New York City with kids

New York City has something for visitors of all ages – including the youngest ones.

This world capital is home to fascinating museums, inventive restaurants and beautiful parks, which (with a little planning) kids can enjoy as much as adults. Read on for the best things to do in New York City with children.

Is New York City good for kids?

The city’s hustle and bustle can quickly tucker out children – and parents. Long city blocks can be exhausting to little limbs. Cozy cafes are a tight squeeze for strollers. Yet exploring Gotham with the kids is also a magical experience, one that lets grown-ups experience one of the world’s most famous places through new eyes. Here are a few ways to make your next New York City trip a family-friendly delight.

Best things to do in New York City with kids

American Museum of Natural History

You don’t have to be a science buff to enjoy the renowned American Museum of Natural History. From the life-sized dinosaur skeletons (including a scary Tyrannosaurus rex) to the galaxy-spanning presentations of the Hayden Planetarium, this thrilling museum has enough to occupy families for days. Your kids will be especially impressed with the jaw-dropping, 94ft-long hanging blue whale made out of 21,000 pounds of foam and fiberglass.

New Victory Theater

Few visitors to New York City can resist its spectacular selection of Broadway shows – but kids don’t always have the stamina for two-hour-plus productions, and the outlay for tickets may not seem worth it if you end up in the lobby with a rambunctious child.

Luckily, there’s New Victory Theater. Located in the heart of Times Square yet one of NYC’s best-kept secrets, this nonprofit venue produces shows geared exclusively toward kids and families. Each performance has a suggested target age, ranging from babies to older kids, making it easy for parents to plan. Once the house lights go down, spectators will be captivated by the theatrical fare of the highest quality, which might include puppets, fairytales, magic shows and more – all at an affordable price point. Sensory-friendly performances are often also available.