The best things to do in NYC with kids

Dinosaurs, whales and elephants, oh my! The Upper West Side institution isn’t just beloved in NYC, it’s a global attraction that draws visitors from all over the world. And for good reason: From learning about species in the Hall of Biodiversity to walking under the giant whale in the Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life, museum-goers could marvel at the displays all day long and still not see everything in this palace-like complex. If the kiddies (or even if you and your spouse) want to tuck in under the giant whale, have a look at the venue’s sleepover offerings. Yep, The Night at the Museum movie can be your reality...well, sort of!

Time Out Tip: Grab passes to new exhibits before you go so you are guaranteed entry!

For a NYC experience like no other, head to this former military base of brick buildings and leafy lawns: It feels like a New England college was transported to an island in New York Harbor. Hop on a ferry (the island is just 800 yards from Manhattan!) and you’ll be transported to a park-like setting with winding paths and play zones and some very good food trucks. It’s a paradise for kids, a place where they can run around and get all their sillies out.

Time Out Tip: Make a day of it and bring your picnic blanket and good walking shoes. Rent a bike at Blazing Saddles!

Central Park's unique history, accessibility, and design make it New York City's most famous park, and one of the most celebrated greenspaces in the history of the world. It was the first public park built in the United States, sees about 25 million visitors per year, and contains 36 bridges and arches and around 50 monuments, sculptures, fountains, and a castle! Perhaps most important to families, the park contains 21 playgrounds, Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater, charming paddleboat rentals, and, of course, the Central Park Zoo.

Ride through Central Park on a bike.

The moment the curtain rises in this gorgeous jewel-box of a theater, kids sense that something truly amazing is about to happen— the New Vic brings Broadway-quality productions of thought-provoking theater to a young crowd. These family-friendly productions are from all over the world, with fantastic stories that feature everything from breathtaking new plays to re-imagined classics and gigantic puppets to breakdancing daredevils. Performances are designed with specific age groups in mind—pre-schoolers, grade-schoolers, tweens and teens—and activities such as pre-show crafts, professional workshops and other themed programming adds to the audience’s enjoyment and understanding of the show. Parents will love the venue’s family-centric ethos—affordable ticket prices, Autism-aware performances, stroller parking, free lockers and plentiful booster seats—these thoughtful touches remove the drama out of taking kids to the theater.

Though 750,000 visitors pass through its doors daily, Grand Central Station’s celestial ceiling in the main terminal has the power to practically stop time. But despite its beautiful, dark green hue and portrayal of the traditional zodiac, there’s just one problem: It’s technically inaccurate. Shortly after its installation in 1913, a visitor noticed certain astronomical inconsistencies, for instance, the placement of Orion. Kids, however—unless they’ve just finished a particularly intensive constellation unit in school—will be awed nonetheless.

Time Out Tip: Book a tour to learn the interesting history and seccrets of the space.

In the classic kids book “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler,” a resourceful sister and brother live in the Met, spending the days in the galleries and the nights in the recreated bedrooms of a chateau. Wander through the museum and you can see why that fantasy still resonates: You can walk from an Egyptian temple into a Frank Lloyd Wright house to the armor of Henry VIII, and have only explored one corner of one floor of this vast building.

Time Out Tip: Use the family entrance to the left of the grand stairs on the plaza level (stroller-friendly! no lines!); ask for the free Family Guides that make the museum come alive for young minds; and check out the storytime events at the Nolan Library. 

The best view in New York is from the middle of the East River: There's nothing quite like sitting on the upper deck of an NYC Ferry as it cruises under the Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Brooklyn Bridges. Officially a part of the city's transportation system, a ride on the ferry is cheap and children under 44 inches tall are free. It's always more fun to get where you're going when you're on a boat.

Time Out Tip: Make your own self-guided tour using the Ferry’s new travel guides.

The American Museum of Natural History isn’t just home to an amazing collection of fossils, sea creature and artifact displays—it’s also where you’ll find the Rose Center for Earth and Space, a glass enclosure that houses the stunning 87-foot-diameter Hayden Sphere. Families can explore the 13-billion–year history of the universe, pick up cool facts about planets, stars and galaxies and watch “Worlds Beyond Earth,” a space show introduced in 2020.

