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Family-friendly Fun in NYC
29
items My son loves to get out and have a good time. These are some of the places we enjoy taking him.
Sections
6
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Indoor Fun
Shopping
Outdoor Activities
My favorite thing to do in Central Park is renting a row boat for as little as $25 per hour.
Central Park
Robert Moses is our go-to summer beach because it is so family friendly. They have different fields that offer different experiences. Our favorite is field five where you can find the bar and a playground.
Robert Moses State Park - Long Island
Check out the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline for free.
Staten Island Ferry
This is not your typical playground. There are pyramids, obelisks and other features inspired by the Egyptian collection at the Met. After a fun day during the summer you'll be sure to find an ice cream truck nearby.
Ancient Playground
If you're in the city, this smaller zoo may be easier to visit. Five stars for the petting zoo.
Central Park
The giraffes, tiger mountain and Children's Zoo are stand out experiences for us. We really appreciate the Wild Asia Monorail. It's nice to have a little break from walking and get a tour around the zoo. Check their website for seasonal and holiday e...
Bronx Zoo
Great place for individuals and families: picnic, playground, nature, cocktails and performances.
Little Island
This beautiful community space offers a plethora of activities, performances, classes and community events. There's ice skating in the winter and swimming in the summer.
Davis Center at the Harlem Meer
Restaurants
This place is great for brunch, with a lively atmosphere and delicious pancakes. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating.
Bubby's
One of our favorite stuffed after I visit to the children's museum. We love pickles!
Jacob's Pickles
Delicious chicken tenders for the kids. They even have an ice cream treat shaped like a chicken tender. For the adults there is tasty a frozen negroni.
Tender Crush
Another restaurant for your chicken finger fanatic. I like this spacious location where we can dine in.
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
We love to go here for brunch in the summer. They have indoor and outdoor seating. My son has a few favorites to choose from on the menu.
Settepani Restaurant
They have a friendly staff We have been going here for years. We love the coq au vin, burger and fried oysters. There is indoor and outdoor seating.
Maison Harlem
This is exactly what you are expecting, sugar overload. You can also find savory items like pasta, burgers and tacos. If you have a real sweet tooth, go during brunch.
Sugar Factory New York - Time Square
There is a large selection of meat and buffet items. You'll be sure to find something that you enjoy. The meat is endless so make sure you turn your card over if you are getting full. Also, kids up to age 6 eat free. Kids ages 7 to 12 are half price.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Other Food & Drinks
This family-owned a restaurant has some of the most unique and delicious ice cream flavors. The shop is small but we're usually able to sit and enjoy our ice cream when we stop by.
Sugar Hill Creamery
Arts & Entertainment
There are lots of fun activities here, water play and the trains were or stand outs for my son. This location is for younger children up to six.
Children's Museum Of Manhattan
Lots of fun activities and storytelling events. I appreciate the open space layout. It never feels too crowded.
Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling
Check their calendar for special events like screenings, book talks and lectures. I love the cafe where you can find coffee as well as African dishes.
The Africa Center
If your kid loves trains this is the place to be! As an adult, I enjoyed learning about the history of how the subway system was built. The best part is getting a chance to sit inside trains from several different decades.
New York Transit Museum
If you're in Times Square you might as well stop by. The wax figures look impressively realistic, especially the newer ones.
Madame Tussauds New York
Mix of performing arts genres with shows for a wide range of ages.
New Victory Theater
Indoor Fun
The perfect place for rainy day fun. They have everything: virtual video games, slides, mini cars, jungle gym, trampoline... This is also a good place to have a birthday party.
Complete Playground
Half priced games on Wednesdays.
$5 Happy Hour M-F 4:30-7
As of 9/2025
Dave & Buster's New York City - Times Square
So many fun choices at Area 53. At their Dumbo location they offer laser tag, mini bowling and an arcade. Go to Williamsburg for Paintball and The Adventure Park. Check their website for specials like Double Fun Night.
Area 53
They offer immersive gaming, miniature golf, mini escape rooms and arcade games. After you've had lots of fun, you can enjoy quick bites like wings, hot dogs and pizza. Thursday nights are adults only.
Shipwrecked
We love the sharks, the 4D theater and the playquarium.
New York Aquarium
Shopping
All things Harry Potter
Harry Potter Shop New York