Welcome to New York City, where every street corner offers many things to do in NYC with kids. Read about the activities in New York City for kids of all ages!
THE ULTIMATE PARENT’S GUIDE
Visit the New York City Family Adventure Guide
Welcome to New York City, where every street corner offers many things to do in NYC with kids. Read about the activities in New York City for kids of all ages!
Fun Facts
Interesting facts for kids about New York City
- Welcome to New York City, where every street tells a story and adventure awaits around every corner!
- WOW! Central Park is home to 21 playgrounds, and the oldest carousel in North America that still plays its original music from 1908!
- HOLY COW! The American Museum of Natural History’s collection includes over 34 million specimens and artifacts – if you spent one minute looking at each item, it would take you 64 years to see everything!
- SUPER COOL! The Intrepid survived five kamikaze attacks and a torpedo strike during World War II before becoming a museum that millions of kids visit each year!
- AMAZING! The Bronx Zoo’s Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit is so large it could fit three football fields inside it!
- INCREDIBLE! The Children’s Museum of Manhattan uses enough art supplies in one year to fill an entire school bus!
Must-Visit Spots
Where to go to find the right things to do in NYC with kids
American Museum of Natural History Get Ready for the American Museum of Natural History : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Step into a world where massive dinosaurs roam, butterflies flutter freely, and space comes alive! This museum makes science magical for young explorers.
INTERESTING FACT! The blue whale model hanging from the ceiling is the size of a real whale and weighs 21,000 pounds – that’s as heavy as three full-grown elephants!
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “Dinosaur Detective” – Have your child pretend to be a paleontologist and count how many different types of dinosaur footprints they can find throughout the dinosaur halls. This is a perfect kids activity in NYC for young adventurers who love science and discovery.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could have dinner with a dinosaur, which one would you choose and what would you serve?
DISCUSS: T-Rex had teeth as long as bananas and could eat up to 500 pounds of food in one bite!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Imagine being a T-Rex at dinner time! These mighty dinosaurs had the strongest bite of any land animal ever. They could crush a car as easily as you bite through a cookie. Their teeth would regrow throughout their lives, just like sharks today. Scientists think they might have even had lips, unlike how they’re shown in movies!
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think butterflies taste their food?
DISCUSS: Butterflies taste with their feet! They have special sensors in their legs that help them find food.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Just like you use your tongue to taste ice cream, butterflies walk on leaves to taste if they’re good to eat. They can also smell flowers from several miles away using their antennae. That’s like being able to smell fresh cookies baking from your school when you’re at home! Butterflies can see more colors than humans can, including ultraviolet light that we can’t see at all.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the dinosaur that could eat an entire school bus in one bite!
HINT: Look for the biggest meat-eater in the dinosaur halls with tiny arms.
OBJECTIVE: Spot the glowing minerals in the Halls of Gems.
HINT: Some rocks glow different colors under special lights – can you find the pink ones?
Central Park Zoo Get Ready for the Central Park Zoo : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Meet playful penguins, graceful snow leopards, and adorable red pandas in a perfectly sized zoo for little legs! A visit to the zoo is one of the most interactive and fun things to do in NYC with kids today!
INTERESTING FACT! The sea lions at the zoo can recognize different shapes and colors, and they love to play games with their trainers.
COOL ACTIVITY! Join the “Animal Movement Game” – At each exhibit, try to move like the animal you’re watching. Waddle like a penguin, hop like a snow monkey, or stretch like a snow leopard!
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think penguins have black backs and white bellies?
DISCUSS: When penguins swim, their black backs help them hide from predators above, while their white bellies help them hide from predators below!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: It’s like wearing a perfect camouflage suit for swimming! When fish look up, they see the bright sky, so the penguin’s white belly helps them blend in. When birds look down, they see the dark ocean, so the penguin’s black back keeps them hidden. Penguins can swim as fast as you can ride your bike – up to 22 miles per hour! They’re like little submarines in tuxedos, using their wings as flippers to zoom through the water.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do snow leopards stay warm in the snow?
DISCUSS: Snow leopards have tails as long as their bodies that they use like a scarf to keep warm!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: These big cats are nature’s winter experts! Their fur is as thick as your warmest winter coat, and their giant paws work like snowshoes. They can jump as far as six cars parked in a row! Their extra-long tails help them balance when they climb rocky mountains, and they wrap these fluffy tails around their faces when they sleep – just like you might snuggle with a blanket.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Watch the sea lion feeding show and count how many different tricks they can do.