Time Out Tip: Leave room to check out the rest of the museum!

You’ll have a whale of a time at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s home to marine life. Located off the Coney Island Boardwalk, the aquarium is where you’ll find plenty of fish, starfish and the mammals and birds that live among them. Otters, seals and penguins take in the sun from the stony cliffs before cooling off or searching for food under the water while sea lions show off amazing behaviors in the aquatheater for special shows. Visitors looking for an experience with more teeth should definitely check out the sharks.

Time Out Tip: If you want to meet the sea animals, you must book the experience ahead.

Stretching 1.3 miles along the East River, this beautiful revamped waterfront is proof that this city is serious about its leisure. Pier 2 is tricked out with recreation facilities for basketball, handball, bocce, shuffleboard, and roller-skating. Post up at Pier 3 with a blanket and book, or take a peaceful stroll minus traffic noise thanks to Sound Attenuating Hill. Kids will want to head straight for Pier 6 to explore a playground featuring wonderfully landscaped play spaces, including the Water Lab—a stone-strewn area with water underfoot to splash in—plus, New York's largest sandbox.

A visit to Snug Harbor keeps families busy thanks to the scenic cultural center and interactive Staten Island Children's Museum. Wander through hands-on exhibits, engage in song and dance and get in on craft projects. Remember to see the Connie Gretz Secret Garden, where kids can wander through the maze-like shrubbery inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic novel. Make a point of visiting when the Winter Lantern Festival transforms the grounds into an eight-acre wonderland of dazzling displays with an Asian flair: Think pandas, dragons and florals.

Boasting 18 miles of books, the Strand has a mammoth collection of more than 2 million discount volumes, and the store is made all the more daunting by its chaotic, towering shelves and surly staff. Reviewer discounts are in the basement, while rare volumes lurk upstairs. It also hosts a wide variety of lively readings by fiction writers, graphic novelists, biographers and political analysts. The bookshop also hosts weekly staff-run storytimes, readings by popular children's writers and "visits" from book characters.

Handheld, schmandheld: Kids love to go to arcades and play the real deal. Step through the door of a place Dave & Buster’s or Chinatown Fair and the eyes of your little one will light up like the pinball machines at Modern Pinball. Remember: Don't hog the games—you should give the kids a turn.

The mile-long stroll from end to end of the Brooklyn Bridge offers spectacular views of downtown Manhattan, including the Freedom Tower, the Statue of Liberty, Governors Island and of course, the iconic double arches that have come to signify NYC’s hippest borough. While you’ll be jostled by the thousands of other tourists crossing the East River (a total bummer), but the views can’t be beat. If you’re coming from Manhattan, reward tired legs with a scoop of something sweet at Ample Hills Creamery, conveniently located at the base of the bridge in Dumbo. If you worked up an appetite, make sure to stop by the forthcoming Time Out Market New York on Water Street, which is a taste of the city’s best chefs under one roof.

Time Out Tip: Take a walking tour of DUMBO and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Do they sometimes play baseball in Yankee Stadium? Supporters of NYCFC know that this might not be the best venue for soccer, but it's a fantastic scene when you bring the kids: The family-friendly crowd is filled with little David Villas, and you can get great seats at prices that are significantly lower than what you find at other pro sporting events. To top it off, NYCFC plays beautiful soccer, and is a legit contender for the title. As for that other MLS team in the area, we hear they're the best in all of Harrison, NJ.

Consider this an amusement park ride run by the MTA: The red tramway cars make for most unique commute in the city. Hop aboard at the 59th St and Second Ave station and check out the Queensboro Bridge as you are carried high above the water. Wander over to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park, then head back for the return trip—and more jaw-dropping views.

Most of the amazing original sculptures, paintings and multimedia creations at the Children’s Museum of the Arts are made fresh everyday by the artists...which are actually the visitors. Little ones from across the city and around the world convene at this kid’s museum to let their imaginations and creativity run free as they take part in the daily workshops and studio activities.

