chloedickensonLast Updated on 11th December 2025
This post about the best things to do in New York with Kids contains affiliate links.
Are you planning a family trip to New York City and wondering what to do in NYC with kids? This ultimate guide includes all the best fun things to do with kids in NYC, including the best museums for kids, the best parks and outdoor spaces, and a list of the best kid-friendly restaurants in the city!
New York City is a place that can be enjoyed by couples, with friends, as a solo trip and, of course, as a family. There are so many awesome kids things to do in NYC, but if you’re planning your first family trip to the Big Apple, you might be a bit overwhelmed when it comes to finding fun things to do for kids in NYC.
Thankfully, I’ve put together this huge guide of all the best kid friendly things to do in Manhattan, Brooklyn and beyond, as well as recommendations for the best places to eat in New York with children, to help you plan the perfect family trip to NYC on a budget!
Still feeling overwhelmed when planning your trip to New York? Get a copy of my Ultimate New York City Travel Guide ebook which includes more than 230 pages of useful tips, advice and inspiration! You can also join my New York Facebook Group to receive daily posts, tips and guides for visiting NYC and to be a part of an incredible New York travel community!
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Fun things to do in New York with kids – map
Click on the map of things to do in NYC for kids above to plan your route in New York. You can also find the map via this Google MyMaps link!
I’ve organised this guide of the best kid friendly attractions in NYC into different sections so you can easily find the best things to do in New York with children based on different categories! It includes the best attractions to visit with kids in NYC, the best kid-friendly museums, the best parks/outdoor spaces, the best toy stores for kids, seasonal things to do with children in New York and a list of recommendations for the best places to eat with children!
1. Enjoy the views from the Summit One Vanderbilt Observation Deck
While there are five main observation decks in New York City (including the One World Observatory, Empire State Building, Edge, Summit and the Top of the Rock) that all welcome children with open arms, I personally think that Summit and Edge (featured below) are the two best kid-friendly observation decks in NYC.
Not only does Summit offer incredible views of Midtown Manhattan, Central Park and even all the way down to the One World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty, it also provides a fun and immersive experience that is sure to keep both kids and adults entertained.
Along with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide astonishing views of the New York skyline, Summit also boasts mirrored floors and ceilings, a fun balloon installation and more, making it one of the best things to do in the city with kids!
2. Take a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour – things to do in New York with kids
New York City is super easy to get around on foot and by subway, but this can sometimes be a little tiring with young children in tow.
Instead of using the subway to get around the city, consider taking a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour which takes you around many of New York’s top sights and attractions. The Hop-on Hop-off buses allow you to get on and off as many times as you please in order to see as many of the city’s best sights as possible.
This is a great thing to do in New York with Kids as it takes the pressure off you navigating the city, while providing children with an incredible view of New York from the vantage point of an open-top bus!
3. Watch a kid-friendly Broadway show
Watching a Broadway show in New York might be more synonymous as something for adults to enjoy, but there are actually many Broadway performances that are well-suited to children.
If your kid/s enjoy watching live performances and theatrical shows, consider booking tickets to watch The Lion King, Wicked, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child or Aladdin, just to name a few.
Most performances have a minimum age requirement in order to watch a Broadway show, so it’s a good idea to check with each individual show before booking to ensure that your child can watch it. If you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC with a 12 year-old, a kid-friendly Broadway show might just be the way to go!
- Get tickets for The Lion King here!
- Buy tickets for Wicked here!
- Get Broadway tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child here!
- Buy Aladdin Broadway tickets here!
5. Head to the Edge Observation Deck
As well as Summit One Vanderbilt, Edge is another awesome observation deck in New York that makes for a very fun and exciting visit with kids in tow.
Located in Hudson Yards on the west side of Manhattan, Edge is a super cool observation deck that boasts insane views of New York City. It has a huge outdoor sky deck that kids will love to check out the views from and due to its enormous height, I think it will be a bit more exciting for kids to visit!
6. Have fun at the Color Factory
The Color Factory is another fun and immersive experience that should be on everyone’s New York City with kids itinerary. This interactive experience takes you on a journey through 14 colourful art exhibits that are designed with everyone in mind.
