What to do with little kids in New York?

35 Best Family Attractions And Things To Do In NYC With Kids... Seek thrill at Luna Park. ... Check out the new Play Street Museum. ... Discover the “The Secret World of Elephants” at the American Museum of Natural History. ... Get nautical at the Intrepid Museum. ... Grab a scoop at Museum of Ice Cream. ... Become a Troll at CAMP. More items...

How do you spend summer in NYC?

SUMMER VIBES Attractions & Tours. Coney Island. Luna Park in Coney Island. ... Restaurants. Queens Night Market. ... Attractions & Tours. Bedford Park. ... Attractions & Tours. Prospect Heights. ... Attractions & Tours. Flushing. ... Attractions & Tours. Randall Manor. ... Outdoors & Recreation. The Rockaways. ... Attractions & Tours. Fordham.

Is NYC in summer fun?

Whether you're looking for the hottest concerts, film festivals and street fairs, or need to beat the heat at one of our many pools and beaches, there are thousands of attractions and events that are just a quick walk or subway or bus ride away.

Is New York OK for kids?

Although New York City is renowned as a haven for adults, drawing visitors from far and wide to indulge in its world-class museums, exquisite dining and iconic landmarks, it's equally enchanting for kids and families . The city has a wealth of family-friendly attractions, sure to please everyone in the group.

How do you spend time with little kids?

There are lots of ways you can spend quality time with your children. You can read books, do art activities, bake, go for a walk or throw a ball around . But experts agree that you can't really beat the developmental benefits (and let's not ignore the fun) that comes from playing.

Where is New York City located for kids?

Located at the southernmost tip of New York state , New York City is situated where New York Bay and the Hudson, Harlem, and East rivers join. The latter two rivers are actually narrow straits linking Long Island Sound to the bay and the Hudson, which extends via the Erie Canal at Albany to the Great Lakes.

What is the best summer month in NYC?

However, the best times of year to visit New York City for warm weather activities are from mid-June to July and from early August to the end of September.

Is NYC too hot in the summer?

Extreme heat is a serious threat in New York City , and New Yorkers need to be extra careful during hot summer months. Extreme heat means high heat and humidity with temperatures that are much higher than normal (10 degrees or more) lasting for several days.

Is NYC or LA hotter in the summer?

Los Angeles will have warmer temps and a more stable climate throughout the year. NYC has a much wider range of temperatures. The summers in both locations are similar with average highs of 84 F – 85 F. The average lows in NYC however, are down to 27 F, whereas in LA the average yearly low is 49 F.

How do toddlers get around NYC?

3. Buses. Buses aren't the best option for travelling with a baby in New York as you're not allowed on them with an open stroller, plus the subway is a quicker option. But sometimes it might be necessary to take a bus, so keep in mind the stroller rule and perhaps take a carrier instead.

What do children do in New York colony?

Children might have to carry wood or water, husk corn, gather berries, lead oxen, card wool, gather eggs or churn butter . When children weren't doing chores, their parents often sent them to school. Many times children turned their work into games to make it more fun or to make the time go by faster.

Is York kid friendly?

If you're visiting York with kids, you've chosen an exciting and child-friendly city to come to . Whether it's days out with all the family, keeping the kids entertained on rainy days or keeping them busy during the holidays, York has it all.

Our Epic Summer Bucket List of Things To Do in NYC with Kids (2024)

2. Summer Movie Nights

Blow bedtime to catch one of the FREE outdoor summer movies all over town.

3. VisitAMNH'sGilder Center

See butterflies, bugs, and tons of interactive spaces in theGilder Centerat the always kid-friendlyAmerican Museum of Natural History. Pro tip: Bring a bathing suit so you can enjoy theplay fountain on Arthur Ross Terracewhen you're done inside.

4. Hit The High Line

VisitThe High Lineand then explore therainbow pipefish that calls Chelsea Waterside Playgroundhome nearby.

RELATED:12 Places to Play Mini Golf in NYC for Families

Hop aboard the ferry to Governors Island and take a spin around the island on a surrey. Photo by Diana Kim

5. Go to Governors Island

Our favorite harbor island playground really comes alive during the summer with festivals, live music, and plenty of room to romp.

6. Row a Boat

Go kayaking or canoeing in New York Harbor for FREE. We're particularly fond of Red Hook Boaters at Valentino Park Pier. Follow up with a visit to Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pie.

7. Enjoy a Round-the-World Food Feast

Munch your way through the international eats at the Queens Night Market or one of these other foodie-focused summertime destinations.