HINT: Look for the sea lions spinning, clapping, and jumping high out of the water!
OBJECTIVE: Find all the different ways red pandas use their tails.
HINT: Watch them climbing and sleeping – their tails are very busy!
Children’s Museum of Manhattan Get Ready for the Children’s Museum of Manhattan : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This is a hands-on paradise where touching, climbing, and exploring aren’t just allowed – they’re encouraged! This interactive play zone makes it one of the best things to do with kids in NYC!
INTERESTING FACT! The water play area uses over 1,000 gallons of water – enough to fill a small swimming pool!
COOL ACTIVITY! In the “PlayWorks” area, become a city planner and build your own mini New York City using blocks and toys.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could design your own perfect playground, what would it include?
DISCUSS: The museum’s climbing structures were designed by kids just like you, who drew their dream playground!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Playgrounds have changed a lot over time! The first playgrounds in America were called “sand gardens” and were just big boxes of sand where kids could dig and build. Today’s playgrounds use special materials that are soft when you fall but strong enough to climb on. Scientists and designers work together to create equipment that helps kids learn while they play – just like your muscles get stronger when you climb, your brain gets stronger when you solve playground puzzles!
ASK YOUR KIDS: How many different ways can you make music with your body?
DISCUSS: You can make over 10 different sounds just using your hands – clapping, snapping, patting, and more!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Music is everywhere in our bodies! Your heartbeat is like a drum, your voice can be high like a flute or low like a bass. When you stomp your feet, you’re making vibrations just like a drum. Even professional musicians use body percussion – that’s making music with your body – in their songs. Some people can even whistle two different notes at the same time!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Create a musical story using three different instruments in the sound gallery.
HINT: Try combining soft and loud sounds to make your story exciting!
OBJECTIVE: Build something in the construction zone that can stand taller than you are.
HINT: Start with a strong base, just like real buildings do!
Bronx Zoo Get Ready for the Bronx Zoo : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Journey through a real wildlife kingdom where you can watch gorillas play, hear lions roar, and see tigers splash! Among all the things to do in NYC with kids, the Bronx Zoo stands out as an unforgettable experience.
INTERESTING FACT! The zoo has a special “bug carousel” where instead of riding horses, you can ride on giant grasshoppers, praying mantises, and other insects!
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “Animal Detective” – At each exhibit, look for three things: what the animal eats, where it sleeps, and how it moves.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you were as tall as a giraffe, what would be different about your daily life?
DISCUSS: A giraffe’s tongue is purple-black and can be up to 21 inches long – that’s longer than most kids’ arms!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Imagine trying to drink from a water fountain if you were giraffe-sized! Giraffes have to spread their front legs way out just to take a drink. Their hearts are huge – about 25 pounds, which is like carrying two bowling balls – because they need to pump blood all the way up their long necks. When baby giraffes are born, they fall 6 feet to the ground (don’t worry, they’re totally fine!) and can walk within an hour. That’s like learning to ride a bike right after you’re born!
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think monkeys talk to each other?
DISCUSS: Gorillas can learn sign language and can understand over 1,000 words – that’s as many as a 3-year-old child!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Primates communicate in amazing ways! They use facial expressions just like we do – a smile means they’re happy, raised eyebrows mean they’re interested. They also use body language, sounds, and even smell to “talk” to each other. Some monkeys warn their friends about danger using different calls – one sound for “Watch out for eagles!” and another for “There’s a snake nearby!” It’s like having a special monkey language!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find three different animals that have stripes and figure out why they might need them.
HINT: Look at tigers, zebras, and okapis – their stripes all serve different purposes!
OBJECTIVE: Spot five different ways animals keep cool on a hot day.
HINT: Watch for animals in the water, under trees, or using their tails as fans!
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Get Ready for the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Step aboard a real aircraft carrier where planes once landed and see a real space shuttle up close! This museum offers an unforgettable experience making it a top choice among fun things to do in NYC with kids who love adventure and history.
INTERESTING FACT! The Intrepid is as long as three football fields and once had 3,000 people living on it – that’s like a floating city!
COOL ACTIVITY! “Pilot Training” – Practice giving pilot signals using your arms like real flight deck crews do. If your child dreams of flying, this is one of the most exciting things to do in New York with kids.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think planes land on a moving ship?
