The best things to do with kids in NYC

Dinosaurs, whales and elephants, oh my! The Upper West Side institution isn’t just beloved in NYC, it’s a global attraction that draws visitors from all over the world. And for good reason: From learning about species in the Hall of Biodiversity to walking under the giant whale in the Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life, museum-goers could marvel at the displays all day long and still not see everything in this palace-like complex. And don't miss the Rose Center for Earth and Space, a glass enclosure that houses the stunning 87-foot-diameter Hayden Sphere. You can explore the 13-billion–year history of the universe, pick up cool facts about planets, stars and galaxies and watch "Encounters in the Milky Way," its newest space show narrated by Pedro Pascal.

Time Out Tip: Plan to sleep over! There's a kids' sleepover at the museum that will create memories that'll last a lifetime.

Address: 200 Central Park West, Manhattan

Seeing a Broadway show is the birthright of every little New Yorker. Just watch their faces when the lights go down and the curtains go up: Even fidgety children will be fully immersed in the make-believe happening onstage! There are shows to suit all tastes, including The Lion King, Aladdin and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Time Out Tip: Go during Broadway Week, when you can get 2-for-1 tickets! It rolls around twice a year, in the winter and the summer.

This children's museum has hands-on activities for toddlers and kids up to 8 years old, who can learn through imagination and play. From playing veterinarian or doctor to grocery store clerk or train conductor, there's much to do inside the museum's Town Square. Even cooler, there are special events with weekly themes like outer space, the construction site and renaissance era, among others. It's perfect for a birthday party, too!

Time Out Tip: Make sure the kiddos wear socks as it is a no-shoes space and since there is no food allowed, eat beforehand!

Address: 805 Columbus Avenue, Manhattan

This is no run-of-the-mill mall. American Dream, just 15 to 30 minutes away in New Jersey, has a massive Dream Wheel that you can see the NYC skyline, a massive DreamWorks water park, a Nickelodeon amusement park with rollercoasters, glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, an indoor ski slope and so much more, including tons of restaurants to eat at in between the fun.

Time Out Tip: Read our itinerary on how to spend time at American Dream! We recommend planning an entire day drip there.

Address: 1 American Dream Way, New Jersey

These aren't just any bubbles. Set in mind-blowing configurations, these soapy creations get filled with smoke, linked into chains, and come to life via lasers and flashing colored lights. It's a spectacle your little ones won't soon forget.

Time Out Tip: Grab a Time Out discount right here, for tickets as low as $58 (regular price $91).

Address: New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street, Manhattan

This two-story playscape for kids and adults is a massive space containing laser tag, mini-bowling and arcade games. The kiddos can play laser tag in three matches across an hour-and-a-half, play mini-bowling, where they can knock down pins across 25 minutes, or play its traditional arcade games, from basketball shooting games to racing games and claw machines. 

Time Out Tip: Area 53 has other locations with even more fun—its Williamsburg "Adventure" spot has a ropes course, rock climbing, a zip line, slides, battle beams and ball and foam pits, an arcade, roller skating and more! There's also an Area 53 Paintball arena in Williamsburg that's 20,000 square feet (with its own arcade).

Address: 53 Bridge Street, Brooklyn

Look for the big yellow roof to find this Crown Heights favorite, which when it opened in 1899 was one of the first museums in the country geared specifically to kids. It doubles as an ode to the borough, however, with permanent exhibits like “World Brooklyn,” a pint-sized cityscape where little ones can shop at fake Mexican bakeries and international bodegas, or “Neighborhood Nature,” which explore the critters and plants found in everyday Brooklyn backyards. Plus, every day, there’s a slew of drop-in workshops that’ll keep them entertained.

Time Out Tip: It's free to visit Thursdays, 2–5 pm, for Community Access Thursdays. Tickets can be reserved in advance here.

Address: 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn

You’ll have a whale of a time at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s home to marine life. Located off the Coney Island Boardwalk, the aquarium is where you’ll find plenty of fish, starfish and the mammals and birds that live among them. Otters, seals and penguins take in the sun from the stony cliffs before cooling off or searching for food under the water while sea lions show off amazing behaviors in the aquatheater for special shows. Visitors looking for an experience with more teeth should definitely check out the sharks.

