20 Crazy Things To Do With Kids In NYC

1. Visit the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.

Located in Park Slope, Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. is a playful store that caters to both children and parents. It offers a range of superhero-themed products like capes, canned superpowers, and other delightful novelties.

Children are also able to try out capes in a unique cape-testing zone. In addition to shopping, the store offers creative writing sessions, which makes it an ideal place for children to nurture their imagination while they embrace the superhero theme.

2. Play At The Bronx Zoo

Families visit Bronx Zoo to capture the spirit of the zoo and the perfect world of the animals. Covering an area of more than 265 acres, it is one of the biggest metropolitan zoos of global significance.

Children will enjoy the widely-ranging animal display, from lions in the African Plains to sea lions on the coastal shores. The Butterfly Garden is also a place that children should not miss. With hundreds of butterflies, people can walk among the butterflies.

One does not have to look far, as the Wild Asia Monorail is here to give a ride through the roundup of elephants, tigers, and whatnot. Since there is a lot of walking to be done, wear comfortable shoes.

3. Explore The Museum of Ice Cream

Boasting one of the most exciting places for sweet lovers, the Museum of Ice Cream is nothing less than a revelation for anyone heading there. New York-based, this attraction is intended for people of all ages and guarantees an entertaining experience.

A significantly famous spot, the sprinkle pool is where one can actually swim into a pool of sprinkles. A lot of rooms are designed in different ways; for instance, there are rooms like giant ice cream cones or pink jungles.

It is not only about observing; you can also try various ice creams on the go. Tickets are usually easily sold out, and it is recommended to buy tickets in advance.

4. Explore Central Park's Playgrounds

Whether you call them ‘playgrounds’ or ' sandbox areas’, Central Park’s playgrounds really are the gem of the family trip across New York City. The park has 21 spread-out playgrounds, and all of them have something different to offer.

Playing is also an option available in Central Park, starting from the Heckscher Playground, which is the oldest playground in the park, up to rock climbing at Billy Johnson Playground.

These are specially intended playgrounds, with safety and recreational value put into consideration in the construction to include soft surfaces and structures. Bring some fruits, grabs, and drinks with you, and you may take a stop at the nearby benches to be amazed at the beauty around you.

5. Attend A Broadway Show For Kids

If you are wondering what to do with kids in NYC, taking them to one of the Broadway shows can enthrall them. There are always aspirations and memorable narratives that make the audience get engaged with the show and with life.

Well-loved productions for families include The Lion King, Aladdin, and Wicked since they are packed with an appeal to colorful characters and harmonies. Take your child’s age and endurance into account, because most shows last between two and three hours.

Each child requires his or her ticket. Among the various things to do with kids in New York City, this activity can foster their interest in the arts.

6. Dance On A Giant Piano At FAO Schwarz

This gigantic piano at FAO Schwarz is such an amusing place for things to do in NYC for kids. This attraction, prominently made famous because of the movie 'Big' with Tom Hanks, includes a large-scale floor piano on which you play by stomping your feet.

When a child presses the keys, they also illuminate with such pretty sounds, which makes learning fun. To fully enjoy and maximize the experience of your children during your visit, allow them to swap turns to play, and better yet, try composing music themselves.

Of course, it is something that must be performed right near the store window, so expect people to be watching you.

7. Become A Spy At Spyscape

Ever dreamed of becoming a spy? Well, at Spyscape, you have that opportunity. This interactive museum is for all ages and has a variety of spy-themed challenges to deal with.

You can decode things, undertake surveillance, and, believe it or not, identify cheating. Among the features of interest is the constructed spy profile based on one’s performances in different tests that show one’s strong points.

It does not matter if you are dodging lasers or trying to solve the puzzles; it is an entertaining and knowledge-rich process. It is recommended to spend about two hours exploring the place to get the best experience.

8. Ride 4D Flight Over NYC At RiseNY

A virtual reality in which you are hoisted 30 feet in the air and given an 8K bird's-eye view of New York City on a 180-degree, 40-foot dome screen. See the wind blowing on your face and misty particles on your skin, and smell the unique scent of New York. All this while you fly past the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Central Park, among others.

The ride is generally recommended for children and adults. You can step out of the game during its course if you wish. This is a wonderful ride and a good way to explore New York City from a new point of view.

9. Explore A Whimsical Balloon Wonderland at Balloon Story

Whimsical Balloon Wonderland, an amusement of Balloon Story, takes you close to dreams starring giant balloons in a colorful world. There are huge cartoonish animals made of balloons and delicate ornaments in the form of playful shapes.

There are majestic arches made of balloons in rather graphic and distinct forms. It is colorful and full of beauty, which can catch the fancy of adults as well as children.

Children can run through the balloons, and families can be involved in value-added photoshoots. Truly, if one wants to have that God-came-down-to-earth feeling, this magical place would very much be worth the trip for a fun-filled day.

10. Explore A Miniature World At Gulliver's Gate

Gulliver’s Gate is an amazing place—it is a small world for kids in the middle of Times Square. Here one can observe regions of famous architectural wonders of the world, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, and so on.

