New York City offers countless activities for families with children. From iconic landmarks to exciting tours, the city is filled with adventures that will entertain both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, here’s a guide to some of the best kid-friendly activities in NYC, including an unforgettable Pizza Tour with the Pizza Bus.
1. Explore Central Park
No trip to New York City with kids would be complete without a visit to Central Park. Spanning 843 acres, Central Park has something for everyone, including vast open spaces, playgrounds, and family-friendly attractions like the Central Park Zoo. For a fun adventure, take a rowboat on the lake, or rent bikes and explore the park’s many winding paths.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Kid-Friendly Tip: Take a horse and carriage ride through Central Park for a magical experience! Kids will love seeing the park’s iconic spots from the comfort of a carriage, making it a fun and relaxing way to explore.
2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art – A Cultural Adventure for Kids
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) offers an exciting journey through art and history that kids will love. With over 2 million works of art, there are plenty of exhibits to capture young imaginations. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to medieval armor and modern art, the museum provides endless opportunities for discovery. The Temple of Dendur, an ancient Egyptian temple, is always a favorite with children, as are the arms and armor galleries, where kids can marvel at knights in shining armor.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Grab a Met Family Map at the entrance and set off on a scavenger hunt. The Met also offers family-friendly audio guides, which make exploring the museum fun and engaging for younger visitors.
3. Ride the Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is a free boat ride that offers one of the best views of the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, and the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s perfect for kids who love being on the water, and parents will appreciate the photo opportunities without the cost of a pricey boat tour.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Take the ferry just before sunset for breathtaking views of the skyline at golden hour.
4. Hop on the NYC Pizza Tour with the Pizza Bus
For a truly unique experience, hop on the NYC Pizza Tour with the Pizza Bus. This kid-friendly tour takes you through several boroughs, stopping at some of the best pizza joints in the city. Your guide will share fun pizza facts, history, and let you and your kids enjoy a variety of pizza styles from classic New York slices to Sicilian pies.
Kid-Friendly Tip: The Pizza Bus is perfect for kids who love pizza. The tour also offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities along the way, making it an exciting adventure for the whole family.
5. Take a Walk Through Times Square
Bright lights, big screens, and street performers make Times Square an absolute wonder for kids. Walk through this bustling hub, take a family photo under the glowing billboards, and pop into some of the kid-friendly shops like the M&M’s World and the Disney Store. Capture an unforgettable moment with the NYC Times Square Photo on a Billboard Experience, where you can see your photo displayed on one of the world’s most iconic screens in the heart of Times Square!
Kid-Friendly Tip: Plan a visit in the evening to experience the full effect of Times Square’s neon lights.
6. Empire State Building – A Sky-High Adventure for Kids
The Empire State Building is an iconic New York City landmark, and visiting the observation decks offers an unforgettable experience for kids. They’ll love riding the elevators up to the 86th and 102nd floors, where they can see panoramic views of the city, including Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and even as far as New Jersey on a clear day. Interactive exhibits inside the building share fun facts about the construction of the skyscraper and the history of New York.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Check out the Empire State Building’s Observatory Experience, which includes immersive videos and fun photo ops for kids.
7. New York Interactive Bus Experience – A Fun Ride for Kids
The New York Interactive Bus Experience is a fantastic way for kids to explore the city in an exciting, engaging way. This unique bus tour combines live entertainment, immersive multimedia, and interactive storytelling to make learning about New York’s famous landmarks fun and memorable. The bus’s floor-to-ceiling windows give children a great view of iconic sites like Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building, while live performers onboard keep the energy high with games, trivia, and fun facts.
Kid-Friendly Tip: The interactive nature of the tour keeps kids engaged throughout the ride, making it a great option for families
8. Experience the Magic of The Lion King on Broadway
A trip to New York City with kids wouldn’t be complete without seeing a Broadway show, and The Lion King is one of the best family-friendly productions. Located at the Minskoff Theatre in Times Square, this beloved Disney classic comes to life with breathtaking costumes, stunning visuals, and unforgettable music by Elton John and Tim Rice.
The story follows the journey of Simba, a young lion cub, as he learns about courage, friendship, and responsibility. Children will be mesmerized by the puppetry, incredible set design, and familiar songs like “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata.” Parents will appreciate the stunning visuals and the deeper messages woven into the story.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Book tickets early, as this show is very popular, and consider attending a matinee performance for a more relaxed family-friendly atmosphere.
9. Walking the High Line, Little Island, and Eating at Chelsea Market
A walk along the High Line is a perfect family activity, offering beautiful views of the city and unique art installations along the way. This elevated park, built on a former railroad track, stretches through Manhattan’s West Side and is filled with gardens, sculptures, and spots for kids to run and explore. After your walk, head over to Little Island, a whimsical floating park on the Hudson River, where kids can enjoy outdoor performances or simply run around in its playful green spaces. End your adventure at Chelsea Market, where the whole family can find something delicious to eat—from tacos to sushi to artisanal gelato, there’s something for everyone in this food hall filled with diverse vendors.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Try the High Line and Chelsea Market Culture Walking Tour. Just keep in mind there is a lot of walking!
