New York City is a fantastic place to bring children. We have Broadway, the Statue of Liberty, Yankee Stadium, and even the Museum of Ice Cream. In addition, America’s history is embedded in every district. For example, George Washington lived in the presidential mansion on Cherry Street during New York’s two-year reign as the country’s capital. Our 21st president lived on Lexington Avenue between 28th and 29th streets, where the famous Kalustyan’s food store has been since 1944.
As a mom and former educator, I raised my daughter in Manhattan, where she experienced our bustling streets filled with active movie sets, impromptu concerts, subway performers, and food from around the world. In addition, we introduced her cousins and friends to parts of the city that tourists overlook. So below, I’ve listed the must-sees for children and teenagers and other fun places.
The Best Museums
- American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the best museums, if not the best museum for children in New York, and a perennial favorite with our family. As you enter the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall, you are greeted by a Barosaurus protecting its young from an attacking Allosaurus. Then, your family can explore the permanent exhibitions featuring massive dinosaur fossils, ocean life, and gems and minerals. The museum holds over 34 million species, and scientists worldwide come for research. Since it’s a timed entry, you must reserve it online. Also, download the museum’s map. Kids will want to explore every nook and cranny.
- The Iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Millions of people visit the Statue of Liberty every year. This iconic landmark by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi sits on Liberty Island in Upper New York bay and is a short ferry ride from America’s most famous immigration center, Ellis Island. Between 1892 and 1954, more than twelve million immigrants passed through the U.S. immigration portal, and approximately 40% of Americans can trace their ancestry to Ellis Island. Purchase your tickets online and prepare to spend 2 to 4 hours visiting both sites.
- The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