Yes, 28 acres of gorgeous greenery does exist in the Bronx—and we’re not talking about the New York Botanical Garden or the Bronx Zoo. This 19th-century estate is home to a historic mansion and public woodlands perfect for getting lost in—or better yet, being led through on a nature walk. Be sure to check the event schedule before visiting: Chances are there’s an art project or family festival going on. If you manage to wake the kids up early enough on Saturdays, admission is free before noon.

At this way-cool Queens museum, kids can get hands-on with hundreds of interactive exhibits and activities that bring science, technology, engineering and math to life. Built for the 1964 World's Fair, NYSCI is home to a revolving lineup of displays about light, 3-D printing, outer space and robots, plus the Design Lab, where kids can tackle activities at five stations: Backstage, Sandbox, Studio, Maker Space and Treehouse. Kids can also climb on a rope web and play mini golf at the massive Science Playground and Rocket Park. Trust us, this place is worth the trek.

The Children's Library at the Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library is one of the best anywhere, full stop. Housed in a striking 1941 Art Deco building designed to look like an open book, the library is Brooklyn's largest: About one million people visit it each year. The plaza overlooking Grand Army Plaza, is a buzzing summer gathering place for Brooklynites. Among the library's strongest suits is its first-floor Youth Wing, with designated spaces for toddlers, grade-schoolers, tweens and teens to read, work on homework and use game-equipped computers. Plus, a new state-of-the-art performance space puts on more than a hundred events per month, many of which are aimed squarely at kids.

Josie Robertson Plaza is the pulsing heart of Lincoln Center, the cultural campus located on the Upper West Side. Kids love the playful fountain, which rises and falls to a syncopated rythm—it seems like its dancing. Lincoln Center is also where you'll find Lincoln Center Kids, the New York Philharmonic's Young People's Concerts and the Metropolitan Opera's family-friendly performance of the Magic Flute—Jazz at Lincoln Center and the home of the Very Young People's Concerts are close by. So much to do, so much to see, so much to experience.

One World Observatory at World Trade Center lets visitors experience panoramic views of NYC from atop the tallest building in the United States. Kids will love arriving at their destination Jetsons-style via Sky Pod elevators (some of the fastest in the world) which lead to a two-minute video presentation of gorgeous city images on the 102nd floor. Check out City Pulse on the 100th floor, showing HD videos featuring notable NYC landmarks and neighborhoods, then daredevil kids (and parents) can brave the Sky Portal, where a 14-foot wide circular disc provides a view of real-time, high-definition footage of the streets below.

Seeing a Broadway show is the birthright of every little New Yorker. Just watch their faces when the lights go down and the curtains go up: Even fidgety children will be fully immersed in the make-believe happening onstage! There are shows to suit all tastes—be sure to check out what’s on offer at the TKTS booths and online at TheaterMania.com. You may get lucky and score a discount!

Goats, sheep and ponies—oh my! Families don’t have to travel far from the city to get a tranquil agrarian experience. At the Queens County Farm Museum, the the oldest continually farmed site in the state, barnyard animals are available for feeding, petting and your “oohs” and “ahs,” too. Explore the full 47-acres on a tractor-pulled hay ride, or stick to the gardens. Come harvest season there’s a special corn maze and activities such as pumpkin picking and a haunted house.

Consider this park NYC’s best example of recycling on a mega scale. Built atop an abandoned train track, the High Line offers more than 20 blocks worth of car- and bike-free strolling. Besides plenty of seating and a killer view of the Meatpacking District and Chelsea, there are fun opportunities for little ones such as monthly family festivals, partnerships with schools and camps as well as teen programs.

Experience the High Line, see Chelsea, and explore the Meatpacking District on a walking tour. 

When the Museum of Modern Art reopened in 2019 it expanded its kid-friendly activities. If you have little ones, head to the Heyman Family Art Lab, a cheerful art studio that overlooks the garden. The lab has books, toys and a small play area in addition to activity stations stocked with amazing art making. Older kids ages 10 and up will want to go to the new Paula and James Crown Creativity Lab on the second floor—this studio is geared for children, teens and adults, with more sophisticated projects. Free family-friendly tours turn the museum into a playland of shapes, colors and ideas. Art should always be this amazing, and this much fun!