8. Legoland New York

Take a daycation to Legoland New York in the Hudson Valley where you can splash the day away at its Water Playground, go sky-high on its new Mini Figure Skyflyer, and enjoy the rest of the park's offerings.

9. Seek Out a Swimming Hole

Take the kids to one of theseoff-the-beaten-path swimming holes in the Catskillsand explore the rest of the funthings to do in the region.

10. See Shakespeare

TheDelacorteTheater may be dark this season, but that doesn't mean you can't catch The Bard in many NYC parks. See The Public's mobile production ofThe Comedy of Errorsat sites citywide, ClassicalTheatreof Harlem mountsA Midsummer Night's Dreamin Marcus Garvey Park,The Tempesttakes over Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Riverside Park is the stage for theComplete Works of Williams Shakespeare. There's even moreShakespeare in our calendar.

11. Visit Coney Island

Walk the boardwalk atConey Island, indulge in carnival eats, fly high onrides at Luna ParkandDeno'sWonder Wheel Amusem*nt Park, and visitthe New York Aquariumto get an up-close view ofthe sharks, Spineless, thePlayQuarium, and more.

RELATED:25 Top Splash Pads and Sprinkler Parks in NYC for Kids

NYC might be a big city, but it's also got some pretty amazing beaches. Photo by Sara Marentette

12. Visit the Beach

Swipe your MetroCard and catch a train to the beach, or for more adventure, hop a ferry.

13. Go Swimming

Dive into one of the city's FREE public pools, which are all opening for summer 2024 on Thursday, June 27.

14. Play in Brooklyn Bridge Park

It's hard to beat a day on the waterfront in Brooklyn Bridge Park. We love exploring its fabulous playgrounds, visiting the Pier 2 Uplands for some splashing, and then finishing with a waterfront dinner overlooking the skyline at Fornino, one of our favorite outdoor eateries in Brooklyn.

15. Ride the Beam

Rockefeller Center isn't a winter-only destination! Explore allthefun atTop of the Rock, including a ride on TheBeam—currentlyFREE forkids—andnab a kids' VIP pass to take advantage of discounts and giveaways campus-wide while you're there!

16. Get Lost at the Garden

The stunningNew York Botanical Gardenis a beautiful summer destination. This season it invites visitors to fall down the rabbit hole with itsAlice in Wonderland-inspired exhibition:Wonderland: Curious Nature. We suggest springing for the tea to-go!

17. Explore Little Island

We love Little Island, NYC's floating park, and its lineup of (mostly FREE!) entertainment and events.

18. Frolic in a Fountain

When the temperatures spike, these kid-friendly play fountains are easier than a trip to the pool or beach.

19. See the Sparklers

Macy's 4th of July fireworks are a must-see, and they return to the Hudson River in 2024. Pro tip: If you want to take a fireworks cruise, book now!

20. Hang With Harry Potter

Visitthe immersive Harry Potter Exhibition to go behind the scenes of some of the most magical movie moments. Its limited run ends Sunday, August 11, 2024.

21. Boogie in Brooklyn

Dance away the evening at the annual BRIC: Celebrate Brooklyn Festival.

22. Pitch a Tent

The Urban Park Rangers' popular city parks camping program returns. Register for the lottery to vie for your spot to sleep under the (invisible) city stars.

RELATED:Where to See Free Summer Movies in NYC

You can't beat the slide at Billy Johnson Playground. Photo by the author

23. Romp in Central Park

Check out our parent-tested list of Central Park's top playgrounds or explore these more off-the-beaten-path picks.

24. Hit the Sandbox

Build a sandcastle at one of these destination sandboxes.

25. Summer for the City

Head to Lincoln Center for live outdoor performances including the Summer For the City series featuring programming and activities for young audiences and families.

26. Visit a Local Farm

No matter the month, there's fresh produce to pick in the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and New Jersey. Plot a trip forstrawberry picking,pick-your-own blueberries, orpluck a perfectly ripe peach off the tree.

27. Dine Outside

These restaurants with kid-friendly backyards inManhattan,Brooklyn, andQueensare a sweet summertime treat.

28. Stop and Smell the Lavender

Long Island'sLavender By The Bayoffers acres of stunning blooms to explore, plus photo-ops and plenty of lavender goodies to purchase in its on-site shop.

29. Enjoy a Playground With a View

Explore NYC's waterfront parks by planning aplaydateat one of these 10 playgroundsranging from beachfront jungle gyms to riverfront destinations.

