🏙️ City

Things to Do with Kids in New York City, NY

Explore 40 family-friendly activities in New York City — filtered by age, scheduled around nap time, and ready to drop into your personalized itinerary.

Top Family Activities

40 of 40 selected
🌳

Central Park

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Fully stroller-accessible with paved paths throughout. Visit the Tisch Children's Zoo, Heckscher Playground, and the Car...

🏛️

American Museum of Natural History

Half DayAges 212+Stroller OK

Strollers are allowed throughout the museum and can be stored at coat check. The dinosaur halls and Rose Center for Eart...

🎡

Bronx Zoo

Full DayAges 012+Stroller OK

One of the largest zoos in the US — rent a stroller at the gate if needed. The Children's Zoo area is perfect for toddle...

🎡

New York Aquarium

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Located at Coney Island — combine with beach time in summer. Fully stroller-accessible with wide pathways. The shark tou...

🏛️

Brooklyn Children's Museum

2–4 hoursAges 08+Stroller OK

The oldest children's museum in the world — fully stroller-accessible with an elevator. Best for ages 0-8 with hands-on ...

📌

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Full DayAges 212+Stroller OK

Book ferry tickets well in advance — sells out weeks ahead. Strollers can be folded on the ferry but are manageable on t...

🌳

The High Line

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Elevated park on a former rail line — fully stroller-accessible with elevators at most access points. Best entered at Ga...

🌳

Brooklyn Bridge Park

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Fantastic waterfront park with 6 playgrounds spread across multiple piers — stroller-friendly throughout. Pier 6 has the...

🏛️

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Half DayAges 312+Stroller OK

Stroller-accessible with elevators — pick up a stroller map at the info desk. The Egyptian wing with the Temple of Dendu...

🏛️

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Half DayAges 212+Stroller OK

An aircraft carrier turned museum — stroller-accessible on the hangar deck but upper flight deck has stairs. The Space S...

📌

Central Park Carousel

under_1hAges 010+Stroller OK

A classic NYC experience — rides are $3.25 each and cash only at some registers. Located mid-park at 64th St. Short wait...

🍕

Chelsea Market

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Indoor food hall in a historic factory building — stroller-friendly throughout. Great for lunch or snacks with lots of o...

🏛️

New York Transit Museum

2–4 hoursAges 112+Stroller OK

Housed in a decommissioned 1936 subway station — kids go wild exploring vintage subway cars they can sit in. Stroller-ac...

📌

Brooklyn Bridge Walk

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

The pedestrian path is stroller-friendly but can get crowded — go early morning for the best experience. Start from the ...

📌

Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

NYC's most iconic beach — the boardwalk is stroller-friendly. Luna Park amusement rides are fun for older kids. Nathan's...

📌

DUMBO Neighborhood & Waterfront

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Jane's Carousel ($3/ride) is a must with young kids. Washington St gives the iconic Manhattan Bridge photo framed by bui...

📌

Staten Island Ferry

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

100% free and one of the best views of the Statue of Liberty without paying. Stroller-friendly with level boarding. Boar...

🏛️

Children's Museum of Manhattan

2–4 hoursAges 08+Stroller OK

Five floors of interactive exhibits specifically designed for ages 0-8. Stroller-accessible with elevators. The PlayWork...

📌

New York Botanical Garden

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

250-acre garden with a dedicated Everett Children's Adventure Garden. Stroller-friendly throughout — tram tour available...

🌳

Prospect Park

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Brooklyn's beloved park with a free zoo, carousel, and great playgrounds. Stroller-friendly paths throughout. The LeFrak...

🎡

One World Observatory

1–2 hoursAges 312+Stroller OK

Top of One World Trade Center — elevator ride to the top features a dazzling 'See Forever' theatrical experience. Stroll...

🎡

Top of the Rock Observation Deck

1–2 hoursAges 212+

Stunning 360-degree views from Rockefeller Center — book sunrise or sunset slots for magic lighting. Stroller must be co...

🏛️

Whitney Museum of American Art

2–4 hoursAges 312+Stroller OK

Contemporary art museum in the Meatpacking District with multiple outdoor terraces offering great Hudson River views. St...