Get tickets to New York City museums.

Look for the big yellow roof to find this Crown Heights favorite, which when it opened in 1899 was one of the first museums in the country geared specifically to kids. It doubles as an ode to the borough, however, with permanent exhibits like “World Brooklyn,” a pint-sized cityscape where little ones can shop at fake Mexican bakeries and international bodegas, or “Neighborhood Nature,” which explore the critters and plants found in everyday Brooklyn backyards. Plus, every day, there’s a slew of drop-in workshops that’ll keep them entertained.

As the saying goes, "You have to see it to believe it." The now-permanent Museum of Illusions offers 70+ exhibits in science, tech, mathematics and other fields that will have patrons doing a double take. This sensory-driven experience allows visitors to take a look at unusual works, try their hand at games and puzzles and get to the bottom of the opitical illusions.

Lady Liberty has been watching over New York Harbor for more than a century, and she’s never looked better. It doesn't matter if you’re a local or just visiting, this icon of America is a must-visit attraction. The recently-renovated Statue of Liberty Museum includes an immersive theater that provides a glimpse into Lady Liberty's history and ideals, an engagement gallery where visitors can get a behind-the-scenes of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi’s creative process the inspirational gallery that provides an up-close-and-personal look at the monument’s original torch.

Some things never change: The sun rises in the east, the Kicks will lose and kids love subways and trains. You will feed that interest with a trip to the New York Transitanist Museum, which is located in an authentic 1930s subway station under the streets of Downtown Brooklyn. The museum uses pictures, models and vintage cars (which you can hop aboard!) to tell the fascinating story about New York’s iconic underground tunnels.

Time Out Tip: The subway is celebrating its 120 birthday this year. Make sure to stop by to see a whole new exhibit on its long history!

Want to rub elbows with your favorite celebs? There’s no need to head to Hollywood—just visit Madame Tussauds for a taste of Tinseltown in the heart of Midtown. The Times Square museum is in a league of its own, housing wax figures of our beloved stars and starlets: Jimmy Fallon, Princess Meghan Markle, Oprah and so many more. It’ll be hard to keep up, and chances are you might get a bit starstruck along the way. Make sure your phone battery is fully charged, as you’ll want to snap start-studded selfies throughout your visit.

When the Empire State Building was completed in 1931 it was the tallest in the world. Other towering buildings have been sent since, but the Empire State is still first in our hearts. Take your time enjoying the scene from the 86th floor, then head to the newly renovated observation on the 102nd floor, where kids will take in a breathtaking view—and feel like they’re floating above the city. 

People have a common misconception that NYC is lacking greenspace. Clearly, these people have not made a visit to the Edible Academy at the New York Botanical Garden. The renovated greenspace has one goal: Get kids in the dirt. Thanks to classrooms, lecture spaces, gardens and other facilities, the Edible Academy immerses little New Yorkers in all-things botany, nutrition and nature. Head to the Bronx to explore the classes, camps and cool event offerings.

Whether your toddlers loves getting their hands dirty with a gardening class or your book-loving big kids want to see a classic setting come to life in Snug Harbor’s maze-like Connie Gretz Secret Garden (which was inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel), New York has a children’s garden for your family. Young McDonald’s can sing E-I-E-I-O at urban farming co-operative South Brooklyn Children’s Garden, where they’ll frolic among the strawberry patch and herb box or they can enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the koi pond and under the natural shade at Jefferson Market Garden. Should you find your way to the New York Botanical Garden’s 250-acres, kids will find activities perfect for them including green-thumb workshops.

NYC is definitely a concrete jungle, but don’t be fooled—there are plenty of ways to keep active, even if backyards are few and far between. You can take on new heights without venturing to the top floor of a skyscraper. Rock climbing spots throughout the five boroughs, such as Brooklyn Boulders, offer a chance for participants of all ages to master their moves while making their way to the top. Classes and party options are available at most venues, so take a gander and see what suits your little adventurer’s needs.