DISCUSS: The ship has four special wires called “arresting cables” that catch planes’ hooks to help them stop – like a giant game of catch!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Landing on an aircraft carrier is like trying to park your bicycle on a moving skateboard! The ship and plane are both moving, and the landing space is much smaller than a regular airport runway. The pilots follow special lights that tell them if they’re too high or too low – like a traffic light for planes. The ship even has a special angled deck so if a plane misses the cables, it can safely take off again!
ASK YOUR KIDS: What do astronauts eat in space?
DISCUSS: In space, astronauts can’t use regular salt and pepper because it would float away – they use liquid seasonings instead!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Eating in space is like having a picnic while floating! Astronauts eat from special packages that stick to the table. Their drinks come in pouches with straws so the liquid doesn’t float away in bubbles. Some foods, like ice cream, are freeze-dried (like astronaut ice cream in the gift shop!) which makes them light enough to send to space. Crumbs are dangerous in space because they can float into important equipment, so astronauts often eat tortillas instead of bread!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Count how many different types of aircraft you can spot on the flight deck.
HINT: Look for helicopters, fighter jets, and spy planes – they all look very different!
OBJECTIVE: Find the space shuttle Enterprise and spot three ways it’s different from regular airplanes.
HINT: Look at its wings, nose, and tail – they’re specially designed for space travel!
Other things to do in NYC with kids
Other great things to do in NYC with kids
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we are great things to do in NYC with kids:
High Line: An elevated park built on old train tracks featuring kid-friendly art installations, gardens, and plenty of space to run and explore.
SeaGlass Carousel: A magical underwater-themed carousel in Battery Park where you can ride in glowing fish that swirl and spin like you’re swimming in the ocean.
Brooklyn Bridge Park: Features the best playgrounds in NYC, including water play areas, slides built into hills, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books to get better insights into things to do in NYC with kids:
- “This Is New York” by Miroslav Sasek – A beautifully illustrated classic introducing the city’s landmarks
- “Subway” by Christoph Niemann – A fun journey through NYC’s transit system
- “Good Night New York City” by Adam Gamble – Perfect bedtime reading before the trip
- “From the Top of the Empire State Building” by Elizabeth Mann – An engaging look at the famous skyscraper
- “My First Trip to New York: A Family’s Travel Guide” by Katie Katz – Written from a child’s perspective
- “Larry Gets Lost in New York City” by John Skewes – A fun adventure story following a dog through NYC
Fun Facts
Interesting facts for kids about New York City
- Welcome to New York City, where every street corner holds offers many things to do with kids in NYC.
- HOLY COW! The Empire State Building has its own ZIP code (10118)!
- SUPER COOL! There are about 4,000 food vendors on NYC streets, serving everything from hot dogs to gourmet tacos!
- WOW! The New York Public Library has over 50 million items, including a Gutenberg Bible and Charles Dickens’s personal letter opener made from his cat’s paw!
- AMAZING! Times Square’s billboards use enough electricity to power 161,000 average U.S. homes for a year!
- INCREDIBLE! Central Park is home to approximately 24,000 trees and was the first public park in America to install electric lights!
Must-Visit Spots
Where to go to find the right things to do in NYC with kids
New York Hall of Science Get Ready for the New York Hall of Science : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Step into a world where science comes alive through more than 450 interactive exhibits! If you’re searching for fun things to do in NYC with kids, this hands-on museum is a must-visit. It’s a place where you can conduct real experiments, design solutions to engineering challenges, and explore everything from microbes to outer space.
INTERESTING FACT! The building was originally constructed for the 1964 World’s Fair, and its distinctive “Great Hall” has 5,400 cobalt-blue panels that create an otherworldly atmosphere when sunlight streams through them.
COOL ACTIVITY! Design and test your own paper airplane in the “Design Lab,” then compete with other visitors to see whose plane flies the furthest. Try different wing shapes and sizes to understand how aerodynamics works!
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could design a new exhibit for this museum, what scientific principle would you want to demonstrate, and how would you make it interactive?
DISCUSS: Scientists often use everyday materials to make groundbreaking discoveries. For instance, the sticky notes we use today were invented when a scientist was trying to create a super-strong adhesive but instead made one that could stick and unstick easily!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: This leads to fascinating discussions about accidental discoveries in science, like how penicillin was discovered when Alexander Fleming noticed mold killing bacteria in his petri dishes. Other examples include the microwave oven (discovered when a chocolate bar melted in a scientist’s pocket), X-rays (found while experimenting with cathode ray tubes), and even potato chips (created when a chef kept making thinner and thinner french fries for a picky customer).
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think scientists test their theories before building expensive prototypes?