The exhibits range from a colourful ball pit to a multi-sensory installation to spectacular rooms adorned with remarkable artworks; it’s a place that brings out the kid in everyone, so it’s an awesome attraction to enjoy as a family in NYC!
7. Ride the SeaGlass Carousel
Situated in The Battery at the bottom of Manhattan, the SeaGlass Carousel is a must-visit for kids of all ages.
It’s not a huge attraction and it won’t take up a tonne of time on your New York itinerary with kids, but it is worth visiting with children if you’re in the area.
The SeaGlass Carousel is a refreshing take on the traditional fairground ride, consisting of 30 giant fibreglass fish that make up the carousel ride. The ride only lasts three and a half minutes, so it really is a very small/short attraction, but it’s still one of the best kid-friendly things to do in NYC this weekend if you’re exploring Lower Manhattan.
Note that all children under 42 inches (106cm) must ride on an adult’s lap and both parents and children must have a ticket to ride the carousel.
8. Spend time at Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds isn’t usually an attraction that I would recommend when visiting New York City as there are so many other incredible places to see. However, if you’re looking for a kid friendly attraction in New York that will keep them entertained for a good few hours, a visit to Madame Tussauds is a good idea!
Best museums – kid friendly things to do in New York
While many of the city’s museums, such as the MoMA, The Met and the Guggenheim, are definitely geared more towards adults, New York City does also boast some excellent museums that are perfect for both adults and children!
In the section below, you can find some of the best kid-friendly museums in NYC that are catered to the whole family!
9. Museum of Ice Cream
The Museum of Ice Cream is one of New York’s best and most immersive museum experiences that offers so much for the whole family.
The museum operates on a self-paced basis, so you can enjoy all the exhibits and installations at your own pace as a family. Throughout the museum, you’ll get to sample five different ice cream-themed treats, learn all about the history of ice cream through 12 multi-sensory installations and you’ll also get the chance to play in the world-famous giant sprinkles pool!
The Museum of Ice Cream is somewhat similar to the Color Factory in that it offers a sensory overload experience, only this attraction comes with the option to indulge in unlimited ice cream!
Children of all ages are welcome at the Museum of Ice Cream and kids under 2 go free!
10. American Museum of Natural History
Family fans of the hit movie series Night at the Museum are sure to love a visit to the American Museum of Natural History, which was the inspiration behind the Ben Stiller film franchise!
While the films themselves weren’t actually filmed at the AMNH, the museum is still a fantastic place to visit in New York with kids as it has so many incredible exhibitions and collections that are sure to fascinate the whole family!
11. Brooklyn Children’s Museum
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is famous for being the first children’s museum in the United States, and some even argue that it was the first official children’s museum in the whole world!
Located in the Crown Heights neighbourhood of Brooklyn, New York, the museum is a bit of trek to get to from Manhattan (approximately 45 minutes via subway from Times Square), but it’s considered to be one of the best things to do in NYC with kids, so if you have time to spare on your New York itinerary, it might be worth checking out!
Inside the museum, you’ll find over 30,000 exhibits, collections and hands-on experiences that are best suited for children aged 6 months to 10 years, but there is also plenty to experience for older children as well.
If you’re visiting New York on a Thursday, you can take advantage of free entry to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum which occurs every Thursday from 2 PM to 5 PM; you’ll just need to reserve tickets online in advance.
12. Museum of Illusions – things to do in NYC with kids
The Museum of Illusions is another one of the best things to do with kids in NYC, especially as children under 5 go free!
There are so many fun and immersive exhibitions, installations and image rooms to discover at the Museum of Illusions and while it’s probably better suited to older kids (10+), it is suitable to visit with the entire family in tow if you’re looking for something fun to do in NYC this weekend with kids.
13. Intrepid Museum
The Intrepid Museum is a brilliant and kid-friendly attraction in NYC for families who love space exploration, aircraft, submarines and more!
Inside the museum, you’ll see the world’s first space shuttle, a nuclear-weapons-carrying submarine, World War 2 aircraft, as well as dozens of military aircraft, all housed in and around the famous Intrepid National Historic Landmark aircraft carrier! The world-famous British Airways Concorde aircraft is also a part of the museum, located on Pier 86!
