New York City is a dream destination for families, offering a mix of history, adventure, and fun. For parents looking to create lasting memories, the city is filled with family-friendly NYC museums and exciting playgrounds that will captivate kids of all ages. If your little ones are science buffs, aspiring astronauts, or budding artists, NYC’s interactive museums are designed to spark their imagination and curiosity. Plus, with playgrounds spread across the city, there are plenty of spots where children can run, play, and enjoy outdoor fun.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best tourist things to do in NYC for families, from the iconic Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum to the fun-filled playgrounds in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: A Journey Through History and Adventure
The Intrepid Museum is one of the best family-friendly NYC museums, offering an exciting and educational experience for kids and adults alike. Located on the Hudson River, the museum is housed aboard the Intrepid aircraft carrier, a historic ship that served in World War II and beyond. It’s not just a museum; it’s a whole adventure, with interactive exhibits and a chance to get up close to real aircraft, spacecraft, and submarines.
One of the museum’s most popular attractions is the Space Shuttle Enterprise, where kids can marvel at the impressive spacecraft and learn about the history of space exploration. There’s also the chance to explore aircraft like the Concorde jet, or take a virtual tour of the ship’s operations through interactive touch screens and hands-on exhibits. The museum offers plenty of opportunities for families to engage in science, history, and technology, all while exploring the decks of this colossal ship.
Whether your children are fascinated by space, aviation, or naval history, the Intrepid Museum provides an engaging environment where learning feels like an adventure.
Brooklyn Bridge Park Playgrounds: Explore One of NYC’s Most Scenic Locations
Brooklyn Bridge Park playgrounds offer endless fun with stunning views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.
If you’re traveling with young children, Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of the top NYC attractions for both relaxation and fun. This sprawling park along the East River offers stunning views of Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty, making it the perfect backdrop for a family outing. However, it’s the park’s incredible playgrounds that truly make it a standout spot for families.
Brooklyn Bridge Park boasts several playgrounds, each designed for different age groups and interests. For younger kids, the Main Street Park Playground offers climbing structures, swings, and interactive water features that keep little ones entertained for hours. Meanwhile, Pier 6 Playground features a more advanced play area with climbing walls, slides, and a giant sandbox, offering older kids a chance to test their physical skills.
One of the best aspects of the park is the ability to let your kids play freely while you relax and enjoy the view. Whether you’re picnicking, taking a stroll along the waterfront, or sitting on a bench, the scenery is breathtaking, making Brooklyn Bridge Park a perfect family-friendly retreat.
Play and Learn at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Engage your little explorers at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan with hands-on exhibits and outdoor play areas.
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is another great option for families seeking interactive, hands-on exhibits. With a focus on creativity, culture, and education, this museum provides a safe and stimulating environment where children can explore, play, and learn. The museum’s exhibits range from arts and crafts to cultural exploration, with rotating exhibits that keep things fresh and exciting for repeat visits.
One of the highlights of the museum is the “PlayWorks” exhibit, which is designed for children to engage in role-playing and problem-solving activities. This area encourages kids to use their imagination, whether they’re building a city, cooking in a pretend kitchen, or caring for animals in a veterinary clinic. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is a fun, dynamic space that allows kids to develop new skills while having a blast.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure that combines fun and learning, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is one of the top 10 NYC attractions for families.
New York Hall of Science: A Playground for Young Minds
Spark curiosity at the New York Hall of Science, where interactive exhibits and hands-on fun make learning science an exciting adventure for kids.
If your family enjoys hands-on learning, the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is an ideal stop. Located in Queens, NYSCI offers a thrilling, interactive experience where kids can engage with science in a fun and meaningful way. With over 450 exhibits, the museum covers a wide range of topics from physics and engineering to biology and space science. It’s the perfect spot for curious minds looking to dive deep into the wonders of science.
One of the highlights at NYSCI is the Science Playground, a vast outdoor space where children can experiment with water features, build structures, and engage in active play while learning about the natural world. Inside, exhibits like the Amazing Garden and Rocket Park Mini Golf turn science into a playful adventure, making it one of the best family-friendly NYC museums for interactive fun.
A Fun Family Night: Broadway Shows for Families
Experience the magic of Broadway with family-friendly shows like The Lion King and Aladdin, creating unforgettable memories in NYC’s theater district.
While exploring museums and playgrounds is a fantastic way to spend the day, New York City also offers incredible Broadway shows that are perfect for families. Shows like The Lion King, Aladdin, and Wicked are all family-friendly, offering spectacular visuals, amazing performances, and stories that are both captivating and heartwarming. These shows are not only some of the best Broadway shows to see in New York, but they are also an exciting way to introduce your kids to the world of theater.
The Outsiders in New York is another great option for families, offering a powerful, dynamic performance for older kids and teens. With so many options for family-friendly Broadway entertainment, you’re sure to find a show that will appeal to everyone.
Make the Most of Your Family Trip to NYC
New York City is an exciting destination for families, offering a perfect mix of learning, play, and exploration. From family-friendly NYC museums to the best playgrounds in Brooklyn, there are endless opportunities to create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re visiting the Intrepid Museum, taking a break at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, or enjoying the outdoor beauty of Brooklyn Bridge Park, there’s no shortage of things for families to do in the city — from riding the Roosevelt Island Cable Car to exploring hidden gems in Manhattan and visiting Chinatown New York. Families can also venture out to discover exciting attractions in Queens.
VisitNYC.com is your ultimate Manhattan visitors guide and NYC travel resource for family-friendly activities and attractions in New York City. From top 10 Manhattan attractions and hidden places in New York to shopping in Manhattan and even catching The Play That Goes Wrong NYC Theater, we make sure your family’s trip to NYC is filled with fun, learning, and adventure — whether you’re in Manhattan or exploring Queens NY attractions.
