Looking for the best things to do with kids in New York? The ultimate family city, New York offers world-famous museums, Central Park’s zoo and carousel, and unforgettable experiences in every borough. This local family guide covers New York’s top kid-friendly attractions, museums, outdoor fun, and rainy-day options — plus how to find what local parents actually recommend.
Top things to do with kids in New York
The American Museum of Natural History — with its dinosaurs and giant blue whale — is a bucket-list family attraction, and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (a real aircraft carrier) thrills kids. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan, the Bronx Zoo (one of the largest in the country), and the New York Aquarium at Coney Island round out an unmatched lineup.
Kid-friendly museums & attractions in New York
The American Museum of Natural History, the Intrepid Museum, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, and the Bronx Zoo lead a world-class family scene, plus the many other museums and the free Staten Island Ferry with its Statue of Liberty views.
Parks & outdoor fun for families
Central Park is a family wonderland — with the Central Park Zoo, a classic carousel, playgrounds, and rowboats — and the city’s other big parks (Prospect Park, the High Line, Brooklyn Bridge Park) and Coney Island’s boardwalk and amusements offer endless fun. For more, see our guide to the best parks and outdoor spots in New York.
Rainy-day & indoor options in New York
On rainy days, New York is unbeatable — the American Museum of Natural History, the Intrepid, and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan are all top-tier indoor destinations.
What local parents in New York recommend
Kids’ favorites, new attractions, and which spots are worth it at each age change all the time — and local parents know the details that listings miss. On Neighborhood Nurturers’ New York community, real New York parents share what their kids genuinely love. For more ideas, see our guide to the best things to do in New York. Join your New York neighbors free and get real family recommendations →
Fitting it into a day in New York
Family spots here range from playgrounds to hands-on museums, and locals know which hold up on a rainy day. What sets New York apart is how close everything sits together. Start near Central Park, work in one of the spots from this guide, and you are minutes from the High Line if you want to keep going. Locals often round out a day out with the kids with a detour to the Staten Island Ferry or a quieter stop at the Brooklyn Bridge walk. Because the distances are short, you can improvise as you go rather than lock the whole day down in advance.
More New York guides
New York rewards people who dig a little deeper. These related guides map the same neighborhoods from different starting points: Free things to do in New York, Parks in New York, Things to do in New York — enough to plan a whole day or two.
Get a local’s take
Guides are a starting point; the current, on-the-ground details come from people who live in New York. Hours shift, favorites change, and residents always know what is genuinely worth it now. Ask New York neighbors directly or join your town community free to hear from real locals.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do with kids in New York City?
The American Museum of Natural History, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Central Park’s zoo and carousel, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, and the Bronx Zoo.
What can you do with kids in New York on a rainy day?
New York excels indoors — the American Museum of Natural History, the Intrepid Museum, and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan are all top-tier.
What do local parents recommend in New York?
NYC parents share their kids’ genuine favorites by borough and neighborhood in our community.