Time Out Tip: Make it a full day of sea adventures and plan on spending time on Coney Island beach nearby!

Address: 602 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn

Little shoppers can browse collections of toys and games and can participate in awesome interactive experiences at CAMP in Flatiron. Past a secret door, they can enter a world of dancing, sports, crafts and everything they love about camp—right in a 10,000 square-foot space. Even cooler, the shopping hotspot offers a variety of rotating themes! 

Time Out Tip: Check out what theme is happening before you go—in the past, it's featured Bluey and "Campoween" for Halloween.

Address: 110 5th Avenue, Manhattan

Help the kiddos learn all about their city (or if you're visiting, the City That Doesn't Sleep) at the Museum of the City of New York, where its history and impact come to life through immersive exhibits, including "New York at Its Core," a sprawling exhibition including two galleries taking visitors on a tour of all 400 years of New York City history, the Future City Lab where you can use interactive technology to design the NYC of the future, and "Urban Stomp: Dreams & Defiance on the Dance Floor." This exhibit features an 1800s-era ball gowns, Louis Armstrong’s trumpet, Celia Cruz’s shoes, Big Daddy Kane’s outfits and digital screens that teach you how to dance. For kids who love dolls, don't miss the Stettheimer Dollhouse created during the 1920s.

Time Out Tip: Tickets are usually $23, but New York City residents can pay what they wish! Kids 18 and under always get in for free. Everyone gets in for free on Wednesdays! Just buy your tickets on-site.

Address: 1220 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan

If your kids love Disney's "Soarin' Around the World" experience, there's a similar ride right here in Times Square. Called RISENY, the 180-degree, 40-foot projection dome plays 8K aerial footage to create the sensation of flight. It's narrated by Jeff Goldblum and flies through NYC’s history and its global impact. You first encountre a re-creation of the city’s first subway station at City Hall circa 1904 that transforms into a fully immersive theater with visual and special effects. Eventually, a present-day subway car virtually transports you through seven themed galleries—"Finance," "Skyline," "TV/Radio," "Fashion," "Music," "Broadway" and "Film"—that show off historic artifacts, star-studded memorabilia and engaging, fun and educational displays. Finally, you're whisked into the air to dip, turn and soar around NYC's landmarks to an NYC-themed soundtrack as you while wind, mist and scents are blown at your face. Prices start at $42 for children under 12.

Time Out Tip: Wait until NYC Must-See Week in January for 2-for-1 tickets!

Address: 160 West 45th Street, Manhattan

A visit to Snug Harbor keeps families busy thanks to the scenic cultural center and interactive Staten Island Children's Museum. Wander through hands-on exhibits, engage in song and dance and get in on craft projects. Remember to see the Connie Gretz Secret Garden, where kids can wander through the maze-like shrubbery inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic novel. 

Time Out Tip: Don't miss "Spooky Snug Harbor" tours for Halloween, where you're guided by flashlight.

Address: 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island

The Museum of Ice Cream in Soho is a sight to behold for ice cream lovers. Across 20,000 square feet, there are 13 multi-sensory installations, visitors to the museum will be able to interact with fun elements like a three-story indoor slide, the all-pink Celestial Subway, and a new add-on where guests can build their own edible slime. And yeah, there are sweet treats along the way—a.k.a. ice cream throughout the museum.

Time Out Tip: Although it may be difficult to save your appetite, wait for the hard ice cream section where you can taste high-quality scoops. You can also buy your own ice cream treat, including more flavor options, not just the "pink" flavor you'll find across the museum. Read all about our experience now.

Address: 558 Broadway, Manhattan

Want to immerse the little ones in 360-degree art? Check out Mercer Labs, Museum of Art and Technology, a 36,000-square-foot space with 15 multi-sensory rooms to explore. Installations include "The Dragon," where a total of 500,000 individual LED lights hung on strings adorn a room and are lit up to created 3D videos, including one of a galloping horse, that will catch your attention. There's also a cave of beautiful pink flowers, a ball pit, an interactive chess room and a robot that makes sand castles, sketches and more. Make sure to check out its rotating exhibition, including for One Piece that's going until November 30.

