New York may be the city that never sleeps. But it’s also a surprisingly family-friendly place to go. Truthfully, there’s so much to do in New York that you’ll never see it all, even if you had a lifetime to spend in the Big Apple. And finding family-friendly activities is as easy as finding a good cup of coffee.
Penn Station welcomes millions of visitors to New York every year, and thanks to its central location in Manhattan, you can begin your exploration of the city right from the doors of the station itself. Drop off your unneeded bags at a Penn station luggage storage and take the kids into the heart of New York. Check out some of these family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained.
The Giant Room
This children’s activity center is just a short walk from Penn Station and is the perfect place to entertain younger kids. The Giant Room offers a variety of fun and educational programs for kids of all ages. Check their website to see what they have on offer at any given time. But no matter when you visit, chances are good that you’ll be able to get the kids into a fun activity that will keep them entertained and possibly even give you some time to explore New York without them.
Central Park
Central Park is an iconic destination in New York, and it’s only a couple of subway stops away from Penn Station. It’s a must-do for anyone visiting New York, but that’s especially true if you have kids with you. Central Park is huge, and there’s so much to do that you could easily spend an entire day there and not see it all. But some of the highlights include renting a boat to row around the lake, going for a horse-drawn carriage ride, or visiting the Central Park Zoo.
Rockefeller Center
Just a short walk from Penn station itself, Rockefeller Center is another iconic New York destination. It’s home to the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants. But it’s also a great place to take the kids, thanks to attractions like Top of the Rock Observation Deck and Radio City Music Hall. If you’re lucky enough to visit close to Christmas, the outdoor ice rink is a truly iconic New York attraction the kids have been enjoying for generations. But no matter what time of year you find yourself here, Rockefeller Center is a great place to keep the whole family happy.
The Museum of Modern Art
You may not think of a museum as a place to take the kids, but hear us out. The Museum of Modern Art is one of the most popular museums in New York, and it’s easy to see why. It’s packed with world-famous art, and there’s even an entire floor devoted to kid-friendly art. There’s also an on-site cafe if you need to refuel after all that exploring.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of New York’s most famous landmarks, and it’s also a great place to take the kids. There’s an observation deck on the 86th floor that offers stunning views of the city, and there’s even a separate section for kids with interactive displays. If you’re looking for a truly memorable experience, try to time your visit for sunset. You’ll be treated to some of the most incredible views of New York City you’ve ever seen.
Times Square
You can’t visit New York without checking out Times Square. It’s one of the most iconic places in the city, and it’s also a great place to take the kids. There are a ton of kid-friendly activities in Times Square, from watching a Broadway show to visiting Madame Tussauds wax museum. And if you time your visit right, you might even catch a glimpse of the famous New Year’s Eve ball drop.
Times Square wasn’t always the most family-friendly place to visit in the city, but in recent decades, it’s really cleaned itself up and become a major attraction for people traveling with kids. Street entertainers and caricature artists will give you something to do while you explore, and the bright lights and vibrant atmosphere are enough to get kids excited about their trip.
Museum of Ice Cream
Who doesn’t love ice cream? The Museum of Ice Cream is a relatively new addition to New York’s attractions, but it’s already become one of the most popular places to visit in the city. It’s perfect for kids (and adults) of all ages, and it’s a great way to beat the summer heat. The museum features interactive exhibits, as well as plenty of opportunities to sample some of the best ice cream in the city.
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the most popular museums in New York, and it’s a great place to take the kids. It’s packed with exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to space, and there’s even a planetarium if you want to catch a show. The museum can be a bit overwhelming, but that’s all part of the fun. You could easily spend an entire day here and not see everything, so make sure you give yourself enough time to explore.
Conclusion
New York is a fantastic city to explore as a family. There’s plenty to do here to keep both kids and adults entertained, so you never need to hear that feared refrain, “I’m bored.” Leave your bags behind at a convenient luggage storage, and you’ll find an inexhaustible supply of things to do with your kids in New York City.
