08 Mar 10 Fun Activities and Things to Do with Kids in NYC in 2023

The city of New York is one of the most exciting and vibrant places in the world. With its world-class attractions, iconic landmarks, and endless array of things to do, NYC is the perfect destination for family fun in 2023. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a local, there are plenty of activities and experiences to enjoy with kids in NYC. From outdoor adventures to museum visits, here are 10 of the best family-friendly activities and things to do in NYC in 2023.

1) Bryant Park
Located in Midtown Manhattan, Bryant Park is a great place to take your kids for a fun and exciting day. With its sprawling lawns and iconic landmarks, this park provides plenty of opportunities for what to do with kids in NYC.

Kids can explore the beautifully landscaped lawns of Bryant Park or take part in any of the numerous events offered throughout the year. During the summer months, there is an outdoor movie theater where kids can watch classic films. There are also numerous activities such as yoga classes, outdoor concerts, game nights and ping pong tournaments. For those looking to have a more educational experience, there are lectures, workshops and even coding classes available.

The park also features a carousel that is perfect for little ones. It features hand-carved animals and provides rides all year round. In addition to that, the park has numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops where parents can find something to enjoy while their kids play.

No matter what type of activity your family is looking for, Bryant Park has something for everyone. From outdoor movies to lectures and activities for kids, this park is a great place to spend a fun day in the city with your children.

2) Wave Hill
Located in the Bronx, Wave Hill is an urban park that offers an array of activities for kids to enjoy. The grounds feature stunning gardens, woodlands, cultural exhibitions, and nature trails that provide a unique experience for kids. There are events year-round for families, like art workshops, live music, puppet shows, and more. It also provides a wonderful opportunity for what to do with kids in NYC—stargazing and campfire programs, story times, scavenger hunts, and nature walks. With over 28 acres of green space, there’s plenty to explore.

3) Little Island
One of the newest and most exciting places to take kids in NYC is Little Island. Located in the heart of Hudson River Park, Little Island is a 2.4-acre outdoor performance venue featuring lush green spaces, an outdoor amphitheater, and a boardwalk. It’s perfect for a family day out, with plenty of activities for children to enjoy.

Kids can explore the gardens, look for birds and butterflies in the meadow, or have some fun on the interactive water play area. They can also check out the various performances, from live music and theater to art installations and dance. There’s something for everyone at Little Island!

Little Island is also a great place for parents to relax and let the kids roam free. From picnics in the park to outdoor movies, you’ll find plenty of things to do with kids in NYC. And the best part is that the entire experience is free!

4) The American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is a great place for families with kids to explore and learn together. With over 33 million specimens, the museum has something for everyone. From the dinosaurs to the Hall of North American Mammals, your kids will be enthralled by what to do with kids in NYC.

If you and your kids are animal lovers, the museum offers many interactive experiences like touchable artifacts and live animal exhibits. The Wildlife Conservation Hall is especially great, as it has displays of animals from all over the world. There’s also the Butterfly Conservatory which has thousands of live butterflies.

The Planetarium at the museum is another must-see exhibit. Here, you and your kids can learn about space exploration, planets and galaxies through laser shows, lectures and hands-on activities.

There’s also plenty of cultural learning available too. The museum houses a collection of Native American artifacts, such as sculptures and masks, as well as artifacts from different cultures around the world. Your kids will be fascinated by what they can find!

For younger kids, the Discovery Room has a playroom where they can take part in activities related to the current exhibits. There’s also a library where they can browse books and videos on various topics.

Overall, the American Museum of Natural History is an ideal spot for what to do with kids in NYC. It provides plenty of educational opportunities, fun interactive experiences and an exciting way to explore our planet.

5) Roosevelt Island Tram
The Roosevelt Island Tram is a fun and unique way for kids to explore NYC. This aerial tramway, which stretches between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island, provides stunning views of the East River and offers a bird’s-eye view of the city. It runs every day from 6:00am to 2:00am and only takes a few minutes to get from one side to the other. Whether it’s used as an exciting activity or simply as transportation, the Roosevelt Island Tram is a great option for what to do with kids in NYC.

6) Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic landmark of New York City and one of the most popular attractions for both visitors and locals. This bridge spans the East River and connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. It’s a great place to take the family on a fun day out, as there are so many things to do with kids in NYC here. Visitors can take a stroll across the bridge, enjoy spectacular views of the cityscape, and take some amazing photos. The pedestrian walkway runs 1.3 miles and offers up some spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, and the Brooklyn Bridge Park. There are also plenty of spots along the bridge where you can stop and take in the views. For kids, there are plenty of interactive activities such as arts and crafts, educational exhibits, performances, and more. Additionally, visitors can rent a bike or rollerblade and explore the nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park.

7) Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is a must-visit destination for families looking for what to do with kids in NYC. This sprawling wildlife park is home to more than 4,000 animals, with highlights including sea lions, gorillas, tigers, and even polar bears! The zoo also has a variety of interactive exhibits, such as the Madagascar Exhibit, JungleWorld, and Butterfly Garden. Kids will love the various animal shows, demonstrations, and feeding sessions that are available throughout the year. Plus, if you’re looking for an educational experience, the zoo offers behind-the-scenes tours and an Animal Ambassador program.

8) Coney Island
Coney Island is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun day out with the kids in NYC. Located in the borough of Brooklyn, Coney Island has been a popular attraction since it opened in the mid 1800s and has become an iconic symbol of the city. Coney Island has something to offer everyone, from thrilling amusement park rides and carnival games to traditional boardwalk restaurants and beautiful beachfront views.

There’s plenty of what to do with kids in NYC at Coney Island, starting with the main attraction – the amusement park. There are roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, carousel, bumper cars, water rides, and much more for all ages. After taking a spin on the rides, don’t forget to try your hand at some classic carnival games like skee-ball and ring toss.

For a different type of experience, take a stroll along the boardwalk and soak up the unique atmosphere of this historic area. Stop by the stores for souvenirs and treats or check out the many street performers who come out to entertain the crowds. Afterwards, spend time enjoying the warm sand and ocean breeze at the beach.

9) New York Aquarium
The New York Aquarium is a great place to take the kids for a fun and educational experience. With over 350 species of marine life, there is plenty to explore! Visitors can explore the many different habitats, view the hundreds of animals, and even touch some of the inhabitants. Kids will love seeing everything from giant sea turtles to sharks, seahorses, and even tiny jellyfish. There are plenty of interactive displays, too, with activities like touch tanks, ocean habitats, and interactive games. The Aquarium also offers many educational programs and workshops designed to teach kids about ocean conservation and the importance of preserving our environment.

10) Staten Island Children’s Museum
Located in the heart of Staten Island, the Staten Island Children’s Museum is a great place to explore with your kids. From interactive exhibitions to art studios, there is something for everyone. For those looking for what to do with kids in NYC, the Staten Island Children’s Museum has lots of activities and programs that provide fun and educational experiences for all ages. The museum offers hands-on exhibits, such as a pirate ship, and a “Garden of Art” with colorful sculptures and a variety of other engaging activities. Additionally, the museum has rotating programs and events such as a magic show, movie nights, and art classes. With plenty of space to explore, the Staten Island Children’s Museum is an ideal destination for families looking for what to do with kids in NYC.