The city that never sleeps is characterized as an international business hub and adult playground, but it’s also the perfect location for fun and adventures for people of all ages. If you have decided to visit NYC with your family, you might be wondering what activities will be available during your stay that are family-friendly.
It’s easy to end up at classic tourist attractions such as the Empire State Building, Ellis and Coney Islands, and the Statue of Liberty. However, the classics are becoming old hat for families already familiar with the city. For those coming for a visit with their young children, more interactive and exciting activities are desired.
Planning on discovering everything NYC has to offer to local and visiting families? Then having a professional chauffeur on hand will simplify your travels. Download our app to easily get to/from and around the city in our Business Van/SUV Class and Sprinter Class vehicles.
For smaller families, the Business/SUV Class can fit up to five people with a bit of extra room for luggage. Does your family have XXL needs? Then our Sprinter Class (only available in NYC and select cities) fits up to twelve people with plenty of extra room for luggage. Plus, we provide child seats upon request.
Now that your rides are sorted let’s dive into the possibilities. The choices can be dizzying in a big city with so much to offer, but we’ve found some of the best family-friendly places to explore with your family.
3 Perfect Family-Friendly Activities in NYC
Museums and Libraries
Many tourists love to rave about the MoMa, but is it fun for a toddler? Museums are some of the most frequented and obvious tourist destinations, but they can often be a little stuffy and boring for kids.
Children like to play and interact with what they see, so why not bring them someplace where they can do that? New York has a variety of museums geared toward opening the minds and sparking the creativity of its youngest visitors, such as:
- Children’s Museum of the Arts
- Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling
- New York City Fire Museum
- DiMenna Children’s History Museum
- National Museum of Mathematics
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
These museums boast interactive exhibits, performances, programs, and events.
Looking for an even more immersive museum experience? Then travel back to colonial times by visiting Historic Richmond Town on Staten Island. If you’re in need of a little quiet time, then take a reading break at the New York Public Library. They have over 92 locations throughout the city filled with books and events for your little ones.
Parks, Zoos, and Aquariums
Ready to hit the great outdoors? Although Central Park is the most well-known throughout the five boroughs, it’s not the only park in the city. Waterfront parks such as Brooklyn Bridge Park, Chelsea Waterside Park, and Hudson River Park are all excellent places to check out with the whole family. Plus, the last two are right next to each other and the Chelsea Piers. This is a huge multi-sport complex where you can go golfing, bowling, and skating, among other fun activities.
If you’re looking to take a walk on the wild side, then a visit to one of the four zoos in the city – the Bronx is the most famous – or the New York Aquarium run by the Wildlife Conservation Society would be a great way to spend the day.
Theaters and Shows
Looking for some live entertainment? Then why not immerse yourself in the theater! The New Victory Theater is dedicated exclusively to bringing art to children through education and shows specially created for youngsters.
The Brooklyn Academy of Music offers a variety of shows appropriate for kids and adults, spanning music, theater, dance, visual arts, comedy, and so much more. If you’re looking to get an iconic Broadway moment, then there are plenty of shows for kids such as The Lion King, Wicked, Mrs. Doubtfire, Beetlejuice, and more.
Free Things to Do With Kids in NYC
If you are visiting NYC with a budget, you will need to check out these free things to do. There are more options that are budget-friendly in this city than you might think, and this can be a big help if you have small children you are traveling with.
Free Outdoor Movies
These events are hosted in many of the public parks in the city, and you can easily check on the available movie times during your stay.
Visit Changing Space
This water feature outside Rock Center is always a hit with kids when the weather is warm. You are allowed to stay as dry or as wet as you like at this location.
Outdoor Art
There is a lot of really amazing outdoor art in the city, and much of it is near or within the city’s parks. Your kids can climb and sit on many of these exhibits, and these areas provide lots of fun and great opportunities for capturing some photos of your kids having a great time on your trip.
NYC is Very Family-Friendly!
There are so many amazing things to do and see in NYC that you will probably run out of hours each day to take them all in! If you have been worried that your kids will not have any fun when you head to the Big Apple, you can rest easy! There are so many kid-friendly things to do in the city that your children will remember their time in NYC with great fondness for years.
Planning a family-friendly trip to NYC can be a breeze, and you and your family will have a blast if you check out the places and experiences on this list! Make sure that you have a NY BLACKCAR ride planned to get you to your destination in style. No matter where you want to head in NYC, we can get you there in comfort and with ease.
