Kids Friendly Activities — New York

19 activities across New York and 6 North American cities · Parks, indoor playgrounds, museums, and more

Find the Perfect Activity for Your Family

We've compiled 19 kid-friendly locations across New York, from parks and playgrounds to indoor entertainment and museums. Filter by age, cost, and weather to find exactly what you need.

19 Locations 6 Categories 5 Age Ranges Free & Paid Options
Age Range:
Weather:
Cost:
Central Park
Central Park • park playground

Central Park

4.7 ★ (8400) Free
Outdoor Free All Ages

843-acre urban park with playgrounds, a zoo, rowboat rentals, the Central Park Zoo, and countless walking and biking paths.

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American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History • museum

American Museum of Natural History

4.5 ★ (6200) Unknown
Indoor Unknown All Ages

One of the world's largest natural history museums featuring dinosaur fossils, the Rose Center for Earth and Space, and the Discovery Room for kids.

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Bronx Zoo
Bronx Zoo • museum zoo aquarium

Bronx Zoo

4.4 ★ (3800) Paid
Indoor + Outdoor All Ages

The largest metropolitan zoo in the United States, featuring over 26,000 animals across 265 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits.

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FAO Schwarz
FAO Schwarz • indoor playground

FAO Schwarz

4.0 ★ (1100) Mixed
Indoor Mixed All Ages

Iconic toy store with interactive play experiences including a two-story toy soldier, piano dance floor, and teddy bear stuffing station.

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Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park • park playground

Brooklyn Bridge Park

4.4 ★ (1600) Free
Outdoor Free All Ages

Waterfront park with multiple playgrounds (including the enormous Pier 6 Playground), lawns, sports facilities, and views of Manhattan.

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Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum • museum

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

4.3 ★ (2400) Paid
Indoor + Outdoor All Ages

Museum aboard the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier featuring military aircraft, the Space Shuttle Enterprise, and a Soviet submarine.

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Brooklyn Children's Museum
Brooklyn Children's Museum • museum

Brooklyn Children's Museum

4.2 ★ (750) Paid
Indoor Toddlers (0-4)

America's oldest children's museum with interactive exhibits designed for kids ages 0-10, including a toddler room, construction zone, and outdoor adv...

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Prospect Park
Prospect Park • park playground

Prospect Park

4.4 ★ (1300) Free
Outdoor Free All Ages

Brooklyn's flagship park featuring the Prospect Park Zoo, the Audubon Center, playgrounds, a lake with rowboats, and miles of walking paths.

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Prospect Park Zoo
Prospect Park Zoo • museum zoo aquarium

Prospect Park Zoo

4.1 ★ (1100) Paid
Indoor + Outdoor All Ages

Small but charming zoo featuring animals from around the world, a children's discovery center, and outdoor exhibits.

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Brooklyn Museum
Brooklyn Museum • museum

Brooklyn Museum

4.3 ★ (1600) Unknown
Indoor Unknown All Ages

One of the oldest and largest art museums in the US, featuring extensive collections and family-friendly programs including First Saturdays.

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Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn Botanic Garden • museum garden

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

4.4 ★ (1800) Paid
Indoor + Outdoor All Ages

250-acre botanical garden featuring Japanese gardens, a conservatory, cherry trees, and the Discovery Garden for kids.

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New York Transit Museum
New York Transit Museum • museum

New York Transit Museum

4.2 ★ (950) Paid
Indoor All Ages

Museum located in a historic 1936 subway station featuring NYC transit history, vintage subway cars, and interactive exhibits.

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Coney Island
Coney Island • entertainment

Coney Island

4.1 ★ (1900) Free
Indoor + Outdoor Free All Ages

Historic beach and boardwalk area with the famous Cyclone roller coaster, Coney Island Aquarium, Luna Park amusement park, and Nathan's Famous Hot Dog...

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Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Brooklyn Heights Promenade • park playground

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

4.5 ★ (1200) Free
Outdoor Free All Ages

Scenic elevated park with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, perfect for stroller walks and picnics.

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Mill Pond Park
Mill Pond Park • park playground

Mill Pond Park

4.2 ★ (450) Free
Outdoor Free All Ages

Large waterfront park in the South Bronx featuring a playground, splash pad, and walking paths along the Harlem River.

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Bronx Children's Museum
Bronx Children's Museum • museum

Bronx Children's Museum

4.0 ★ (350) Paid
Indoor Toddlers (0-4)

Interactive children's museum focused on STEM, arts, and culture, with bilingual exhibits and a focus on urban youth experiences.

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New York Botanical Garden
New York Botanical Garden • museum garden

New York Botanical Garden

4.4 ★ (2100) Paid
Indoor + Outdoor All Ages

World-famous botanical garden with 250 acres of gardens, greenhouses, and the famous Holiday Train Show. The Everett Children's Adventure Garden is a ...

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Staten Island Children's Museum
Staten Island Children's Museum • museum

Staten Island Children's Museum

4.0 ★ (300) Paid
Indoor Toddlers (0-4)

Interactive children's museum featuring exhibits on water, energy, and urban life, plus an outdoor discovery area.

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Snug Harbor Cultural Center
Snug Harbor Cultural Center • museum garden

Snug Harbor Cultural Center

4.1 ★ (400) Free
Indoor + Outdoor Free All Ages

16-acre cultural complex featuring botanical gardens, art galleries, a children's museum, and seasonal events on Staten Island.

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Upcoming Weekend & Seasonal Events

Special weekend events and seasonal activities currently happening in New York.

Brooklyn Children's Museum Weekend Workshops
Weekend Event

Brooklyn Children's Museum Weekend Workshops

Weekend of Aug 9-10, 2026, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM $19 Adults, $12 Children

Special weekend art and music workshops designed for children aged 2-12. Hands-on creative activities.

Brooklyn Children's Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn

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Central Park Weekend Nature Walks
Weekend Event

Central Park Weekend Nature Walks

Saturdays until Sep 30, 2026, 11:00 AM Free

Guided nature walks led by Central Park Conservancy educators. Discover the park's wildlife and plant life with family-f...

Central Park, New York, NY

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Frequently Asked Questions about Kid-Friendly Activities in New York

What are the best kid-friendly activities in New York?

Browse our curated directory of 19 kid-friendly activities in New York, including parks, indoor playgrounds, museums, aquariums, and more. Each location includes photos, descriptions, and filtering options.

Are there free activities for kids in New York?

Yes! Use the "Cost: Free" filter on our New York page to find free kid-friendly locations throughout the city.

What are the best indoor activities for kids on a rainy day in New York?

Use the "Weather: Indoor Only" filter on our New York directory to find the best indoor playgrounds, museums, and entertainment centers for rainy days.

How do I find activities by age group?

Use the "Age Range" filters: All Ages, Toddlers (0-4), Preschool (3-6), Kids (6-12), or Teens (10+) to find activities perfect for your child's age.