Top 12: What are the Best Things To Do in NYC With Kids?

NYC, for all of its amazing energy and wonderful quirks, can feel somewhat overwhelming, especially when you’re bringing kids around—but it shouldn’t! In New York City, there are always family-friendly activities to enjoy, suited to kids of all ages, you just have to know where to look. 

So, today at Civitatis, we’re taking a look at the top things to do in NYC with kids, so that you can make plans in the city that are enjoyable for the little ones and for ’bigger kids’ as well! 

1. See The Lion King (or Other Shows) on Broadway

Age range: 6+

First on our list of the best things to do in NYC with kids is to head to Broadway—New York’s theater district, comprised of 41 theaters. Across Broadway you’ll find lots of shows that will go down well with the whole family, but for us, The Lion King is probably your best bet!

With these tickets to The Lion King on Broadway, you’ll be treated to a fantastic, family-friendly show, based on the legendary 1994 Oscar-winning Disney film of the same name. Accompanied by music by the legendary Elton John, this rendition of The Lion King has won six Tony Awards and an Evening Standard Award—check it out!

You might also consider buying tickets to Wicked on Broadway. Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz tells the story of the friendship between Elphaba Thropp and her friend Glinda, who go on to become the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch. This adaptation has received three Tony Awards and six Drama Desk Awards since 2003.
We’d also recommend grabbing tickets to Aladdin on Broadway, a musical comedy based on the Disney film, in which 18-year-old Aladdin discovers a magic lamp, from which emerges a magic genie who grants him three magical wishes!

2. Museum of Ice Cream

Age range: All ages

Next up on our list is the Museum of Ice Cream in SoHo: a must-visit for families looking for a sweet escape. This experiential museum provides an immersive, multisensory experience, which includes a sprinkle pool you can dive into, ice cream tattoos, lots of photo opportunities, and of course, ice cream tastings! Book tickets to the Museum of Ice Cream with Civitatis.

3. Central Park Zoo

Age range: All ages
Tucked away within Central Park, the Central Park Zoo is an ideal location for a day filled with family fun, right in the center of Manhattan, just over from 5th Avenue. Central Park invites you to discover 130 different species of animals: explore the park’s furry friends with your kiddos, marvel at snow leopards, penguins, grizzly bears, and more.

Across the park are 3 distinct areas: the Tropical Zone, Temperate Territory, and Polar Circle. Also included as part of the admission price is the nearby Tisch Children’s Zoo, farm animals, where little ones can interact with goats, sheep, and potbellied pigs.

4. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Age range: 5+

As far as observation decks go in New York (and there are lots of great options), the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is perhaps the one that kids will get the most out of. This state-of-the-art facility provides a panoramic view of the five boroughs of New York, along with exciting (and highly Instagrammable) multisensory art installations, which have an awesome futuristic vibe that elevates you and your family’s experience to the next level! Buy your ticket to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt!

5. American Museum of Natural History

Age range: All ages
A favorite for generations, the American Museum of Natural History is a treasure trove of fascinating exhibits that can capture the curiosity of kids and adults alike. Inside, check out massive African Elephants, and even bigger dinosaur bones, including Stegosaurus and even a mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex, or T-Rex—a favorite among little ones! Also see the fantastic blue whale model in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. , This museum is educational and great fun for kids of all ages, and the adults will even get a kick out of it! Grab a ticket to the American Museum of Natural History today!

6. See the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden

Age range: 6+

This one is a sure hit with the whole family. Enjoy an unforgettable evening at the iconic Madison Square Garden, home of the New York Rangers. Even if your family isn’t big into ice hockey, anyone and everyone can feed off the energy of an NHL game, especially one at MSG. Along with the excitement of the match, you and the kids can enjoy the music, the crowd participation, and of course, the confectionery!

These tickets are hotly contested, so be sure to get them as soon as possible. The season generally takes place between November and April, so try to schedule your trip around then! Check out tickets to see the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

7. Madame Tussauds

Age range: 5+
At Madame Tussauds in Times Square, you and the kids can step into a fantasy world and meet your favorite celebrities. Snap pictures with music legends, historical figures, and even beloved fictional characters. If your kids are into superheroes, they’ll just love the Marvel Universe 4D, where they can meet the Hulk, Spiderman, Captain America, and more! You can also meet President Biden and Vice President Harris in the Oval Office, and even sit with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show! Make your dreams come true and buy a ticket to Madame Tussauds NYC!

8. Central Park Playground/Rickshaw Tour

Age range: All ages

Right in the heart of New York City, Central Park is a wonderful stretch of greenery filled with wonderful features to suit people of all ages. Inside the park, you’ll find 21 unique playgrounds for little ones to enjoy, from the Ancient Playground near the Met to the recently renovated Billy Johnson Playground.

Another way to enjoy Central Park with the little ones is as part of this Central Park rickshaw tour. On the ‘Classic Tour‘ option, your driver will bring you around Manhattan’s wonderful green lung, showing off some of the park’s most famous features, and telling you some mysteries and legends along the way Another option, which is suitable for kids is the ‘Home Alone 2 & Elf Tour‘, which will allow you and the little ones to re-live Kevin’s experience in Central Park, going past Carnegie Hall, the Wollman Rink and the Plaza Hotel! You’ll also follow Buddy’s footsteps, bringing the story to life as you pass by Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge.

9. Explore the MoMA

Age range: 8+

After running around at the playground, dive into a world of color and creativity at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art). While museums can be tricky with kids, the MoMA is the most kid-friendly, a great place for little ones to explore their creativity.

MoMA offers a vibrant, dynamic space filled with bold colors, unexpected shapes, and artworks that spark imagination. From the dreamlike swirls of Van Gogh’s Starry Night to the bold, graphic energy of Andy Warhol’s pop art, there’s plenty for young visitors to see, point at, and react to. Check it out for yourself with a ticket to the MoMA.

10. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour

Age range: 6+
Introduce your kids to one of America’s most iconic landmarks with a guided tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Learn all about the statue’s history and the importance of Ellis Island, which served as the landing point for millions of immigrants coming to the USA for a better future in the 19th and 20th centuries. On the island, you can visit the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Enjoy this Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island tour.

11. See the Yankees Play

Age range: 6+
For baseball fans—or anyone looking to enjoy a quintessential New York experience—catching a Yankees game at Yankee Stadium is a grand slam. Enjoy a game and soak in the family-friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and fan interaction. If you’re a complete newbie, we’d recommend learning a little bit about baseball before attending a game, so that you get a little bit more out of the experience! Also, be sure to snap a photo with the iconic stadium sign! Buy tickets to see the New York Yankees.

12. Mercer Labs Tickets

Age range: 8+
Mercer Labs is NYC’s latest must-see digital art museum, where kids and parents alike can walk through stunning, futuristic exhibits that blend science, light, sound, and technology. With immersive rooms that feel like stepping into another dimension, the museum is both intellectually stimulating and visually spectacular. It’s particularly engaging for older children and teens who enjoy creativity, tech, and sensory experiences. Book your Mercer Labs tickets in advance to avoid long lines and ensure a timed entry slot.

There you have it for our top things to do in NYC with kids. Hopefully, in our list you’ve found something that tickles your fancy. If you’re still looking for experiences to enjoy, check out more tours & experiences to enjoy with Civitatis in NYC!