The Intrepid Museum is one of the best things to do in NYC for families looking to enjoy something a bit different outside of the usual tourist attractions in the city, and the best part is that children under 4 go free!
Best parks/outdoor spaces – kid friendly things to do in NYC
Despite being one of the busiest metropolises in the world, New York City isn’t short of beautiful parks and vast, open spaces and while many of the city’s parks are well-suited and catered for families, there are a few outdoor attractions in particular that make for a fun family-friendly day out in NYC!
14. Central Park Zoo
Central Park as a whole is one of one the most famous parks in the world and it’s definitely one of the best places for New York kids activities, but it’s also home to the world-renowned Central Park Zoo, which fans of the Madagascar movies will be very familiar with!
Unfortunately, I’m not the biggest fan of the Central Park Zoo as an adult as it wasn’t as good as I expected it to be, but I know families who have visited with children who absolutely loved it!
Tickets for the Zoo start at around $15 for children aged 3-12 and around $20 for adults. You can buy a time slot which allows you to enter within one hour of the time slot you select and then you can stay at the zoo as long as you want once you’re there.
15. Brooklyn Bridge/Brooklyn Bridge Park
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most iconic sights in New York City and even if young children don’t understand the incredible significance of this emblematic landmark, it’s still 100% worth visiting with kids in NYC!
If you cross the Bridge from Manhattan over to Brooklyn, you can spend some time in Dumbo and even head to the local Shake Shack branch for a bite to eat if you’re all feeling hungry! Then, make your way towards Brooklyn Bridge Park to take in the views of the breathtaking Manhattan skyline and to run some energy off in the expansive outdoor space.
You might also want to pay a visit to Jane’s Carousel to ride this iconic fairground ride next to the riverside park and you can also check out Pebble Beach for even more iconic views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.
16. The High Line
The High Line is another stunning outdoor space situated on the west side of Manhattan that’s built upon an old, abandoned railway line. The iconic walkway runs from Gansevoort Street next to the Whitney Museum of Art, past Hudson River Park, all the way to Hudson Yards on West 34th Street.
It takes around 30 minutes to walk the entire 1.45-mile stretch of The High Line from start to finish (regardless of which end you start at), but this might take a little longer with kids in tow! Thankfully, you don’t have to walk the entirety of The High Line in one go as there are over a dozens exits/entryways to access the public park.
17. Bronx Zoo – things to do in NYC with kids
As well as the Central Park Zoo, the Bronx Zoo is another place that’s worth a visit with kids in NYC as it’s known for being one of the best family-friendly attractions in the city!
The Zoo covers an area of more than 265 acres and is home to more than 6,000 species, including alligators, gorillas, tigers, bison, elephants, lemurs, giraffes and so many more!
The Bronx Zoo is located in the Bronx borough, approximately one hour away from Times Square via subway. Even though it’s a little further away from the main attractions of Manhattan, it’s still worth making the trip if you’re visiting New York with kids as it makes for such a fun-filled family day out!
If you’re visiting New York at Christmas, it’s worth visiting the Bronx Zoo to check out the famous Holiday Light Show that runs on select dates between mid-November and the first week of January. You can check for tickets and exact dates on the Bronx Zoo website.
18. Statue of Liberty Cruise
The Statue of Liberty is undoubtedly one of the best and most famous attractions in New York City and it’s something that should be visited on every trip to NYC with kids!
There are a few different options for seeing the Statue of Liberty up close, including for free by riding the Staten Island Ferry which is completely free and takes you from Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan to Staten Island. This option doesn’t include a visit to Liberty Island itself, it just cruises past the Statue and Ellis Island.
You can also book a 1-hour Statue of Liberty Cruise which is perhaps the best option if you’re visiting New York with kids as it avoids the crowds of the free Staten Island Ferry and this option also skips a visit to the island itself, so it’s a good choice if you just want to see the Statue of Liberty up close, but not actually get off on the island.
If you did want to visit both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, you can take a tour with Statue City Cruises which will take you to both islands so you can see Lady Liberty up close. This option is suitable for older children, but might be a bit tedious if you’re travelling with young kids as they probably won’t find Ellis Island too exciting.
19. Little Island
If you’re wondering what to do with kids in New York City this weekend, look no further than spending a few hours at Little Island; the perfect outdoor space in the city to let kids run off some steam!