DISCUSS: Scientists at NASA use something called “analog missions” where they practice Mars missions right here on Earth in places that look like Mars, such as deserts and volcanic areas!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: This opens up discussions about the scientific method and how scientists use models and simulations. Talk about how video games often use physics engines to simulate real-world behavior, how wind tunnels help design faster cars and planes, and how scientists use small-scale models to predict everything from weather patterns to earthquake effects on buildings.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the exhibit that demonstrates the Bernoulli principle and explain how it makes things fly.
HINT: Look for floating balls that seem to defy gravity!
OBJECTIVE: Locate three different types of simple machines in the Design Lab and explain how they make work easier.
HINT: Think about levers, pulleys, and inclined planes – they’re hiding in plain sight!
The High Line Get Ready for the The High Line : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Experience an incredible urban park built on an abandoned elevated railway line! This innovative green space is one of the unique things to do in NYC with kids. This will show your kids how cities can transform industrial ruins into beautiful public spaces, combining art, nature, and architecture in surprising ways.
INTERESTING FACT! The High Line was once called the “Life Line of New York” because it carried millions of pounds of meat, produce, and raw materials to the industrial district. The last train ran in 1980 carrying three carloads of frozen turkeys!
COOL ACTIVITY! Become an urban naturalist! Download the High Line’s plant guide and identify different species that grow in this elevated garden. Look for plants that grew naturally when the railway was abandoned – some of these “pioneer species” are still part of the park’s landscape.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think plants and animals adapted to living 30 feet above street level in the middle of Manhattan?
DISCUSS: Birds and insects helped create the original wild landscape on the abandoned tracks by carrying seeds from all over the city, creating a natural aerial garden before it became a park!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: This leads to fascinating discussions about urban ecosystems. The High Line demonstrates nature’s resilience – plants found ways to grow in just 3 inches of soil that collected on abandoned train tracks. Today, the park includes over 500 species of plants and trees, many chosen because they’re tough enough to thrive in shallow soil and resistant to harsh city conditions. The park has become a corridor for wildlife, including over 100 species of birds that use it during migration.
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could design a park from an abandoned space in your neighborhood, what would you include and why?
DISCUSS: The High Line’s designers created “peel-up” benches that look like the park’s planks are peeling up from the ground – they’re actually inspired by the way nature started breaking through the original railroad tracks!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: This opens up discussions about sustainable urban design and how cities are finding creative ways to add green spaces. Similar projects have sprung up worldwide, like the Promenade Plantée in Paris (which actually inspired the High Line) and the proposed Lowline underground park in NYC. Talk about how urban planners must balance the needs of people, plants, and wildlife while preserving historical elements.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find and photograph three different types of native grasses that grow along the tracks. Compare their heights and colors.
HINT: Look for areas where the original railroad tracks are still visible – many native grasses grow between them!
OBJECTIVE: Locate the “10th Avenue Square” and count how many different types of seating areas you can find.
HINT: This is where the park widens and creates an amphitheater-like space with a window onto 10th Avenue.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Get Ready for the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Step into America’s gateway and discover the stories of millions who journeyed to find a new life! If you’re planning a family visit, this is one of the top things to do with kids in NYC, offering a way for you and your kids to climb inside a piece of living history.
INTERESTING FACT! Lady Liberty’s face was modeled after the sculptor’s mother, and her torch arm is 42 feet long! The seven spikes in her crown represent the world’s seven continents and seas.
COOL ACTIVITY! Become a family historian! Before visiting, research your own family’s immigration story. Then, at Ellis Island, use the American Family Immigration History Center to search for actual records of your ancestors who might have passed through these very halls.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you had to pack one suitcase with everything important to you for a journey to a new country, what would you choose and why?
DISCUSS: Many immigrants who came through Ellis Island could only bring what they could carry – often just one suitcase weighing no more than 44 pounds, about the weight of a modern microwave!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: This leads to powerful discussions about immigration then and now. Share how Ellis Island processed up to 5,000 people per day at its peak, with immigrants facing medical exams and questioning that could last hours. Compare what they brought (often family photos, tools for their trade, or traditional clothing) to what modern travelers pack. Discuss how some immigrants changed their names, either by choice or due to officials’ misspellings, and how these changes affected American culture.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think the Statue of Liberty was built to withstand powerful storms and high winds for over 130 years?