Time Out Tip: Book through Time Out and get 10% off your ticket price. Simply use the code 'TIMEOUT10' at checkout. Click here to book tickets.

Address: 21 Dey Street, Manhattan

Math doesn't have to be boring or difficult, it can be fun! MoMath shows all the remarkable things math can be used to create. The museum has 30-plus interactive exhibits that include an infinity room you can stick your head into; mandala math you can draw with your finger; Math Square, a Jumbotron on the floor that connects each person standing on it by the shortest path possible, changing the moment anyone moves; a design studio where participants create a 3-D design on a screen, for a chance to have it "printed" into an actual sculpture via a 3-D printer; and Enigma Café, a place where families can sit down at tables to work on digital puzzles.

Time Out Tip: MoMath has a ton of free events, including Family Fridays and gallery openings. Check here for its calendar.

Address: 225 Fifth Avenue (it'll open a new museum at the same location in 2026).

Love the museum but find it difficult for the kids to pay attention? The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s new 81st Street Studio, is an art and science play space is designed for kids ages 3–11 with much to explore. Kids can smell different types of wood, look through a microscope, play oversized musical instruments, and try digital activities to learn about different materials. In fact, a large music station includes a standing guitar, a castanet wall, an organ, and a marimba, all designed by the music/audio pros at Yamaha. Best of all, this newly designed drop-in space on the Met’s ground level is completely free for kids and their caregivers.

Time Out Tip: Pick up a Met Field Guide, a packet of tools to help kids to learn more about the scientific aspects of The Met collection and Central Park as a field scientist by collecting data while also earning stickers and badges. 

Address: 1000 5th Avenue, Manhattan

Take them for a view they'll never forget. Summit One Vanderbilt is not just an observatory that sits atop the 67-floor One Vanderbilt at 1,000 feet high, it's got its own immersive elements: Kenzo Digital has created a totally mirrored infinity room called "Air" that reflects the sky and city views over and over, making you feel like you're walking in the sky or on another plane of existence. Looking above you and below you in this two-story space, you see your reflection repeating forever. Kids can even stand in a series of transparent glass sky-boxes that jut out of the building at 1,063 feet above Madison Avenue. 

Time Out Tip: Go at night for an incredibly sparkly glow from below!

Address: 45 East 42nd Street, Manhattan

For a NYC experience like no other, head to this former military base of brick buildings and leafy lawns: It feels like a New England college was transported to an island in New York Harbor. Hop on a ferry (the island is just 800 yards from Manhattan!) and you’ll be transported to a park-like setting with winding paths and play zones and some very good food trucks. It’s a paradise for kids, a place where they can run around and get all their sillies out.

Time Out Tip: Make a day of it and bring your picnic blanket and good walking shoes. Rent a bike at Blazing Saddles!

Address: Take the ferry from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street in Lower Manhattan.

Central Park's unique history, accessibility, and design make it New York City's most famous park, and one of the most celebrated greenspaces in the history of the world. It was the first public park built in the United States, sees about 25 million visitors per year, and contains 36 bridges and arches and around 50 monuments, sculptures, fountains, and a castle! Perhaps most important to families, the park contains 21 playgrounds, Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater, charming paddleboat rentals, and, of course, the Central Park Zoo.

Time Out Tip: Ride through Central Park on a bike for an easy way to get around and see the most of it.

Address: From 59th to 110th Streets, Central Park West to Fifth Avenue

Stretching 1.3 miles along the East River, this beautiful revamped waterfront is proof that this city is serious about its leisure. Pier 2 is tricked out with recreation facilities for basketball, handball, bocce, shuffleboard, and roller-skating. Post up at Pier 3 with a blanket and book, or take a peaceful stroll minus traffic noise thanks to Sound Attenuating Hill.

Time Out Tip: In the summer, head to the Water Lab—a stone-strewn area with water underfoot to splash in—plus, New York's largest sandbox. During the cooler months, stop into Time Out Market for some good grub.

