20+ Kid-Friendly Attractions in NYC (That Adults Secretly Love Too)

Exploring New York with kids doesn’t mean adults get bored. In fact, some spots are secretly just as fun for grown-ups. These kid-friendly attractions in NYC (that adults secretly love too) proves that fun has no age limit. From hands-on museums to quirky playgrounds, these places will keep the kids busy while adults enjoy themselves too. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone: family time and a bit of personal enjoyment rolled into one trip.

Top Kid-Friendly Attractions in NYC That Adults Love Too

Color Factory

Step into a world of color with interactive art installations and playful rooms. It’s fun, Instagram-worthy, and surprisingly joyful for both kids and adults.

• Price: $$
• Address: 251 Spring Street New York, NY 10013 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colorfactoryco 
• Store hours: Daily 10:00 am-6:00 pm 

American Museum of Natural History

This iconic museum is a treasure chest of dinosaurs, space shows, and larger-than-life exhibits. Kids love the T. rex, while adults secretly enjoy reliving their school trips and geeking out at the planetarium.

• Admission: $$
• Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, New York 10024 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amnh 
• Phone: 212-769-5100 
• Operating hours: Open daily 10 am–5:30 pm 

Central Park Zoo

A cozy zoo right in the heart of Central Park, it’s home to penguins, snow leopards, and sea lions that always steal the show. It’s the perfect mix of wild fun for kids and a relaxing break for parents.

• Admission: $-$$
• Address: 64th Street and Fifth Ave, New York, New York 10021 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centralparkzoo 
• Operating hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am-5:30 pm 

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

Packed with interactive exhibits, this museum makes learning feel like playtime. Parents love how it sparks creativity, and kids won’t even realize they’re learning.

• Admission: $$
• Address: 212 W 83rd St, New York, NY, United States, New York 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centralparkzoo 
• Phone: +1 212-721-1223 
• Operating hours: Daily, 10:00 am–5:00 pm

FAO Schwarz

The legendary toy store is a dreamland of giant teddy bears, candy galore, and the famous floor piano. Let’s be real—adults have just as much fun as the kids here.

• Admission: Free (But some activities ranging $-$$) 
• Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10112 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faoschwarz 
• Operating hours: Daily 10:00 am-8:00 pm 

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Climb aboard a real aircraft carrier, peek inside a submarine, and stand beneath a space shuttle. It’s a floating adventure that thrills curious kids and history-loving adults.

• Admission: $$
• Address: Pier 86 W 46th St and 12th Ave New York 
• Website: https://intrepidmuseum.org 
• Phone: 212-245-0072 
• Operating hours: Monday–Friday 10:00 am– 5:00 pm Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM 

The High Line

This elevated park is filled with gardens, art installations, and city views that make exploring fun. Kids love spotting cool sculptures, while adults get a calm walk above the busy streets.

• Admission: Free 
• Address: West Chelsea & Hell’s Kitchen, New York, New York 10014 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlinenyc 
• Operating hours: Daily 7:00 am-10:00 pm 

New York Transit Museum

Step into vintage subway cars and old buses that kids can climb and explore. For adults, it’s a nostalgic trip back to New York’s transit history.

• Admission: Free 
• Address: 99 Schermerhorn St., Downtown Brooklyn, NY 11201 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nytransitmuseum 
• Email: info@nytransitmuseum.org 
• Phone: +1 718-694-1600 
• Operating hours:  Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00 am–4:00 pm 

Coney Island

From roller coasters to cotton candy, Coney Island is all about classic boardwalk fun. Parents get a taste of old-school amusement, while kids go wild with the rides and games.

• Admission: $-$$
• Address: 1208 Surf Ave, Brooklyn
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coneyislandfun 
• Operating hours:  Friday–Monday, 12:00 pm–6:00 pm  

SeaGlass Carousel

This magical carousel lets you ride glowing, fish-shaped creatures that look like they swam out of a fairytale. It’s a dreamy experience that both kids and adults adore.

• Price: $
• Address: Battery Park Greenway, New York, NY, United States, New York 
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theseaglasscarousel 
• Phone: +1 212-344-3491 
• Store hours: Daily 11:00 am – 7:00 pm

Brooklyn Children’s Museum

As the first children’s museum in the world, it’s all about hands-on fun and discovery. Kids explore exhibits on nature, culture, and science, and adults love how it keeps little minds busy.

