Planning the best things to do in New York City with kids can feel overwhelming — but it shouldn't. Whether you're searching for fun things to do in New York City today, hunting down free things to do in New York City on a budget, or looking for unique things to do in New York City that go beyond the typical tourist checklist, the Big Apple delivers on every front.
This guide covers everything: top things to do in New York City for families, touristy things to do in New York City that are actually worth it, and cool things to do with teenagers in New York City who are harder to impress.
No list of things to do in New York City would be complete without Central Park. Covering 843 acres in the middle of Manhattan, it offers something for every age — playgrounds, the Central Park Zoo, the carousel, ice skating in winter, and free concerts in summer.
Arrive before 9am for a quieter experience, or let the kids burn energy at one of the adventure playgrounds near the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side.
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One of the most kid-friendly places in New York City, the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side is home to dinosaur halls, an immersive planetarium, and over 30 million objects.
Kids who have watched Night at the Museum will recognize Rexy the T. rex and the Easter Island statue. Plan at least three to four hours.
New York State residents can pay what they wish, making it one of the best free things to do in New York City for local families.
Times Square is one of the most touristy things to do in New York City — and it earns every bit of its reputation. The neon displays are best experienced after dark.
Around Times Square you'll find M&M's World, Hershey's Chocolate World, the Lego Store, and the flagship Nintendo store. It's the hub of the Broadway theatre district, too, so consider pairing a daytime stroll with an evening show.
Catching a Broadway show is one of the most fun things to do in New York City for families. For younger children, Disney productions like The Lion King are perennial favorites. Teenagers consistently love Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Wicked.
Book tickets in advance — weekday matinees are cheaper and less crowded. If you're flexible, the TKTS booth in Times Square sells same-day discounted tickets.
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No trip to New York City is complete without going skyward. The Empire State Building offers iconic 360-degree views from the 86th-floor observation deck.
For something more immersive, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has mirrored floors, a rooftop bar, and glass ledges suspended over 1,000 feet — a huge hit with teenagers looking for Instagram-worthy moments.
Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center provides the classic New York skyline shot, while One World Observatory offers a dramatic elevator ride that shows 515 years of city history as you ascend.
A true icon, the Statue of Liberty is one of the top things to do in New York City for first-timers. The official ferry departs from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan and continues to Ellis Island.
Budget a full morning or afternoon. Crown access requires tickets booked months ahead, but ground-level exploration and the Statue of Liberty Museum are included with standard tickets.
On a tight budget, the free Staten Island Ferry passes close enough for photos of Lady Liberty — and is one of the best free things to do in New York City with kids.
Powerful and sobering, the 9/11 Memorial's twin reflecting pools stand where the World Trade Center towers once were. Entry to the memorial is free and fitting for families with children ages 10 and up. The museum (ticketed) contains over 10,000 artifacts and is best suited to older kids and teenagers.
Nearby, the Oculus — a striking white architectural landmark — doubles as a shopping and transit hub and is free to walk through.
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Rockefeller Center is one of the most versatile spots for things to do in New York City with kids. In winter, the famous Christmas tree and ice skating rink make it the heart of the holiday season — the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has been lit every year since 1931.
The Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes runs from November through January and is a holiday season tradition. Year-round, families enjoy the Top of the Rock observation deck, the LEGO Store, FAO Schwarz, and the NBC Studio experience.
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Finding things to do with teenagers in New York City is easier than you'd think — teens just need variety and a bit of independence. Top picks include:
The best free things to do in New York City include walking the Brooklyn Bridge, strolling the High Line, riding the Staten Island Ferry, exploring Central Park, and visiting the 9/11 Memorial.
The New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue is a free architectural landmark with rotating exhibits. Bryant Park hosts free outdoor movies in summer and a free ice-skating rink (bring your own skates) in winter.
Free outdoor concerts run throughout the summer in Central Park and Prospect Park.
Christmas time in New York City is truly magical. Beyond the Rockefeller Center tree and ice skating, families can browse the Bryant Park Winter Village market, the Union Square Holiday Market (a local favorite, and less crowded), and the Grand Central Terminal holiday market.
The Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn is famous for its over-the-top Christmas-decorated houses — a must-see during the holiday season. The Saks Fifth Avenue light show on 5th Avenue runs every evening and is completely free.
For unique things to do in New York City that most visitors skip: tour the Federal Reserve Bank's gold vault (free, book in advance), visit the hidden Children's Magical Garden on the Lower East Side, ride the Roosevelt Island Tramway for a view most tourists never see, or explore the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn — a working subway station turned hands-on museum where kids can walk through vintage subway cars.
The subway is the most efficient and affordable way to explore the city. Children under 44 inches ride free with a paying adult. For stroller users, look for elevator-accessible stations. Uber and yellow cabs are good fallbacks with young children. Most attractions cluster in Midtown and Lower Manhattan, so staying near a subway line in Manhattan keeps you well-positioned for everything from the American Museum of Natural History to the Statue of Liberty.
