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Things to Do in New York City with Kids

New York City is a dream trip for kids: dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural History, a carousel and zoo in Central Park, a free ferry past the Statue of Liberty and a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. This guide is organized by area, with parent tips from our local guides and free picks flagged.

We run several donut tours in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and families are some of our favorite guests.

By the Underground Donut Tour team · Updated November 2026

At a glance

Free favorites: Central Park, the Staten Island Ferry, the Brooklyn Bridge, the High Line, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Bryant Park
Rainy day picks: American Museum of Natural History, the Intrepid Museum, the Children's Museum of Manhattan
Sweet treat: Our New York City donut tour welcomes kids 2 and up, with kids' tickets from $35

Kid-friendly things to do in New York City, by neighborhood

Central Park and the Upper West Side

Central Park

Free

Playgrounds, the carousel, rowboats and the Alice in Wonderland statue to climb.

Visit website ›

Central Park Zoo

A small, easy zoo with sea lions, penguins and a children's zoo.

Visit website ›

American Museum of Natural History

Rainy day pick

Dinosaurs, the giant blue whale and a planetarium.

Visit website ›

Children's Museum of Manhattan

Rainy day pick

Hands-on play for younger kids.

Visit website ›

Parent tip: Central Park has more than 20 playgrounds. Pick one near where you're headed and let the kids run.

Midtown and Downtown

Staten Island Ferry

Free

A free boat ride with views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline.

The High Line

Free

A park on an old elevated railway, with art and views.

Visit website ›

Intrepid Museum

Rainy day pick

An aircraft carrier with planes, a submarine and the Space Shuttle Enterprise.

Visit website ›

Bryant Park

Free

A carousel, games and a winter ice rink.

Washington Square Park

Free

Street performers, a fountain and a playground.

Parent tip: The Staten Island Ferry is free and passes the Statue of Liberty. Ride over and straight back.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn Bridge

Free

Walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn with amazing views.

Parent tip: Start on the Manhattan side and walk toward Brooklyn, then reward everyone in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Free

Waterfront playgrounds, a carousel and views of Manhattan.

Domino Park

Free

A Williamsburg waterfront park with a playground and fountains.

Brooklyn Children's Museum

Rainy day pick

The world's first children's museum, with hands-on exhibits.

Visit website ›

Beyond Manhattan

Bronx Zoo

One of the biggest city zoos in the world. Plan a full day.

Visit website ›

New York Hall of Science

Rainy day pick

Hands-on science in Queens.

Visit website ›

Sweet treats and kid-friendly eats

Underground Donut Tour (kids' tickets from $35, ages 2 and up). Our Manhattan, Brooklyn, East Village and Union Square tours each walk a different neighborhood with stops for some of the city's best donuts and stories along the way. Guides set the pace around your group, which makes it easy with kids.

Taste New York City's best donuts on one walk

Kids 2 and up are welcome. Guides set an easy pace for little legs.

Manhattan Donut TourKids 2 and up welcomeBrooklyn Donut TourKids 2 and up welcomeEast Village Donut TourKids 2 and up welcomeUnion Square Choose Your Own Donut TourKids 2 and up welcome

Parent tip: Let us know about allergies or dietary needs when you book, and download our free Kids' Activity Book for the trip.

What families say about our New York City tours

"Dave was so knowledgeable and great with my kids, engaging them the whole time."
Stephanie T., TripAdvisor, August 2026

"We had a bunch of kids with us, and she tailored the tour to them, even stopping at a couple of non-donut kid friendly attractions..."
Jon G., TripAdvisor, April 2025

"Fun tour and the promise of delicious donuts along the route keeps the kids motivated."
dbeahm, TripAdvisor, January 2025

All 5-star guest reviews.

Exploring on your own? Our Best Donut Shops in New York City guide lists the city's best donut shops by neighborhood, and Best Holiday Donuts in New York City covers the festive specials.

Sample days

Day 1: Midtown and Central Park

Morning: Manhattan donut tour.
Central Park playgrounds and the carousel.
Central Park Zoo.
Dinner on the Upper West Side.

Day 2: Downtown and Brooklyn

Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge.
Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Or our Brooklyn donut tour.

Day 3: Museums

American Museum of Natural History when it opens.
Lunch.
Intrepid Museum.
Walk the High Line at sunset.

New York City with kids by season

Holidays

Rockefeller Center Christmas tree: the famous tree and the ice rink below it.
Bryant Park Winter Village: free ice skating (bring or rent skates) and a holiday market.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: giant balloons on Thanksgiving morning.
Holiday windows: department store windows along Fifth Avenue all season.
For seasonal treats, see Best Holiday Donuts in New York City.

The rest of the year

Spring: cherry blossoms and blooming parks.
Summer: free outdoor events and waterfront parks. Plan indoor breaks on hot days.
Fall: great walking weather and Central Park colors.
Winter: skating rinks, holiday lights and cozy museums.

New York City with kids FAQ

Is the New York donut tour good for kids?

Yes. Kids 2 and up are welcome, guides set the pace for families, and kids' tickets start at $35.

What are free things to do in New York City with kids?

Central Park, the Staten Island Ferry, the Brooklyn Bridge, the High Line, Brooklyn Bridge Park and Bryant Park.

What's the easiest way to see the Statue of Liberty with kids?

The free Staten Island Ferry sails right past it. Ride over and back for great views.

What's a good rainy-day plan?

The American Museum of Natural History, the Intrepid Museum or the Children's Museum of Manhattan.