Explore My City: Manhattan, New York with Guest Blogger Corey Cook
Today we’re headed to the east coast of the United States Corey from fifi+hop introduces us to a city that I bet falls high on a lot of family travel bucket lists, and for good reason
When people think of Manhattan, New York City, kids are not the first thing that comes to mind.
This busy metropolis conjures images of tall buildings, business suits, a buzzing nightlife, people on the move, a sophistication unto itself. Yet New York has become increasingly more child-friendly, with more attractions for families than ever before.
The city’s sheer size and density can make the prospect of visiting with kids both exciting and overwhelming. On the one hand, there is so much to see and do, yet on the other, the crowds and general fast-pace way of life can seem daunting.
Where do you begin, what should you leave in, and what should you leave out?
Top 10 Things to do with Kids in Manhattan
1: Empire State Building
With its 360 degrees views of New York City and two observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors, the Empire State Building is a must-see for families.
Your kids will love being at such high heights and experiencing the thrill of seeing New York from a bird’s eye view – it’s no wonder it’s one of the most Instagrammable locations in NYC!
Getting there is half the fun too, as my girls love taking the high-speed elevators and winding around the building, all in anticipation of reaching the top.
It’s best to purchase an Express Pass online ahead of time, as lines form quickly. Even with the pass, go first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Related Reading: The Perfect 5 Day New York Itinerary
2: Central Park
There is a reason this massive urban park – 843 acres – is one of New York City’s most popular sites. With fields and meadows and woods and waterholes, Central Park is a place to roam around and relax and play in the beauty of all the leafy green amidst the concrete jungle.
Naturally, it’s a great place to take your kids – but not just for the great outdoors alone. The Central Park Zoo (including the TischChildren’s Zoo) are here, as well as the famous Central Park Carousel and Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre.
During summer, go to Victorian Gardens, Central Park’s own amusement park, and during winter take a skate on Wollman Rink. Clearly, there’s a lot going on in Central Park, yet just strolling around is just as delightful.
3: Museums
New York has some of the greatest museums in the world. It also has some great museums for kids. Especially if the weather is not cooperating, a visit to a NYC museum will cure any bad weather blues.
Top picks for museums in Manhattan for families include:
- American Museum of Natural History (Grab you super saver ticket in advance)
- Children’s Museum of the Arts
- Children’s Museum of Manhattan
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Museum of Modern Art (Grab your Skip the Line tickets)
- Dimenna Children’s History Museum at New-York Historical Society (ages 8+)
- The Cloisters
The dinosaurs and giant whale at the Natural History will leave your kids reeling, while the Egyptian section at the Met will intrigue and delight. The Children’s Museum of the Arts in Soho is a budding artist’s paradise, with loads of workspaces and activity rooms (my girls are obsessed with this museum), and MoMA’s Starry Night always a hit. New York is not short on museums, and it is one of the most wonderful things about visiting (and living in) this city.
Related Reading: Money Saving Tips for Visiting New York City
4: Governors Island
A trip to Governors Island (ferries depart from Battery Park in Manhattan as well as Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn) is like being transported to another world.
This is one of our absolute favorite activities to do in New York. The 172-acre island is located in New York Harbor and used to be a military base for the U.S. Army and the Coast Guard.
It’s a car-free island, adding to the allure, and very bicycle-friendly. You can rent individual bikes as well as family-style bikes (see here), and for a great thrill for all, make sure to bike around the perimeter of the island on the pathway.
You can make stops along the way where you will see fields, playgrounds, its famous food vendors (Governor’s Island has awesome food!) and more.
The views of the harbor and city are breathtaking – truly phenomenal! There are always festivals, concerts and art exhibitions happening on the weekends throughout the island. This is one of the most fascinating and unique experiences a family can have in the city. Highly recommend.
Note it is seasonal and operates from late May until late September.
5: Broadway
Go see a show on Broadway, such as Aladdin, The Lion King or School of Rock, and give your kids some magic they’ll never forget. I used to love going to Broadway as a girl, feeling in awe every time. And now my girls do too. It really is a larger than life experience.
