Best New York Attractions for Young Children

Children enjoy New York as much as adults. We’ve covered the best family-friendly attractions in New York, but what if you’re traveling with children five and younger? Keep them happy and busy at these attractions.

Interactive Museums

Many children go through a phase when they love trains, buses and fire engines. Does this sound familiar? Then, take your kids to the New York Transit Museum or the New York City Fire Museum.

The Tisch Children's Zoo is the branch of Central Park Zoo that caters specifically for children five and under. It includes a petting zoo, and is famous for being the home of the only cow in Manhattan.

Toddler-Friendly Shows

Introducing children to shows is a piece of cake if you know how to catch their attention. New York has two shows excelling at that. Central Park's Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre features contemporary and innovative marionette productions based on children’s classics.

When you’re after the “wow” factor, get tickets for The Gazillion Bubble Show. This famous show is a mixture of bubble magic, spectacular laser lighting effects and incredible bubble shapes that everyone in your family will love.

Playgrounds and Carousels

On a hot summer day, let the little ones cool off at New York’s fountains, water playgrounds and sprinklers. Pack their bathing suits and water shoes, and let them run around and burn off their energy.

If your children love carousels, New York will be heaven on earth for them. The most visited carousel is located in Central Park at 65th Street. As one of the largest carousels in the United States, riding one of the 57 horses will be an experience that your children won’t forget. Bryant Park is home to Le Carrousel, a charming and old-fashioned French-style carousel. It’s also common to find shows, storytimes and magic shows happening right next to it!

Walking the full length of the Brooklyn Bridge will take you to Brooklyn Bridge Park, where Jane’s Carousel is located. This carousel was built in 1922 and has been restored to its original elegance.

When your kids demand something modern and eye-popping, take them to the Seaglass Carousel at Battery Park in Downtown Manhattan. Instead of horses, you and your little ones can ride a fiberglass fish surrounded by LED lights and projectors that mimic an underwater world.

Fun Stores

Some of the best mega stores in Times Square are designed to be a child’s dream come true. The Disney Store, M&Ms World, Hershey’s Chocolate World and Dylan’s Candy Bar are great opportunities to stack up on chocolate, sweet treats and fun gear. If you want to treat them to a one-of-a-kind toy, go to the reopened FAO Schwarz, the beloved New York toy store.

Are you coming to New York this summer? Take a look at 5 summer activities in New York for kids.