No worries going to New York with kids, one of the great things about this city is there’s plenty to do for adults and kids of all ages. Here’s the things worth doing in New York with kids, regardless of age.
Natural History Museum – This is a massive Museum covering two blocks and to see everything, you’re probably going to need at least a day. Beautiful museum despite the fact most of it is stuffed animals. This place is huge and rather difficult to find your way around. The Amazon 3D show was a good 3D show, but don’t expect many animals to pop out at you – the show is about Bates who helped Darwin with his theory of Evolution. It’s quite well down but not so great for little ones. You easily spend a day or more here too, but for most people, half a day should be fine. This is one of the best museums for kids and adults anywhere in the world and if you’re in New York with kids, you’d be a fool not to take them here. There’s a discovery room where they can hunt for animals and the museum is just full of excellent, educational and fun things to do with kids. Not to be missed and one of the best things to do in New York with kids.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art – With Grobbler around, unfortunately we only stayed 30 minutes and probably only saw a 1/10th of the whole thing. I’m not huge on art, but I was actually quite interested in seeing more of this as it looked pretty good. Whether you’re into art or not, the Met is definitely worth a visit and plan to spend at least a day here. Probably not one of the best things to do in New York with kids, unless they’re a bit older, but some younger ones will appreciate it if you get them into it and tell them a few stories
New York Hall of Science – Another awesome science museum that your kids will love. It’s got over 450 exhibits, mini golf and a 60,000 sq ft science playground that your kids won’t want to leave. It’s next to the Queens Zoo, which is alright (but the Bronx Zoo is better) so you can check that out afterwards if you have time.
The Bronx Zoo – One of the biggest city zoo’s in the United States (I think it’s actually the largest) and boasting 4000 animals, the Bronx Zoo should be somewhere near the top of your list of things to do in New York with kids. The Bronx Zoo is a lovely mix of seeing the animals in their natural habitat as well as getting opportunities to see them up close and personal. One of the best zoo’s for kids and adults. Check out their website to get 10% off tickets and see opening times and more info.
Central Park – Make sure to hire remote control boats and row boats. The Grand Lawn was closed and fenced off, as we’re many other places . Belvedere castle was closed for renovations, but there’s plenty more to see here. The turtle pond isn’t worth seeing, and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis reservoir is rather boring and not really seeing. You can easily spend a day here and we could have probably spent 3 full days just running around and checking everything out. Loads of squirrels and Central Park is without doubt, in my opinion, my opinion, one of the best things to do in New York with kids. Check out the smaller zoo, designed especially for kids. It’s got a tropical rain forest, penguins, a sea lion pool and townies can have a go patting a few animals in the petting zone. In the winter you can have try ice skating and in summer on the weekends all the roads close and you can rent a bike and cycle for miles and miles around the park. There’s playgrounds and shows and loads of other stuff to do so make to head here on your visit to New York with kids.
Nintendo Store New York – Took Grobbler here as he’s right into his Super Mario. This is quite a big shop but doesn’t actually have a lot of merchandise. Super Mario stuff is on the ground floor and Pokemon on the Second Floor. We didn’t even make it to the second floor, bought a few Super Mario t-shirts, caps and the like, but don’t think there’s much here you can’t buy online. Not one of the best things to do in New York with kids but if your kids are into Nintendo, worth a visit.
Times Square – If you love crowds of tourists, disastrous traffic and tacky gift shops, you’re going to love Times Square. I don’t really know why anybody would want to come here. Well actually I do, if you’ve never been to a big city, it’ll be a huge eye opener. To be be fair, I’ve lived in Bangkok and Hong Kong, and even though Times Square is touristy and crowded, it’s got a certain buzz about it that isn’t matched anywhere I’ve been. Avoid it after 5p.m and you might enjoy it more. It’s one of those things to do in New York with kids that you kind of feel obligated to do, but won’t be that impressed by, especially with kids.
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