6: Times Square
Though the crowds in Times Square can be completely off-putting (chaos is more like it), it had to go on the list for all that it offers families. Gone are the super-seedy days, as this hub of Manhattan has become more Disney than sketchy.
Of course, there is Broadway, and then there’s the Hershey’s Chocolate World and M & M World for a whirl through sugar opulence, and the Disney Store, every young kid’s dream.
There is also Discovery Times Square, which specializes in unique, traveling exhibitions, Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, and Madame Tussauds, full of life-like wax figures of famous people. And if you don’t want to do any of those, just walking through Times Square is a trip in and of itself.
Related Reading: How to see New York with a Baby
7: The High Line and Chelsea Market
I wrote a post entitled Everyone Loves the High Line. And it’s true. This public park built on an old elevated freight line on Manhattan’s far west side is one of the most unique parks in Manhattan and the city.
With grasses, perennials, and trees surrounding the tracks, you follow along all the while catching glimpses of both the cityscape and Hudson River. There are benches and places to relax, and being elevated above the city makes it a totally different experience.
Nearby is the beloved Chelsea Market, a foodies haven, where some of the top city vendors are selling their eats, and a good spot to get the kids some ice cream.
People don’t always think of the High Line as a place for kids since it’s in trendy Chelsea and Meatpacking, but it’s actually very family-friendly.
8: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Complex
Get ready for your kids to ooohh and aaaww at this fabulous display of the aircraft carrier Intrepid, the space shuttle Enterprise and the submarine Growler.
With a variety of exhibitions and family-friendly programming, children learn about history and science in the most exciting ways possible, with many interactive activities. Hours can be spent here, so make sure to allow a decent amount of time.
Related Reading: Where to find the best family-friendly accommodation in Manhattan
9: Dylan’s Candy Bar
With locations on the Upper East Side and Union Square, this mega candy shop with three floors of mania fun pretty much became a classic since it first opened its doors in 2001.
Every imaginable candy is here, from old-school nostalgic sweets to all the current must-haves. Walking through the store makes you feel like you’re walking through a modern-day Candy Land.
Though you may not want your kids devouring so much sugar, it’s too fun to pass up – plus they have great gifts to bring back home.
10: Statue of Liberty
New York’s most famous monument, there are a variety of ways to view Lady Liberty.
Ferries for Liberty Island depart from Battery Park, and it is highly encouraged to make reservations ahead of time if you wish to visit the Museum, Pedestal or Crown. Especially for Crown tickets, during the summer months it can book up 6 months in advance. You’ve been forewarned! (All info on how to make reservations, including the ferries, is in the link above).
The ferry ride through New York Harbor is half the fun, and the kids will go nuts at being so close to our treasured monument. For older kids who are interested, continue on to Ellis Island for a trip through immigration history.
Insider Tip: See New York CityPASS for a discount on 6 NYC attractions, many of them listed here.
About the Blogger
Hi, my name is Corey and I write a family travel blog called fifi + hop. I live in the suburbs of New York with my husband and two girls, after having lived in the city for 12 years, 5 of which were spent raising the kids.
My blog mainly focuses on local travel in the New York and Tri-State area, but I write about any trip we take, big or small. Posts range from family vacations in Italy to trips around the corner to our local nature preserve. I’ve always loved to go out exploring new places, no matter where they are, and that’s what fifi + hop is all about.
TWITTER | FACEBOOK
With thanks to Corey for her contribution to the Explore My City Series. You may also be interested to learn more about Brooklyn Outdoors with Kids or how about heading upstate to Lake George & the Adirondack Mountains with Kids?
We have a complete guide to the best places to visit in New York State here.
Bookmark this page or save to Pinterest for Later
Did you miss any previous posts from Explore My City? Be sure to jump back into our archives for a trip around the world with a special insiders eye especially for kids!
Disclosures: This article contains links to third parties who we act for as affiliates. They are not recommendations by the guest blogger but editorial suggestions. If you purchase anything by clicking on these links then we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can find our full disclosure policy here.
Pingback: 5 Awesome Things To Do in New York with a Toddler
Thanks so much for sharing and featuring my Manhattan post!
Pleasure to have you and learn more about this amazing city – and that it IS possible with kids!