Exploring New York City with kids is always an adventure. The city is brimming with colorful, interactive and magical experiences that captivate children while keeping parents entertained too. From puzzle-packed spy missions to sprinkle-filled playlands, we rounded up the best 7 things to do in NYC with kids that mix fun, learning and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments. Whether you’re planning a trip, a weekend outing or a local staycation, these family-friendly spots deserve a spot on your list.
Table of Contents
1. Things to Do in NYC with Kids: SPYGAMES
Think you’ve got what it takes to crack codes, decode secrets and race against the clock? At SPYGAMES, kids step into the world of espionage with immersive challenges designed to make them feel like secret agents. SPYGAMES transforms family time into an interactive adventure filled with puzzles, strategy, and teamwork. Every mission blends fun with problem-solving, so kids and parents alike get to think fast and work together. If your children dream of being a spy, this is one of the most thrilling things to do in NYC with kids.
Address: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Duration: 60–90 minutes
Ticket Cost: $45 per player
What to Wear: Comfortable clothes and sneakers — you’ll be running, dodging, and solving missions.
Pro Tip: Book your tickets in advance; time slots fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays
2. Things to Do in NYC with Kids: AREA 53
If your kids love climbing, bouncing, and playing arcade games, then AREA 53 is the ultimate playground for them. It’s a massive indoor adventure park with zip lines, ropes courses, and more. When it comes to active things to do in NYC with kids, this is a top contender. AREA 53 offers multiple floors of action-packed fun. From arcade battles to ropes and obstacle courses, kids of all ages can burn energy while parents enjoy watching (or join in on the competition!).
Address: 616 Scholes St, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Duration: 2–3 hours
Ticket Cost: $35–$45 depending on activities
What to Wear: Athletic wear and closed-toe shoes.
Pro Tip:Check out weekdays. They’re often less crowded and more budget-friendly than weekends.
3. Things to Do in NYC with Kids: Museum of Ice Cream
Sprinkles, slides, and sweet treats! The Museum of Ice Cream is every child’s dream come true. It’s one of the most Instagrammable things to do in NYC with kids and makes dessert time a full-blown adventure. The Museum of Ice Cream brings together colorful installations, sprinkle pools and unlimited ice cream tastings. It’s part museum, part play space, and 100% delicious fun.
Address: 558 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Duration: 60–90 minutes
Ticket Cost: $39–$45 per person
What to Wear: Bright colors — you’ll blend right in with the vibrant backgrounds.
Pro Tip: Go early in the day to avoid crowds and take your time in the sprinkle pool for the best photos.
4. Things to Do in NYC with Kids: Tea Around Town
Looking for a calmer, more elegant outing? Tea Around Town lets families enjoy tea service while riding in a chic double-decker bus through New York City. This experience combines sightseeing with a tea party, making it one of the more unique things to do in NYC with kids. Sip tea, snack on finger sandwiches and admire the city skyline all at once. Kids love the novelty of dining on a moving bus, and parents will appreciate the luxury touches.
Address: Pick-up at 5th Ave & W 42h St, New York, NY 10019
Duration: 1.5 hours
Ticket Cost:$79 adults, $49 kids
What to Wear: Smart casual or semi-formal — think tea party chic.
Pro Tip: Request a window seat for the best views of landmarks like Central Park and Times Square.
5. Things to Do in NYC with Kids: ARTECHOUSE
If your kids love art, light shows or anything techy and immersive, ARTECHOUSE is one of the most captivating things to do in NYC with kids. Tucked beneath Chelsea Market, this digital art space blends science, technology and creativity in ever-changing multimedia exhibits filled with projection art, interactive visuals, soundscapes and sensory environments that respond to movement. There’s even an XR app to unlock hidden layers of the experience, making it a dreamlike adventure that wows both kids and adults.
Address: 439 W 15th St, New York, NY 10011
Duration: 45–60 minutes
Ticket Cost: From $17 (kids) / $25 (adults)
What to Wear: Comfortable clothes (you’ll be walking and moving around)
Pro Tip: Download the ARTECHOUSE XR app beforehand to get the full interactive experience.
6. Things to Do in NYC with Kids: Complete Playground
Not all the best things to do in NYC with kids are outdoors. Complete Playground is a 40,000-square-foot indoor dreamland designed for children of all abilities. By merging play with STEM-based learning, it creates a neuro-inclusive space where kids can climb, explore and thrive together. Before or after playtime, head to Complete Café, where interactive tables let you browse the menu, customize dishes and order with a tap. Complete Cafe turns mealtime into part of the fun.
Address: 30 Broad St, New York, NY 10004
Duration: 2–3 hours, including play and dining
Ticket Cost: $45 per child, $15 per adult
What to Wear: Comfy play clothes and sneakers.
Pro Tip: Plan around lunch or dinner to enjoy both the playground and café in one trip.