Situated on the west side of Manhattan, just minutes from Chelsea Market and The High Line, Little Island is a stunning outdoor space and public garden that boasts wonderful views of the Hudson River, as well as all the way downtown to the One World Trade Center.
The artificial island park is the perfect place for kids in NYC as it comprises 2.4 acres of expansive greenery, picnic lawns and tremendous viewpoints, so it’s one of the best free family activities in NYC today (and everyday!).
Once you’ve enjoyed the fresh air at Little Island, head to the nearby Chelsea Market for a bite to eat (some of my favourite stalls include Doughnuttery, Berlin Currywurst and Los Tacos No.1).
20. Ride the Roosevelt Island Tramway
The Roosevelt Island Tramway is reminiscent of a cable car that runs from 59th Street and 2nd Avenue in Manhattan to Tramway Plaza on Roosevelt Island. The tram runs every 7-15 minutes from 6 AM to 2 AM daily and offers one of the best aerial viewpoints of the Manhattan skyline.
While there isn’t too much to do on Roosevelt Island itself with kids (there is a great rooftop bar on top of the Graduate Hotel called the Panorama Room for adults, though!), the Roosevelt Island Tramway is still worth doing as it’s a fun and unique way of travelling in the city and it offers great views of Manhattan!
The Tramway costs the same amount as a one-journey subway ride ($2.90) so it’s also a super affordable activity to do with kids in New York.
21. Visit Coney Island
If you’re looking for ideas of what to do in New York City with kids in the summer, consider spending a day at Coney Island.
Coney Island is famous for its epic amusement park (Luna Park), its beautiful beach and boardwalk, the New York Aquarium and for being the birthplace of the world-renowned Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs!
It’s also one of the best things to do in NYC with teens as there are plenty of rides and attractions designed for older children, as well as numerous rides and activities for young kids to enjoy.
Coney Island is located in the southwest corner of Brooklyn, approximately one hour from Times Square via subway, so it’s a bit of a journey out of the main attraction areas of New York. However, if you’re visiting NYC in the summer and plan to spend an entire day at Coney Island with kids, it’s definitely worth making the journey!
22. Belvedere Castle in Central Park
Another kid-friendly attraction that’s worth noting while you’re in Central Park is the astonishing Belvedere Castle.
Originally designed in 1865, Belvedere Castle was constructed to resemble a fairytale castle that boasted incredible views of some of Central Park’s top sights such as Turtle Pond and the Great Lawn.
Belvedere Castle is a great place to visit with kids as not only is it one of the most beautiful places in Central Park, but it’s also a fun and unique place for kids to explore.
Best toy stores in NYC for kids
New York City is renowned for its abundance of epic department stores, world-class designer shops and high street stores and while shopping with kids in NYC might sound like the very definition of a nightmare, there are plenty of incredible toy stores and sweet shops that are sure to go down a treat for the whole family!
23. FAO Schwarz
FAO Schwarz is an incredible place to visit with kids in NYC as it’s one of the best and most iconic toy stores in the world!
This toy emporium is located just next to the Rockefeller Center and it’s also just a couple of blocks from the LEGO store and the Nintendo store, making it a great place to visit on a toy shop exploration of the city!
Inside this iconic flagship toy institution, you’ll find toys, games and activities suited to kids of all ages and there’s also an incredible candy section to satiate both kids and adults’ sweet tooth!
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111.
24. LEGO Store – things to do in NYC with kids
The LEGO Store is worth visiting in New York even if you’re not travelling with kids (my mum is a huge LEGO fan, so it’s not a place that’s exclusively reserved for visiting with children!) as it’s one of the most incredible places to buy LEGO in the United States!
You’ll find the LEGO Store on Fifth Avenue, just over the road from St. Patrick’s Cathedral and just one block from the Rockefeller Center and FAO Schwarz.
Inside the store you’ll find a Minifigure Factory, a “pick and build” wall, a LEGO Brick Lab and, of course, giant sets of LEGO!
Address: 636 5th Ave, New York, NY 10020.