If you're searching for ways to keep your creative kiddos engaged, take a trip to Chelsea. This is an innovation space for tiny New Yorkers with big dreams. The hub is geared toward visitors ages 3–12 who are curious about STEM studies and art classes for kids. Arguably one of the main draws to the space is the "Blank Canvas," where participants help piece together a new monthly exhibit for The GIANT Room's gallery. Exciting workshops, including "Storytelling, Animation and Character Design" and "Design and Fabrication," are also available.

Barclays is home to many a fantastic thing, but one thing you MUST do there is catch a Brooklyn Nets home game. Even if you grab a seat in the nosebleeds, big screens give you access to all you’ll want to see. The kiddos will love the halftime shows with giveaways, energetic performances by the kids-only dance team (Brooklyn Nets Kids) and traditional sports arena fair available throughout Barclays—though we prefer walking across the street to Shake Shack. Your mini-mes will also be glad to know there’s a Brooklyn Nets gear shop not far from their seats in the stadium so they can walk away repping their favorite team.

Imported to the U.S. from Sweden in 1876, this venue is the coziest in all of NYC. Employing handmade marionettes and beautiful sets, the resident company mounts citified versions of well-known stories.

This children's museum celebrates imagination through art, storytelling and education. Kids can explore different exhibits like "The Pollen Catchers' Color Mixing Machine" a site-specific mural inspired by fables and folktales and "People, Places, and Things: Selections from The Studio Museum," a collection of art from the 1930s to 1980s that features portraits and landscapes from a group of artists who depicted everyday life in U.S. communities including Harlem. The museum hosts a variety of events for kids from story hours to art workshops.

Built in 1880, this teeny structure is a beloved nod to the city’s history. The lighthouse served as the inspiration for Hildegard H. Swift's 1942 children's book, The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge, plus it plays host to an annual festival in late September.

Believe it or not, hours of waterfront fun can be found right in Tribeca! At Hudson River Park, athletic kiddos can tackle a massive playground and get their toes in the sand and play on regulation-size beach volleyball courts. If volleyball isn’t your game, take to the 18-hole mini golf course, complete with a pond, streams, footbridges, waterfalls, sand traps and even a cave. Young Masters-in-training will also love the Play Area outfitted with a sandbox, swings and water features.

We’re all familiar with the bouncy brown sparrows, speckled European starlings and the smattering (or should we say, splattering) of pigeons that live on every block. But look—and listen—a little closer, and you could meet some more unknown city dwellers such as glorious red Northern Cardinals, shimmering Blue Jays and orange-chested American Robins. Nature-nurturing organization New York City Audubon protects the birds, wildlife and their natural habitats in our area. The venue’s fun workshops and school programs teach children how to identify their feathered friends and care for the environment, too.

Rain, rain, go away—and if it doesn’t, then head to one the indoor playgrounds that will allow your little ones to get some healthy physical activity while sheltered from the elements. Check out our list of the most awesome indoor playgrounds across the five boroughs and you won’t have to put the adventure on hold because of the forecast. These venues have jungle gyms, slides, bounce houses and other exciting features. 

Thinking of a career in espionage? Test your skills at Spyscape in NYC, the interactive Times Square exhibit that lets visitors uncover the truth with lie detectors, put their flexibility to work in a room full of laser beams and learn about spies like Alan Turing, who cracked the Enigma code. See you there...or will we?

If you’ve never visited The Cloisters, now’s the time: It’s a must-see for the little ones. Devoted to the architecture of medieval Europe (and home to the ever-magical “Unicorn Tapestries”), this branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is full of incredible medieval artifacts and indoor-outdoor gardens. Pack a picnic lunch and set up camp on one of the grassy areas on your way to The Cloisters (food inside can get a bit pricey), then enter the museum to check out jewelry, sculptures, paintings, metalwork, and furniture.

Time Out tip: After, go for a walk overlooking the Hudson or hit the Fort Tryon Park playground with swings, playhouses and a splash pad with spray fountains as you meander back to the subway.

Prospect Park’s all-in-one recreation center effortlessly transitions from an icy wonderland in winter to a summer-fun hot spot for Brooklyn families, whether it’s biking along the park’s shaded paths or gliding on the 16,000-square-foot roller rink. Rent equipment on-site and move at your own pace with the kids, or improve their skills in a roller-skating or roller-hockey class. Pack a swimsuit, because you won’t be able to duck out without dashing through the 20 water jets of the LeFrak Center’s awesome Splash Pad feature (for those who are under 12).

