New York City is packed with attractions, many of them especially suited for families. Of course, you can visit a playground or children’s museum, but those are things you can do in almost any city. You’re in New York — take advantage of it!
There are lots of family activities in NYC that are truly unique, something you can only do here and that all ages will enjoy, from toddlers to teens to grandparents.
Ready to upgrade your next family trip to New York? Have a look below for some inspiration.
1. Climb Vessel
Vessel, a climbable sculpture in Hudson Yards
Just reopened in October last year, Vessel is a unique family-friendly attraction. This 16-story sculpture combines over 150 staircases that interconnect in what’s often called a honeycomb pattern. It’s a great place to let loose some energy — you’ll need it for the 2,500 steps — and it’s completely safe with steel netting added on each level except the very top, which is closed to public access.
They also have an elevator for wheelchair accessibility.
The reason I think Vessel is such a great activity for families is because younger kids will be mesmerized by climbing, older kids will enjoy taking photos and selfies, and adults will be intrigued by the artistic sculpture and the interplay with the Midtown NYC scenery around it.
At just $10 per ticket and free for kids 5 and under, it’s also super affordable.
Even if you don’t choose to go inside, stop by Hudson Yards, a mixed-use development with shops, gardens, art, restaurants, and more, to snap a photo of the burnished bronze-hued structure by day or night. It’s truly magnificent.
Plan your visit: It takes 30-45 minutes to climb. Book timed tickets in advance online for convenience, but Vessel isn’t typically crowded.
2. Grab Lunch at Hudson Yards
Seating at La Barra / Photo credit Liz Clayman
Since you’re already at Hudson Yards, why not dine here too? Mercado Little Spain is an excellent family-friendly choice. The vibrant Spanish market from world-famous Chef José Andrés was inspired by the mercados he grew up with, and the result is a blend of three restaurants and various kiosks where you can savor the taste of Spain throughout the day.
We dined at one of the full-service restaurants, La Barra, and were dazzled with the culinary creativity. It reminded me of being in Spain, and the food was top-tier. Recommendations below!
- Tortilla de patatas: This Spanish omelet is sometimes made crispy, but La Barra’s (pictured above) is velvety.
- Pan con tomate: Another classic Spanish dish. It’s toasted bread brushed with olive oil and ripe tomatoes. So simple but so good.
- Jamón Ibérico de Bellota: Acorn-fed Ibérico ham, cured for 48 months. This is likely the best ham you’ll eat in your life. It has a nutty sweetness that balances the fattiness and saltiness of the pork.
- Roasted onions: Brilliantly harmonized with hazelnuts, cherry vinaigrette, and blue cheese imported from the north of Spain.
- Croquetas: Fritters stuffed with chicken and bechamel. Your kids will love these. Jordi Andrés told me how much he and his brother, Chef Andrés, enjoyed them growing up. A crowd-pleaser.
- Red shrimp: Hints of chili, bay leaf, oloroso wine, and a healthy dose of garlic and EVOO elevate the real star (the fresh shrimp). The bread on the side, imported from Spain, is both delicious and useful for sopping up the sauce.
- Pulpo a la Gallega: Up to you if you tell the kids this is octopus, but these boiled bites of cephalopod on their sea of mashed potatoes is out-of-this-world good. My personal favorite.
The drink menu pays just as much attention to authenticity. They have several vermouths to choose from — the quintessential Spanish drink for tapas — the aromatic Yzaguirre Rojo, aged 12 months. If you want to feel like you’re at the beach, try the margarita with salt-air foam. If you’re with a group, order a pitcher of sangría (also available by the glass, sparkling or non). My fizzy La Gran Manzana, an apple and ginger mocktail, was exquisite and beautifully complemented the salty, rich flavors of the food.
Save room for dessert. The flan, inspired by a recipe from Chef Andrés’ mother, Mamá Marisa, is effervescently light, like no flan you’ve had before, and it will finish your meal with flourish.
Plan your visit: There’s bar seating as well as booths, and lots that kids will enjoy. I suggest eating tapas-style so the whole family can try a little bit of everything.
3.Check Out an Observation Deck
View from Edge observatory, a family-friendly activity in NYC
New York has spectacular views and plenty of skyscrapers you can scale to get a good look at those views. Visiting an observation deck is a great activity for families because it’s accessible for all ages and can fit into any schedule, whether you go by day or by night, spend an hour or just buzz it.
Which observation deck should you choose? For starters, there’s Edge. This one has the benefit of being at Hudson Yards so you’re right next to Vessel and Mercado Little Spain (and all the shops and restaurants here).
Edge juts 1,100 feet into the ether and has views from all sides as you’d expect as well as below. That’s right. You can stand on some clear but very sturdy glass — or even lay on it, and I assure you some people do — and gaze down at the ground far below. This NYC observation platform also has a unique feature with angled clear walls that form a point so that when you walk to the very tip, it’s like you’re stepping out onto the edge overlooking New York. Probably how they got the name.
On the 86th floor of the Empire State Building is another phenomenal observation deck with 360-degree views of the city — perfect for photo opportunities and views to take your breath away. You can even rent high-powered binoculars to help you take full advantage.
