Family-Friendly Activities in NYC During March

March is a great time to visit New York City with your family. The weather begins to warm up, and there are plenty of things to do indoors and outdoors. Whether you’re looking for hands-on museums, exciting shows, or seasonal events, there’s something for everyone. Here are the best family-friendly activities to check out in March.

1. Visit the American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the most exciting places for kids and adults alike. With massive dinosaur fossils, interactive exhibits, and a space center, there’s plenty to see. March is a great time to visit because it’s not as crowded as the summer months, allowing families to take their time exploring.

One of the best areas for kids is the Discovery Room, where children can touch real fossils, play interactive games, and try scientific experiments. The Hayden Planetarium offers incredible space shows that explain the universe in a way that’s easy to understand. If your child loves animals, the Hall of Ocean Life features a life-sized blue whale model hanging from the ceiling.

A new exhibit often opens in March, so be sure to check the museum’s website for updates. To avoid long lines, consider purchasing tickets online in advance.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

2. Experience the St. Patrick’s Day Parade

If you’re in NYC on March 17, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is an event you won’t want to miss. This parade is one of the oldest and largest in the world, featuring thousands of participants, including marching bands, Irish dancers, and cultural groups.

The parade starts at 11 AM on Fifth Avenue and continues until the afternoon. Families can watch from different points along the route, but it’s best to arrive early to get a good viewing spot. Kids will enjoy the colorful outfits, live music, and festive energy.

If you want a quieter experience, head toward the upper parts of Fifth Avenue, where the crowds tend to be smaller. Dress warmly, as March weather can still be chilly.

3. Explore the Children’s Museum of Manhattan

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) is designed specifically for young kids, making it a perfect place for a family outing. It offers hands-on exhibits that encourage learning through play.

One of the most popular exhibits is “PlayWorks,” designed for children under five, featuring water tables, climbing structures, and pretend play stations. The “Inside Art” exhibit allows kids to create their artworks using a variety of materials. Older children will enjoy the STEAM Lab, where they can experiment with science and engineering concepts.

CMOM also hosts storytelling sessions, music performances, and interactive workshops, making it a fun and educational stop for families. Since weekends can get busy, visiting on a weekday is recommended for a more relaxed experience.

The Wicked playbill

4. Spend a Day at the Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is one of the best places to visit in March. As the weather warms up, animals become more active, and families can enjoy walking through the different exhibits.

Highlights include:

• JungleWorld, an indoor rainforest where kids can see otters, gibbons, and tropical birds.
• The Congo Gorilla Forest, home to one of the largest groups of gorillas in North America.
• The Children’s Zoo, where kids can feed goats, sheep, and other farm animals.

The zoo also hosts seasonal events, so check the schedule to see if any special activities are planned during your visit. Since March is not peak season, ticket prices may be lower, and crowds are smaller than in the summer.

5. Enjoy a Broadway Show

March is a great time to take your family to Broadway since many shows offer discounted tickets before the summer rush. Several productions cater specifically to younger audiences.

Some of the best Broadway shows for families in 2025 include:

• The Lion King– A visually stunning musical with incredible costumes and music.
• Aladdin– A magical performance filled with humor and classic Disney songs.
• Wicked– A fun take on the story of the Wicked Witch of the West.
• The Play That Goes Wrong– A comedy that will have both kids and adults laughing.

If you’re looking for last-minute tickets, check discount sites or visit the TKTS booth in Times Square for same-day deals.

Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

6. Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park

Even though winter is ending, ice skating rinks in NYC remain open through early March. Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park’s Winter Village are two of the most popular spots for families.

Skating at Rockefeller Center offers a classic NYC experience, with the famous golden statue of Prometheus in the background. Bryant Park’s rink is larger and often less crowded, plus it’s free if you bring your own skates.

Both locations provide skate rentals, and there are plenty of nearby cafes where you can warm up with hot chocolate after your session.

7. Visit the New York Hall of Science

For families who enjoy hands-on activities, the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) in Queens is a must-visit. It features interactive exhibits on physics, chemistry, biology, and space.

Kids can try building structures at the Design Lab, learn about light and sound in the Connected Worlds exhibit, and play at The Science Playground, which has climbing structures, slides, and water play areas.

NYSCI is also home to the Rocket Park Mini Golf Course, where families can learn about physics while playing mini-golf. Since it’s located in Queens, it’s also a great opportunity to check out other Queens tourist attractions nearby.

8. Take a Sightseeing Cruise

Seeing New York City from the water is a fun experience for all ages. Several companies offer sightseeing cruises that pass by famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building.

Some options include:

• Circle Line Cruises– Offers family-friendly tours with live narration.
• NYC City Cruises– Includes sightseeing, dining, and themed cruises.
• Statue City Cruises– The best option for visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

If the weather is mild, sitting on the outdoor deck provides great views. For colder days, indoor seating areas with large windows allow you to enjoy the scenery comfortably.

A cruise next to NYC

Plan an Unforgettable Family Trip

New York City has endless activities for families visiting in March. Whether you prefer museums, live shows, or outdoor adventures, there’s something to keep everyone entertained.. You can also check out Broadway Theater in NYC for the best family-friendly performances or book Water for Elephants Tickets in New York for a unique theater experience. If you’re planning an overnight stay, there are plenty of budget-friendly hotels in New York that cater to families.

For more travel tips, check out Visit NYC, your ultimate New York City travel guide.