• Admission: $$
• Address: 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11213 
• Website: https://www.brooklynkids.org 
• Email: hello@brooklynkids.org 
• Phone: (718) 735-4400 x 151 
• Operating hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm; closed Monday and Tuesday

New York Aquarium

Right on the Coney Island boardwalk, this aquarium is home to sea lions, sharks, and glowing jellyfish. Kids love the Aquatheater shows, while adults enjoy learning about ocean conservation and marine life up close.

• Admission: $$
• Address: 602 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11224 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyaquarium 
• Email: nyaquarium.com 
• Phone: +1 718-265-3474 
• Operating hours: Daily 10:00 am-5:00 pm 

Museum of Ice Cream

Step into a candy-colored wonderland filled with sprinkles, giant scoops, and fun interactive rooms. It’s a sweet escape that makes kids giggle and lets adults feel like kids again.

• Price: $$
• Address: 558 Broadway, New York, NY
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/museumoficecream 
• Email: hello@museumoficecream.com 
• Phone: +1 855-258-0719 
• Store hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:30 am – 8:00 pm, Monday-Tuesday Closed

The Bronx Zoo

One of the largest zoos in the country, it’s packed with animals from around the globe. Families can spend the whole day exploring—from tigers to jungle safaris.

• Admission: $$
• Address: 2300 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY, United States, New York 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bronxzoo 
• Phone: +1 718-220-5100 
• Operating hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am-5:30 pm  

The Skyscraper Museum

This small but fascinating museum celebrates NYC’s towering skyline with models and exhibits. Kids love the scale models, and adults enjoy geeking out on architecture history.

• Admission: Free 
• Address: 9 Battery Place, Battery Park City, Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10280 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyscrapermuseum 
• Operating hours: Wednesday – Saturday 12:00 pm-6:00 pm

Bryant Park

Hop on a ferry and escape to this car-free island with biking, playgrounds, and hammocks. Kids love the open space, while adults enjoy the skyline views and fresh air.

• Admission: Free (but some activities ranging $-$$)
• Address: 42nd Street & Sixth Avenue, New York, New York 10018 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryantparknyc 
• Operating hours: Monday–Wednesday 7:00 am-10:00 pm, Thursday–Sunday 7:00 am to midnight 

New York Hall of Science

Science feels like magic here, with hands-on experiments and cool exhibits. It’s a spot where curiosity runs wild for both kids and grown-ups.

• Admission: $$
• Address: 47-01 111th St, Corona 11368 
• Website: https://nysci.org 
• Phone: +1 718-699-0005 
• Operating hours: Tuesdays – Sundays, 10 :00 am-5:00 pm 

Roosevelt Island Tramway

This quick tram ride soars over the East River and feels like a mini amusement park ride. Kids love the adventure, and adults get amazing city views.

• Price: $ 
• Address: 59 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022 
• Operating hours: Sunday – Thursday 6:00 am- 2:00 am, Friday – Saturday 6:00 am- 3:00 am

Jane’s Carousel 

This beautifully restored carousel is set against the Manhattan skyline, making it a picture-perfect ride. Kids enjoy the horses, while adults get the views and nostalgia.

• Admission: $ 
• Address: Dock St & Water St, Brooklyn, New York 11201 
• Website: https://janescarousel.com 
• Email: info@janescarousel.org 
• Operating hours: Monday-Sunday 11:00 am-7:00 pm 

Prospect Park Zoo

Smaller and more low-key than the Bronx Zoo, this Brooklyn gem is perfect for a shorter day out. Families can get up close with red pandas, sea lions, and more.

• Admission: $$
• Address: 450 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11225 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prospectparkzoo 
• Phone: +1 718-399-7339 
• Operating hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am-5:30 pm 

Little Island 

This floating park on the Hudson River looks like it came out of a storybook. It’s filled with gardens, pathways, and performance spaces that make exploring fun for all ages.

• Admission: Free 
• Address: Pier 55 in Hudson River Park West 13th Street, Manhattan 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littleislandnyc 
• Email: info@littleisland.org 
• Operating hours: Daily 6:00 am – midnight 

If you’re looking for more best spots in New York City, read our blog Where to Take First-Time Visitors in NYC (Without Going Full Tourist) 

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