, Manhattan in 1896, and moved to Coney Island in 1957
Central Park boat house
72 East 72nd StreetTake a row boat out on the lake and (optional) have brunch at the Boathouse.
It is one of the best ways to see (all of!) Central Park easily, and being surrounded by breezy green with the city skyline as a backdrop and no cars in sight is just magical. Our visiting friends with teens rated Central Park bike outings among the very top of their sightseeing experiences.
NOTE: This is a placeholder recommendation for ANY bike rental service you can get a good deal from on the day of your outing. We have never rented from the same place and there is a lively competition with shops all over the blocks directly south of Central Park. Most offer full bikes for tweens and teens, as well as tag-along attachments for younger kids (1/2 bikes that get attached to the parent bike)
The good news: this can be one of the cheaper activities of your visit. Check on *Groupon* (app or site) for special deal coupons. You will likely be able to find next day or same day rentals for a fraction of the list price, like $10 for a couple of hours or $15-20 for the whole afternoon.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bike Rental Central Park
1391 6th AveIt is one of the best ways to see (all of!) Central Park easily, and being surrounded by breezy green with the city skyline as a backdrop and no cars in sight is just magical. Our visiting friends with teens rated Central Park bike outings among the very top of their sightseeing experiences.
NOTE: This is a placeholder recommendation for ANY bike rental service you can get a good deal from on the day of your outing. We have never rented from the same place and there is a lively competition with shops all over the blocks directly south of Central Park. Most offer full bikes for tweens and teens, as well as tag-along attachments for younger kids (1/2 bikes that get attached to the parent bike)
The good news: this can be one of the cheaper activities of your visit. Check on *Groupon* (app or site) for special deal coupons. You will likely be able to find next day or same day rentals for a fraction of the list price, like $10 for a couple of hours or $15-20 for the whole afternoon.
SIGHTSEEING
NYC sights that are high on everyone‘s list and suitable for families
Take a ferry cruise to visit the Statue of Liberty and/or Ellis Island.
On Liberty Island, you will have to reserve a ticket to get inside the Statue of Liberty ahead of time, but everybody can walk up close on the outside and explore the original torch inside the new museum pavilion.
On Ellis Island, the tour and exhibit are a lot more involved and time-consuming. Very interesting for school-age children, but combining both activities might make a day's worth of sightseeing.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Statue Cruises
Battery Park - Liberty IslandTake a ferry cruise to visit the Statue of Liberty and/or Ellis Island.
On Liberty Island, you will have to reserve a ticket to get inside the Statue of Liberty ahead of time, but everybody can walk up close on the outside and explore the original torch inside the new museum pavilion.
On Ellis Island, the tour and exhibit are a lot more involved and time-consuming. Very interesting for school-age children, but combining both activities might make a day's worth of sightseeing.
Accessible via Statue Citycruises, either as a single destination or in combination with a visit to Liberty Island (Statue of Liberty) – see separate entry for more details.
178 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ellis Island
Accessible via Statue Citycruises, either as a single destination or in combination with a visit to Liberty Island (Statue of Liberty) – see separate entry for more details.
The Top of the Rock offers the best views of the Empire State, the most iconic building of New York. It is almost at the same height, and ticket prices are nearly the same (TotR is a smidge cheaper).
Rockefeller Center is not as beautiful as a building, but you decide whether specific landmarks in this view are more important than the architecture and decor of the building.
Notable other (kid) points of interest at Rockefeller Center are:
F.A.O. Schwarz and the LEGO store.
423 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Top of the Rock
30 Rockefeller PlazaThe Top of the Rock offers the best views of the Empire State, the most iconic building of New York. It is almost at the same height, and ticket prices are nearly the same (TotR is a smidge cheaper).
Rockefeller Center is not as beautiful as a building, but you decide whether specific landmarks in this view are more important than the architecture and decor of the building.
Notable other (kid) points of interest at Rockefeller Center are:
F.A.O. Schwarz and the LEGO store.
One of our favorite, old-school NY experiences:
The entire interior and exterior of the building are a treat. Lobby and elevators sparkle in their original Art-Deco designs. The main (outdoor) observation deck is located on the 86th floor and there's another, smaller, indoor observation platform on the 102nd floor.
The best time to visit is golden hour/sunset on a day with good visibility. Definitely buy tickets in advance to skip excessive wait times, but figure into your plan that it can take quite long to reach the observation platform, especially on weekends. Give yourself enough buffer before the sun sets.
Depending on the age of your kids, BBQ dinner in Koreatown around the corner on 32nd Street between Broadway & 5th Ave is our family's go-to. With younger kids, you may have to opt for afternoon snacks ahead of the visit, but there are plenty of great options for light meals as well.