RELATED: Best Things to Do in Coney Island With Kids

Beat the heat with a trip to a favorite ice cream shop! Photo by Sara Marentette

30. Indulge in an Ice Cream Treat

Turn down the heat with a sweet treat from one of the mom-and-pop ice cream shops within the five boroughs. Some of our favorites: Sugar Hill Creamery, Brooklyn Farmacy, or one of these other local scoop shops.

31. Play with Science

The New York Hall of Science makes for a fun and educational destination, and we're in love with the renovated Science Playground, which begs at least one trip this season!

32. Play Pickleball

This racket sport is all the rage, and you can get in the game at CityPickle, which has transformed Wollman Rink into 14-courts of pickelball fun. Lessons are available and all equipment is included!

33. Build at Genius Gems

When the weather is too hot, humid, or rainy to romp outside, check out this awesome STEM play space in Chelsea, where kids can build with magnetic tiles, mix their own slime, design a custom glitter tile, and more. Don't be shy: Parents can play, too.

34. Ride a Bicycle

Whether you opt to explore the Empire State Trail, which runs from Lower Manhattan to Canada, or hit a more local path, dust off your two-wheeler and get outside.

35. Go Skydiving

Did you know Queens is home to alocation of iFly Indoor Skydiving? Take this as your sign to take a leap and give this daring outing a try!

RELATED: Camping at North-South Lake with Kids

Bryant Park has great children's programming during the summer months.

36. Bask in Bryant Park

Enjoy the green oasis that is Midtown's Bryant Park, with its reading room, game nook, pingpong tables, Picnic Performances, and more.

37. Go on Safari

Six Flags is inviting visitors to spend a night on the savannah thanks to the opening of its Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa, which overlooks its Wild Safari park!

38. Balloon Story

Head to the Park Avenue Armory when it is transformed by Balloon Story, a playful collection of larger-than-life, inflatable, interactive installations. It opens Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

39. Catch a Ferry

Whether you opt for the FREE Staten Island Ferry and stick around to explore the family-friendly things to do at the oft-forgotten borough when you get off, or hop aboard the NYC Ferry, a boat ride is a fun way to transport yourself for a day of adventure!

40. Explore the Belly of a Fish

The new Pier 26 Science Playground takes its cues from the sea. Kids can climb inside a larger-than-life sturgeon and whooshdown a super fast slide!

41. Sing-Along to a Concert

Our collection of alfresco summer concerts is growing by the day.

42. Go for a Wild Ride

You can take the train or bus to these local-ish amusem*nt parks to enjoy everything from kiddie rides to thrilling roller coasters.

RELATED: The Best Free Summer Sports in NYC for Kids

Rocking Horse Ranch's Boulder Bay pool is destination-worthy. Photo courtesy of the resort

43. Get Away

You don't have to go far to exhale. We've got the details on cool family-friendly hotels in city limits, plus these spots boasting cool hotel pools, and our top picks for lakefront resorts or family-friendly spa resorts.

44. Go Down The Shore

The Jersey Shore is a summertime playground. We've rounded up 70 things to do with kids, and even have a three-day itinerary for exploring the best attractions by the sea.

45. Reacquaint Yourself With Museum Mile & Beyond

We cherish our world-class museums, even better, many offerFREE admission deals! One of our favorite, can't-miss, annual events is theMuseum Mile Festivalon Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Fifth Avenue transforms into a giant, culture-filledstreet party, and its museums fling open their doors for FREE.

46. Go Whale Watching

Grab your binoculars and board one of thesewhale-watching toursto spot marine mammals and more just off the NYC shores.

47. Explore The Intrepid Museum

We have lots of love for The Intrepid Museum, which hosts an epic Apollo exhibition this summer, plus FREE monthly movies on its flight deck.

48. Go for a Spin on a Carousel

From Harlem to Dumbo, NYC is home togorgeous carousels and merry-go-rounds. When was the last time you went for a ride?

RELATED: Where to See Free Summer Fireworks in NYC

Explore the multiple routes through the rope-and-netting climbing structure at the Bronx Zoo Nature Trek.

49. Spend a Day at the Zoo

You can't go wrong with a visit to the Bronx Zoo, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. The Prospect Zoo is newly reopened, and we're also smitten with the Queens Zooand Central Park Zoo.

50. Play in Prospect Park

From Lakeside's splash pad to the Children's Corner Carousel, plus paddleboats, programming, and more, it's hard to pick our favorite thing to do in Brooklyn's iconic green space though we have managed to name our favorite playground.

Bonus: Finish Your Bucket List

See how many of our 100 things to do with NYC kids before they grow up you can cross off!

This post, originally published in 2019, has since been updated.

Unless noted, photos by author