When many people think of New York City, they think of a giant playground for grown-ups. But did you know that there are also fun and exciting things to do in New York for kids?
If you’re coming to New York with children, you will want to watch this video created by New York Habitat. Central Park Zoo, FAO Schwartz, Broadway shows for kids and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan are just some of the attractions in New York City that are fun for kids.
And remember, for the ultimate family experience during your stay in New York City, do not split up the family in separate hotel rooms. Instead, consider renting a New York vacation rental apartment. You will all be sleeping under one roof and you can sit down for a nice family dinner after a long day of sight seeing. Some apartments for families include:
This two-bedroom apartment in the Upper West Side (NY-1313) is close to the Children’s Manhattan Museum, Central Park and Columbus Circle.
Have a large family? This two-bedroom apartment in Upper West Side (NY-15650) sleeps 7 and is just a few blocks away from the Museum of Natural History and a short subway ride to Times Square and all the great Broadway Shows for kids in New York.
There is a seemingly endless list of things to do in New York with your kids. Here are some ideas to get your started:
• The Theater District
In Midtown West, On Broadway between Times Square and Columbus Circle
Why your kids will love it…
Kids Broadway musicals like Shrek, the Lion King, and the Little Mermaid will leave your child with a lasting impression of both New York and theater.
• Borders Bookstore
At 10 Columbus Circle
Why your kids will love it…
Free story time for kids every Wednesday at 10am and 2pm. and the location, just across the street from Central Park and a parking area for the New York’s famous Hansom Cabs.
• Bryant Park
At West 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue between Midtown West and Midtown East
Why your kids will love it…
A wide open grassy area, a merry-go-round and an outdoor children’s library. This is one of my personal favorite parks for kids in New York City.
• Central Park
Between 60th Street and 110 Street and Fifth Avenue and Central Park West
Why your kids will love it…
There are too many things to list… lots of playgrounds with jungle gyms, slides, swings, water jets; a merry-go-round; an amusement park in the warm months; an ice rink in the cold months; horse and buggy rides and… hot dogs!! All this in the middle of New York City!!
• Central Park Zoo *
At 64th Street and Fifth Avenue
Why your kids will love it…
It’s a zoo! What kid doesn’t like a zoo? A jungle in the middle of New York City, the world’s most famous concrete jungle, even kids will appreciate the surrealism. Oh, and do not forget, the petting zoo that is a blast for toddlers.
* There are also zoos in the Bronx, Prospect Park, Brooklyn and Queens.
212 West 83rd, Upper West Side (between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway)
Why your kids will love it…
Not all children are fans of museums, but this one was created specifically with kids in mind.
• Toys R Us
1514 Broadway (corner of 44th and Broadway)
Why your kids will love it…
Well, beyond the fact that it is a giant toy store, your kids will probably appreciate the fully functional indoor Ferris wheel. They’ll also get a kick out of the giant moving and roaring tyrannosaurus rex.
• FAO Schwartz
767 5th Avenue (corner of Broadway and 58th St)
Why your kids will love it…
Your kids may not have seen the 1988 classic movie, “Big”, but that won’t stop them from having a blast jumping around on the giant FAO Schwartz piano. Try to get to the store at opening time for the very cool Opening Ceremonies. I won’t ruin the surprise, but just imagine trumpets, kids, New York City… Consider a central accommodation in Midtown East or a cozy vacation rental in the Upper East Side to stay close to FAO Schwartz.
We have shared with you some of our favorite things to do with kids in New York, but that only scratches the surface of all the fun things to do in New York for kids. If you’re bringing your family to the city, look for fun and economical vacation rental accommodation.
Share your favorite activities for Kids in New York and your comments about our new video series in the comments section below. See you soon!
Also don’t forget to check out our article on Brooklyn Children’s Museum for another exciting activitiy to take the kids!
It is very true, there is plenty for kids to do in New York City. It really is all too easy to wear the young ones right out.
That apartment looks really nice. Love the update with the video blog!
Great video guys on what to do in New York! This is very useful. I wish I would have the time and money to do all the great things that you are mentioning in your video.
The guy on this viedeo is great! The all video is awesome. Are u going to one on Paris ?
New York is a great place for kids! Wonderful video!
Fanastic! I just email this infromation to my niece who called to say she will be in New York for the Momorial weekend and was looking for some kid friendly stuff to do with her son.
Love this apartment. It seems warm, coozy and inviting, just what I’m looking for on my visit to the city.
Central Park is free to enter and it’s a huge play ground for the kids. Hey, they can bring a binocular with them and go sighting for birds.
Thanks nyhabitat, you’ve made palning my vacation this summer very easy for me and my wife and my kids. Great video. The kids are now excited and can’t wait to see Broadway show!
Cool post I will continue to look out for anymore of your future posts.
hey yall im goin to new york on monday i cant wait haha Lol
My kids also loved the NY Transit Museum in Brooklyn, the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater in Central Park, and the American Museum of Natural History. There are also great free story times at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and at various children’s bookstores!
Thanks for these great ideas! We’ll add them to the list. Anyone else know of interesting activities that your kids really enjoy?