Key Takeaways
Offers family-friendly NYC activities:
- Interactive Museums: Brooklyn Children’s Museum and American Museum of Natural History provide engaging, hands-on exhibits for toddlers.
- Outdoor Fun: Central Park, Coney Island, and Bronx Zoo offer playgrounds, rides, and animal encounters perfect for young kids.
- Playgrounds Galore: Hippo Playground, Domino Park, and Washington Square Park feature safe, creative spaces for toddlers to play and explore.
- Iconic Experiences: Attractions like the Staten Island Ferry and Seaglass Carousel offer memorable adventures for families.
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New York City is a vibrant playground bursting with adventures just waiting to be discovered by your little explorers! From enchanting parks to interactive museums, the Big Apple offers a treasure trove of activities to ignite your toddler’s imagination and curiosity.
Get ready to embark on an exciting journey through the city that never sleeps, where laughter and learning go hand in hand!
Best Things to Do in NYC with Kids
New York City is packed with family-friendly attractions that will keep kids entertained. With plenty of interactive museums, such as the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, and outdoor fun at spots like Coney Island, there’s something for every young adventurer to enjoy.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Photo: thesocialbrooklyn.com
Brooklyn Children’s Museum is a fantastic destination for toddlers, offering an array of interactive exhibits that cater to their curious minds. Kids can explore the Environmental Room, where they learn about nature through hands-on activities or dive into the Art Room, where creativity knows no bounds. Another highlight is the Totally Tots area, specifically designed for children under five. It features safe play zones and sensory experiences.
American Museum of Natural History
Photo: newyorkpass.com
One of the best things to do with toddlers in NYC is visit the American Museum of Natural History. The museum offers various engaging exhibits that captivate young minds, including the dinosaur fossils that spark imagination and curiosity.
Another highlight for little ones is the Discovery Room, where toddlers can explore hands-on activities and interactive displays designed just for them. It’s a fantastic way for children to learn about nature, science, and history in a fun, age-appropriate setting.
Luna Park Coney Island Beach & Amusement Park
Photo: ny.curbed.com
Luna Park Coney Island Beach & Amusement Park is a fantastic destination for toddlers, offering a delightful mix of sandy fun and thrilling rides. Families can enjoy a relaxing day on the beach, where little ones can dig in the sand and splash in the gentle waves, creating lasting memories. Head to the amusement park for more excitement. Age-appropriate rides like the carousel and kiddie coasters will delight young children.
Bronx Zoo
Photo: bronxzoo.com
One of the best things to do in New York City with toddlers is a trip to the Bronx Zoo, where young children can explore and learn about various animals. The zoo features a wide range of exhibits, including the Children’s Zoo, which allows toddlers to interact with friendly animals, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of wildlife. Additionally, the zoo often hosts family-friendly events and activities catering to toddlers, making every visit a delightful experience.
Playgrounds in NYC
Photo: mommypoppins.com
New York City boasts various playgrounds, offering everything from sand pits and climbing structures to water features and interactive play spaces, ensuring fun for kids of all ages.
- Hippo Playground. This spot features safe climbing structures, a large sand pit, and plenty of space for little ones to explore and play.
- Central Park. Central Park features several toddler-friendly playgrounds, including the Heckscher Playground, with its expansive play areas and water features, and the Ancient Playground, which offers a safe space for toddlers to climb, explore, and enjoy interactive sand areas.
- Domino Park. This Brooklyn park has a fantastic playground for toddlers, offering interactive water features, slides, and climbing structures amidst stunning waterfront views and the Manhattan skyline.
- Washington Square Park. This iconic park in Greenwich Village features a giant sandbox, climbing structures, and a spray shower, offering a relaxing and fun spot for toddlers to play.
- Imagination Playground. In Prospect Park, Imagination Playground provides toddlers a creative space to build and play with giant foam blocks, encouraging open-ended play and construction activities.
- Chelsea Waterside Park. This playground in the West Village is a hidden gem for toddlers. It features a spacious sand area, interactive water features, and safe climbing structures in a peaceful setting.
With so many incredible playgrounds scattered throughout New York City, families are sure to find the perfect spot to let kids explore, play, and enjoy the city’s vibrant outdoor spaces.
FAQs: Things to Do in NYC with Toddlers
What are the best things to do in NYC with toddlers?
When visiting New York City with kids, there are countless things to do in NYC that cater to toddlers. Some of the best things include exploring Central Park, which features numerous playgrounds and open spaces for little ones to run around. The American Museum of Natural History is also fantastic, showcasing kids’ favorite dinosaur exhibits. Remember to check out Times Square for its vibrant lights and activity!
Are there any kid-friendly museums in NYC?
Absolutely! NYC is home to several museums that are kid-friendly and perfect for toddlers. The American Museum of Natural History is a top choice with its interactive exhibits and engaging displays. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan offers hands-on activities for young children. Additionally, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum provides a range of exhibits and play areas that will entertain kids in New York City.
What are some outdoor activities for toddlers in NYC?
There are plenty of outdoor activities that toddlers can enjoy in NYC. Central Park is an excellent option with its vast lawns, playgrounds, and the iconic Central Park Carousel. The High Line is another great place to walk with a stroller, featuring beautiful gardens and art installations. Battery Park offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the opportunity to watch boats on the Hudson River.
Conclusion
Planning a NYC trip with your little ones can be an adventure filled with fun things to do! Take advantage of the iconic Empire State Building or a visit to Top of the Rock for breathtaking views of the New York skyline. With something for everyone, you can take the Staten Island Ferry for a scenic ride or discover the Seaglass Carousel in Bryant Park.
New York is perfect for families—make lasting memories around the city with your little adventurers!
Morgan French is a wife, mom of two, writer & editor. After traveling for 3 years with her family, she now lives back in her hometown of Dayton, OH. She makes frequent stops for coffee, enjoys the outdoors, and loves board games.
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.