🌳

Imagination Playground at Burling Slip

1–2 hoursAges 110+Stroller OK

A free and innovative water playground in the Financial District — bring a change of clothes and towel as kids will get ...

🍕

Smorgasburg Brooklyn

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

NYC's famous outdoor food market with 100+ vendors. Very stroller-friendly outdoor space at Marsha P. Johnson State Park...

🎡

Prospect Park Zoo

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

A smaller, more manageable zoo than the Bronx Zoo — perfect for toddlers and young children. Stroller-accessible through...

📌

South Street Seaport & Pier 17

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Historic seaport area with a mix of shopping, food, and outdoor activities. Stroller-friendly throughout. Kids love the ...

📌

Times Square

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

An iconic NYC experience worth one visit. Stroller-accessible but very crowded — go early evening for the lit-up spectac...

🍕

Madison Square Park & Shake Shack

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

The original Shake Shack with a lovely park with a small playground right next door. Stroller-friendly throughout the pa...

📌

New York Public Library (Stephen A. Schwarzman Building)

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

The iconic library with the famous stone lions 'Patience' and 'Fortitude' is free to enter. Stroller-accessible via side...

📌

Hudson Yards & The Vessel (Public Areas)

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

The Vessel is a climbable honeycomb sculpture — currently exterior viewing only; check website for climb access updates....

📌

The Rink at Rockefeller Center

2–4 hoursAges 312+

One of NYC's most iconic winter activities — arrive at opening (9am) to avoid massive crowds. Skate rental is included i...

📌

American Girl New York City

1–2 hoursAges 412+Stroller OK

A pilgrimage for fans of the doll brand — the flagship store has a doll hair salon, café, and doll hospital. Stroller-ac...

🌳

Hudson River Park

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

A 550-acre linear park running 4.5 miles along Manhattan's west side. Multiple playgrounds along the route — Pier 51 Pla...

🏛️

New York Hall of Science

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Interactive science museum in Queens with an outdoor Science Playground (seasonal, largest in the US for this type). Str...

🌳

Morningside Park Playground

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

A beautiful and less touristy park on the Upper West Side with a large playground and waterfall. Fully stroller-accessib...

🎡

Queens Zoo

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

A small, manageable zoo focused on North American wildlife — perfect for toddlers and young children who get overwhelmed...

📌

Yankee Stadium

Half DayAges 212+Stroller OK

Attending a Yankees game is a bucket-list NYC experience — baseball-loving kids will never forget it. Book seats in adva...

🏛️

Brooklyn Museum

2–4 hoursAges 212+Stroller OK

A world-class museum that's far less crowded than the Met. Stroller-accessible throughout with elevators. The Egyptian a...

📌

Governors Island

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Car-free island accessible by a short ferry from lower Manhattan or Brooklyn — kids can rent bikes and pedal freely with...

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Packing Tips for New York City
  • Sunscreen & hats for outdoor activities
  • Comfortable walking shoes for the whole family
  • Stroller or baby carrier
  • Snacks & water bottles
  • Rain jacket or poncho (just in case)
  • Small first-aid kit with band-aids
  • Entertainment for transit (books, tablet, coloring)
Get a full personalized packing list when you plan your trip.
Sample Family Itinerary
Day 1 — Explore
🏛️
Brooklyn Children's Museum
2–4 hours
🍕
Lunch Break
🌳
Central Park
Half Day
Day 2 — Adventure
🎡
Bronx Zoo
Full Day
Build Your Custom Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do with kids in New York City?

Top family activities include Central Park, American Museum of Natural History, Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Brooklyn Children's Museum. Toddler Trip curates age-appropriate activities and builds nap-aware itineraries for your family.

Is New York City good for toddlers?

Yes! Many activities in New York City are suitable for toddlers. Toddler Trip filters activities by your children's ages and schedules around nap time so everyone enjoys the trip.

How do I plan a family trip to New York City?

Use Toddler Trip's free planner: enter your family profile, pick from AI-curated activities, and get a nap-aware day-by-day itinerary with a personalized packing list — all in about 5 minutes.

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