DISCUSS: The Statue’s copper skin is only as thick as two pennies stacked together, but it can sway up to 3 inches in strong winds without damage thanks to a flexible internal framework!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: This opens fascinating discussions about engineering and design. The statue’s ingenious construction uses a technique called repoussé, where copper sheets are hammered into wooden molds to create the shape. The internal iron framework, designed by Gustave Eiffel (who later built the Eiffel Tower), allows the statue to flex like a skyscraper. The copper has turned green over time due to oxidation – the same process that turns pennies green. Originally, the statue was the color of a shiny penny!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find and count all the different languages on the Ellis Island Wall of Honor. What does this tell you about America’s diversity?
HINT: Look for the newest additions to the wall – names are still being added today!
OBJECTIVE: In the Statue of Liberty Museum, locate three different original torch designs. How are they different from the current torch?
HINT: The torch has been modified several times since 1886 – look for the display showing its evolution.
Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) Get Ready for the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Welcome to one of the world’s largest art museums, where you can travel through 5,000 years of human creativity! For families wondering what to do in NYC today with kids, the Met is like a time machine where every gallery opens a door to a different era.
INTERESTING FACT! The Met has a real Egyptian temple inside it! The Temple of Dendur was given to the United States by Egypt and was rebuilt piece by piece inside the museum. It even has the original ancient graffiti on its walls from travelers who visited it thousands of years ago!
COOL ACTIVITY! Become an Art Detective! Pick up a family guide at the information desk and go on a scavenger hunt through different time periods. Look for specific symbols, colors, or themes in artwork across different cultures and centuries.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could create a self-portrait that showed your personality without painting your face, what objects would you include and why?
DISCUSS: Artists often included hidden messages in their paintings through symbols called “iconography.” For example, a skull might represent mortality, while a dog often symbolized loyalty!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: This leads to fascinating discussions about how artists communicate through their work. In medieval paintings, specific colors had meanings – gold represented divinity, while blue (made from crushed lapis lazuli) was so expensive it was reserved for important figures like the Virgin Mary. Modern artists continue this tradition: Van Gogh’s yellow sunflowers represented friendship and gratitude, while Picasso’s blue period reflected his sadness. Discuss how emoji are modern symbols that convey meaning without words, just like ancient art symbols.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think archaeologists and art historians figure out what ancient artifacts were used for when there’s no written record?
DISCUSS: Scientists use X-rays and special lighting to see hidden layers in paintings, revealing earlier versions underneath – they recently discovered a hidden portrait under Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: This opens up discussions about art conservation and scientific investigation. Share how researchers use infrared light to see artists’ original sketches under paintings, how chemical analysis reveals what ancient peoples ate from their pottery, and how 3D scanning helps recreate damaged artifacts. Modern technology helps us understand ancient technologies – for instance, researchers discovered that Roman concrete actually gets stronger over time because of its unique chemical composition.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find three different types of armor from different cultures and compare their designs. What do the differences tell you about each culture’s warfare techniques?
HINT: Look in the Arms and Armor gallery for Japanese samurai armor, European knight’s armor, and Middle Eastern mail shirts.
OBJECTIVE: Locate an artwork that tells a story without any words. Try to “read” the story and then check the description to see if you were right.
HINT: The American Wing has several narrative paintings that tell stories from American history.
New York Transit Museum Get Ready for the New York Transit Museum : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Housed in an authentic 1936 subway station, this museum lets you step back in time to explore vintage subway cars, buses, and the fascinating story of how New York keeps millions of people moving every day! If you’re looking for things to do with kids in New York, this museum is a hidden gem that offers an interactive experience perfect for young explorers.
INTERESTING FACT! The museum’s home, the decommissioned Court Street station, was only in service for 10 years before closing in 1946 because not enough people used it. Talk about a plot twist – now it’s one of Brooklyn’s most popular attractions!
COOL ACTIVITY! Become a Transit Operator! Sit in the driver’s seat of a city bus, pull the cord to request a stop on a vintage bus, and use the hand controls in an old subway car. You can even pretend to be a subway conductor and make station announcements!
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think engineers solved the problem of building subway tunnels under a city that was already built?
DISCUSS: Some of NYC’s first subway tunnels were built using a method called “cut and cover” where workers would literally dig up the street, build the tunnel, and then cover it back up – all while people still needed to use the roads above!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: This leads to fascinating discussions about urban engineering challenges. Share how workers had to deal with underground streams, building foundations, and existing utility lines. The subway system is like an underground city, with 850 miles of track (enough to reach from NYC to Chicago!) and some stations deep enough to fit a six-story building inside. Modern tunnel boring machines can now dig through solid rock without disturbing the street above, but they still occasionally find surprising things underground, like colonial-era boats and woolly mammoth bones!
