Last week, Nate and I had one of those perfect days that I wish I could bottle up and keep forever. He’s in camp three times a week, so on the off days, I try to plan adventures that feel special—something beyond our usual loop through the neighborhood parks.
This time, we took the ferry over to Dumbo, which, let’s be honest, feels like an adventure in itself. Nate loved watching the water and the skyline glide by, and I loved that we weren’t just hopping on another subway. Our day was filled with two playground stops, a spin on Jane’s Carousel, a casual lunch, ice cream (a must), and then another ferry ride home. It was one of those simple but joy-filled days that reminded me why I love this city so much.
After sharing our outing, I asked all of you for your favorite kid-friendly activities around New York. As expected, the recommendations poured in—and you didn’t disappoint. From museums to interactive play spaces, this list is a roundup of tried-and-true spots that are fun for little ones and manageable for parents.
Here are some of the best children’s activities in NYC, divided between indoor and outdoor fun. (And if you notice something missing, please share! This is meant to be a living, breathing list we can all benefit from.)
Indoor Adventures
Museums Worth Exploring
American Museum of Natural History (Upper West Side, 79th St)
Admission: $13–$33 depending on discounts and special exhibits.
Dinosaurs, planets, sparkling gems—you name it, they have it. It’s one of those places that grows with your kids. You can spend the day wandering the permanent exhibits or check out rotating specials. Pro tip: there’s a little-known sprinkler playground on the roof that kids adore during the summer.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Crown Heights, 145 Brooklyn Ave)
Admission: $11 for both adults and children.
This museum is built for kids from the ground up—literally. With three floors of hands-on exhibits, it’s designed for ages six months to ten years, making it the perfect rainy-day option when the park isn’t calling your name.
Children’s Museum of the Arts (Hudson Square, 103 Charlton St)
Admission: $13 for adults and children over 1, free for under 1, seniors pay-what-you-wish.
For budding artists, this space offers interactive exhibits and creative workshops. Think paint, clay, music, and performance—a place where your child’s imagination can run wild while you admire their masterpieces.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan (Upper West Side, 212 W 83rd St)
Admission: $15 for adults and kids, $12 for seniors, free for under 1.
Five floors of educational fun. From science experiments to cultural exhibits, it’s a spot where learning and play go hand in hand. The variety here makes it easy to spend hours without anyone getting bored.
Liberty Science Center (Jersey City, 222 Jersey City Blvd)
Admission: $25 adults, $20 children ages 2–12.
Okay, not technically in NYC, but worth the quick trip. With 12 galleries and an IMAX Dome Theater, the Liberty Science Center is perfect for curious kids who love to touch, test, and tinker.
New York Hall of Science (Queens, 47-01 111th St)
Admission: $16 adults, $13 kids.
Born from the 1964 World’s Fair, this museum takes STEM learning to another level. Their “design-make-play” philosophy turns science and engineering into something tangible—and fun.
New York Transit Museum (Brooklyn Heights, 99 Schermerhorn St)
Admission: $10 adults, $5 kids, free on Wednesdays.
Located in a decommissioned subway station, this museum is an adventure on its own. Kids can climb onto vintage subway cars, check out old turnstiles, and learn about the history of the city’s transit system. A must for any little train lover.
Interactive Play Spaces
Apple Seeds (Flatiron, 10 W 25th St)
Membership required.
A one-stop indoor playground for kids under five. From music and cooking classes to mini sports and art workshops, Apple Seeds has over 100 weekly classes that cater to almost every interest.
Color Factory (Soho, 251 Spring St)
Admission: $38, free for kids under 2.
More than just an art exhibit, Color Factory is an immersive, rainbow-colored experience. Each room is designed around a different shade, making it as visually fun for adults as it is for kids.
Recess Dumbo (Brooklyn, 81 Washington St)
Flexible pass and membership options available.
This play space is designed with creativity in mind. With custom-built structures and thoughtful activities, it’s a safe, engaging spot for curious little ones to climb, slide, and explore.
Why These Spots Work
What I love about this list is that it balances variety with practicality. Some days you need a low-key play space where your toddler can crawl around while you sip a coffee. Other days you want a full-on adventure that feels worth dedicating the afternoon to. NYC offers both—sometimes even in the same neighborhood.
For me, the key has been mixing it up. Nate gets the excitement of new places, and I get the satisfaction of seeing him learn, explore, and, yes, burn off a little energy. Whether it’s hopping on a ferry to a carousel or spending a rainy day exploring dinosaur bones, these activities are reminders that childhood is about curiosity, play, and making memories together.
So next time you’re stuck wondering what to do with the kids, I hope this list gives you a few fresh ideas. And if you have a favorite spot that’s not included, let me know—I’m always looking for our next adventure.
