New York Family Sightseeing Tips
New York is a fantastic and friendly city to explore for families, including with smaller children. Here we share a from our family to yours a selection of recommended evergreen experiences for all ages. It’s somewhat Brooklyn and Manhattan centric, as that’s our roaming area ;). Be mindful for the kids that in New York you walk a lot more than you realise every day! The cost of some of these activities can add up, so we do recommend the New York Pass, to get savings for you and your family. Additionally, download the invaluable free Citymapper app for all transit directions. Tip: avoid buying any services from people offering tickets on the street.
Brooklyn
This list is organised from West to East, so you can plan your day accordingly.
Domino Park (playground, ice cream, pizza, city views) Map
Oddfellows Ice Cream (awesome ice cream selection) Map
Brooklyn Bowl (cool bowling in Williamsburg) Map
Williamsburg Cinema (local cinema) Map
Nitehawk Cinema (dine in movies) Map
East River Ferry Ride (cheap ultra-scenic commuter ferry ride) Maps
Governor’s Island (half day trip full of activities and fun for kids. Ferry access) Map
Brooklyn Bridge Park (basketball courts, riverside walk, marina) Map
Pier 6 Playground (beautiful shaded playground with water play area for younger kids) Map
Brooklyn Bridge Park Environmental Education Center (learn about the river/harbour) Map
Jane’s Carousel (carousel with scenic views and walks) Map
New York Transit Museum (for kids that love trains) Map
Brooklyn Steele (music venue over 16yrs old fine) Map
Prospect Park (Brooklyn’s Central Park) Map
Prospect Park Zoo (smaller Zoo, but fun) Map
Brooklyn Botanical Garden (beautiful & educational) Map
Bushwick Art Collective (Area of stunning street art) Map
Dough Donuts (outrageously good doughnuts 5 locations) Maps
Brooklyn Children’s Museum (activities for younger ones) Map
Coney Island (a bit tired and a long trip, but some may enjoy) Map
Bronx / Queens
Museum of the Moving Image (In Queens, kids and adults will love) Map
Bronx Zoo (the city zoo, so much to see, next to NYBG below) Map
New York Botanical Gardens (spend half a day, pairs with the zoo trip) Map
Manhattan, Battery Park to 14th street
This list is organised from South to North, so you can plan your day accordingly.
Battery Park (to see statue of liberty, boat takes ages) Map
Museum of American Indian (beautiful free museum) Map
One World Observatory (stunning views of NY and NJ) Map
New York City Fire Museum (amazing fun for kids) Map
Children's Musuem Of the Arts (half day, many activities for younger kids) Map
The Museum Of Ice Cream (interactive experience / insta friendly) Map
Sloomoo Institute New York (for those that love slime) Map
Museum of Illusions (for for an hour or so for kids if not busy) Map
Kidding Around (excellent toy store) Map
Barnes & Noble (Union Square. Great kids section and toy section) Map
Breads Bakery (best Babka & sourdough the kids will love) Map
Manhattan, above 14th street
This list is organised from South to North, so you can plan your day accordingly.
The High Line (scenic elevated walk along abandoned railway) Map
Little Island (award-winning public park) Map
Chelsea Piers (activities for athletic kids + park nearby) Maps
Billy’s Bakery (cupcakes and best banana cake in the city) Map
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (aircraft carrier, jets, concorde, Nasa Shuttle!) Map
Lego Store (Madison Square Park. Shake Shack nearby in the park) Map
Grand Central Concourse (kids love the main station hall) Map
American Natural History Museum (the must see museum) Map
Central Park (so much to see, day trip worthy) Map
FAO Schwarz (the classic Tom Hanks BIG one, relaunched) Maps
Reading & Web Resources
For some reading in advance of your trip to build anticipation in your children ahead of their New York adventure, track down these books and resources:
‘A Walk In New York’ is a great companion book for kids - Amazon
Night At the Museum (movie pairs with museum visit) IMDB
Also ‘City Walks with Kids, New York’ has cool cards offering tips Amazon
It’s always worth checking out Time Out Kids for the latest
