Best Museums in New York City for Kids & Families

3 family-friendly museums with age ratings and parent tips.

Highest rated: Play Street Museum - Upper West Side, Museum of Illusions - New York, Children's Museum Of Manhattan. 3 listings are indoor. Every listing includes age fit, stroller notes, cost signals, and parent tips.

By Kit, KidPaths editor

Covers 71 cities. Reads a lot of parent reviews.

Top Picks

Play Street Museum - Upper West Side

4.9 stars

Play Street Museum UWS earns a stellar 4.9 stars because it combines structured play with real art-making in a way that engages both toddlers and pare

Best for ages 0-6Indoor$50-80 for 2 young kids per session including art activities

Museum of Illusions - New York

4.4 stars

The Museum of Illusions uses optical illusions, holograms, and impossible rooms to create experiences that genuinely confuse the brain — and kids find

Best for ages 6-16Indoor$100-130 for family of 4 (adults ~$24-28, children slightly less)

Children's Museum Of Manhattan

4.2 stars

CMOM's five floors of hands-on exhibits hit the right notes for the 2-8 crowd: a water play area with jets and sprays, a media studio where kids can m

Best for ages 1-9Indoor$60-80 admission for family of 4 + subway = ~$70 total

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