25. Harry Potter Store
The Harry Potter Store on East 22nd Street and Broadway, just a couple of blocks from Madison Square Park, is yet another one of the best kid friendly things to do in Manhattan, that’s also fun for adults who are fans of the hit book/movie franchise!
Inside this mega store, you’ll find the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products under one roof! There’s a wand shop, a Butterbeer bar, a clothing section, a toys and games section, plus an entire area dedicated to the books that started the whole thing!
Address: 935 Broadway, New York, NY 10010.
26. Macy’s – things to do in NYC with kids
Macy’s is one of my favourite places to visit in New York at any time of the year, but it’s definitely even more enjoyable at Christmas time when the department store that comprises an entire New York City block decorates for the holiday season!
Macy’s caters to the whole family; from epic clothing, shoes, accessories and cosmetics departments, to an entire section dedicated to toys, games, stuffed animals and more!
If you’re visiting New York with kids at Christmas, it’s also worth checking out the Macy’s holiday window displays which are always so beautifully decorated!
Address: 151 W 34th Street, New York, NY 10001.
27. American Girl Place
Yet another store with an exclusive Fifth Avenue address, the American Girl store is an upscale shop that specialises in unique dolls, accessories and clothing that’s a must-see when visiting New York with a 7-year old (or younger/older!).
American Girl Dolls are enormously popular in the US, so if you’re visiting with kids/teens who love fanciful dolls and accessories, you’ll definitely want to include this store on your New York City with kids itinerary!
The dolls and accessories don’t come cheap, with some exclusive American Girl Dolls costing as much as $300, but there are also plenty of more affordable toys to browse, as well.
Address: 75 Rockefeller Plaza Floor 1, New York, NY 10019.
28. Nintendo Store
Just one block from the Rockefeller Center, the Nintendo store provides visitors with the chance to purchase the latest console, video game or accessory.
Of course, Nintendo isn’t something that’s exclusively reserved for kids, but if you are visiting NYC with children, it’s probably worth checking out the Nintendo store to pick up some Christmas/birthday presents or just to simply have a browse around.
Address: 10 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020.
Seasonal things to do in New York with kids
The list below includes recommendations of what to do with kids in NYC during the festive season, including the best places to go ice skating, where to find the best family friendly Christmas trees and the best festive tours to enjoy as a family in New York City!
29. Go ice skating at Wollman Rink/Bryant Park/Rockefeller Center
If you’re looking to visit an epic ice skating rink in New York City with kids, you’re truly spoiled for choice as the city is home to some truly wonderful ice rinks.
Wollman Rink would probably be my number one recommendation for ice skating in New York with children as it’s located in Central Park and surrounded by beautiful Manhattan skyline views.
It’s also the cheapest ice rink in NYC if you visit during off-peak days/hours, as tickets start at just $15 (but they can also cost as much as $37 for peak-time tickets).
The Rink at the Rockefeller Center and at Bryant Park’s Bank of America Winter Village are also great options, but these are both more expensive, even during off-peak hours and I think they’re better suited to couples, whereas Wollman Rink is very much a family-orientated ice rink in my opinion!
30. Visit Santaland at Macy’s
I’ve already mentioned Macy’s in this guide of the best things to do in NYC with kids, but I think Santaland at Macy’s is also worth mentioning on its own as it’s one of the best festive things to do in New York with children.
If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit Santa in NYC, be sure to reserve tickets to Santaland at Macy’s in advance via the link below (you can get tickets within five days of your intended visit).
31. Watch the Radio City Musical Hall Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is a festive tradition in New York City that welcomes families, friends, couples, locals and visitors from all over the world every single year, making it one of the best New York attractions for families at Christmas.
The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is an all-singing, all-dancing theatrical performance that is sure to put you in the festive spirit! Kids of all ages are welcome and children under 2 years do not require their own ticket, as long as they don’t occupy their own seat.
32. See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The emblematic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is another festive New York attraction that isn’t exclusively reserved for visiting New York with kids, but it is one of the best things to see/do in NYC with children at Christmas as it’s one of the most magical places on Earth!
While younger children might not appreciate the unparalleled beauty of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, parents and older kids/teenagers are sure to swoon at this impressive structure! Bonus points if you manage to get a family picture underneath the tree to use for your family Christmas cards!
33. Visit the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights is another festive New York attraction that cannot be missed when visiting the city with kids.
