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New York Museums Kid Friendly

Visit The Statue Of Liberty

TOP 10 Things to do in NEW YORK CITY | NYC Travel Guide

A trip to the Statue of Liberty is a fun activity for all ages.

Be sure to read our post about visiting the Statue of Liberty, which is full of tips on planning your visit.

Depending on what type of ticket you purchase, your family could even see the view from Lady Libertys pedestal and/or crown.

Pedestal access is included with some family-friendly Statue of Liberty tours, making it easier to enjoy the trip to Liberty Island and learn a lot about the history of this landmark.

There is also a museum on Liberty Island which houses a lot of interesting artifacts including the original torch.

Childrens Museum Of Manhattan

212 W. 83rd St. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $15 and babies 1 and under are free. Timed entry admission required.

A favorite on the Upper West Side, the Childrens Museum of Manhattan is often referred to as CMOM by New Yorkers. With five floors to explore, its like a kid science museum and art space together with lots of opportunity for playing and learning.

Best Museums For Kids In Nyc 2022

New York City is one of the best cities in the world when it comes to museums and cultural institutions. This city has so much to offer, and not only for adults. There are a lot of you can visit and have a great time with your family and kids. Not all places are kid-friendly, but there are so many of them that are.

There are many kids museums in New York City that will be so fun for your kids and educational too. The kids will love them, and they will have the opportunity to play, learn about history, science, art, and many other things. These places are great to visit at any time of the year, and we guarantee you that both kids and you will have a lot of fun.

We made a list of the best kid-friendly museums in New York City, and here it is:

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Lower East Side Tenement Museum

Visitor Center 103 Orchard St. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission based on age. Advance tickets required.

Walk through history in a preserved tenement building at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. Tour the building that housed 7,000 working-class immigrants from 1863 until 1935.

With specialized tours focusing on Irish immigrants, Jewish immigrants and sweatshop workers along with neighborhood tours, youll get an understanding of an immigrants life over a hundred years ago.

TravelingMom Tip: Most tours are best suited for kids 8 and up. No strollers allowed.

The Whitney Museum Of American Art

Top Family Friendly Museums in the NYC Suburbs that kids will love ...

99 Gansevoort St. Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Tuesday. Admission based on age, kids under 18 are free. Timed entry tickets required.

Anchoring the southern end of High Line Park, The Whitney showcases contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries with a focus on living artists.

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The Morgan Library & Museum

225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street

Explore the stunning former private library of Gilded Age financier Pierpont Morgan, joined with other historic buildings and modern steel-and-glass pavilions.

* See illuminated, literary, and historical manuscripts, early printed books , and old master drawings and prints.

* Three magnificent rooms straight out of of the Beasts castle with wall-to-ceiling books, objets dart and a high-security vault epitomize Americas Age of Elegance.

* Download the Family Guide and meet Belle da Costa Greene, a pioneering Black female librarian who helped build the collection in the early 1900s, for info and activities. Look for a secret vault and hidden passages.

* Admire the oversize Sol LeWitts Wall Drawing 552D in the light filled Gilbert Court.

* On Saturdays, explore the newly restored Morgan Garden. Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday tickets holders can only experience the Morgan Garden and view the exterior of J. Pierpont Morgans Library as part of the tour that takes place at 12:30 pm.

* Engaging rotating exhibits explore art and popular culture.

* There is a lot kids will want to be touch but wont be able to, so make sure yours is prepared to keep his or her hands in pockets and off the old stuff.

Beverages and snacks available in the Morgan Café . Dining Room, Café and coat check are currently closed.

Tuesday-Saturday & Sunday 10:30 am 5 pmFriday 10:30 am 7 pmFree admission Friday 5 7 pm

South Street Seaport Museum

Take a tour of the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and learn how people lived and worked on this cargo sailing vessel. After, explore the Ambrose, a National Historic Landmark that was the first lightship to guard the largest shipping channel in and out of New York and New Jersey ports. And during the summer, enjoy a 75-minute cruise on W.O. Decker, the last remaining wooden tugboat built in New York. Tickets for the tugboat are $30 for adults and $15 for children .12 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10038 748-8600

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Circle Line Sightseeing Tours

For one of the most scenic things to do in NYC with kids, view the citys most famous landmarks by boat. Youll see all the icons, like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Yankee Stadium, on a relaxing cruise with a comfortable outdoor deck that gives you incredible skyline views. Five cruises ranging from 45 minutes to 2.5 hoursdepending on how much time you have and how patient your kiddos arewill offer an entertaining and informative glimpse into New Yorks remarkable history while offering a ton of great Instagram ops. Ticket prices vary per cruise.Cruises depart from Pier 83, West 42nd Street in Midtown, or Slip 6, Battery Park in Downtown. 563-3200

A ride on the SeaGlass Carousel will make you feel like you jumped into an underwater wonderland. Photo Credit: @littlekidbigcity

Run Around In The Sunshine In Central Park

10 Things to do in NEW YORK CITY WITH KIDS

The 845-acre urban oasis of Central Park is New Yorks most beloved green space. With well-maintained meadows for picnicking, beautiful paths for walking and an unbelievable 21 playgrounds for playing, the park tops most visitors lists.

