NYC is the most populous city in the U.S. It can be a nightmare navigating the streets with your kids. However, beyond the hustle and bustle of the New York City streets there’s a laundry list of activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Here are some of the things to do in NYC with kids.
1. Staten Island Ferry
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Every New York city tourist guide has Staten Island Ferry on the list, and for good reason. The free ferry ride gives passengers excellent views of the New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. The ride lasts about 25 minutes and you can be sure both you and your kids will enjoy every second of it. After getting across, make a point of checking out the St. George neighborhood.
2. The Empire State Building
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A visit to the Empire State Building should be at the top of the list of our things to do while in NYC. You will get amazing views of the city from the 86th floor. Admittedly, it’s a hassle getting tickets to access this iconic building. But you can always skip the long ticket lines by ordering tickets online. You can avoid the elevator lines by visiting at the least crowded hours. This should be early in the morning or late in the day. One of the best times to get an aerial view of the city is at dusk. Watching the city lights twinkle is absolutely magical. You’ll need to go through a security check before accessing the building. Do not carry any liquids or tripods as you won’t be allowed in. Do not carry anything that you won’t be able to carry along with you comfortably since there are no check rooms. If you have to visit the Empire State Building at peak times, you might want to carry something that will keep the kids entertained as you wait in line.
3. Children’s Museum of Manhattan
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This is the perfect destination for children aged six and below. Exhibits include Adventures with Dora and Diego, Playworks and many others. City Splash is also a firm favorite during warm weather and gives kids the chance to paint with water, sail a boat, or play with sand. There are also special performances and workshops that are included with admission. Enquire at the information desk to get a schedule of daily events. While there are no eaters at the museum, you can come and go as you please all day. You can always grab a sandwich at the Café 82 nearby.
4. Central Park
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Central Park is an oasis in a concrete jungle. Many inhabitants of Ney York flock to the park to escape the hassle and bustle of the city. The park stretches three avenues wide and sits of 840 acres of well-maintained recreational areas. If you need some space for your kids to run around and interact with nature, then Central Park should definitely be at the top of the list of destinations. Most things at the park are free to explore. However, you’ll need to pay a fee to access the Central Park Zoo. Apart from the zoo, your kids can explore the Belvedere Castle, Alice in Wonderland sculpture, and the Bethesda fountain.
5. Ice Skating
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This is definitely one of the best things to do in NYC with kids. It’s so much fun you’ll struggle to get your kids off the ice when it’s time to leave. You can skate at the Rockefeller Plaza, the Wollman Rink located in Central Park, and Bryant Park. You can join in the fun and have an amazing time as a family.
6. Dylan’s Candy Bar
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Have a sweet tooth? Then you might want to check out Dylan’s Candy Bar. The most famous candy shop in NYC houses more than 7000 confections easily making It the largest selection of candies anywhere in the world. You and your kids can satisfy all the wildest candy cravings you’ve had. Just pick a bag and take your pick from the myriad of bins or make a selection from the array of chocolates and other treats. You can also buy candy themed souvenirs such as pillows, mugs, pajamas and many others. You can make custom gummy candies with the exclusive printer. You can write a special message, upload an image and print it to a gummy form, or pick a design from the plethora of designs available at the shop. You get to choose the color, shape, flavor, and finishing touches.
7. The Statue of Liberty
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If your kids are visiting New York for the first time, then you trip won’t be complete until they’ve seen the statue of liberty. This iconic statue was a gift from the French on the 100th birthday of the USA. You need to make reservations to tour the interior of the statue and trek up to the iconic crown.
