20 Things to Do in NYC with Toddlers

If you have children, or if you are a babysitter, or simply a devoted aunt or uncle who wants to spend time some quality time with nephews or nieces, the list of 20 things to do in NYC with toddlers is something you should not miss reading.

Big cities have that advantage that they offer so many interesting places to visit and see, but somehow we get lost in this world where everything can be reached on the Internet and we lose the sense of going out among people and actually seeing and touching things. When it comes to children, this is even a greater issue, since they grow up in a very unhealthy environment, and us adults need to guide them and show them how to actually be involved in this beautiful world full of amazing things to see. In the same sense, our list of Kid Friendly Things To Do in NYC This Weekend can also be very useful and can give you amazing ideas how to spend weekends with children in NYC.

Toddlers-oriented activities in NYC are numerous, and if you have a little bit of imagination and creativity, as well as a goodwill and free time, your toddlers will definitely be grateful to you. There is always the option to actually ask them what do they want to do and make sure to adapt it to be useful in both fun and knowledge terms. For example, going to a museum can be really fun and children can be amazed by some artifacts and exhibitions, while it is a great chance to learn something new at the same time. The Internet is full of amazing ideas, amazing places to visit and see, for any season and any part of the day, so I checked several sources, eventually finding the Class Curious most useful, with other excellent ideas found during an excessive Google search. I did not go deep into details for each activity separately but instead provided official websites where all of the useful and additional information can be found. However, the major advice, in general, is to plan and book early where bookings are needed. I know that some people are simply adventurous and on-the-go persons, but toddlers will love to follow the plan and to see that you really worked hard to amuse them and spend some quality time with them. The list is made without specific rankings and order, so you may equally enjoy in each of these suggestions, depending on your toddlers’ preferences. Remember, the time you spend with them is probably the most priceless time and they will remember it for the rest of their lives.

So, don’t forget to save our list of 20 things to do in NYC with toddlers.

20. Toys R Us Flagship Store Times Square

I assure you that your toddler will love this place, which can definitely be described as one of the biggest toy stores in the world and one of the dream places for all of the children. In this place, toddlers will be able to enjoy a life-size animated T-Rex, while Barbie lovers will enjoy the Barbie Dream House. Additionally, there is Superman who flies above, so 100% fun is guaranteed.

19. Dylan’s Candy Bar

You should definitely take care of what your children eat, without letting them eat a lot of candies every day, but you should definitely allow them a treat at least once a month. If you decide to do so, Dylan’s Candy Bar is probably the best choice for you when it comes to the things to do in NYC with toddlers. It offers more than 7,000 of different candies and you will be able to choose and fill up your bag. Pick up a bag and take eventually paying by the weight. Your children will not just enjoy the taste, but seeing all those colorful candies and personalized souvenirs will probably be one of the best experiences for them.

18. Bronx Zoo

This one on the list of things to do in NYC with toddlers is a must-see place for toddlers, since this zoo is a home to more than 4,000 animals, making it the biggest in America. Tigers, gorilla, zebras, giraffes, lions, lemurs, and many other animals are there to provide the fun, since children may feed them, together with climbing into birds’ nests and camel rides. Make sure to order your tickets online some days in advance, in order to avoid crowds and to have a marvelous experience.

17. Max Brenner Chocolate Bar and Restaurant

If your toddler is a chocolate fan (who isn’t!?), then you should definitely take him or her to Max Brenner Chocolate Bar and Restaurant. This is not just an ordinary restaurant where you can eat a great chocolate cake, but there are so many other interesting things made of chocolate, even Chocolate Chunks Pizza. It can be served with whatever you like, whipped cream, berries, melted chocolate, hazelnuts… It gets really crowded, so make sure to reserve your place!

16. One World Conservatory

This place can be exciting for both toddlers and adults and it is definitely one of the places in NYC that you should not miss visiting. If you recognize the adventurous spirit of your child, make sure to engage with these iconic sights and panoramic views of the skyline and the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. There is also the See Forever Theater, and you can find out many interesting One World Observatory’s ambassadors while they share stories about the city that never sleeps.

15. New York Aquarium

If you plan to visit the New York Aquarium, you will definitely have fun all day and your toddlers will be more than amazed by everything they can see at this amazing place. Not just that they can see many interesting water animals, but they can also engage in activities such as classic rides in the Luna Park, as well as a roller coaster and many other amusing things that will provide a lot of fun to your children.

14. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

If you still doubt that a museum can be the right choice for a toddler, MoMA brings amazing weekend tours for children of different age groups, starting from the age of 4, and these are usually morning family tours and hands-on art programs that your toddler will love! Out of many astonishing things to see in this museum, the most attractive are definitely Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Salvador Dali’s melting watch in The Persistence of Memory and Pablo Picasso’s Three Musicians.

