As a mom who has lived less than an hour from New York City nearly my entire life, my kids have been to “The City” more times than any of us can count. They’ve seen most of the major attractions, they’ve been to Broadway and Times Square, they’ve spent time in just about every playground in Central Park, they’ve strolled and they’ve eaten at the best restaurants. But, as a family, we still love to visit Manhattan at least a few times a year. There truly is never a dull moment in the Big Apple — there’s always something new to discover, and it’s a whole lot of fun seeing it through the eyes of children.
Although the lights of Times Square are thrilling every time, the crowds are not. The restaurants are often lackluster and the shops can feel monotonous after a while. These days, rather than touring all the New York City hotspots every time we visit, we usually pick an attraction and concentrate our visits in whatever neighborhood said attraction is located. Doing so has allowed us a lot more freedom to take our time and really explore a specific area, discovering fun little gems as we go.
When you’re visiting New York with kids, it can get overwhelming fast, but it doesn’t necessarily have to. Here, I’m sharing five of our favorite kid-friendly, slightly off-the-beaten path things to do in New York City. Plus, one bonus tip. And don’t worry! Nothing in this list is so out there that you’ll find yourself lost in the Big City. Or maybe you will, but sometimes, that’s part of the fun of it.
Moynihan Train Hall
After visiting Moynihan Train Hall for lunch one day by myself, I knew I had to return with my kids. Primarily because I knew they would enjoy the food hall, which has an array of options from various cuisines and cultures and a vibe that feels straight out of a historical fiction novel, but also because, of course, kids are always fascinated by trains. Especially the high-speed varieties.
Moynihan Train Hall sits in Midtown Manhattan, just across from Penn Station and Madison Square Garden, so it’s right near all the action but somehow doesn’t feel as overwhelming as some other nearby attractions. A former post office and designated historic site built in 1913, Moynihan currently serves as New York City’s Amtrak station.
Although several spaces in the building and its facade remain true to its original time period and many historic aspects have been preserved throughout, it’s a thoroughly modern facility. The impressive train station doubles as a history museum with facts and interesting New York trivia displayed throughout, and it triples as an art and architecture museum. “The Hive” by the artistic duo Elmgreen & Dragset is a mind-bending upside-down city that kids will marvel over. Live musical performances also take place at Moynihan Train Hall almost daily, so be sure to check the website before you visit.
Color Factory
Color Factory has locations in New York, Chicago, and Houston, so while yes, it’s not unique to New York City, it’s also not something you can do everywhere. My kids, who were 9 and 12 at the time of our last visit, both still talk about it over a year later. The interactive experience is a wonderful way to get some energy out on a rainy or too-cold day in the city.
It’s educational while still being totally fun and perfect for sparking curiosity. There’s literally a confetti room and a ball pit! Oh, and not to be forgotten, there’s also a silent disco. In fact, it has more than a dozen immersive art installations, so there’s something for everyone … grown-ups too!
Big Apple Circus
If you’re visiting New York City during the holidays and want to do something a little less typical for the season, we highly recommend a visit to Big Apple Circus at the famed Lincoln Center. The Big Apple Circus is brimming with nostalgia and offers a traditional circus experience that is absolutely enchanting. It’s literally “under the big top” and features acrobats, musicians, clowns, and many other thrill acts.
And trust us when we tell you, every seat is a good one. The show typically runs from the beginning of November to the beginning of January and tickets start at just $26, making it an incredibly affordable option for the whole family.
Summit One Vanderbilt
Talk about jaw-dropping. Yes, you can take your family to Top of the Rock or the top of the Empire State Building for a more traditional experience, but Summit at One Vanderbilt should not be overlooked. Located right next to Grand Central Station, the experience takes you up 93 floors in a matter of seconds, then through a multi-level art installation titled “Air” by Kenzo Digital that will have you rethinking what you’re actually seeing and feeling.
Highlighted by multiple interactive exhibits including the famed balloon room, the entire experience is a marvel. It’s well worth the money for the incredible photos of the skyline you’ll be able to take from pristine floor-to-ceiling windows alone. And there’s a stunning wrap-around terrace with the most incredible views that offers the perfect spot for a tasty treat and maybe an adult beverage for mom and dad.
Aqua New York
If you want to take your family out for a really special meal in New York City that does not feel like a tourist trap but still feels grand and impressive, you have to try Aqua New York. Located in the Flatiron District (not far from the Harry Potter store), it’s actually two restaurants in one, offering Japanese- and Italian-inspired dishes.
The restaurant is spacious and swanky but still kid-friendly, especially during its prix fixe “Brunch on Broadway,” offered from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s just $58 per person for a four-course brunch with surprisingly extravagant options. And get this … kids under the age of 12 eat for free! Not just chicken tenders either! It’s seriously delicious food and one of the best family bargains in NYC.
Bonus Attraction: Off-Broadway Shows
Seeing a show on Broadway in New York City is certainly a bucket list item, and for many people it really is an experience of a lifetime. If you can swing it, you absolutely should. But in New York, there is art everywhere and for everybody, not just those with hefty wallets. Although Off-Broadway theaters may not look as impressive from the outside as their big-time counterparts, oftentimes, the quality of the productions offered is just as good.
In fact, many shows destined for Broadway are previewed at Off-Broadway theaters, and tickets are a fraction of the cost. Trust us, your theater kid is going to love it and the rest of the family will too! Who knows? You might even get to see future stars before they make it big.