7. Things to Do in NYC with Kids: Sloomoo Institute
If your kids are obsessed with slime, the Sloomoo Institute is a must. This sensory wonderland is one of the gooiest, most hands-on things to do in NYC with kids. Dedicated entirely to slime, it lets children stretch it, sculpt it, play with it and even create their own custom blend to take home. The colorful, tactile environment is both soothing and exciting and the fun doesn’t stop there. Upgrade to the enhanced experience tickets for access to Sloomoo Falls, where slime rains down on you in a Nickelodeon-style splash moment. You can even book the party room downstairs for birthdays, with space for up to 40 guests, making it a one-of-a-kind celebration spot.
Address: 475 Broadway, New York, NY 10013
Duration: 60–90 minutes
Ticket Cost: Standard $45 per person, Enhanced $70 per person
What to Wear: Casual clothes that can handle a little mess. Aprons are provided, but slime has a way of finding its way everywhere.
Pro Tip: Book the slime-making upgrade so your kids can leave with a personalized creation.
From spy missions to sprinkle pools, tea parties to slime factories, New York City offers endless family-friendly adventures. Each spot on this list delivers something different from free outdoor play to immersive, dreamlike experiences. Build your own itinerary by mixing active, creative and relaxing activities and you’ll have a lineup of things to do in NYC with kids that guarantees an unforgettable trip.
Play is the highest form of research. — Albert Einstein
I, actually, just got back from New York yesterday. There’s definitely not a shortage of things to do. I love the idea of having a tea party while on a bus showing you the sites of the city. Also, ARTECHOUSE was on my list of things to do and I didn’t have the opportunity to go…so it’s nice to see a review of it!
These would’ve been fun to my kids when they were young, especially Sloomoo, but we didn’t get to take them to NY that time. They’re now more into less colorful stuff, you know, being teenagers, haha! But these look absolutely fun.
LisaLisa
October 3, 2025 / 9:13 am
This is awesome and Thanks so much for sharing this. We are heading to NYC next month with the kids and I will keep a lot of these ideas in mind especially the Spygames and the Complete Playground…sounds like a lot of fun .
Catalina
October 3, 2025 / 1:01 pm
This list is awesome for kids. My two would flip for SPYGAMES and the sprinkle pool. Tea Around Town with a window seat sounds so special.
NYC I believe has no lack of wonderful fun things to do and Bronx Zoo stood out—haven’t been in years, but it’s definitely a fun spot for kids. Nice mix of ideas overall.
Eliz
January 16, 2026 / 4:23 pm
I live in New York and this brings back memories of when my kids were younger and we took them into Manhattan and beyond for all sorts of things.
NYC is rich with endless ways to entertain both children and adults. It’s the city that never sleeps and new things pop up regularly to keep kids fascinated and entertained.
I thoroughly enjoyed your post.
Catalina
January 17, 2026 / 4:41 am
This list is so helpful and full of fun ideas. I love how there is a mix of active places and calmer experiences!
I get twitchy if plans are too packed, especially with kids. Pairing the Natural History Museum with playground breaks felt spot on, so you’re still seeing loads without meltdowns too.
I, actually, just got back from New York yesterday. There’s definitely not a shortage of things to do. I love the idea of having a tea party while on a bus showing you the sites of the city. Also, ARTECHOUSE was on my list of things to do and I didn’t have the opportunity to go…so it’s nice to see a review of it!
Wow! I haven’t been in NYC yet. There’s so many things to do. I want to try the Spygames.
These would’ve been fun to my kids when they were young, especially Sloomoo, but we didn’t get to take them to NY that time. They’re now more into less colorful stuff, you know, being teenagers, haha! But these look absolutely fun.
This is awesome and Thanks so much for sharing this. We are heading to NYC next month with the kids and I will keep a lot of these ideas in mind especially the Spygames and the Complete Playground…sounds like a lot of fun .
This list is awesome for kids. My two would flip for SPYGAMES and the sprinkle pool. Tea Around Town with a window seat sounds so special.
So many great suggestions here! All of them look perfect for our family, but Area 53 would probably be our first stop.
I haven’t been in NYC. There’s so much to do! Thanks for this guide. I’ll check some of it soon.
NYC I believe has no lack of wonderful fun things to do and Bronx Zoo stood out—haven’t been in years, but it’s definitely a fun spot for kids. Nice mix of ideas overall.
I live in New York and this brings back memories of when my kids were younger and we took them into Manhattan and beyond for all sorts of things.
NYC is rich with endless ways to entertain both children and adults. It’s the city that never sleeps and new things pop up regularly to keep kids fascinated and entertained.
I thoroughly enjoyed your post.
This list is so helpful and full of fun ideas. I love how there is a mix of active places and calmer experiences!
I get twitchy if plans are too packed, especially with kids. Pairing the Natural History Museum with playground breaks felt spot on, so you’re still seeing loads without meltdowns too.