This magical display of holiday lights and decorations spans multiple blocks in the Dyker Heights neighbourhood of Brooklyn and is perhaps one of the most incredible displays of Christmas lights in America!
You can either take the subway to Dyker Heights or join an organised tour if you want to make the experience more stress-free (especially if you’re travelling with young children!). You can check out my ultimate guide to visiting Dyker Heights Christmas Lights here to plan your visit!
Best kid-friendly restaurants in New York
The section below includes the best restaurants in NYC with kids, from the fun-filled Ellen’s Stardust Diner to the best kid friendly burgers and pizzas at Shake Shack and Joe’s Pizza; I’ve put together a list of the best places to eat in New York for families!
34. Ellen’s Stardust Diner
Ellen’s Stardust Diner is undoubtedly one of the most fun restaurants for kids in NYC as the food, drink and entertainment cater to the whole family!
The waiters and waitresses at Ellen’s are all ex or wannabe Broadway stars, so throughout the duration of your meal, you’ll be treated to incredible renditions of theatre show tunes!
It might not be to everyone’s taste, but if you’re worried about keeping the little ones entertained while eating, a visit to Ellen’s Stardust Diner will ensure they’re captivated by the sing-a-long songs!
Address: 1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019.
35. Junior’s Restaurant
There are several branches of Junior’s Bakery/Restaurant in NYC, so chances are, you’ll be in close proximity to one when it’s feeding time for the kids!
It’s the classic NY cheesecake that makes this kid friendly restaurant so famous, but they also have a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu at the 45th Street, 49th Street and Brooklyn locations, with dishes such as sandwiches, burgers, BBQ and of course, the iconic desserts on the menu!
Junior’s is definitely one of the best family friendly restaurants in Manhattan thanks to its vast, but somewhat simple menu, and as the whole restaurant is catered to families, you don’t have to worry about too much noise, mess or chaos!
- 1515 Broadway, West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036.
- 1626 Broadway, 49th Street, New York, NY 10019.
- 386 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11201.
36. Serendipity 3
Arguably most famous for playing a major role in the hit 2001 film, Serendipity, this dessert restaurant on the Upper East Side is an iconic institution in New York City!
Some of the menu specialties at Serendipity 3 include the world-famous Frrrozen hot chocolate, ice cream sundaes and soda fountains.
They also have an excellent savoury menu if you want to satiate the kids’ appetites before going all-in on the dessert menu! Highlights include footlong hot dogs, salads, sandwiches, loaded fries, mac and cheese, burgers and more!
Address: 225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022.
37. Bubby’s – things to do with kids in NYC
Bubby’s is one of my favourite places to eat in New York as an adult, but it’s also one of the best kid friendly NYC restaurants thanks to its epic menu, friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere.
On the menu at Bubby’s, you’ll find brunch classics such as pancakes, bagels and eggs Benedict, as well as hearty pastrami sandwiches, luxurious mac and cheese and decadent burgers; the kids menu offers similar items with smaller portions and lower prices.
Address: 120 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013.
38. Shake Shack – things to do with kids in NYC
Shake Shack isn’t exclusive to New York City, as there are branches of the popular burger joint all over the world, but it is one of the best kid restaurants in NYC thanks to its fast-food atmosphere and easy meals.
While many people would argue that Shake Shack is just a brief step up from McDonald’s, I actually think it’s a pretty good dining option in NYC with kids (and without!), especially as there are so many branches all over the city, so you’ll likely never be too far away from one!
My personal favourite branch is in Dumbo, Brooklyn, but you’ll also find restaurants of the popular chain in Madison Square Park, Herald Square near Macy’s, Times Square, Hudson Yards, Grand Central Terminal and more!
Address: Multiple locations all over the city.
39. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is a fantastic family friendly restaurant in NYC thanks to its fun seafood-themed restaurant and easy, but delicious menu.
The menu at Bubba Gump is vast and varied, with the kids’ menu featuring specialties such as corn dogs, chicken strips, mac and cheese, pasta, pizza and more. All kids meals come with a choice of one entrée, one side and a drink.
Address: 1501 Broadway, New York, NY 10036.
40. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
One of the most frequently asked questions I get in my New York Facebook Group is “Is 230 Fifth suitable for kids?” and while it’s not necessarily a rooftop bar designed with kids in mind, it is in fact somewhere you can take kids!
Kids of all ages are welcome anytime at 230 Fifth, as long as they’re accompanied by their parent/s and with the exception of Friday and Saturday after 7 PM (kids are allowed at 230 Fifth on weekends, but they must leave before 7 PM on Friday and Saturday nights).
230 Fifth has long been one of my favourite rooftop bars in NYC and with an incredible food and drink menu, awesome staff and perhaps one of the best rooftop views of the Empire State Building in the whole city, I firmly believe that it’s somewhere everyone should experience on a trip to New York!
41. Hard Rock Cafe
Located in Times Square, just next door to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., the Hard Rock Cafe is yet another one of the best family style restaurants in NYC.
With its walls adorned with epic music memorabilia and a menu to suit all ages, dietary requirements and appetites, the Hard Rock Cafe is an easy winner when it comes to finding where to eat in NYC with kids.
Address: 1501 Broadway, New York, NY 10036.
42. Dylan’s Candy Bar – things to do in New York with kids
Situated in Hudson Yards, just minutes from Edge and The High Line, Dylan’s Candy Bar is a must-visit while in NYC with children!
While it’s not exactly a restaurant for families, it is a great place to visit with kids in tow who have a particular penchant for all things sweet! Inside Dylan’s Candy Bar, you’ll find wall-to-ceiling confectionary items, ranging from giant gob-stoppers to huge lollypops to chocolate treats, sour candy and so much more!
Address: 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001.
43. Joe’s Pizza
Joe’s Pizza is one of the most iconic pizzerias in New York City and it’s always one of my go-to spots whenever I’m in the city, regardless of who I’m travelling with.
There are five Joe’s Pizza locations in Manhattan alone (with my personal favourite being the one on Carmine Street) and as they’re spread out all across the city, you’ll likely always be in relatively close proximity to a branch for when the kids get hungry!
Joe’s Pizza isn’t a sit-down meal kind of restaurant, but it is a great place to grab a bite to eat for the whole family if you’re looking for something super cheap and utterly delicious!
Address: Multiple locations across the city.
44. M&Ms Store
Located in the heart of Times Square, the New York M&Ms Store is a place that welcomes chocolate lovers of all ages, particularly families looking to indulge their sweet tooth!
This giant candy store comprises two storeys full of nothing but delicious, chocolatey goodness! You’ll find a huge candy wall, a create-your-own pick ‘n’ mix station, plenty of M&Ms-themed souvenirs and so much more!
Of course, this isn’t exactly a typical family restaurant in New York, but it is somewhere worth visiting as a family in the city and as it’s food-related, I thought it deserved a spot on this list!
Address: 1600 Broadway, New York, NY 10019.
45. Hershey’s Chocolate World
Following on from M&Ms World New York and located just over the road in the heart of Times Square, Hershey’s Chocolate World is another non-restaurant, but still food-related place to visit with kids in NYC!
Inside this incredible chocolate establishment, you’ll find the world’s largest Hershey’s bar, giant cupcakes, Hershey’s themed clothing, a milkshake station and floor-to-ceiling displays of every kind of Hershey’s chocolate imaginable!
It’s one of the most fun and delicious places to visit in New York with kids and it’s also a great place for adults looking to satiate their sweet tooth, too!
Address: 20 Times Square, 701 7th Ave, New York, NY 10036.
Bonus things to do in New York with kids
Hopefully the list of the best family things to do in New York above has given you plenty of inspiration, but if you’re still looking for more recommendations of cool things for kids in NYC, check out the bonus list below!
- Take a family pedicab ride through Central Park
- Watch a basketball game at the Barclays Center or Madison Square Garden
- Check out the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show at Christmas
- Visit the National Museum of Mathematics
- Embark on an epic family helicopter tour over New York
Conclusion – best things to do in New York with kids
I hope you found this post about the best things to do in New York City with kids helpful and I hope it’s inspired you to plan your own family-friendly trip to NYC!
Do you have any more recommendations for the best things to do in New York City with kids? Let me know in the comments or on my New York City Facebook Group!
