family things to do in nyc
New York City is a fantastic destination for a family vacation, offering a wide range of activities and attractions that cater to all ages. Here are some family-friendly things to do in NYC:
- Visit the American Museum of Natural History: Explore the wonders of science and nature at this iconic museum, featuring a giant T-Rex skeleton, a giant blue whale, and a planetarium.
- Take a stroll through Central Park: This 843-acre green oasis in the middle of Manhattan offers plenty of space for picnics, playgrounds, and outdoor activities like boating, biking, and ice skating.
- See a Broadway show: Introduce your kids to the magic of live theater with a family-friendly musical like "The Lion King," "Aladdin," or "Wicked."
- Explore the Children’s Museum of the Arts: This interactive museum lets kids unleash their creativity with art projects, music, and theater performances.
- Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum: A poignant tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks, with a reflecting pool, museum exhibits, and a Survivor Tree.
- Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge: Take in stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and Brooklyn on this iconic bridge.
- Visit the Bronx Zoo: As the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States, the Bronx Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals from around the world, including elephants, lions, and giraffes.
- Play at the High Line: This elevated park built on an old rail line offers a unique playground, gardens, and stunning views of the Hudson River.
- Visit the New York Hall of Science: Engage in hands-on science experiments and interactive exhibits that make learning fun for all ages.
- Go ice skating at Rockefeller Center: During the winter months, enjoy ice skating under the iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.
- Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty: Get up close and personal with Lady Liberty on a ferry ride to Liberty Island.
- Explore the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Introduce your kids to the world of modern and contemporary art with interactive exhibits and family-friendly tours.
- Visit the Central Park Zoo: A small but charming zoo in the heart of Manhattan, featuring a sea lion exhibit, a petting zoo, and a children’s zoo.
- Attend a sports game: Catch a Mets game at Citi Field or a Yankees game at Yankee Stadium for an exciting sports experience.
- Visit Times Square: Bright lights, giant billboards, and lively street performers make for a fun and energetic experience.
- Take a food tour: Sample the diverse culinary delights of NYC, from classic pizza to bagels, hot dogs, and dumplings.
- Visit the New York Public Library: A beautiful Beaux-Arts building with a stunning reading room and a great selection of children’s books.
- Go to a TV show taping: Attend a live taping of a popular TV show like "Saturday Night Live," "The Tonight Show," or "Good Morning America."
- Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: Explore a retired aircraft carrier with a collection of historic planes and spacecraft, including the Space Shuttle Enterprise.
- Take a day trip to Coney Island: Head to Brooklyn’s iconic beach town for boardwalks, amusement parks, and a classic Nathan’s Famous hot dog.
These are just a few of the many amazing family-friendly activities and attractions in NYC. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to create lifelong memories with your family!