15 Best Family-Friendly Things To Do In NYC For A Fun & Memorable Time In 2024

Looking for some family-friendly things to do in NYC? Well, you’re in the right place!

New York City is a playground for all ages, and when it comes to finding some stunning family-friendly activities, the city that never sleeps certainly doesn’t disappoint! Whatever you and your family are fond of, from interactive museums to delicious food tours, there’s something for every family to enjoy. 

Scan through our suggestion of the best family-friendly things to do in NYC, ensuring your trip to the Big Apple is packed with fun and unforgettable experiences! Save this now or you’ll regret it later!

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1. NYC Museum of Ice Cream

Step into a fantastical world of frozen delights at the Museum of Ice Cream in New York City.  This family-friendly attraction is more than just a museum – it’s an immersive experience that combines art and ice cream in a vibrant wonderland!

You’ll be learning about the cool history of this ice treat in a dreamlike setting that will whisk you away, and don’t miss a splash in the giant pool full of sprinkles and a trip down the three-story slide. This is the best part of the trip!

Meanwhile, adults can indulge in unlimited ice cream samples and learn about the history of this beloved dessert.

With its interactive exhibits and Instagram-worthy installations, the Museum of Ice Cream is a must-visit for families seeking a fun and unique adventure in NYC.

🍕Are you a foodie? Check out these NYC food tours!

2. NYC Empire State Building

Take your family to new heights with a visit to the iconic Empire State Building to experience the views at the center of it all! Standing at 1,454 feet, this world-famous landmark offers breathtaking 360-degree views of New York City from its 86th and 102nd-floor observatories.

On a clear day, you can see up to six states! More than a spectacular view, the Empire State Building is the most Instagrammed landmark in the USA!

 Inside, the building also features interactive exhibits that tell the story of its construction and history and newly renovated interactive galleries that take you on an incredible journey from the building’s construction to its current place in pop culture.

Oh, and be sure to see the building’s iconic Art Deco Fifth Avenue Lobby, this is sure to be an educational experience for kids! Open from 9 a.m. to midnight daily, the Empire State Building is a must-see attraction for families visiting NYC.

3. New York CityPASS

Visit New York’s top attractions, handpicked and packaged together at significant savings with the New York CityPASS! This is a family’s golden ticket to explore the city’s top attractions at a fraction of the cost, including experiencing world-class art, fascinating science, important history, incredible views—from the sky and the sea, and more!

You’ll have the chance to visit the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the American Museum of Natural History without lining up and waiting. All you have to do is simply show your mobile ticker on your way in.

People rave about the value and convenience of the CityPASS, making it a top choice for families looking to make the most of their NYC adventure!

4. NYC Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour

Tuck into the flavors and traditions of two of New York’s top foodie neighborhoods on this Chinatown and Little Italy food tour! This tour is a foodie’s dream come true, offering a chance to taste authentic dishes, starting in Chinatown with Hong Kong-style sponge cakes to go then led down the famous Mulberry St. to enjoy slices of pizza in a 130-year-old bakery.

But it’s not just about the food – your guide will also share the rich history and culture of these neighborhoods, sometimes reveal fun facts and tell you the stories of the NYC mafia or show you some more hidden dumpling spots!

Sample their foods and flavors, wander their streets, and learn all about their history and heritage, what can be better than this?

5. American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is a treasure trove of interactive exhibits that will captivate the whole family.

The museum is home to over 32 million specimens, from prehistoric giants like the Tyrannosaurus rex and wooly mammoth to the giant blue whale and animals of the African savannah, making it one of the most interactive natural history museums in the world!

Your kids will have the chance to come face-to-face with some of the world’s largest and most incredible creatures in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, and even learn about the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Greece. 

Wandering through the museum, you’ll find yourself transported to different worlds and eras, from the depths of the ocean to the vast expanse of space. How cool is that!

6. Full-Day New York “Must See” Small-Group Tour + One World Observatory Ticket

The Full-Day New York “Must See” Small-Group Tour is a one-of-a-kind way for families to take in all the highlights of New York City. This comprehensive tour lets you explore the Big Apple like a New Yorker as you walk, ride the subway, and take the Staten Island Ferry! 

The tour includes visits to iconic places like Times Square, the Broadway theater district, Grand Central Terminal, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty.

The best part of the show is a chance to explore the One World Observatory, where you elevate your senses as you take in the iconic sights, surrounding waters, and panoramas of the Manhattan skyline and beyond from this unique Downtown location!

7. New York One World Observatory

For a family-friendly adventure that’s top of the world, the New York One World Observatory is a must-visit. This attraction takes you to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere in less than 47 seconds!

The Skypod elevator provides a thrilling virtual time-lapse visual experience showing how New York City has evolved from the 1500s to today. 

Once at the top, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of the city, including iconic sights like the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and the 9/11 Memorial. Surround yourself with the rhythms of the city in the See Forever Theater.

Dine or drink at the café, bar, or restaurant. The observatory also offers dining options with panoramic views, making it a perfect spot for a family meal with a view!

8. NYC: Circle Line Landmarks Cruise

If getting a close-up look at the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and other sights best seen from the water sounds nice to you and your family, this Circle Line Landmarks Cruise is your next activity!

