Explore some of the best kid-friendly attractions in New York City—from interactive museums and exhibits to unique outdoor adventures
New York City has plenty of family-friendly attractions for every age and interest, all designed with accessibility in mind. Explore iconic NYC staples like the Statue of Liberty and one-of-a-kind experiences in spy history and plant science. Make great memories with these kid-friendly attractions in New York that provide an engaging experience for groups of all ages, including those with special needs.
Finding the right spots and stops along the busy streets of NYC can be tricky. Here are some ideas to help you find the perfect group-friendly attractions that your family will love.
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Iconic Kid-Friendly Attractions in New York
The Statue of Liberty is not only a universal symbol of freedom and democracy but also a great family-friendly attraction. Although they do not offer group rates for families, there are many ways to tour the statue, from the pedestal to the crown, so make sure to plan ahead for ferry times. Designed to inspire visitors, the Statue of Liberty Museum houses interactive history accessible to all guests with wheelchair ramps, tactile objects, and tours available in ASL.
Known as the green heart of New York City, Central Park is an ideal place to explore on a family outing. The 843-acre park offers a variety of activities, from guided tours that walk you through the park’s history to interactive activities such as birding or boating and seasonal events. With free entrance and activities for all ages, it’s hard to beat an afternoon in Central Park.
Explore the American Museum of Natural History for an interactive and educational experience. With wheelchair accessibility throughout, language assistance, and sensory bags, their facilities are designed to be accessible to all visitors. Discounted group rates are available for groups of 20 people or more, giving you access to exhibits ranging from space exploration to the importance of insects.
NY Hidden Gems for Family Groups
The Big Apple boasts an array of unique activities for groups, and plenty of lesser-known kid-friendly attractions in New York will ignite curiosity in everyone.
Discover the fun side of math at the National Museum of Mathematics. With interactive exhibits and educator-led activities, it’s designed to engage visitors of all ages. The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers custom packages to fit your group’s interests, making it a perfect spot fora family outing.
The Museum of Illusion invites guests to experience the impossible, where nothing is quite what it seems. Engage the whole family with immersive installations, mind-bending images and wall-to-wall illusions. They give family discounts on groups with two children and two adults and customizable events for larger groups. About 75% of the museum is wheelchair accessible, with the second floor only accessible by stairs.
Don’t just eat it. Experience the world of frozen delight at the Museum of Ice Cream. In addition to all-you-can-eat ice cream on the menu, this family-friendly attraction invites visitors to learn and play through its colorful installations. The entire museum is wheelchair accessible and offers gluten and dairy-free options.
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Kid-Friendly Attractions in New York: Educational &Interactive Experiences
Uncover the world of espionage at SPYSCAPE, a unique experience designed with the insight of MI6 and CIA officials. While not suitable for kids under eight, it offers group-friendly challenges and rates for 20 people or more. All floors, including entrances, galleries and retail spaces, are handicap accessible, making it an inclusive experience for all.
The Museum of the Moving Image presents family fun through hands-on group workshops, scavenger hunts, and dynamic exhibits on film history. Now, with a new way to keep the fun going, have a sleepover in the museum! The entire museum is wheelchair accessible and service dogs are allowed. They also offer adaptable workshops and programs to meet visitor needs. Groups of 10 or more get a discounted rate and special family programs.
From young to old, everyone can awaken their inner child at Color Factory New York, an immersive and interactive art experience. Popping with color not only on the walls but with group events, treat your group to colorful confections and surprise give aways. All installations are ADA-friendly, and service animals are allowed.
Outdoor Adventures for Families with Kids in NYC
Luna Park in Coney Island provides a classic amusement park experience with over 32 attractions, including rides, games and dining. Everyone in the family can enjoy exhilarating rollercoasters and exciting arcade games. While the park is wheelchair accessible, some rides may be restricted. Tour groups with 20 or more riders receive special prices, and there are additional walking tours and a museum experience for even more fun!
Small but teeming with life, the 11-acre Queens Zoo presents families with an outdoor experience to connect with wildlife. Feed a sea lion, walk amongst vibrant bird life in the aviary and discover seasonal animal events throughout the zoo. Groups of10or more receive discounted rates; children two and under get in free. All buildings in the zoo are wheelchair accessible, but some exhibits have rough terrain or steep hills. They also provide sensory bags and quiet zones to those who need them.
Located in the 240-acre Bronx Park is the lush New York Botanical Garden. The gardens are great for multigenerational family activities to learn about the importance of plant science while touring the over one million living plants found here. Whether you explore it independently or with a guide, you can interact with outdoor collections, children’s programs and seasonal events. Groups of 15 or more enjoy a discount, while children under two are free. Visitors can borrow wheelchairs and hearing loops, although some historic paths may be inaccessible to wheelchair users due to their terrain.
Whether your family wants to take a trip through natural history or prefers the thrill of a roller coaster ride, there are plenty of multigenerational and kid-friendly attractions in New York.
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