There is never any shortage of things to do in New York City and traveling with your family and kids of all ages is no obstacle. Every borough of New York offers plenty of opportunities for good old fashioned family fun, and in recent months there has been a surge of new highly interactive attractions in Times Square specifically designed for the younger visitors to enjoy. Whether you choose a tried-and-true like Central Park, or one of the new Times Square experiences, your family is guaranteed to have a good time and make memories that last forever.
National Geographic Encounter – Ocean Odyssey ✅
One of the most unique of the new Times Square attractions comes to you from National Geographic. Kids especially love this experiential exhibit that allows them to interact with depths of the ocean barely explored by humans. The exhibit features a 3D movie, a fun mirror maze and a variety of interactive, informative videos.
Address: 226 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
Hours:
Wednesday: 10AM–9PM
Thursday: 10AM–9PM
Friday: 10AM–10PM
Saturday: 10AM–10PM
Sunday: 10AM–9PM
Monday: 10AM–9PM
Tuesday: 10AM–9PM
Central Park ✅
There’s a lot to do in New York’s favorite park. The Central Park Zoo, the Wollman Rink or the Carousel are particularly popular with kids. If you’re in New York in Spring, Summer or Fall, consider renting bikes and taking your family on an iconic ride.
Bronx Zoo ✅
Bronx Zoo is undoubtedly one of the favorite ways for NYC families to spend an afternoon. Visitors should catch up and explore this favorite and all of its opportunities for kids to learn and get closer to nature.
Address: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460
Hours: Daily 10AM – 4:30PM
NFL Experience ✅
Love football? Curious about football? Come to the brand new NFL Experience in Times Square and have fun with their interactive displays and games.
Address: 20 Times Square – entrance between 47th & 48th street on 7th avenue, New York, NY 10036
Hours:
Wednesday: 10AM–6PM
Thursday: 10AM–6PM
Friday: 10AM–8PM
Saturday: 10AM–8PM
Sunday: 10AM–6PM
Monday: 10AM–6PM
Tuesday: 10AM–6PM
American Museum of Natural History ✅
One of the most famous natural history museums in the world, AMNH attracts millions of visitors every year to its incredible permanent collection of artifacts from the world’s history as well as their temporary exhibits and the Hayden Planetarium. Kids love to learn by observing real scientific and natural discoveries displayed in this iconic space on the Upper West Side.
Address: Central Park West & 79th St, New York, NY 10024
Hours: Daily 10AM – 5:45PM
Gulliver’s GateGulliver’s GateGulliver’s Gate ✅
Miniaturists of all ages will love this space. Gulliver’s Gate will transport you all over the world in a matter of minutes through meticulously designed miniatures full of humor, whimsy and impressive craftsmanship.
Address: 216 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
Hours: Daily 10AM – 8PM
For more information check out: Gulliver’s Gate – A miniature World in Times Square.
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum ✅
The USS Intrepid and the surrounding Pier 83 is the location of New York’s famous Sea, Air and Space Museum. Come here to explore the history of the military and space travel through thousands of fascinating artifacts.
Address: Pier 86, W 46th St & 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Hours: Daily 10AM – 5PM
Coney Island Luna Park ✅
The promenade and Luna Park at the tail end of Brooklyn will transport you into a quaint beach town that feels vintage and carefree, transporting you into a simpler time in the past. The Luna Park boasts impressive state-of-the-art attractions and ride as well as famous antique rides like the Cyclone, which originally opened in 1927.