Dont miss stopping by Wollman Rink, set up for ice skating in the winter and the Victorian Gardens amusement park in the summer. Young park-goers in particular will adore the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, a fairy talelike cabin in which audiences take in astonishing puppet productions.

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Honorable Mention: Go To Chinatown

There is a lot of fun and interesting things to see and do in Chinatown.

Kids jump at the opportunity to visit the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, and its hard to beat some of the prices youll find on a variety of interesting toys sold at the shops in this area.

Regardless of what you plan to do while youre here, make sure to read our post about visiting Chinatown for more details.

The Metropolitan Museum Of Art Upper East Side

What to see: Arms and Armor, The Met Costume Institute, Cantor Rooftop GardenBest for: Ages 5+Plan to: Spend a half-dayIt’s easy to lose yourself in this NYC institution, but at more than 2 million square feet, there’s too much to see in one dayor 10! There’s really no wrong way to visit The Met, and your picks for favorite kid-friendly galleries may look different than ours. There are masterful paintings and ancient sculptures worth seeing, too, of course, but no matter what you see, we suggest pacing yourself. While you could easily spend the day here, your kids might not be so keen. Take in a gallery or two and call it a day. Head to the nearby Ancient Playground and leave with your kids wanting more to guarantee yourself a return visit! Beyond the galleries, be sure to see what events are on tap. We’re pleased to see story times and family-focused tours returning here. Save time to toss some coins into the fountains on the plaza out front or grab a snack from a nearby food cart, then lounge on the steps for some excellent people watching.

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Childrens Museum Of The Arts In Soho

One of the only fine arts museums in the country dedicated solely to children, the Childrens Museum of the Arts in SoHo introduces children and their families to the transformative power of the arts by providing opportunities to be creative under the guidance of actual working artists. There are tons of activities for you and the kids to do, so before you book your flights to New York City, be sure to check whats on the schedule. The museum sponsors a variety of classes and workshops geared specifically to engage children. The museum also maintains a permanent collection of paintings and drawings by children from over 50 countries.

This interactive museum is located on Charlton Street in the heart of the artsy SoHo neighborhood of lower Manhattan. The museum is open to the general public from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.

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Federal Hall National Monument

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26 Wall Street. Closed until further notice.

The Federal Hall National Monument building served as the first capital of the United States, the Supreme Court and the Executive Branch offices. George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States at Federal Hall as well.

Read More: Want More Revolutionary History? Head South to Philadelphia!

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See The National Geographic Ocean Odyssey

A digital aquarium located in the middle of Times Square!

Using high-quality monitors, the National Geographic Ocean Odyssey makes you feel like there is only a panel of glass between you and some of the most beautiful aquatic life in the world.

Much like Madame Tussauds, this attraction is also open late throughout the week. Visitors are welcome until 10:30 pm from Sunday Thursday and 12 am on Friday & Saturday.

NOTE: National Geographic Ocean Odyssey is included with both the New York Sightseeing Pass and the Explorer Pass.

Whitney Museum Of American Art

Head toWhitney Museum of American Art for your daily dose of creative inspiration. Located in the Meatpacking District near the A/C/E 14th Street Station, this family-friendly museum has a lot to offer kids of all ages. Teens will best appreciate the rotating exhibits here, which feature legendary painters such as Jasper Johns and lesser-known artistic movements such as craft art. But little kids may find some of the art entertaining too, especially in its outdoor sculpture section. Get a great view of New York City as you venture outside and climb the stairs to the next floor you never know what art youll find! The museum also has indoor/outdoor dining and a cafe if kids want a snack. Afterward, make a day of it in Chelsea. Take a walk along The High Line, visit Chelsea Market, or even head further uptown to Hudson Yards.

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Go To Grand Central Terminal

If youre looking for another fun and historic location to see, Grand Central Terminal is entirely free to visit and theres plenty to see and do here.

You can learn more about this landmark for free by taking our pay-what-you-likeguided walking tour of Grand Central Terminal or our GPS enabled audio tour.

Grand Central Terminal is open after dark, so you might want to consider this as a nighttime activity and the food court has a lot of great options.

Things To Do In Nyc With Kids

Picasso’s Sculptures at MoMA for Kids – Museum of Modern Art – New York

The bright lights of the big city can be overwhelming for anyone, and with so many things to do in NYC with kids, it can be mind-boggling to plan a day or weekend across the Hudson. Do you start with the classics like Empire State Building and Central Park Zoo? Or do you head to the newer attractions in NYC, like Little Island or the Edge? And then there are the museumsyou could spend days hopping around, eyeing the iconic T-Rex at the Museum of Natural History, exploring the undercover world of intelligence at Spyscape, to seeing antique firetrucks at the New York City Fire Museum. Yup, its a lot, so thats why weve done the planning for you. Read on for all the awesome things to do in NYC with kids , and if youve been there, done that, check out our unique guide to things to do in NYC with kids too.