13. Central Park

This can be a very logical choice if you want to spend some quality time with your toddler in New York, and you can be sure to have as much fun as you want since the park has 21 playgrounds. However, some of them are still favorites, such as The Ancient Playground, Billy Johnson Playground, Diana Ross Playground, and Tarr Family Playground. Besides these playgrounds, you may enjoy the Central Park Zoo, the Lake, and many other interesting places.

12. The American Museum of Natural History

If your toddlers are not a dinosaur lover yet, it is high time to become one, and the easiest way is to take them to the American Museum of Natural History, where they can see incredible dinosaur sculptures. However, besides that, some other interesting things include the giant blue whale and African elephant. Eventually, the most interesting activity for children is definitely the Discovery Room, where they can hunt for animals and examine minerals or skulls.

11. Pier 25 Playground (Tribeca)

Out of thousands of playgrounds in NYC, it is really hard to single out one or two and recommend it for toddlers, but Tribeca playground has everything one toddler needs to have fun, being the reason why it is on the list of 20 things to do in NYC with toddlers. This playground includes a giant sandbox, climbing structures, swings, tons of sprinklers where toddlers can enjoy the whole day, while on the other side there are mini golf, volleyball courts and a soccer field for adults who also want to enjoy their time.

10. Brooklyn Bridge Park & Jane’s Carousel

We are continuing our list of things to do in NYC with toddlers with Brooklyn Bridge Park & Jane’s Carousel that is the perfect place to spend one afternoon with your toddlers and they will certainly be thankful for this experience. Although it seems to be a very ordinary activity; walking across the bridge, if you take into consideration that it can lead you to the waterfront park underneath, it is definitely worth trying. There are also many amazing playgrounds, even a historic carousel, while your child can take an ice-cream to refresh.

9. Madame Tussauds

This wax museum is amazing, and one of the most favorite places for older children and teens, but it can also be a perfect place to take your toddler, and together you can make a selfie with Albert Einstein or Abraham Lincoln. Sponge Bob and Marvel Comics Super Hero are also there to provide a lot of fun, so don’t think much and buy your tickets in advance! Now, let’s see what else we have on our list of things to do in NYC with toddlers.

8. South Street Seaport

This used to be a bustling port, and by visiting it, you can provide your child an insight into how New York as we know it today was built, with the help of ships coming from all over the world and successful trade. There are many vintage ships that are worth seeing, and they may serve as a short history lesson for your toddler. There are also early letterpress printing and examples of 19th-century crafts, and if your toddler needs a rest, there are plenty of shops and restaurants near the water.

7. Bryant Park

At 7th spot on the list of things to do in NYC with toddlers we have the Bryant Park that is one more park worth mentioning in NYC, since it is very clean, with a lot of space for fun, and although being in the middle of the city, it still provides the feeling of being outside of the city rush. Toddlers may enjoy a carousel ride for $2.00, and since these carousels are smaller than those that can be found in Central Park, they are more convenient for smaller children.

6. Luludi Living Art

Although this place may seem very serious at first glance, don’t let yourself be tricked into that. This terrarium shop has amazing workshops for toddlers, and it is a perfect place for those children who are full of energy. Building a terrarium can be an amazing experience for your toddlers, especially considering the fact they will meet a lot of new friends, eat muffins and enjoy.

5. Bookstores for Kids

It is really hard to find one bookstore in NYC that is a must see for toddlers, being the reason I provided several of them. Developing reading habits with your toddler is very crucial since if they become book lovers at that age, they will remain so by the end of their lives. It is why you should not miss visiting Books of Wonder, Book Culture, Word, and Posman Books.

4. Queens County Farm Museum

If you prefer running away from the city crowd, the Queens Country Farm Museum is the right choice when it comes to things to do in NYC with toddlers. Besides breathing the fresh air, surrounded by greenery, toddlers will also be able to see domestic animals, including sheep, pigs, goats, hens and many others. This can be a unique experience for your toddler to be in peace with nature, so don’t hesitate and plan your visit.

3. New York Hall of Science

Although it is very important for toddlers to play and enjoy their free time when there is a possibility to combine the playing and learning aspect, don’t miss it. Activities that are provided for kids in New York Hall of Science are amazing, and your toddlers will acquire great things while having incredible fun. The most important thing is that there is a Preschool Place and an outdoor Science Playground, where the youngest visitors may play and learn many new things. Now, let’s see which are the top two things to do in NYC with toddlers.

2. BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange

If you recognize a small artist in your toddler, this is probably one of the best things to do in NYC with toddlers; enroll some of the summer art programs according to your toddler’s preference. Children can dance, play musical instruments, act and develop their talents in the best possible way, surrounded by professionals. These are the things that toddlers never forget and it is definitely worth it.

1. Children’s Museum of Manhattan

Visiting this museum is the best you can do with your toddler since it is full of interesting things and activities for children of age six and under. Activities include Adventures with Dora and Diego for ages 2 to 6, City Splash water play and many others, where children can relax and play in the most amusing manner. Don’t forget to book the tickets and pack the additional clothes, since this museum is the best among 20 things to do in NYC with toddlers.