New York City is an exciting destination for families with young children, offering endless opportunities for fun and exploration. From world-class museums and iconic landmarks to unique restaurants and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in the Big Apple. There are pros and cons to bringing young children to New York City, but with careful planning, families can make the most out of their trip. Here’s our guide to the top 15 child-friendly activities, five of the best child-friendly restaurants, three great places to stay, an outdoor activity, and indoor activity for rainy days.
Top 15 Child-Friendly Activities
1. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum: This memorial honors the victims of the September 11th attacks, and is a great way for young children to learn about the history of the city. Families can explore the memorial and museum together, and take part in interactive activities and educational programs.
2. Central Park: Central Park is a great place to take the kids for a day of outdoor fun. From the Central Park Zoo to the carousel, there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
3. American Museum of Natural History: This museum is a must-see for families with young children. With interactive exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and a dedicated children’s museum, there’s something for everyone at the American Museum of Natural History.
4. Brooklyn Bridge: Stroll along the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and take in the views of the city. This is a great activity for families with young children, as it’s a safe and easy way to explore the sights of New York City.
5. Times Square: Take the kids to Times Square for a day of shopping and entertainment. There are plenty of kid-friendly stores and shows to explore, as well as some of the city’s best street performers.
6. Staten Island Ferry: The Staten Island Ferry is a great way to take in the sights of the city without spending a lot of money. The ferry is free, and the ride offers some of the best views of the skyline in the city.
7. The High Line: The High Line is a great place for families with young children to explore. This elevated park offers plenty of green space and great views of the city, and there are plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained.
8. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: This museum is perfect for families with young children who are interested in science and technology. Kids can explore a submarine, an aircraft carrier, and a space shuttle, and take part in interactive activities and educational programs.
9. The Bronx Zoo: The Bronx Zoo is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and it’s a great place for families to explore. There are plenty of animals to see, and kids can take part in interactive activities and educational programs.
10. Rockefeller Center: Take the kids to Rockefeller Center for a day of shopping and entertainment. There are plenty of kid-friendly stores and shows to explore, as well as some of the city’s best street performers.
11. The Metropolitan Museum of Art: The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a great place for families with young children to explore. With interactive exhibits and educational programs, the museum is a great way to introduce kids to art and culture.
12. The American Museum of Immigration: This museum is a great way for families to explore the history and culture of New York City. With interactive exhibits and educational programs, the museum is a great way to teach kids about immigration and its impact on the city.
13. The Central Park Carousel: Take the kids for a ride on the Central Park Carousel, a classic amusement park ride. Kids can enjoy the sights and sounds of the carousel and take in the views of the park.
14. Museum of Modern Art: The Museum of Modern Art is a great place for families with young children to explore. With interactive exhibits and educational programs, the museum is a great way to introduce kids to modern art and culture.
15. Coney Island: Take the kids to Coney Island for a day of fun at the beach. There are plenty of amusement park rides, carnival games, and beach activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Top 5 Child-Friendly Restaurants
1. The Green Table: This fast-casual eatery serves up the delicious and healthy farm-to-table fare. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, and the menu is full of kid-friendly dishes. Reviewers rave about the fresh ingredients and friendly service.
2. Bocca Di Bacco: This sit-down Italian restaurant serves up classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, and the menu has plenty of options for kids. Reviewers love the homemade pasta and the warm atmosphere.
3. Sweet Chick: This fast-casual eatery serves up classic American comfort food with a Southern twist. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, and the menu is full of kid-friendly dishes. Reviewers love the fried chicken and waffles, as well as the friendly service.
4. Ugly Baby: This sit-down Thai restaurant serves up classic Thai dishes with a modern twist. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, and the menu has plenty of options for kids. Reviewers love the homemade dishes and the warm atmosphere.
5. The Smith: This sit-down American restaurant serves up classic American dishes with a modern twist. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, and the menu is full of kid-friendly dishes. Reviewers love the homemade burgers, as well as the friendly service.
Top 3 Hotels or Places to Stay
1. Luxury Option: The Ritz-Carlton New York Central Park: This luxurious hotel is located in the heart of Manhattan, just steps from Central Park. The Ritz-Carlton offers spacious and luxurious accommodations, and the hotel has a full-service spa and fitness center. Reviewers rave about the attentive staff and the luxurious amenities.
2. Family-Friendly Option: The InterContinental New York Times Square: This family-friendly hotel is located in the heart of Times Square, just steps from all of the city’s best attractions. InterContinental offers comfortable and spacious accommodations, and the hotel has a pool and fitness center. Reviewers love the convenient location and the friendly staff.
3. Budget/Value Option: Hotel Beacon: This budget-friendly hotel is located on the Upper West Side, just steps from Central Park. The Hotel Beacon offers basic but comfortable accommodations, and the hotel has a full-service restaurant and bar. Reviewers love the convenient location and the affordable rates.
Top Outdoor Activity
Hudson River Greenway: Take the kids for a stroll along the Hudson River Greenway. This scenic bike path runs along the shore of the Hudson River and offers plenty of green space and great views of the city. The path is stroller and wheelchair-accessible, and families can take in the sights of the city while enjoying a peaceful walk along the waterfront. Reviewers love the beautiful views and the peaceful atmosphere.
Top Indoor Activity for Rainy Day
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan: This museum is the perfect place for families to explore on a rainy day. With interactive exhibits and educational programs, the museum is a great way to keep the kids entertained. Reviewers love the hands-on activities and the friendly staff.
Conclusion
New York City is a great destination for families with young children, offering plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. From world-class museums and iconic landmarks to delicious restaurants and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in the Big Apple. The best neighborhoods for families to visit are the Upper West Side, Times Square, and Central Park. The best months to visit are April, May, and October, when the weather is mild and the crowds are manageable. The best way for families to get around the city is by subway or taxi, as both are convenient and affordable. With careful planning and a little bit of luck, families can make the most out of their trip to New York City.