This cruise will take you around the grandeur of lower and midtown Manhattan to get a close-up look at Lady Liberty, and Ellis Island, and sail under the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg bridges.

While you’re admiring the beauty of these signature icons, the local tour guide will share fascinating stories about the city’s rich history, making it both an educational and entertaining experience for the whole family!

They also offer food and drinks for purchase, so you can keep the little ones satisfied when you soak in the sights.

🛳️ Check out other NYC Harbor Tours here!

9. NYC 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a poignant tribute to the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, and the six people who died in the World Trade Center bombing in February 1993. 

This destination offers a chance for parents to educate their children about these significant historical events in a respectful and thoughtful environment.

There are two areas for you and your family to visit: The 9/11 Museum & The 9/11 Memorial.

While the museum displays over 10,000 monumental artifacts linked to the events of 9/11 and is made up of three permanent exhibition sections, the memorial is a tribute of remembrance and honor to the nearly 3,000 people in the attack.

10. American Dream: Dreamworks Indoor Water Park

Located just a few miles from New York City, DreamWorks Indoor Water Park is one of the largest family-friendly indoor water parks in the country!

It features many of your favorite DreamWorks characters and offers a variety of rides for all ages, from record-breaking slides, the world’s biggest indoor wave pool, to the world’s tallest trapdoor capsule slides!

There are rides for little ones like the Bubbly Lazy River and The Penguins Frozen Fun Zone, which is perfect for toddlers!

The park maintains a comfortable, climate-controlled environment under a massive skylight, making it a perfect all-weather family outing. Enjoy the 81°F tropical climate all year long and have a splashing good time!

11. Central Park Live Guided Bike Tour

Get ready for a fun-filled family adventure to discover the city’s most popular destinations with the Central Park: Live Guided Bike Tour.

This 2-hour tour lets you see notable attractions such as the Conservatory Garden, Belvedere Castle, the Central Park Zoo, the Imagine Mosaic, Strawberry Fields, Cleopatra’s Needle, and the Central Park Carousel.

Riding a bike around the park is a great way to cover more ground and see more sights than you would on foot. 

Plus, it’s a fun way to keep the kids engaged and active. The tour is led by a licensed professional guide, ensuring you learn interesting facts about the park’s history and landmarks. You even have the option to extend your bike rental after the tour to continue exploring at your own pace.

12. Superheroes of NYC Guided Walking Tour

Calling all superhero fans! No city is the setting for superhero stories more often than New York, and with this Guided Walking Tour, you will have the chance to explore some of the most famous superhero movie scenes!

You’ll visit the Daily Bugle office from Spider-Man, the Avengers’ headquarters, Grand Central Terminal, and the site where Stark Tower is supposed to be. As you take a left down Park Avenue, you’ll walk along historic Publishers Row as well!

The guide will share behind-the-scenes stories and trivia, making this tour a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a fantastic way to see New York City through a different lens and create unforgettable family memories!

13. Spyscape Museum and Experience

If you’ve ever fantasized about going on a secret spy mission, then look no further than this Spyscape Museum and Experience! This interactive museum is all about the intriguing world of espionage.

Families can test their spy skills in a range of immersive challenges and simulations. You’ll crack codes, dodge lasers, and learn about real-life spies and their missions. 

The museum also features exhibits on cyber warfare and surveillance, making it a fascinating and educational experience for older kids and adults. At the end of your visit, you’ll even receive a personal spy profile developed by a former head of training at British Intelligence.

And don’t forget to stop by the world’s best spy bookshop and spy giftshop in this iconic 60,000 sq ft flagship location as well!

14. Underground Donut Tour

Donuts have always been a New York City favorite, and this will lead you to some of the best donuts the Big Apple has to offer! For families with a sweet tooth, the Underground Donut Tour is a must-do. 

This tour will lead you on a curated journey where you’ll taste donuts, from classic glazed to award-winning creations. In short, you’ll get to try an out-of-this-world variety of unique flavors while the tour guide treats you to fun facts about New York history, architecture, film locations, and more while you stroll through the Flatiron District and Greenwich Village!

It’s a fun and unique way to explore the city, and the donuts are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Just remember to bring your appetite!

15. Grand Central Terminal Special Access Guided Tour

Millions of people pass through Grand Central Terminal but never discover the secrets of this Manhattan showpiece. Well, this Official Grand Central Terminal Special Access Guided Tour is going to lift the lid!

This tour offers an exclusive look at the world’s most famous train terminal, there’s a bustling and historic hub of life in New York, holding countless stories within its iconic halls.

With an expert guide leading the way, your family will uncover the secrets and history of this remarkable landmark, which will give you a deeper understanding of the building than you could get alone!

The tour is highly recommended by travelers and is a fantastic educational experience for kids and adults alike. It’s a unique opportunity to see what makes this iconic terminal tick and to appreciate its architectural beauty.

Exploring New York City as a family is an adventure like no other. Each of these family-friendly activities offers a unique way to experience the city and create lasting memories! From soaring above the city in a helicopter, tasting your way through food tours, to immersing in the world of spies and superheroes, we’re sure these suggestions above cover you!

For even more ideas on what to do in the city, check out our guide on the best things to do in NYC. Happy exploring!