Family activities in New York City

Things to Do with Kids in New York City, NY

64 qualified activities: museums, parks, zoos, restaurants, and more.

4.5 avgacross 64 rated
18 free
51 stroller-friendly
Kit, KidPaths editor

By Kit, KidPaths editor

Reviews family planning details across KidPaths city guides.

New York City family activity overview

Start your New York City plan with a place and a child's interest. Intrepid offers a ship and aircraft visit on Manhattan's west side. Brooklyn Children's Museum has hands-on play, including Totally Tots for ages 0 to 6. Choose one of these as the main outing rather than treating them as stops on the same museum day.

Choose your New York City outing

Manhattan: ships and aircraft

Intrepid is at West 46th Street and 12th Avenue. Check the submarine rules before promising that part of the visit: Growler requires visitors to be at least 40 inches tall and pass through a replica hatch without assistance. Strollers and large bags cannot enter the submarine or Concorde. Online tickets are valid for the date and 30-minute entry window shown.

Intrepid Museum: family visit details

Brooklyn: play for ages 0 to 6

Brooklyn Children's Museum is at 145 Brooklyn Avenue. Its Totally Tots exhibit serves children ages 0 to 6, with water, sand, music, dress-up and building activities. I would start here when hands-on play matters more to your child than seeing aircraft. Use the museum's visit page to choose an available day before planning your trip to Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Children's Museum: family visit details

Planning sources checked September 13, 2026. Check venue notices for your visit date.

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Check pass savings before booking New York City tickets

If your plan includes several major museums, aquariums, observation decks, or tours, a city pass may beat buying every ticket separately. Always compare against direct prices for your exact dates.

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New York City with kids: common questions

Can we take a stroller into the submarine at Intrepid?

No. Strollers and large bags are not permitted inside Growler or Concorde. Growler also has a 40-inch minimum height and requires visitors to pass through a replica hatch without help. Read those rules before choosing tickets for a child who mainly wants to see the submarine.

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