NOTE: if you want to SEE the Empire State Building in your city panorama views, you have to go up at Rockefeller Center instead (see: Top of the Rock)
1787 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Edificio Empire State
20 W 34th StOne of our favorite, old-school NY experiences:
The entire interior and exterior of the building are a treat. Lobby and elevators sparkle in their original Art-Deco designs. The main (outdoor) observation deck is located on the 86th floor and there's another, smaller, indoor observation platform on the 102nd floor.
The best time to visit is golden hour/sunset on a day with good visibility. Definitely buy tickets in advance to skip excessive wait times, but figure into your plan that it can take quite long to reach the observation platform, especially on weekends. Give yourself enough buffer before the sun sets.
Depending on the age of your kids, BBQ dinner in Koreatown around the corner on 32nd Street between Broadway & 5th Ave is our family's go-to. With younger kids, you may have to opt for afternoon snacks ahead of the visit, but there are plenty of great options for light meals as well.
NOTE: if you want to SEE the Empire State Building in your city panorama views, you have to go up at Rockefeller Center instead (see: Top of the Rock)
... aka One World Trade Center, located at 285 Fulton Street. The public entrance into the building and access to "One World Observatory" is on West Street.
Getting to the observation floor is an experience in itself: the elevator walls are 360° screens that simulate 500 years of NYC history in a short timelapse. During the 50-second ascend, you can see Native American coastland morph through all stages of city development until the elevator reaches its destination in present-day NYC.
We love the views up there, but not the fact that everything is indoors behind floor-to-ceiling glass. It‘s a different experience than standing all the way atop a skyscraper, exposed to wind and sounds from below.
The last time we visited, we opted out of renting a tablet for the augmented reality experience — but a family who left just casually passed on their device to us and it was great fun for the kids to walk around and identify landmarks with ease to get more information. If you decide to opt for this extra, consider making another kid‘s day by handing off your device before you leave :)
63 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Freedom Tower
285 Fulton St... aka One World Trade Center, located at 285 Fulton Street. The public entrance into the building and access to "One World Observatory" is on West Street.
Getting to the observation floor is an experience in itself: the elevator walls are 360° screens that simulate 500 years of NYC history in a short timelapse. During the 50-second ascend, you can see Native American coastland morph through all stages of city development until the elevator reaches its destination in present-day NYC.
We love the views up there, but not the fact that everything is indoors behind floor-to-ceiling glass. It‘s a different experience than standing all the way atop a skyscraper, exposed to wind and sounds from below.
The last time we visited, we opted out of renting a tablet for the augmented reality experience — but a family who left just casually passed on their device to us and it was great fun for the kids to walk around and identify landmarks with ease to get more information. If you decide to opt for this extra, consider making another kid‘s day by handing off your device before you leave :)
Activities depend on the age of your kids. If they are aware of 9/11 and Ground Zero, a museum visit might be appropriate. If they are younger, you can still walk in the public monument park, look at the two gigantic fountains (the footprint of the WTC), and perhaps visit One World Trade Center for the stunning 360 views
48 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ground Zero
Church StreetActivities depend on the age of your kids. If they are aware of 9/11 and Ground Zero, a museum visit might be appropriate. If they are younger, you can still walk in the public monument park, look at the two gigantic fountains (the footprint of the WTC), and perhaps visit One World Trade Center for the stunning 360 views
*FREE* ferry ride past the Statue of Liberty on the iconic orange ferry boats. Kids love it, NYC public schools have one mandatory field trip (2nd grade?), and now that the Staten Island side has built out the waterfront with a little park and mall, you could even consider getting off for a waterfront lunch (Shake Shack is always a winner with our kids).
254 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Staten Island Ferry
Staten Island Ferry*FREE* ferry ride past the Statue of Liberty on the iconic orange ferry boats. Kids love it, NYC public schools have one mandatory field trip (2nd grade?), and now that the Staten Island side has built out the waterfront with a little park and mall, you could even consider getting off for a waterfront lunch (Shake Shack is always a winner with our kids).
Unforgettable views for the whole family. Now that the bike lane has been separated from the pedestrian walkway, it‘s even better for tourists on foot.
The walk isn‘t short, so most people start on the City Hall end in Manhattan and go for a one way stroll to DUMBO.
(Our kids did a walking field trip in 3rd grade BOTH ways, plus the walk from their elementary school to the Brooklyn base of the bridge. It‘s not too exhausting overall, but for the purpose of sightseeing, you don‘t need to spend twice the time)
1505 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge PromenadeUnforgettable views for the whole family. Now that the bike lane has been separated from the pedestrian walkway, it‘s even better for tourists on foot.
The walk isn‘t short, so most people start on the City Hall end in Manhattan and go for a one way stroll to DUMBO.
