New York with Kids: Parks, Museums & Family Travel Tips

New York is loud, busy and huge, and kids absolutely love it. Giant dinosaurs, yellow taxis, playgrounds around every corner and pizza by the slice make it one of the most exciting family city breaks anywhere.

Where to stay in New York with kids

• Upper West Side: leafy, residential and next to Central Park and the Natural History Museum.
• Midtown: central for Broadway and Times Square, but noisy and crowded.
• Brooklyn (DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights): waterfront parks, a carousel and skyline views, with more space for your money.

The best things to do in New York with kids

1. Central Park. More than 20 playgrounds, the Carousel, the Central Park Zoo, boating on the lake and space to run.
2. American Museum of Natural History. Dinosaurs, the giant blue whale and a planetarium.
3. Staten Island Ferry. Free, and it sails right past the Statue of Liberty.
4. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island. Book official ferry tickets ahead, especially for pedestal or crown access.
5. Brooklyn Bridge Park. Playgrounds, a vintage carousel and the best skyline views. Walk back over the bridge if little legs allow.
6. The High Line. A flat elevated park walk, stroller-friendly with lifts at several entrances.
7. Bronx Zoo. One of the world’s biggest city zoos. A full day out.

Getting around New York with a stroller

• Walking: the best way to explore. Manhattan’s grid is easy to navigate.
• Subway: fast, but many stations have stairs only. Use the MTA’s accessible stations map.
• Buses: slower but step-free, with ramps.
• Taxis and ride apps: car seats aren’t required in yellow cabs, but bring a travel seat if you want one. Some ride apps offer car seat options.

Where to eat with kids

• Pizza by the slice: quick, cheap and everywhere.
• Bagels: the breakfast of New York.
• Diners: booths, pancakes and kids menus.
• Food halls like Chelsea Market and Time Out Market Brooklyn have something for everyone.

Parent tips for New York

• Public restrooms are hard to find. Use museums, department stores, hotels and Bryant Park.
• Summers are hot and winters cold. Spring and autumn are best for walking.
• Check whether you need an ESTA before travelling. See our visa directory.

See more in our United States with kids guide.