Traveling to New York City?
Pack Light. Travel Happy.™ Rent baby gear in New York City.New York City: The Big Apple. The City of Dreams. The Capital of the World. The City that Never Sleeps. These are just a few nicknames for the world-renowned, iconic New York City. It’s home to amazing tourist attractions, including the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Broadway, and more! But have you ever wondered what New York locals do? And even more specifically, what do New York locals with babies and/or toddlers do?
We were curious, too, so we reached out to a select group of New York mommies and asked for cool, unusual, and unique things to do with babies in NYC! So, next time you’re traveling to New York with little ones in tow, check out these awesome recommendations!
Here are some unique and unusual things to do with babies in NYC from some awesome New York mamas (make sure to follow their blogs and Instagram accounts for more great content!) and from everyone here at BabyQuip:
1. Bring (or rent!) a stroller and wear good walking shoes; there are tons to see on foot.
The hilarious Tara Clark from @modernmomprobs, says, “Having an infant or a toddler in NYC can be an adventure as long as you have a great stroller! Take them for a stroll along Park Ave and check out the exotic cars. (When my son was a baby, we used to do this so often that he knew the logos of cars before he knew the alphabet.) Once you get bored of car-oogling, go for an adventure in Central Park. Walkthrough the Ramble or go near the Jackie Onassis reservoir, especially at sunset. Another fantastic thing to do is visit as many city playgrounds as you can. NYC is loaded with fun-tastic playgrounds for kids of all ages. With the right stroller and good walking shoes for Mom, NYC is an urban adventurer’s paradise.”
2. On that note, consider a stroller tour!
Yes, you read that right! New York City is an ideal place to tour on foot, but with babies and toddlers, you’ll tour via stroller! And believe it or not, stroller tours are 100% a thing in the big apple. The Whitney Museum of Art in the Meatpacking District offers family stroller tours. You can get there by strolling on the High Line!
Exploring Brooklyn? Stop by the Brooklyn Museum to participate in a stroller tour for little ones 24 months and under. The tour includes baby-friendly activities, touchable, and lots of singing! You can find other stroller tours by a quick search online; we highly recommend them!
3. Take a class at the Museum of Natural History.
This is especially great for long-term visits or if the kids are staying with grandma and grandpa during the summer. They have drop-in/one-time classes and activities as well as longer enrollments.
Brianne Manz, the founder of StrollerInTheCity.com and @strollerinthecity, says, “Raising a child in New York City can be quite a unique experience. There’s one class I encourage all my readers to take with their kiddies ages 2-6 years old, and that is the Early Adventures Program at the Museum of Natural History! This program encourages preschoolers to use their natural curiosity to investigate and explore the world around them in an environment designed for young children. The classroom has a variety of educational materials, museum specimens, live animals, and early childhood teachers who support active learning. But the best part is when the lesson extends into the Museum Halls and exhibitions for further discoveries, where the kids take flashlights along and go exploring the museum! Such a wonderful experience for them!”
4. Visit the amazing New York Public Library.
The New York Public Library is world-renowned. The NYPL has many locations throughout the 5 boroughs, but the flagship location is historic and iconic. Enjoy a storytime with your baby or toddler after a stroll through Bryant Park. This is one of our favorite things to do with babies in NYC.
5. Ready for TAKE OFF!
Casey Scollo, NY mommy blogger and mommy to two boys (23 months apart!), highly recommends the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum (make sure to go during kids week in February!).
Casey says, “My toddler loves everything about exploration and flying. We are heading to the Intrepid Sea, Air, And Space Museum in February during their kid’s week! Having little ones, I plan to purchase tickets online to avoid the lines. The museum allows you to get up close and personal with aircraft and space shuttles! It’s going to be a great learning experience as we explore things we’ve never seen before!” Check out Casey’s blog here and follow her on Instagram @casey.scollo.
Related articles:
- Family-Friendly Food Tours Worth Tasting!
- 7 Must-Visit Children’s Museums in the US
- BabyQuip Baby Gear Rentals: How to Get Started
6. Create a little “foodie”.
This is one of our favorite recommendations, because….food. Need we say more?
Michelle Gindi of Buddha Bowls and Burpees says, “I love to do a “foodie crawl.” It’s a great thing to do with babies in NYC! Plant yourself anywhere in the city and find new tastes and textures for her to explore! The Union Square Market is an amazing way to teach my baby to love fruits, veggies, and plants! We touch, taste, and smell everything! My daughter loves the croissants! Chelsea Market is another fun (and indoor) event for her! I do things like lift her to smell the spices in the spice shops, taste tahini off a spoon, and eat new and interesting flavors off my lunch plate! Even coffee shops like Starbucks, which don’t seem interesting to an adult, are fun sensory places for babies – with noises, new faces, and, of course, the smell of coffee!”