(Our kids did a walking field trip in 3rd grade BOTH ways, plus the walk from their elementary school to the Brooklyn base of the bridge. It‘s not too exhausting overall, but for the purpose of sightseeing, you don‘t need to spend twice the time)
The highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere takes you 65-feet into the sky making it the highest public balcony in NYC. The deck not only features panoramic views of our city’s skyline, but a killer vantage point below. Brave souls can stand on a large, see-through glass floor and wave to passerby 1,100 feet beneath.
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Edge
30 Hudson YardsThe highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere takes you 65-feet into the sky making it the highest public balcony in NYC. The deck not only features panoramic views of our city’s skyline, but a killer vantage point below. Brave souls can stand on a large, see-through glass floor and wave to passerby 1,100 feet beneath.
CLOSED TUE —
Explore three levels of mind-bending multi-sensory immersive experiences that takes the concept of an "observation deck" to entirely
new heights. Probably best for older school children and adults.
Located right near Grand Central
45 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
45 E 42nd StCLOSED TUE —
Explore three levels of mind-bending multi-sensory immersive experiences that takes the concept of an "observation deck" to entirely
new heights. Probably best for older school children and adults.
Located right near Grand Central
Technically just a transportation hub and indoor mall, this striking piece of architecture by Santiago Calatrava is part of the 9/11 Memorial site and an awe-inspiring sight on it‘s own - for both adults and children.
If you are visiting the memorial, take a few minutes to go up to the highest level inner balcony on either pointy side to get a stunning birdseye view of the cathedral-like space. Then, let your kids run along the outside of the building at the plaza level and admire the sweeping lines of the wings.
Chances are, you‘ll arrive or depart at this train station anyway, but you‘d miss out if you dash out a side exit without seeing the building
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Oculus Center
185 Greenwich StTechnically just a transportation hub and indoor mall, this striking piece of architecture by Santiago Calatrava is part of the 9/11 Memorial site and an awe-inspiring sight on it‘s own - for both adults and children.
If you are visiting the memorial, take a few minutes to go up to the highest level inner balcony on either pointy side to get a stunning birdseye view of the cathedral-like space. Then, let your kids run along the outside of the building at the plaza level and admire the sweeping lines of the wings.
Chances are, you‘ll arrive or depart at this train station anyway, but you‘d miss out if you dash out a side exit without seeing the building
Old churches are not that interesting for most kids, but the main attraction is a serene public graveyard park in the middle of sensory-overload Wall Street/World Trade Center area. It‘s a free park, so if you want a few minutes of change of scenery, this might be great.
Many historic figures are laid to rest here, including Alexander Hamilton, whose grave on the South side of the church became a popular tourist attraction after the musical HAMILTON blew up. It‘s marked on G. maps, but you‘ll probably spot it due to a cluster of visitors.
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Iglesia de la Trinidad
89 BroadwayOld churches are not that interesting for most kids, but the main attraction is a serene public graveyard park in the middle of sensory-overload Wall Street/World Trade Center area. It‘s a free park, so if you want a few minutes of change of scenery, this might be great.
Many historic figures are laid to rest here, including Alexander Hamilton, whose grave on the South side of the church became a popular tourist attraction after the musical HAMILTON blew up. It‘s marked on G. maps, but you‘ll probably spot it due to a cluster of visitors.
Another train station worth pausing for - check out the main hall with the iconic clock and painted ceiling, or grab a bite to eat at the (massive!) lower level food court.
Bonus fun: teach your kids how sound can travel magically from one corner of an arched crossway to the one diagonally across, by each facing opposite corners and exchanging whispered messages. The „Whispering Gallery“ is near the Oyster Bar entry.
781 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Grand Central Terminal station
89 E 42nd StAnother train station worth pausing for - check out the main hall with the iconic clock and painted ceiling, or grab a bite to eat at the (massive!) lower level food court.
Bonus fun: teach your kids how sound can travel magically from one corner of an arched crossway to the one diagonally across, by each facing opposite corners and exchanging whispered messages. The „Whispering Gallery“ is near the Oyster Bar entry.
Fun sound phenomenon at Grand Central Station:
Teach your kids how sound can travel magically from one corner of an arched crossway to the one diagonally across, by each facing opposite corners and exchanging whispered messages. The „Whispering Gallery“ is near the Oyster Bar entry.
Whispering Gallery in Grand Central Terminal
89 E 42nd StFun sound phenomenon at Grand Central Station:
Teach your kids how sound can travel magically from one corner of an arched crossway to the one diagonally across, by each facing opposite corners and exchanging whispered messages. The „Whispering Gallery“ is near the Oyster Bar entry.