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New York Botanical Garden

If youre seeking a break from the bustling city streets, a visit to the beautiful New York Botanical Garden may be in order. Meander around 250 acres of stunning landscapes encompassing lush gardens with native plants and flowers, interspersed with art installations by legendary artists like Yayoi Kusama. At the Everett Childrens Adventure Garden, kids can pick up a scavenger hunt pamphlet for fun, self-guided activities, and even pot and take home a polka dot plant. Tickets are $15 for children ages 2-12 and $30 for adults and kids ages 13 and up, and the garden is open Tuesday-Sunday.2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458 817-8700

Spend Time In Midtown Manhattan

Midtown Manhattan has lots of things to do that are perfect for the whole family.

Below are just some of the great activities and attractions.

NOTE: Many of these attractions are included for free or at a discount with tourist passes such as the New York Pass, the Explorer Pass, and the New York Sightseeing Pass.

Some sites like M& Ms World and the Nintendo and LEGO stores are free to enter and enjoy their activities.

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Children’s Museum Of Manhattan Upper West Side

What to see: Everything!Best for: Ages 1-8Plan to: Spend a half-day

Feeding Alphie the Dragon letters is a rite of passage for Manhattan tots who visit CMOM, one of our favorite children’s museums in NYC. Keeping him company are the ever-popular Dora and Diego characters whose long-standing gallery dominates the second floor, and the gaggles of bus drivers and firefighters who visit the galleries daily. Though the space is on the small side , CMOM keeps things fresh with rotating exhibitions. Past favorites have included Hello from Japan, and the ongoing Superpowered Metropolis offers plenty of preschool fun. The seasonal, outdoor Dynamic H2O is a perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer day and its Inside Art exhibit is about to get a brand new look just in time for summer vacation visits.

The Museum At Eldridge Street

Best Family Friendly Museums in New York City

12 Eldridge Street

Step inside history and explore an icon of New York City resilience. Learn the story of the grand 19th-century Eldridge Street Synagogue and the Jewish immigrants who built it. Look for elements from different eras in the buildings storied history, such as Kiki Smiths monumental stained glass window replacing an earlier intervention from the mid-19th century.

In self-guided tours, experience life through the eyes of a newly arrived immigrant to New Yorks Lower East Side. Sunday Friday at 11 am and 2 pm and Sunday and Monday at 1 pm, join free public guided tours are available. Knowledgeable docents guide you through the sweeping history of the Eldridge Street Synagogue from its time as a cultural hotspot in the bustling Jewish Lower East Side, to its decades of decay, to its miraculous rebirth as a 21st-century museum.

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Sugar Hill Childrens Museum

898 St. Nicholas Ave at 155th Street

Explore a range of accessible and thought-provoking art, from historically significant to important contemporary works at this community-driven childrens museum inspired by the rich cultural history of Sugar Hill and the artists of the Harlem Renaissance. See a selection of sculptures From Melvin Van Peebles Blue Room and thought-provoking juxtaposition of artistic works by contemporary

Solomon R Guggenheim Museum

1071 5th Ave. Open Thursday to Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission based on age, kids Under 12 free. Timed entry tickets are encouraged.

I love the Guggenheim for the architecture, originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Take the elevator to the top floor and work your way down.

TravelingMom Tip:Keep an eye on the kids who might be tempted to walk a bit too fast.

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Recommended New York City Neighborhoods For Families

There are countless wonderful neighborhoods in New York, with almost unlimited hotel options catering to all price points and interests. Visiting families often choose to stay on the Upper West Side, which offers easy access to restaurants, museums and glorious Central Park at the other end of Manhattan, the area around South Street Seaport beckons with historic streets and plenty of playgrounds. One of the more unique areas to stay is Brooklyns Dumbo, where cobblestone streets meet the East River under the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge overhead.

The opening of the eco-friendly 1 Hotel Brooklyn gives families the perfect spot to rest their weary heads. Kids are welcome all over the hotel, including at the rooftop plunge pool, which offers a view of the Manhattan skyline, and the cafe, which has a kids menu.

The hotel is situated on Pier 6, part of Brooklyn Bridge Park Park, a sprawling waterfront green space offering sports fields, playgrounds, expansive lawns and even kayaking. Kids of all ages will love riding the restored , a 100-year-old merry-go-round offering views of Manhattan across the river.

Hungry youngsters can participate in a time-honored New York tradition: finding the perfect slice. Grimaldis is a classic coal-brick-oven pizzeria whose pies are so good Frank Sinatra was once rumored to have delivered them by jet to the West Coast. Youll know youre there by the line snaking out the door.

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