This is a marvel of 100.000 tiny figures; however, the place is full of simple randomness. You can also spot superheroes and musicians among those installations. It is advised to visit the interactive displays, where you can create your own avatar to take home. Hence, this stands as one of the best things to do in NYC with kids.

11. Discover Hidden Gems On A Scavenger Hunt

There is no better way to enjoy your children while having a wonderful time in NYC than through a scavenger hunt. It unites two activities: adventure and learning, making it fun as well as educational things to do in NYC with kids.

For instance, the Grand Central Scramble reconnects children with history-based exercises in the terminal of the Grand Central Terminal. At the same time, The Secrets of Central Park implies working in teams, as families are looking for such interesting things as Stuart Little and solving amusing codes.

Each hunt shows a different opportunity to connect and explore the city with a treasure in mind.

12. Ride The Cyclone At Coney Island

Cyclone at Coney Island is a popular wooden roller coaster ride that will be much liked by the young ones. This ride was launched in 1927 with an initial drop of 85 feet and a speed of up to 60 miles per hour.

With its relatively old and distinctive design, the Cyclode has a lot to offer. Parents must make sure their child is at least 54 inches tall before riding. You can either visit other places, such as the beach, after the ride or just order a true Coney Island hot dog. Enjoy the adventure!

13. Take A Spin On Vintage Carousel In Central Park

The Central Park Carousel is an excellent attraction for children and people with families. Founded in 1951, it boasts 57 intricately carved horses and two adorable ‘racing’ carriages, which make their movements to the accompaniment of a mechanized organ.

The price level on each ride is fairly low, only $3.25. Sited on Mid-Park and 65th St., this plaza is open every day when the weather permits. Being one of the largest carousels in the United States of America, it is one of the must-do things to do in NYC today.

14. Ride The Wonder Wheel At Luna Park

Families must make sure to take time to ride the Wonder Wheel at Luna Park. This is a railway ferris wheel that has been a long-standing and successful attraction with a total height of 150 feet since 1920.

While most have normal tracks, some gondolas have tracks built into them, which causes the gondolas to swing back and forth, and this is what makes them special. Children are guaranteed to enjoy the scenes of Coney Island and the shore from the cage as they fly high.

Moreover, there are no height limits for the slide.

15. Unleash Your Creativity At The Color Factory

The Color Factory is creative fun based on color, and children will adore this place and the concepts behind it. Located on a 20,000-square-foot premise, this lively playground offers the audience to interact with 15 different zones filled with play concepts.

It is creative and fun to the maximum, as seen from batting around giant metallic balloons up to the ball pit. As part of the sweet eating delights, do not forget to take the mochi ice cream and attractive macarons.

Get there early and spend an hour or two hanging in the cabana-like lobby, and always watch out for disappearing kids in the ball pit area.

16. Zipline Over Central Park

One of the biggest thrills of ziplining is when you are flying above Central Park and seeing the gorgeous sights of New York. The zipline usually covers a distance of about 405 feet, with a drop of 55 meters, making riders sail between major features of the park.

Although it has the exciting features of a zipline, it is constructed with safety in mind, making it appropriate for kids. But it is always important to note that there are certain age and gross specifications that you may need to adhere to.

This activity affords a family bonding session, making it one of the fun things to do with kids in NYC.

17. Enjoy The Roosevelt Island Tram

This aerial tramway links Manhattan to Roosevelt Island, and in the four minutes of travel across the East River, the passengers get a bird's-eye view of New York City.

It ferries passengers back and forth every 7–15 minutes, and therefore there is always an opportunity to get on or off. Children under 44 inches can ride for free if they are with one of the adults.

Once on the island, the families can engage in park activities, go to Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedom Theme Park, or go to a cat-oriented sanctuary. In a way, it is a creative way to explore the city of New York and have fun while simultaneously being a team.

18. Discover Underwater Wonders At The New York Aquarium

Dive into the vibrant tunnel of corals, featuring blacktip reef sharks and zebra sharks moving around and above. Stare in wonder at the wide variety of exotic fish, sharks, and rays where 18 kinds of sharks and rays are present.

Here you can learn about how sharks get their oxygen, give birth, and swim. It is, however, worth going to Canyon’s Edge, which is the 40-foot tank where visitors can look straight down as sand tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, and rough-tail stingrays swim out from the darkness.

Featuring a host of brilliant and beautiful sea animals, Underwater Wonders is entertainment for all ages!

19. Slide Down A Chute At The City Reliquary Museum

The City Reliquary Museum in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, offers a unique and exciting way to enage children by using a slide to let the children go down to New York City relics. This is an odd and peculiar community museum that features an array of items, that give an insight into the city’s past.

Children will be enthralled by the idea of sliding down to get to the various treasures of the museum. It is entertaining and childlike to explore New York City through the means of the exhibition and to handle it.

20. Ride The Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry isn’t only that transport means from Manhattan to Staten Island; it is one of the most iconic and free things to do in New York with kids. The ferry operates all day, which means that you can board it at your convenience for a relaxed cross-section of New York Harbor.

The best part? You get rather excellent perspectives for photographing the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. However, if you wish to avoid crowds, here is a trick: never travel on weekdays during rush hours, especially the morning and evening peak hours.

It is free, which is easy on the pocket, and you will be able to cover some of the most famous sights in New York.