Top places to visit in New York with kids
Whether you’re going on a trip to New York or simply looking to explore a new neighborhood, we want you to enjoy yourself when spending time with your little ones. At Doona, it’s our goal to make every outing easier for parents, so we put together a few of our favorite kid-friendly spots in New York just for you—enjoy!
Outdoor Activities
Union Square Green Market
Neighborhood: Union Square
Age: All ages
Price: Free
Open year-round on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the Union Square Green Market is the perfect activity for families. Offering a mix of fresh produce, artisanal products, and local goods, the market is set up in Union Square Park, so kids can run around while parents shop. Many vendors offer free samples, allowing you to try new things together. It’s also walking distance to many hotels, including The Standard East Village, offering rooms with panoramic views of the city, or the cozy Ludlow Hotel for a relaxing and low-key experience.
Central Park
Neighborhood: Central Park
Age: All ages
Price: Free
Central Park is the perfect place to take a respite from city life and enjoy being in nature. From the Central Park Zoo to playgrounds, peaceful nature reserves and public concerts, there is plenty to do for the whole family. Bring a picnic and games and sprawl out on the grass, or stroll through the various child-friendly areas including Umpire Rock where your kids can play on the boulders, or the carousel and gift shop on 65th street for a fun treat. The Smith is an incredible nearby option for lunch, with a casual yet elegant atmosphere and delicious food. Their menu is also kid-friendly with many options for picky eaters.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Neighborhood: Brooklyn
Age: All ages
Price: Free
Enjoy the beautiful landscape of the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge without venturing too far. Find numerous activities here for kids, including the historic Jane Carousel for only $3.00 per ride, several playgrounds with fun activities like water areas, rope swings, and sandboxes, and even an environmental education center completely free and open to all. Nearby seasonal events like Smorgasburg food market take place during the summer months, offering everything from tacos to gourmet ice cream. It’s a great activity for families who want to try different types of food in a laid-back, outdoor setting. If you’re looking for a place to stay, our favorite hotel options in the Brooklyn area are the Arlo Williamsburg or the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge.
Indoor Activities
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Age: All ages
Price: Free admission for children 0-12
The Met is a great place to bring toddlers for a cultural experience. As one of the largest art museums in the world, there is something here for all ages. With family programs that cater to young children, including hands-on activities, storytelling, art making workshops, and kid friendly tours, there are many ways to engage your little one. There are also several dining options inside the museum that offer a range of experiences, including the Roof Garden Bar, with light bites and a panoramic view of Central Park. If you’re looking for nearby lunch spots, Bluestone Lane is a lovely cafe just a ten minute walk from the museum. For something a little more indulgent, Sadelle’s in SoHo is a great choice for a family brunch or lunch. Known for its famous bagels and smoked salmon towers, it’s a hit with both adults and kids.
American Museum of Natural History
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Age: All ages
Price: Children under 3 receive free admission, tickets for ages 3-12 start at $16.00.
*Note that all tickets must be reserved online before visiting.
This museum is a classic you won’t want to miss. Visit permanent exhibitions like a real T-rex fossil, the hall of gemstones and minerals, or a life-sized blue whale model. You can also check out in-depth ticketed exhibitions like the Secret World of Elephants, Turtle Odyssey, or World’s Beyond Earth Space Show that tell an interactive story through various mediums. Before or after the museum, we recommend grabbing a coffee and treats from Levain Bakery on West 74th St, or Zabar's deli a few blocks away. It’s perfect for a casual, tasty breakfast or lunch. After eating, you can browse the market for gourmet food items to take home. If you’re up for a longer stroll or quick cab ride, Jack’s Wife Freda offers a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired menu that’s both toddler and parent-approved.
Taro’s Origami Studio
Neighborhood: Brooklyn
Age: 5 and up
Price: Between $40 and $60 depending on the level and class type.
The first ever Origami studio in the United States, Taro’s Origami offers lessons on the ancient art of paper folding to people of all ages! Enjoy this cultural experience as a family in the heart of Japan Village, fostering your child’s development and encouraging an appreciation for unique technical skills. At the end of the class, you can keep your paper creations as a souvenir! Both private lessons and group classes are available and usually last for 1 hour. A quick subway or taxi ride will bring you to two of our favorite sushi spots, Silver Rice or Ozakaya, both with a casual and relaxing atmosphere perfect for families.
Day Trips
Rockaway Beach
Neighborhood: Queens
Age: All ages
Price: Free
Located on the Rockaway peninsula, this five and a half mile beach and boardwalk will make you forget you’re in a city. Stroll down the boardwalk and stop for some pizza and Italian ice, and if the weather is nice, enjoy a day by the water sunbathing and building sand castles. You can even find playgrounds and barbecue areas, making it easy to entertain your kids outdoors whether you go in the water or not. Bungalow Bar is a fun beachfront restaurant with views of the bay, and perfect for a family meal at sunset.
Dia Beacon
Neighborhood: Hudson Valley
Age: All ages
Price: Free admission for children under 5. Tickets for ages 5-11 start at $5.00.
Dia Beacon is a great place to visit with kids, especially if you're looking to mix art, nature, and a chill day trip from NYC. Take the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central, the ride is gorgeous with views of the Hudson River the whole way, and kids usually love trains. The museum is about a ten minute walk from the station, and much less crowded than museums in the city. Their art is big, bold, and experiential with light installations, sculptures, and minimalist pieces that are interesting for all ages. The nearby town is super walkable with beautiful views of the Hudson Valley. After the museum, explore the main street and check out kid-friendly cafés, ice cream shops, and bookstores. Make sure to bring snacks, as there are no restaurants in the museum.
Shops
Albee Baby
Neighborhood: Downtown Brooklyn
Age: Caters to infants and young children up to about 5 years
Price: Moderately priced
Albee Baby is the perfect one-stop shop for essential baby gear. For families traveling to New York, it’s an ideal place to pick up anything you might have forgotten or need while in the city. Whether it’s a 2in1 car seat stroller combo for easy sightseeing, a portable crib, or extra baby supplies, it’s easy to find what you need in one place. You can also shop online for in-store pickup or delivery.
Babesta
Neighborhood: Tribeca
Age: Caters to babies, toddlers, and young children
Price: High end
If you’re looking for cool, fashionable baby products from clothing, to nursery furniture, to stroller alternatives, Babesta offers a curated selection of designer and boutique brands. They’re known for unique, high end products that you won’t always find at other stores, providing a more boutique experience for parents looking for something special. Check them out if you’re looking for a gift for your little one!
At Doona, we’re committed to making parenting simple for every family. That's why we’ve created our innovative and revolutionary Doona Car Seat and Stroller, transforming from car seat to a stroller in seconds; and Liki Trike — the most compact folding toddler trike on the market that grows alongside your toddler from 10-36 months.
*Note that all prices listed in this article reflect costs as of April 2025, and may vary. Please refer to each organization's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