Make sure to follow Michelle @buddhabowlsandburpees for yummy recipes and more NYC insights!
7. Since we are on the topic of food, another fun thing to do with babies in NYC is to explore all the ice cream shops!
You can imagine just how many ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, etc. types of eateries there are throughout the city. While you’re strolling your way through New York City, make sure to stop by local ice creameries to indulge in a sweet treat. Your babies, toddlers, and kiddos will thank you!
8. See some ocean life in the concrete jungle!
Located in Brooklyn, the New York Aquarium is definitely a tourist destination, so although it isn’t one of the most unique or “local” things to do with babies in NYC, it is definitely a must-see! There are tons of different exhibits with different types of ocean and water life. Lots of interactive areas and even an Aquatheater to see adorable sea lions play! Definitely add this to your list of things to do with babies in NYC.
9. Visit all the parks.
While we definitely recommend a visit to Central Park since it is iconic and full of fun things to do with babies, we also recommend exploring lesser-known parks throughout the city and 5 boroughs. No matter where you stay in NYC, you’re sure to find a local neighborhood park to play at. There are two parks worth noting (both in Brooklyn): The Brooklyn Bridge Park and Prospect Park. Both are very baby-friendly and definitely a “local” NYC experience. One of the best things you can do with babies in NYC!
10. Here’s a complete itinerary from @jazzkatat – with some perfect things to do with babies in NYC!
Make sure to follow Jasmine Katatikarn on Instagram and read her blog too!
“New York City is a great place to visit with little ones in tow. Personally, my kids see so many different things every day by just walking around a neighborhood or hopping on the subway (“choo choo train” as my daughter says). Here are a few of my favorite nontraditional touristy things to do with my kids. I hope you enjoy them too! NYC is full of museums. These are some that may not be on your radar but are great with kids. Moving Image Museum has many interactive exhibits and also a craft/workroom where you can make your own art. Fun for both parents and adults!”
“Cooper Hewitt Design Museum offers family workshops, and I also love the courtyard area during warm months to sit outside and let the kids run around! Color Factory is fun and super colorful for all! How could you not smile when you are surrounded by all that color! Other than museums, take a break and go to the theater! The Marionette Theater in Central Park is a great way to entertain kids and adults. The Art Farm NYC is also great to escape the city for a bit and have some downtime with some animals!”
11. Need some downtime or adult time while your little one naps? The Staten Island Ferry is perfect!
The Staten Island Ferry is a great way to view the Manhattan skyline from afar. It’s relaxing, and your little one will be swayed to sleep by the ferry ride! The best part? The ferry ride itself is FREE. Also, there are food concessions for sale, including adult beverages. So, all aboard the Staten Island Ferry!
We hope you add all of these ideas to your New York bucket list. Take pictures while enjoying any of these places and pitstops; tag us on Instagram, @babyquip, so we can see your littles exploring New York City as the locals do. To save up to 50% on top attractions, check out The New York Pass! Totally worth it and easy to use!
Now, on your mark, get set, go… and enjoy these unique things to do with babies in NYC!
Traveling to New York City?
Pack Light. Travel Happy.™ Rent baby gear in New York City.
Kaylee Garcia is the mama to one sweet boy and one sweet girl, and wife to an awesome husband. Kaylee and her son (he’s only 4!) have completed over 20 trips via air travel (thank you, Alaska Airlines!) on over 40+ airplane rides! They love sharing travel tips with other families since they’ve learned a lot in the last 4 years. Kaylee enjoys spending time with family, researching baby gear, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.
I don’t know of a better place to go with a small kid. There is just so much to see. Their eyes never get bored.
seriously some ultra gooooood ice cream in nyc. glad you mentioned it.
my first child was born there and we stayed for three years. i think ice cream was my teething secret!!
lol.
I love NYC but it wouldn’t be my first choice after the pandemic is over. I feel like if there is place where there’s going to be surge in the variant it’s New York.
content good. like the way things describing.
One question: Is NY or Chicago pizza better?
I love these suggestions and have done many of them with my own babies!
I have never been to the public library, but it looks amazing just to go and see, I don’t read a ton, but I’m terrified to take my kids in tehre. They would be loud and I would prob get kicked out lol.
Cool, thanks for the info. Keeping my fingers crossed to travel the east coast when covid is over.
Your blog is a really great find.
Such a great place to take kids. Maybe not right now but when quarantine is over!
A few years ago I traveled to NYC alone with my infant. I strapped her in a carrier and off we went to see all the sites. It was great!
Thanks for this content. It inspires me to travel with a baby. She’s only two months right now and it seems like it’s going to be so hard to travel with her. She’s not a good sleeper.
These are in fact wonderful ideas in NY. You have touched some good points here. Any way keep up wrinting.