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think subway tokens were replaced by MetroCards, and what do you think might replace MetroCards in the future?
DISCUSS: The last NYC subway token was sold in 2003, ending a 50-year era. One token from 1980 had a special design with a small hole in the middle to prevent counterfeiting!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: This opens up discussions about how technology changes transportation. From paper tickets to tokens to magnetic cards to today’s OMNY contactless payment system, each change made riding easier but brought new challenges. Talk about how the subway system adapts to serve nearly 6 million riders daily, using computers to track trains, manage crowds, and even control the air temperature. Discuss future possibilities like biometric scanning or autonomous trains.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the oldest subway car in the museum and compare it to a modern car. List five major differences in design and technology.
HINT: Look for the wooden bodied cars from the early 1900s – they’re very different from today’s stainless steel ones!
OBJECTIVE: Locate three different types of subway maps from different decades. How has the system grown and changed?
HINT: Pay special attention to how the map designs changed when Massimo Vignelli created his famous 1972 version.
Other things to do in NYC with kids
Other great things to do in NYC with kids
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we are great things to do in NYC with kids:
American Museum of Natural History: Stand beneath massive dinosaur skeletons, explore space in the Hayden Planetarium, and discover the wonders of our natural world in this incredible museum that inspired “Night at the Museum.” View the Parent’s Guide!
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: Explore a real aircraft carrier, climb inside a submarine, and see the space shuttle Enterprise up close at this fascinating museum dedicated to military and maritime history.
Brooklyn Bridge Park: Walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, enjoy spectacular Manhattan skyline views, and visit Jane’s Carousel, a restored 1922 carousel housed in a glass pavilion by the water.
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books to get more ideas on things to do in NYC with kids:
- From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg (perfect for Met visitors!)
- The Transit Detective series by Mac Barnett (great for understanding NYC’s subway system)
- This Is New York by Miroslav Sasek (beautiful illustrated introduction to NYC)
- You Can’t Take a Balloon into the Metropolitan Museum by Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman
- Download the NYC Subway Map app
- Visit the Met’s website for their “MetKids” interactive features
- Check out the High Line’s virtual tour and plant guide
- Ellis Island’s interactive immigration database (search family names before visiting)
- New York: A Documentary Film by Ric Burns (select age-appropriate segments)
- Modern Marvels: New York City Subway
- Lady Liberty: The Ellis Island Story
Fun Facts
Interesting facts for kids about New York City
- New York City stands as a global beacon of culture, art, and innovation, where every corner tells a unique story.
- WOW! The MoMA building can handle the weight of a helicopter landing on its roof – it was designed this way during the Cold War as a potential evacuation point!
- HOLY COW! The Metropolitan Opera’s stage can hold up to 320 performers at once, and the curtain is made from 1,500 pounds of specially woven silk!
- SUPER COOL! The New York Public Library has over 56 million items, including a lock of Beethoven’s hair and Charles Dickens’s personal letter opener made from his cat’s paw!
- AMAZING! The 9/11 Memorial’s twin pools contain 52,000 gallons of recycled water and are designed to be self-cooling, creating their own microclimate!
- INCREDIBLE! Times Square’s Broadway theaters use enough electricity each day to power 161,000 average American homes!
Must-Visit Spots
Where to go to find the right things to do in NYC with kids
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Get Ready for the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? MoMA houses some of the most influential modern and contemporary artworks in the world, including Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” and Warhol’s iconic Campbell’s Soup Cans. If you’re looking for fun things to do in NYC with kids, this museum provides an engaging experience for teens and families alike.
INTERESTING FACT! The museum’s first director, Alfred H. Barr Jr., smuggled artworks out of Nazi Germany to protect them from destruction, saving countless masterpieces.
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a “Visual Dialogue” by photographing artwork details that connect to each other thematically, forming your own artistic narrative through the museum.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could create art that represented our current digital age, what medium would you use and why?
DISCUSS: The first digital artwork acquired by MoMA was the @ symbol, recognizing it as a design icon of the modern age.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Explore how art has evolved from traditional paintings to include digital media, performance art, and interactive installations. Consider how social media platforms have become modern-day galleries, how NFTs are changing art ownership, and how technology is blurring the lines between creator and audience.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think artists like Andy Warhol would use Instagram if they were alive today?
