New York with kids: the best things to do

In short: New York is a giant playground: Central Park and its zoo, the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum, the Statue of Liberty ferry, the aircraft carrier of the Intrepid museum, the Brooklyn Bridge on foot and the city from an observation deck. Book the big visits ahead, group your days by area and leave time for the many playgrounds.

Central Park

Manhattan’s great park is a family’s best friend:

• The Central Park Zoo, small and easy to visit with young children.
• The historic carousel, one of the largest in the United States.
• Playgrounds all over the park.
• The Lake, where you can hire rowing boats in the warmer months, and Bethesda Terrace.
• The Alice in Wonderland and Hans Christian Andersen statues, which children climb on.

The Natural History Museum

Facing Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History is children’s favourite visit: the dinosaurs, the giant blue whale hanging from the ceiling, the animal dioramas and the planetarium. A must, to book ahead.

The Statue of Liberty and the ferries

• The official ferry, from Battery Park, goes to Liberty Island and Ellis Island; access to the pedestal and the crown is limited: book on the official website.
• The Staten Island Ferry, free, sails past the statue: a good alternative with young children.

The Intrepid Museum

On the Hudson, the Intrepid Museum is set aboard an aircraft carrier: fighter jets on deck, a submarine and the space shuttle Enterprise. Children who love planes or space could spend the whole day there.

The Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, early in the morning to avoid the crowds, then head down to Brooklyn Bridge Park: waterfront playgrounds, lawns and Jane’s Carousel in its glass pavilion, with views of Manhattan.

The city from above

The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, Edge or Summit: the fast lifts and dizzying views impress all ages. Book a slot, ideally late in the day to see the city light up.

The High Line and the neighbourhoods

• The High Line, a former elevated railway turned hanging garden, is an easy, free walk above the streets.
• Times Square and its giant screens, for an evening.
• Chinatown and Little Italy, for dim sum and cannoli.

In summer: Coney Island

At the end of the subway line, Coney Island has a beach, a boardwalk, an amusement park with historic roller coasters and the New York Aquarium. The rides mainly open in the warmer months.

Shows and musicals

Broadway has several family-friendly musicals, ideal for a first theatre outing with children. Book ahead and check each show’s recommended age.

Practical tips

• Book ahead for the Statue of Liberty, the Natural History Museum and the observation decks.
• Group by area: Upper West Side (Central Park, museum), Midtown (observation decks, Times Square), Lower Manhattan (ferries, Brooklyn Bridge).
• The subway does not have lifts at every station: use a light stroller, or the bus.
• Public toilets are rare: use those in museums, department stores and parks.
• From the airports, a private transfer with a child seat avoids changes.

Areas and month-by-month weather are on our New York page. See also: Things to do in New York, Where to stay in New York and New York in 3 days. Entry rules: Travel in the United States.