Probably a must-see for every visitor, and certainly a memorable sight for children. We love that Times Square has been made a lot more pedestrian-friendly in recent years, and that there are permanent stadium seats on the North end of the intersection at the TKTS ticket booth, where people can sit down and take in the sights with a perfect vantage point.
The billboards are so bright that you don't have to visit at twilight for the best effect anymore, but late afternoon/early evening is still a great time to visit (e.g. before seeing a show). Teenagers might prefer full night views, or even dare to wait for "Midnight Moments", one of the longest-running public digital art installations: every month, the last 3 minutes of each calendar day are given to another artist, who prepares a full takeover digital installation on all main screens, from 11:57pm through midnight.
PRO TIP: keep in mind that all restaurants within a several-block radius of Times Square tend to offer overpriced chain fare. If you can eat anywhere else, you're better off.
2037 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Times Square
Probably a must-see for every visitor, and certainly a memorable sight for children. We love that Times Square has been made a lot more pedestrian-friendly in recent years, and that there are permanent stadium seats on the North end of the intersection at the TKTS ticket booth, where people can sit down and take in the sights with a perfect vantage point.
The billboards are so bright that you don't have to visit at twilight for the best effect anymore, but late afternoon/early evening is still a great time to visit (e.g. before seeing a show). Teenagers might prefer full night views, or even dare to wait for "Midnight Moments", one of the longest-running public digital art installations: every month, the last 3 minutes of each calendar day are given to another artist, who prepares a full takeover digital installation on all main screens, from 11:57pm through midnight.
PRO TIP: keep in mind that all restaurants within a several-block radius of Times Square tend to offer overpriced chain fare. If you can eat anywhere else, you're better off.
Take a quick tram ride over to Roosevelt Island for an exciting view of the Manhattan skyline. You can turn around immediately, but it is well worth going for a quick stroll past the ruins of the old Smallpox Hospital and enjoy the beautiful public park on the southern tip of the island (Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park).
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The Roosevelt Island Tramway
254 E 60th StTake a quick tram ride over to Roosevelt Island for an exciting view of the Manhattan skyline. You can turn around immediately, but it is well worth going for a quick stroll past the ruins of the old Smallpox Hospital and enjoy the beautiful public park on the southern tip of the island (Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park).
WINTER
SEASONAL: WINTER – ice skating rink with a golden statue, at the heart of Rockefeller Center. It's also the site of New York's iconic Xmas tree.
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The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller CenterSEASONAL: WINTER – ice skating rink with a golden statue, at the heart of Rockefeller Center. It's also the site of New York's iconic Xmas tree.
SEASONAL: WINTER – ice skating rink in Bryant Park. Gorgeous city views, and one of the biggest Holiday markets (Winter Village).
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Skating at Bryant Park
5th AvenueSEASONAL: WINTER – ice skating rink in Bryant Park. Gorgeous city views, and one of the biggest Holiday markets (Winter Village).
Kid-centric stores
(Window) shopping can be terribly boring for younger kids, with a few exceptions
Featured in numerous movies, this famous toy store moved from it‘s original location at the South-East corner of Central Park to Rockefeller Center.
They still have a selection of toys that will make every kid‘s eyes pop, their Holiday season displays are spectacular, and the iconic walk-on piano is still available for musical tap dancing (can you play „chop sticks“ with your feet?)
FAO Schwarz
30 Rockefeller PlazaFeatured in numerous movies, this famous toy store moved from it‘s original location at the South-East corner of Central Park to Rockefeller Center.
They still have a selection of toys that will make every kid‘s eyes pop, their Holiday season displays are spectacular, and the iconic walk-on piano is still available for musical tap dancing (can you play „chop sticks“ with your feet?)
Located at Rockefeller Center, right off of Fifth Ave.
Visit at your own risk when you are in Midtown … our kids were LEGO fanatics, so it was both amazing and challenging for us to take them there.
The best solution for us: get them one of the flat rate cups to fill with random pieces of their choice in the loose bricks section. Our kids‘ TRICK to loading the cups with as little wasteful air as possible: start with carefully arranging larger pieces, then top off with lots if tiny extra pieces and shake them down to fill the gaps and cracks. It only works this way around.
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The LEGO® Store 5th Avenue
636 5th AveLocated at Rockefeller Center, right off of Fifth Ave.
Visit at your own risk when you are in Midtown … our kids were LEGO fanatics, so it was both amazing and challenging for us to take them there.
The best solution for us: get them one of the flat rate cups to fill with random pieces of their choice in the loose bricks section. Our kids‘ TRICK to loading the cups with as little wasteful air as possible: start with carefully arranging larger pieces, then top off with lots if tiny extra pieces and shake them down to fill the gaps and cracks. It only works this way around.