DISCUSS: Warhol predicted that “In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes” – a statement that perfectly predicted our social media age.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Discuss how artists like Warhol challenged the distinction between commercial and fine art, similar to today’s influencer culture. Explore how his screen printing technique parallels modern digital filters and mass media distribution.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find three artworks that incorporate technology or comment on modern life.
HINT: Look for works in the media and performance art galleries.
OBJECTIVE: Locate an artwork that changed the definition of what art could be.
HINT: Visit the fourth-floor galleries featuring early modern art movements.
Broadway Shows Get Ready for the Broadway Shows : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Experience world-class live theater where performers, musicians, and technical artists create unforgettable moments in historic venues dating back to the early 1900s. For families exploring things to do in Manhattan with kids, Broadway offers an unforgettable night of storytelling and entertainment.
INTERESTING FACT! The term “Broadway” only applies to theaters with 500+ seats, while smaller venues are considered “Off-Broadway” or “Off-Off-Broadway.”
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a “Show Analysis Journal” – document the technical elements (lighting changes, set transitions, sound effects) that enhance emotional moments in the performance.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think live theater differs from movies in its ability to tell stories and create emotional connections?
DISCUSS: Broadway performers often sing without microphones during rehearsals to develop projection techniques that could fill a theater even if the power went out.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Explore the psychology of live performance, discussing how actors feed off audience energy, how timing changes nightly, and how theater creates a unique shared experience. Compare this to the controlled environment of film, discussing the advantages and challenges of each medium.
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could modernize a classic Broadway show, what current social issues or modern elements would you incorporate?
DISCUSS: “Hamilton” uses hip-hop to tell a historical story, earning $1 million per week and revolutionizing how Broadway appeals to younger audiences.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Discuss how theater adapts to changing times while maintaining its core storytelling power. Examine how shows like “Dear Evan Hansen” tackle social media and mental health, while “Hadestown” reimagines ancient myths through modern environmental themes.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Identify three different types of theatrical special effects used during the show.
HINT: Pay attention during scene transitions and climactic moments.
OBJECTIVE: Find examples of how the show’s costume design reflects character development.
HINT: Notice how colors and styles change as characters evolve.
9/11 Memorial & Museum Get Ready for the 9/11 Memorial & Museum : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This powerful space honors the victims of 9/11 while examining its global impact and celebrating the resilience of New York City and its people. A visit here is one of the most meaningful things to do in NYC with kids, offering a deep dive into history and remembrance.
INTERESTING FACT! The two memorial pools sit within the exact footprints of the Twin Towers, with water falling 30 feet into reflecting pools.
COOL ACTIVITY! Research one personal story from the museum’s collection and trace how that individual’s experience connected to the larger historical event.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think social media would have changed the way we experienced and documented 9/11 if it had existed then?
DISCUSS: The 9/11 Museum houses over 70,000 artifacts, including the “Survivor Stairs” that helped hundreds escape the towers.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Examine how news reporting has evolved from traditional media to citizen journalism. Discuss the impact of immediate information sharing, the role of documentation in historical events, and the responsibility that comes with sharing sensitive content.
ASK YOUR KIDS: What role do memorials play in helping societies heal from tragedy, and how might future memorials be different?
DISCUSS: The Memorial’s twin pools feature the largest manmade waterfalls in North America, symbolizing the void left behind.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Explore how different cultures memorialize significant events, the evolution of digital memorials, and how public spaces can facilitate healing. Discuss the balance between remembering tragedy and celebrating resilience.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate three examples of how ordinary people performed extraordinary acts of heroism.
HINT: Look for the “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Acts” section.
OBJECTIVE: Find artifacts that show how technology has preserved memories of that day.
HINT: Visit the Historical Exhibition area.
The Metropolitan Opera Get Ready for the The Metropolitan Opera : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Experience world-class opera in a stunning venue where cutting-edge technology meets classical artistry, featuring performances in multiple languages with real-time translations. If you’re searching for unique things to do in NYC with kids, the Met Opera offers a breathtaking cultural experience unlike any other.
INTERESTING FACT! The Met’s chandeliers rise to the ceiling during performances, a tradition that signals the start of each show and inspired the “Phantom of the Opera” chandelier scene.
COOL ACTIVITY! Download the Met Opera Student App before attending and follow along with the plot synopsis and musical highlights during the performance.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think opera compares to modern musical storytelling like rap or musical theater in terms of emotional expression?
DISCUSS: Opera singers can project their voices over a full orchestra without microphones, producing sounds that can reach over 130 decibels – as loud as a jet engine!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Explore how different musical genres express emotion, the physics of vocal projection, the role of music in storytelling across cultures, and how classical techniques influence modern music production.