10. Exploring Rockefeller Center
No visit to New York City is complete without exploring the iconic Rockefeller Center. Famous for its stunning Christmas tree during the holiday season, Rockefeller Center offers year-round attractions for the whole family. Take a trip to the Top of the Rock observation deck for breathtaking views of the city skyline, or skate at the Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink during the winter months. The center is also home to incredible art deco architecture, public art installations, and a variety of dining options.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Be sure to visit the Lego Store and the nearby FAO Schwarz for some family fun! If you’re visiting during the holidays, the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show is just steps away and a must-see or try a holiday tour.
What to Eat:
1. Max Brenner – Chocolate by the Bald Man
- Max Brenner is a dream come true for chocolate lovers, especially kids. This spot in Union Square serves everything from chocolate pizza to fondue, along with decadent hot chocolate. The whimsical décor and extensive chocolate-themed menu make it a must-visit for families.
- Location: 841 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
- Tip: Order the famous chocolate syringe or indulge in a chocolate fondue feast with your family.
2. Ellen’s Stardust Diner
- Located near Times Square, Ellen’s Stardust Diner is famous for its singing waitstaff. While you enjoy classic American diner food, the waiters and waitresses perform Broadway hits live.
- Location: 1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
- Tip: Your kids will love the live entertainment, and the portions are perfect for sharing.
3. Shake Shack (Various Locations)
- This NYC staple offers burgers, fries, and shakes that are great for kids. There are multiple locations, but the one in Madison Square Park offers a nice outdoor dining experience.
- Location: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010
- Tip: The crinkle-cut fries and frozen custard shakes are always a crowd-pleaser.
4. Joe’s Pizza (Pizza on the Go)
- If you’re on the move and want to grab a quick slice, Joe’s Pizza is one of the most famous pizza spots in NYC for a classic New York slice. It’s a must-visit for pizza lovers.
- Location: 7 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
- Tip: Perfect for a quick stop while sightseeing or before your Pizza Bus Tour.
5. Serendipity 3
- Known for its Frozen Hot Chocolate and whimsical décor, Serendipity 3 is a magical place to bring kids for a special treat. They also offer a full menu of savory meals.
- Location: 225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022
- Tip: Perfect for a sweet break after visiting Central Park or shopping nearby.
6. Grab a Classic NYC Hot Dog from a Street Vendor
No trip to New York City is complete without grabbing a hot dog from one of the iconic street vendors scattered around the city. Whether you’re strolling through Central Park, exploring Times Square, or walking along the High Line, you’ll find a classic NYC hot dog stand nearby. These quick bites are perfect for kids, and they come with simple toppings like ketchup, mustard, or relish. It’s a quintessential New York experience that offers a delicious and budget-friendly snack while you explore the city.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Let the kids enjoy their hot dogs while taking in the sights of the city—perfect for a quick energy boost during your sightseeing adventures!
Where to stay:
1. The Ritz Carlton- Central Park
- The Ritz Carlton welcomes families with its Ritz Kids program, providing kids with a welcome package, in room camping experiences, and customized itineraries for exploring New York City. The Central Park location is ideal for outdoor activities.
- Perks: Ritz Kids Program, in-room camping, Central Park Location
- Location: 50 Central Park S, New York, NY 10019
2. The Plaza Hotel
- For families who want to indulge in a more luxurious stay, The Plaza is an iconic hotel located right next to Central Park. The hotel offers the Eloise Suite, inspired by the famous children’s book character, Eloise, which is a huge hit with kids.
- Perks: Luxury experience, famous afternoon tea, and Central Park location.
- Location: 768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019
3. Hilton Garden Inn Times Square
- If you’re looking to stay in the heart of the action, Hilton Garden Inn is just steps from Times Square. It’s perfect for families who want to be close to Broadway shows, restaurants, and shopping. Rooms are spacious, and there’s a great on-site restaurant.
- Perks: Central location, kid-friendly amenities, and easy access to popular attractions.
- Location: 790 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019
4. The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue
- This luxury hotel is great for families looking for a high-end experience with kid-friendly perks. The hotel offers family-friendly packages and is located near Bryant Park, the New York Public Library, and the Empire State Building.
- Perks: Spacious rooms, family packages, and proximity to top attractions.
- Location: 400 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018
5. Hotel Beacon
- Located in the Upper West Side, this hotel is perfect for families who prefer a quieter neighborhood but still want easy access to Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History, and kid-friendly restaurants. The rooms come with kitchenettes, making it easy for families to prepare meals.
- Perks: Spacious rooms, kitchenettes, and family-friendly neighborhood.
- Location: 2130 Broadway, New York, NY 10023