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New York with kids

Big Apple with little ones? Here's how to do New York with kids.
It might not be the first place that springs to mind when considering where to take your family on holiday, but New York has a surprising amount of kid-friendly options on offer. Famous spots like Grand Central Station and Wall Street might not seem overly appealing to your little ones, but with an abundance of green spaces within the city, and lots of museums to spend the day at, you won’t be short of activities to keep everyone busy. Browse our New York deals to get started...

FOR INQUISITIVE MINDS

If you’re visiting New York with miniature brainiacs, there are hundreds of museums to cross off. We’ve picked out a few to help you whittle down your list. For little artists, try The Children’s Museum of the Arts in Greenwich Village. It’s a real hands-on space for kids to experiment and learn new skills, from painting and clay sculpting, to animating and creating soundtracks and podcasts. Plus, there’s even a studio specially designed for kids under five. Meanwhile, budding scientists should visit The American Museum of Natural History, where they’ll get to see dinosaur bones, including a Triceratops and a Stegosaurus, and participate in nature walks to observe local wildlife, like birds and bats. Finally, at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum, kids can learn about different cultures in World Brooklyn, an exhibition in which they take on community roles from shopkeepers to bakers in kid-sized shops modelled after local Brooklyn spots.

FOR KIDS FULL OF BEANS

New York may be known as a concrete jungle, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of outdoor areas to burn off some energy. Central Park is the most famous green space you’ll want to tick off your list while visiting NYC, and it’s got a lot going for it when it comes to kid-friendly activities. The Central Park Carousel has been operating since 1908, and is only $3 a ride. The park also has an Alice in Wonderland statue, over 21 different playgrounds, and opens an ice rink in the winter. Outside of Central Park, the Battery Park neighbourhood has a handful of green spaces with playgrounds in them, while the long walk across Brooklyn Bridge will help burn off some energy. Plus, the nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park has a pop-up pool ideal for cooling off on hot summer days. For more great views, wander along the vehicle-free High Line in the Meatpacking District.

FOR “I SPY” FANS

A trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without making time to get pictures of the kids outside the big sights. Let your little ones be amazed by the bright lights of Times Square – watch out for a chocolate-induced sugar rush if you visit the Hershey’s Chocolate World – and marvel at the dizzying heights of The Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock. And, wave to Lady Liberty herself by hopping on the Staten Island Ferry – it’s free, and is a great way to introduce your kids to the USA’s rich history.
Ready to show your kids the big city lights?

Take a look at our New York city breaks to start planning your family break. And, for more on New York City, read about the best places to visit in New York, and the surprising things you can do while you’re there. If it’s a family holiday you’re after, find out how to go on a cheap family holiday , and read our pick of the best family holiday destinations.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Lizzie Butler

Last updated: 04.07.2018

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