These fantastic escape rooms for kids offer themed challenges that no kid—even your teens—can resist! New York's biggest new family entertainment trend lets you strategize an escape from a thief's house, help a spaceship make its way home and even pretend to be Indiana Jones right here in the city. While some escape rooms are better suited for an older crowd, these picks are perfect for visitors of most ages. Read on for our recommendations!

We've been crossing days off our calendars, waiting for the moment when FAO Schwarz promises we'll "return to wonder." Well NYC, wonder no more!  The beloved toy store opened the doors to its new permanent home at 30 Rock, and the endless stacks of empty red shopping bags aren't going to fill themselves. Although there are a great deal of shelves to peruse, which are chock full of stuffed animals, Hatchimals, Barbies, STEAM toys and anything else you can imagine, the store boasts plenty of fun (and even free) interactive activities. Children can enjoy magic acts, science experiments, toy race cars, spa treatments and loads of other fun.

Before they’re old enough to appreciate the New-York Historical Society, bring budding history buffs to the DiMenna Children's History Museum. The venue caters to the 8-to 13-year-old set by featuring exhibits on children throughout the city’s history, from an18th century Dutch merchant’s daughter to Alexander Hamilton, as well as the newsies who worked the streets in the 20th century.

While the highlight of most museums is what’s inside, simply climbing aboard this former aircraft carrier, which fought in World War II, the Cold War and the Vietnam War, and survived five kamikaze attacks is one of the most exciting parts about visiting. No trip is complete without stepping inside the Bell 47 helicopter, navigating the interacting submarine, or steering the wings of an airplane in the Exploreum hall, but don’t miss the Space Shuttle Pavilion, either, which houses the giant NASA orbiter Enterprise.

Instill a sense of team loyalty in your little sluggers by heading to Citi Field or Yankee Stadium for a family ballgame. Don caps and jerseys for your team of choice and get to the stadium early—both teams often hand out free swag (think trademarked gear like water bottles, bobbleheads, T-shirts, etc) to prompt fans. Cheer on the players, munch on popcorn and hotdogs and get in on fun, kid-friendly activities in the park

Two massive Tennessee-marble lions, dubbed Patience and Fortitude, flank the main portal of the NYPL’s century-old main branch and have become the institution’s mascots—and a prime spot for a family photo. Once inside, check out the children’s room, where kids big and small will get a kick out of the Pooh area, wallpapered with renderings of the Hundred Acre Wood. Inside, you’ll find a glass case containing Christopher Robin Milne’s vintage stuffed animals, the inspiration behind his dad’s Winnie the Pooh books. It’s also right next to Bryant Park, so be sure to explore the fun free offerings (such as the art cart and free games) during the summertime.

The American Girl Place at Rockefeller Center is a little girl's dream. The 40,000-foot shop spans two levels and offers some amazing features that include a salon for dolls— and kids. There’s a studio that allows kids to personalize a doll with their own designs (your American girl can make her own American Gir!), and a hospital where dolls can get a little surgery and physical therapy. Be sure to visit the American Girl Cafe, where your little one and her little-er pal can sit down for a full tea service, or simply grab a delicious snack.

When little ones ask to go to the zoo, there’s no doubt they mean the Bronx Zoo, NYC’s best and biggest. Bustling with more than 4,000 creatures, the go-to attraction is home to lions, tigers and bears (oh my!), the World of Reptiles (including the famous cobra who went missing a few years back), adorable snow leopards of the Himalayan highlands, an outdoor baboon reserve, the sea lion pool and an exhibit dedicated entirely to lemurs and other animals of Madagascar. While every kid will have their own favorite part, no trip is complete without a ride on the Wild Asia monorail.

NYC's Harry Potter flagship store is the first of its kind in the world! Explore three floors of all-things witchcraft and wizardry with interactive experiences and photo ops. Your little Harry Potter fan will be in heaven.