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you were to create a modern opera about current events, what story would you tell and what musical styles would you blend?
DISCUSS: The Met now uses a state-of-the-art titles system that provides instant translations in multiple languages on individual screens at each seat.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Discuss how opera has evolved from entertainment for the elite to a more accessible art form, the integration of modern technology in classical performance, and the universal themes that connect centuries-old stories to contemporary life.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Identify three different languages being sung during the performance.
HINT: Use the subtitle screen to track language changes.
OBJECTIVE: Spot five different types of instruments in the orchestra pit.
HINT: Arrive early to watch the orchestra warm up.
New York Public Library – Stephen A. Schwarzman Building Get Ready for the New York Public Library – Stephen A. Schwarzman Building : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This architectural masterpiece houses millions of items, including priceless historical documents, rare books, and the original Winnie-the-Pooh stuffed animals. For families looking for things to do in New York with kids, the library offers a mix of history, literature, and stunning architecture.
INTERESTING FACT! The famous lion statues outside the library are named Patience and Fortitude, nicknamed by Mayor LaGuardia during the Great Depression to inspire New Yorkers.
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a “Literary Scavenger Hunt” by photographing architectural details that reference famous authors or books throughout the building.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: In a digital age where information is instantly accessible, what role do physical libraries play in society?
DISCUSS: The library’s pneumatic tube system, used to deliver book requests, was considered as advanced in 1911 as our digital systems are today.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Explore the evolution of information storage and retrieval, the importance of preserving physical documents, the role of libraries in democracy, and how libraries are adapting to serve modern communities.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How might libraries look in 50 years, and what current materials should we preserve for future generations?
DISCUSS: The library’s collection includes a Gutenberg Bible, one of only 49 remaining copies of the first book printed with movable type.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Discuss the challenges of digital preservation, the value of original documents versus digital copies, the evolution of reading habits, and the future of public spaces in an increasingly virtual world.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate three hidden animals in the building’s architectural details.
HINT: Look up at the ceilings and examine the woodwork carefully.
OBJECTIVE: Find a connection between the library and your favorite book or author.
HINT: Visit the special collections areas and ask librarians about notable holdings.
Other things to do in NYC with kids
Other great things to do in NYC with kids
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we are great things to do in NYC with kids:
The High Line: An elevated park built on former railway tracks, featuring public art installations, food vendors, and stunning city views. Perfect for photography enthusiasts and urban exploration.
Chelsea Market: A food lover’s paradise housed in the former Nabisco factory where the Oreo was invented. Explore global cuisine, local artisans, and unique shopping opportunities. View the Parent’s Guide!
The Morgan Library & Museum: J.P. Morgan’s former private library, now a museum housing rare manuscripts, historical documents, and changing exhibitions in a stunning architectural setting.
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books to prepare yourself even more for things to do in NYC with kids:
- The Works: Anatomy of a City by Kate Ascher – Understanding NYC’s infrastructure
- Just Kids by Patti Smith – A memoir about artistic life in New York
- 102 Minutes by Jim Dwyer – A powerful account of 9/11
- The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson – Historical context for American architecture
- Hamilton: The Revolution by Lin-Manuel Miranda – Behind-the-scenes of Broadway’s revolution
- The Opera House – About the Metropolitan Opera’s history
- The World Before Your Feet – Walking every street in NYC
- Abstract: The Art of Design (Netflix) – Episode on Paula Scher features NYC design
- The Weight of the Nation – Features the NY Public Library system
LOCATION SUMMARY
Imagine stepping into a city where towering skyscrapers touch the clouds and every corner holds a new adventure! New York City is like a giant playground where history, science, and nature come together in the most exciting ways.
Did you know that if you laid all of New York City’s subway tracks in a straight line, they would stretch from NYC all the way to Chicago – that’s over 850 miles of track! From the bright lights of Times Square that shine so bright they can be seen from space, to the Statue of Liberty who has been welcoming visitors for over 135 years. There are endless things to do in New York with kids that will make your child’s eyes light up with wonder as they discover why New York City is known as the “Capital of the World.”
MORE INFORMATION
DISCOUNT CODE
CityPASS New York C3 offers admission to 3 attractions of your choice at 30% savings
New York Explorer Pass provides flexible admission options with up to 40% savings
AAA members receive 10% off admission at most attractions
Teachers with valid ID receive free admission at the Intrepid Museum