Want to splurge? Get a ticket to the 102nd floor, and you can see up to 80 miles into the distance on a clear day.
Just remember you can’t take a skyline photo of the Empire State Building when you’re on top of it — if you want to photograph it from up high, you can see it from Edge.
When you’re visiting Times Square (maybe for a Broadway show, as we suggest below), stop by Top of the Rock. This three-level observation deck at Rockefeller Center is one of the most famous places to visit in the whole of New York.
If you want a true panoramic view of the city, then the 70th floor is where you want to head, although if you want to avoid being open to the elements you should stick to the 69th floor instead. Not only do you have a world-class view at the top; you also have fantastic shopping and restaurants at the bottom.
I’ve got one more for you, also famous and convenient if you’ll be in Lower Manhattan. Freedom Tower, built after 9/11, has an impressive viewing platform at the top: the One World Observatory. It also tells some of the story of the rebirth of Ground Zero following the attacks, which is handled sensitively and can be educational for kids (and all of us).
Plan your visit: Book tickets for any of these Manhattan observation decks in advance. Most have discounted prices for kids.
4. Hop On the Ferry
The New York skyline seen from the Staten Island Ferry / Photo by Simple stripes on Unsplash
The ferry that runs between St. George on Staten Island and Whitehall Street is completely free, and it offers a brilliant way to see the city from the water.
The route through New York harbor takes you past the Statue of Liberty, though you’ll need a zoom lens to get a really good shot. Stand on the right side of the boat as you head over if you want to see Lady Liberty. On the way back, it’s the left side.
You can sit indoors or outside depending on your preference. Honestly, even without the Statue of Liberty views, it’s just fun to be on the water and soak up those NYC skyline views, and especially fun for little kids if they haven’t been on a boat before.
The ride from Manhattan to Staten Island takes about 25 minutes. Even if you’re just returning to Manhattan, you have to get off the ferry, and then enter in a separate line at that terminal. Then there’s the trip back, so all told, you should budget about an hour.
Battery Park, where the ferry departs from, also has a new playground with treehouses, slides, and more, all loads of fun for kids. Allow little time before or after your trip to see it.
Plan your visit: The ferry runs continuously, typically every half hour, so you won’t have to wait long. Check the schedule online before you go. Whitehall Terminal also has food and restrooms if you find yourself with extra time.
5. Spend the Night at the Theater
Broadway can be family-friendly too! / Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash
If you want a night to remember when visiting New York, an evening at a Broadway show is what you need. World-famous for a reason, Broadway is definitely worth getting dressed up for. Purchase some theater tickets, and enjoy an evening full of memories.
I know what you’re thinking. “Kid-friendly” and “live theater” aren’t usually something you hear in the same sentence. But there are a surprising number of shows that children can enjoy on Broadway. Spectacular Disney musicals, like “Aladdin” and “The Lion King,” come to mind as the obvious picks. Kids will know the story while adults will be dazzled by the artistry and music.
“Wicked” is another good choice that’s clean and connected to something familiar (“The Wizard of Oz”). And anyone with a Potterhead in the family knows “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” is a family-friendly option on Broadway.
If your kid is 10 and under, those are probably your best bets, but older kids and teens will have plenty of selection, and of course, age-appropriateness varies by child.
A lavish Broadway show is a special opportunity to shape young minds and give them a love of theater that could stay with them for life. If you can get tickets, go!
Plan your visit: Most shows have a recommended age, and you can also check the runtime in advance. For example, “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” both run 2.5 hours with one intermission and are recommended for ages 6 and up. Kids under 4 aren’t allowed.
6. Play on Little Island
Little Island, an outdoor wonderland perfect for families visiting NYC
Every city has a playground. Only New York has Little Island.
Created for young and old alike, Little Island is a bona fide island, just under 2.5 acres, suspended on funnel-shaped white columns in the Hudson River at Pier 55. It’s free to visit and close to attractions like the High Line and Chelsea Market, so it’s easy to fit into your NYC trip.
Imbued with whimsy at every turn, the park features landscaped gardens, wildlife, and plenty of opportunities for imaginative play. It varies by season, but you might find hula hoops and jump ropes, spin discs for kinetic optical illusions, twirl in a chair, or make music with your hands and feet through interactive instruments. Oh, and those boulders that are just begging to be climbed? It’s allowed, and kids love it.
The park’s hilly terrain and winding trails makes it feel like a hidden wonderland, perfect for young explorers. These winding trails have another perk: making the island completely accessible.
Families will also appreciate the lineup of performances at the park’s 200-seat event venue, The Glade. Programs range from music and comedy to poetry and dance, often planned with kids in mind. Shows are free, making them an easy way to introduce children to live entertainment. Be sure to check the park’s schedule ahead of time to see what’s happening during your visit.
There are also lots of grassy lawns where families can take a break and have a snack while enjoying the river views. Bring a picnic or grab something from the on-site cafe.
Plan your visit: There’s no ferry or ticket for Little Island. Leave the skateboards, drones, and Fido at home. Since the park isn’t large, you can see and do it all in less than an hour.