Hipsters have rediscovered the Coney Island scene, but kids never stopped loving the amusement parks, the corn dogs, the New York Aquarium. Luna Park is a summertime go-to, as is Deno’s and the famed Wonder Wheel. (A word to the wise: Get the amusement park thrills out of the way before lunch at Nathan’s.) You can always check out the sideshows, or catch a minor-league ball game down at MCU Park—and never want to pay Big League prices for tickets again. In steamier months you’ll want to hit the beach and play in the surf. No wonder Coney Island is still famous for warm-weather fun. 

See four New York boroughs and Coney Island on a bus tour.

The oxymoronic name for this Upper East Side dessert lover’s paradise may confuse grammar-patrolling parents, but to kids, it makes perfect sense: Made of whole milk, crushed ice, whipped cream, and a secret blend of no less than 14 different kinds of chocolate, the Frrozen Hot Chocolate is best enjoyed with a sibling through dueling straws. And for a creamy, decadent twist, there’s also a version that comes with peanut butter.

Time Out Tip: Serendipity3 just opened a new Times Square location! 

It’s hard for kids to choose whether they’d rather go ice-skating or visit an amusement park, but luckily, this multi-use space changes with the seasons. From October through spring, it acts as Trump Rink, an outdoor skating arena with public hours and drop-in private lessons, but when the ice melts, it turns into Victorian Gardens, a delightfully old-fashioned amusement park. Expect nostalgic rides like the classic round swing, bumper boats, and a train track, plus carnival games parents will remember, like Whac-A-Mole.

Although the Great White Way has some sensational theater productions, Off-Broadway shows are not to be overlooked. Kids will delight in the whimsical experience of The Gazillion Bubble Show, for example. Explore all the shows available for kids and book your tickets ASAP!

Children of all ages can learn new recipes, master different meals and feel comfortable handling kitchen equipment. Essentially, you're going to have a Top Chef in the making, so get ready to hand over the dinner reins to your brood. From the offering at Freshmade NYC to Taste Buds Kitchen, Gotham's cooking classes for kids are the best of the best. Buy a few aprons and let the youngsters do the rest.

Handily located directly adjacent to the playground’s inspiration, the Egyptian Wing of Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park’s Ancient Playground lets kids work off post-museum energy with stone pyramids, tunnels, treehouse-like wooden forts, tire swings, a sundial, nine slides and a sandbox anchored by a mini obelisk. As the park’s most recently renovated playgrounds, there are also cool features like a kid-activated waterfall that runs across two bridges and cascades into an open area.

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s  two permanent exhibits activate different aspects of kids’ imaginations: First, there’s “EatSleepPlay,” where kids can crawl through a digestive system, help pump a giant heart, and burn energy by ducking lasers and balancing on a beam, all in the name of helping them build healthy habits. The other, “PlayWorks,” lets little siblings (ages four and under) interact with a talking dragon, climb on fire trucks and MTA busses and crawl through sandy and soft structures.

The newly renovated Chelsea Waterside Play Area pays homage to a resident of the Hudson River Park Estuary: the pipefish! He's on display in all his glory as the playground's main attraction—a multi-colored slide designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh. The upgrades also include a newly constructed water features, a fun sand area plus a new shaded region where parents can catch a breather. All ages.

When it comes to out-there carousels, NYC’s certainly takes the cake, both in sheer quantity and in elaborateness. There’s the Bronx Zoo’s Bug Carousel, which trades in the traditional horses for enormous insects, the Central Park Carousel, one of the country’s largest, and Le Carrousel in Bryant Park, which, as its name suggests, is a nod to the park’s Francophone style with blaring cabaret tunes. But the best of the bunch might be Jane’s Carousel, the renovated 1922 structure that boasts 48 hand-carved horses—and since it’s protected inside a giant glass enclosure in Brooklyn Bridge Park, it spins year-round.

Nestled in the strip of the East River bordered by Harlem, the Bronx, and Queens, this island park is an active family’s paradise: There’s a complex for football, soccer, baseball and other field sports, not to mention trails for walking and cycling. Green thumbs can also stop by the Urban Farm, where on summer weekends kids can meet chickens and learn about growing fruits and veggies. When little legs get tired, simply sit back and enjoy the view of the Manhattan skyline.