The Most Fun Your Kids Will Ever Have in New York
Despite having a reputation as being a concrete jungle, New York is jam-packed with fun, kid-friendly destinations and adventures.
Here are some crowd-pleasing spots that will entertain tiny tots and big kids alike.
WHERE TO EAT
Alice’s Tea Cup
Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, this whimsical tea house in New York will put a smile on any child’s face. From dainty scones to colourful cakes, this café promises the ultimate magical experience with an extra sprinkling of fairy dust.
American Girl Place Café
Situated at 75 Rockefeller Plaza, this cafe is like a giant Barbie house. In case they get sick of you, your kids can enjoy meals with their own lookalike dolls for company.
Bubby’s
Situated on 120 Hudson St, this place serves all American comfort food for all ages. Try out their extremely popular fried chicken on top of the fluffiest pancakes ever.
Bar Pitti
Head on over to 268 Sixth Avenue for some no frills Italian dining. Their white truffle Taglierini is said to be sinfully indulgent and divine.
Black Tap
This restaurant at 529 Broome St serves souped up American classics. Classic burgers and milkshakes are turned into massive burgers and monster shakes that will no doubt satisfy your children’s junk food cravings (and give them a sugar hit that will probably last for hours). Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Eataly
Bring your family over to the Italian marketplace at 200 5th Avenue for some fresh seafood, drinks and homemade ice cream for a taste of little Italy in the Big Apple.
Roberta’s Pizza
Sometimes you just want a slice of good old fashioned greasy pizza. Try out this stroller-friendly hipster Italian joint at 261 Moore St Bushwick.
Russ & Daughters Café
Rich with history and over 100 years old, this iconic kosher cafe at 127 Orchard St was included in 2018’s Michelin Guide.
Serendipity 3
For a little break, indulge in Serendipity 3’s signature Frozen Hot Chocolate that your kids (and you!) will surely enjoy at 223 E 60th St that have attracted stars like Cher, Marilyn Monroe and George Clooney.
Tortilla Flats
Is there anything more fun than a party setup and Mexican food? Decorated with neon lights, streamers and brimming with a can’t-ignore party vibe, your family is in for a good time at 767 Washington St.
WHERE TO SHOP
Books of Wonder
If your kids are little bookworms, this giant bookstore at 18 W 18th St is New York City’s largest independent children’s bookstore and will give you a little break while your kids browse around for an hour or two or three.
Dylan’s Candy
Oh boy, we can already hear the children screaming at the top of their lungs in anticipation of that sweet, sweet candy. This candy emporium at 1011 3rd Avenue is the world’s largest, merging art, fashion and pop culture with candy, making this a worthwhile and super-sweet visit.
Kidding Around
Toys R Us? Blah. This toy store located at 60 W 15th St is a nice alternative. Check this place out for an eclectic range of toys, dolls and games you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere.
My Little Sunshine
This charming store at 177 Ninth Ave is a unique one-stop shop for fashionable children’s clothes and unique toys. If you feel so inclined, you can even get your kid a trendy haircut.
Norman & Jules
A delight for the eyes, this beautiful toy store at 158th Seventh Ave, Park Slope offers special eco-friendly toys, handmade crafts, accessories and clothing.
Yoya
You’ll have the best dressed kid around if you pay Yoya a visit. Whether your children are fashion conscious or not, check out this store on 605 Hudson St anyway. You might pick up a gem you might not find elsewhere!
WHERE TO SLEEP
Onefinestay or Kid & Coe
Think Airbnb, but for kids. Book a spacious apartment in New York from any of these two websites which offer carefully curated and pleasantly decorated family-friendly apartments.
50 Bowery Hotel
If apartments are not your thing, this hotel situated in bustling Chinatown at 50 Bowery is the perfect blend of homely comfort and city convenience. It’s pet-friendly too, so bring along your pets to complete the family vacation.
Andaz Hotel
Enjoy spectacular views every morning – situated on 485 5th Avenue, the hotel is located close to New York staples Central Park and the Empire State Building.
Le Parker Meridien
How could you say no to a dip in this pool? Situated on 119 W 56th St, treat yourself to a spectacular view of the cityscape and glass ceilings that make you feel like you’re swimming in the clouds.
WHAT TO DO
American Museum of Natural History
This museum houses a huge collection of animal bones and skeletons at Central Park, West & 79th St that will surely muster some oohs and aahs from your children.
Central Park Zoo
There are no talking animals here, but one of the most famous tourist attractions in New York, the Central Park Zoo, should definitely be on your family’s New York itinerary. Exotic animals, spectacular marine life and the 1.8 acre Heckscher Playground are all within reach when you pay a visit.
Children’s Museum of the Arts
Let your child be a part of the local art scene by joining the museum’s art classes and workshops at 103 Charlton Street.
Hudson River Park’s Pier
This beautiful park offers an array of fun family activities such as mini golf, a skate park, climbing walls and huge play structures at Harrison & North Moore Streets. Tired after a day of play? Wind down for the day and watch the sunset over a family picnic.
Imagination Playground
If you want your children to experience a different type of playground, head over to 2 Fulton St where you’ll find enormous blue blocks that look like a cross between Lego and Tetris blocks, sprinklers and sandpits.
Loop of the Loom
If you have a ‘play indoors quietly’ sort of child, consider Loop of the Loom at 227 E 87th St which offers weaving classes on mini looms. You can weave your own scarves, shirts, bags and tablecloths.
We’ve literally given you 27 things you can do in New York with your kids so there are no excuses for not filling every minute of your day with something fun. There’s nothing your child can complain about now!
Related: 22 Classic Must-Try Things in New York City
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