10 Best Family Things to Do in New York

Central Park, one of the largest green spaces in New York, is a sprawling urban oasis that features over 20 playgrounds, artificial lakes and ponds as well as walking tracks. It often hosts a variety of activities, exhibitions and concerts, especially during the spring and summer.

Central Park is known for its family-friendly activities, like the Carousel, Central Park Zoo, the Central Park Conservatory Garden and Belvedere Castle. It’s open to the public all year round, and there are several guided tours available.

The New York Public Library boasts over 90 branches throughout the city, yet the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building remains a favourite among locals. This beloved building is renowned for its Beaux-Arts style architecture, extensive collections of rare books, author talks and workshops for all ages.

Among the library’s most visited displays is the 'Winnie-the-Pooh' display in the Children’s Center. Here, you get to see the original stuffed toy animals that belonged to Christopher Robin, the son of author A.A. Milne. These cherished toys served as the inspiration for the beloved Pooh stories. If you want to learn about the building’s history, free tours are available from Monday to Saturday at 11 am and 2 pm.

Luna Park in Coney Island is a fun theme park known for its thrilling rollercoasters and high-speed rides. It’s one of the best things to do for families in New York. Although it opened in 2010, it inherited several rides from previous amusement parks. These include a classic wooden coaster called the Cyclone, which first opened in 1927 and has since earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

The current Luna Park has no connection to an earlier Luna Park which also opened at Coney Island back in 1903 and was a popular visitor attraction until it was destroyed by fire in 1944.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a vast area of garden space at the north-eastern edge of Prospect Park. It features an impressive selection of flower conservatories, landscaped gardens, walking trails and ponds that make for beautiful snapshots during your visit.

This lush oasis offers a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle, providing a perfect spot for relaxation. If you’re in New York during wintertime, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is free to enter all day from Tuesday to Friday.

The New Amsterdam Theatre has been operating since 1903, making it the oldest entertainment venue on Broadway. Its interior is adorned with exquisite marble wall sculptures that depict scenes from Shakespearean plays, Wagner’s Ring cycle operas and beloved characters from Hans Christian Andersen and Aesop’s Fables.

This historic theatre is exclusively dedicated to showcasing Disney musical productions, including popular shows such as Aladdin, The Lion King, Mary Poppins and Frozen. Prepare to be captivated by both the rich architectural beauty and the magical performances at the New Amsterdam Theatre.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan is an educational and fun playground for families with lots of great interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences. With several floors dedicated to learning and playing, the museum offers a welcoming space to let your kids use their imagination and learn while doing.

The exhibits are mostly targeted for children up to the age of 6, but older kids will have fun too. The museum is situated between 2 great parks, just a short walk from the 79th Street subway station. After the visit, head out to the playgrounds at Riverside Park or Central Park to continue playing or to enjoy a picnic.

Battery Park, located at the southern tip of Manhattan in New York City, is a must-visit destination for families seeking a blend of nature and recreation. The park features beautifully landscaped gardens and shaded pathways, ideal for leisurely walks or picnics.

Families can explore the SeaGlass Carousel, a whimsical aquatic-themed ride that lets you enjoy a weightless experience while watching an underwater scene projected using colour-changing LED lights. For safety purposes, children below the height of 42 inches (106 cm) must be accompanied by an adult during the ride.

The Statue of Liberty is usually the first thing travellers spot when they’re visiting New York. Dedicated in 1886, this national monument offers panoramic views of New York, New Jersey, New York Harbor and the nearby Ellis Island. The 2nd floor of the pedestal houses an exhibition hall, where you get to learn about the statue’s history through full-scale replicas, photographs, texts and videos footage.

To get to Liberty Island, you need to buy a ferry ticket, which includes a self-guided audio tour. There’s also an additional fee if you’re planning to climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty, so be sure to book in advance.

The American Museum of Natural History features over 40 permanent exhibitions and millions of artefacts and fossils dating back to prehistoric times. It’s known for housing the world’s largest collection of dinosaur skeletons, including a cast of a 122-foot-long (37-metre-long) Titanosaur.

Another must-visit is the Hayden Planetarium, where you can check out impressive exhibits and video footage of galaxies, stars and planets. Young visitors can take part in fun workshops and games at the American Museum of Natural History, including a scavenger hunt through the fossil halls.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum displays more than 200 life-like models of world icons. This unique museum is divided into several themes, including music, movies, sports, royalty and Hollywood, allowing visitors to explore their favourite celebrities up close.

One of its most immersive displays is The Ghostbusters Experience, where you get to explore several rooms with ghostly projections that are sure to give you a fright. To enjoy a discounted rate for the tickets, purchase them on Madame Tussauds Wax Museum’s official website.