Things to do with kids on Sunday in NYC

Comfy shoes? Check! Bags of energy? Check! These are two absolute essentials you'll need before exploring the sprawling 843 acres that make up Central Park. It's not even possible to do it all in a day, but you can darn well try. Take your pick of the activities on their website beforehand and set course for fun. We recomend beelining for the two 45-foot slides at the Billy Johnson Playground, Pilgrim Hill for the ultimate sledding in winter, and the outdoor movies and performances are just magical, so don't miss one if the timing is right.

MoMA reopened after an extensive refurb in late 2019 and the iconic museum has never looked better. The expanded galleries include two art-making studios: one for young kiddos and one for older children and their artistic parents. The museum’s wealth of family programming covers a wide age range and includes tours for kids, child-friendly movies and other events. Check the museum website for the latest information.

The Cloisters is one of the treasures of the city. Set in a lovely park overlooking the Hudson River, the Cloisters houses the Met’s medieval art and architecture collections, but the building itself is half the draw. A path winds through the peaceful grounds to a castle that seems to have survived the Middle Ages. It was actually built less than 100 years ago, using material from medieval cloisters, but it feels ancient. Check out the famous Unicorn Tapestries (are unicorns real? discuss) and visit the lushly planted gardens.

The densely-packed streets of one of Manhattan's most exciting neighborhoods hold so much excitement for young minds. Plus it's a super snacky part of town. Pick up some dumplings, get a bubble tea, grab a bag of Hong Kong Cakes from a street cart and top it off with a scoop of black sesame ice cream from Chinatown Ice Cream Factory—then head to Hester Street Playground so that your little one can work off an inevitable afternoon of overeating.

When it was founded in 1899, Brooklyn Children’s Museum was the country’s first museum specifically made for children (no surprise that Kings County started the trend). Today it’s one of the most comprehensive kids’ attractions with a huge permanent collection, including musical instruments, masks, dolls, fossils and even a green building design. Kids have fun while enjoying interactive exhibits such as World Brooklyn, a pint-size cityscape lined by faux stores where young’uns can weigh ingredients and knead pretend dough at the Mexican Bakery, or shop for cans of Indian ghee and Turkish candy at the International Grocery. Neighborhood Nature, another exhibit in the permanent collection, helps little ones learn about the many creatures and habitats found in their own Brooklyn backyard.

Ah Coney Island, home of the Mermaid Parade and the original Nathan's. If those aren't two very worthy reasons to visit, we don't know what are. Well alright, actually there's also the famously old wooden roller coaster, Cyclone, at Luna park, rivalled by flashy new(er) thrill-ride Atlantic Aviator, plus the oldest continually operating aquarium in the country, as well as the iconic Wonder Wheel at Deno's, a bustling boardwalk and the beach, obvs. Not bad for a site that was once partially a bunch of landfill.

In recent years NYC has completely transformed what playtime is like for a city kid, introducing creative playgrounds to every corner of the Big Apple. There are so many gorgeous playgrounds to visit in NYC, pick one and set off on a fabulous adventure.

With its grandiose 50-foot-high concave entry looking out at the iconic Grand Army Plaza arch, this library’s Central branch is even grander on the inside. Little ones will enjoy weekly storytimes and morning programs in a cozy kids-only area (complete with stroller parking), while older techies can hang out in the computer loft for a variety of activities.

Originally built for the 1964 World’s Fair, the Queens institution demystifies its subject through colorful hands-on permanent exhibits such as “Connected Worlds" or "Happiness Experiment". In the summer, children can burn off excess energy—and learn a thing or two—in the outdoor science playground or play a game of minigolf beneath the shadow of two retired NASA rockets.

Situated behind the New York Public Library is Bryant Park, a well-cultivated retreat that hosts a dizzying schedule of free entertainment during the summer, including the popular Monday night outdoor movies. The park hosts weekly kid-friendly programming such as storytime in the Reading Room and game socials in the 40th Street Plaza. Little ones with an interest in the circus can get a free lesson from the Bryant Park Jugglers on the Lawn or Upper Terrace. Families can take a spin on the Le Carrousel which features 14 different animals to ride on. In the winter the park transforms into a wonderland where you can find an ice skating rink and pop-up shops for the holidays.

Just because you live in the Big Apple doesn't mean you can't spend time in the great outdoors. There are amazing family-friendly hikes close to NYC—in fact, the Bronx River Greenway and Inwood Hill Park are right in the middle of the city! So: Check the weather, pack a picnic and make plans to visit mother nature with the fam.

Once nothing more than an industrial piece of land, Brooklyn Bridge Park has transformed into one of the most gorgeous waterfront destinations in the city. With stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and downtown Brooklyn neighborhoods, the park is as scenic as it is entertaining. A variety of playgrounds, splash pads, educational programs, events and food vendors make the park a favorite for all ages.

New York, New York, it's a wonderful biking town! From protected paths on the Bronx waterfront to the low-key cycling in Battery Park City, we'll help you find the best bike trails for families. (No judgement if some members of your crew need training wheels.)