Address: 334 Furman Street, Brooklyn

The best view in New York is from the middle of the East River: There's nothing quite like sitting on the upper deck of an NYC Ferry as it cruises under the Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Brooklyn Bridges. Officially a part of the city's transportation system, a ride on the ferry is cheap and children under 44 inches tall are free. It's always more fun to get where you're going when you're on a boat.

Time Out Tip: Make your own self-guided tour using the Ferry’s new travel guides.

Address: There are multiple ferry stops around the city. You can find them all here.

Consider this an amusement park ride run by the MTA: The red tramway cars make for most unique commute in the city. Hop aboard from the station at 59th Street and Second Avenue and get a really cool up-close view of the Queensboro Bridge as you are carried high above the water—just like in 2002's "Spider-Man" but without the perilous fight with the Green Goblin. It's really a sight to behold!

Time Out Tip: Wander over to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park, then head back for the return trip—and more jaw-dropping views.

Address: 254 East 60th Street, Manhattan

When little ones ask to go to the zoo, there’s no doubt they mean the Bronx Zoo, NYC’s best and biggest. Bustling with more than 4,000 creatures, the go-to attraction is home to lions, tigers and bears (oh my!), the World of Reptiles (including the famous cobra who went missing a few years back), adorable snow leopards of the Himalayan highlands, an outdoor baboon reserve, the sea lion pool and an exhibit dedicated entirely to lemurs and other animals of Madagascar. While every kid will have their own favorite part, no trip is complete without a ride on the Wild Asia monorail.

Time Out Tip: Don't miss its Halloween Harvest Glow, Boo at the Zoo, Dinosaurs at night experience, or its holiday season spectaculars! Make a full day of it.

Address: 2300 Southern Boulevard, the Bronx

NYC is definitely a concrete jungle, but don’t be fooled—there are plenty of ways to keep active, even if backyards are few and far between. You can take on new heights without venturing to the top floor of a skyscraper. Rock climbing spots throughout the five boroughs, such as Brooklyn Boulders in Queensbridge and Gowanus and Movement in LIC, offer a chance for participants of all ages to master their moves while making their way to the top. Classes and party options are available at most venues, so take a gander and see what suits your little adventurer’s needs.

Time Out Tip: Sign them up for an introductory class first before throwing them to the wall.

Lady Liberty has been watching over New York Harbor for more than a century, and she’s never looked better. It doesn't matter if you’re a local or just visiting, this icon of America is a must-visit attraction. The recently-renovated Statue of Liberty Museum includes an immersive theater that provides a glimpse into Lady Liberty's history and ideals, an engagement gallery where visitors can get a behind-the-scenes of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi’s creative process the inspirational gallery that provides an up-close-and-personal look at the monument’s original torch.

Time Out Tip: There are food options on the island but it can get expensive and lines can be long. Pack water, snacks, or a picnic meal to make it easier.

Address: Meet outside of Castle Clinton in Battery Park

At this way-cool Queens museum, kids can get hands-on with hundreds of interactive exhibits and activities that bring science, technology, engineering and math to life. Built for the 1964 World's Fair, NYSCI is home to a revolving lineup of displays about light, 3-D printing, outer space and robots, plus the Design Lab, where kids can tackle activities at five stations: Backstage, Sandbox, Studio, Maker Space and Treehouse. Kids can also climb on a rope web and play mini golf at the massive Science Playground and Rocket Park. Trust us, this place is worth the trek.

Time Out Tip: The museum is open for most school holidays, so don't stay at home, venture to the museum!

Address: 47-01 111th Street, Queens

Goats, sheep and ponies—oh my! Families don’t have to travel far from the city to get a tranquil agrarian experience. At the Queens County Farm Museum, the the oldest continually farmed site in the state, barnyard animals are available for feeding, petting and your “oohs” and “ahs,” too. Explore the full 47-acres on a tractor-pulled hay ride, or stick to the gardens.

Time Out Tip: Come harvest season, there’s a special corn maze and activities such as pumpkin picking and a haunted house.

Address: 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s  two permanent exhibits activate different aspects of kids’ imaginations: First, there’s “EatSleepPlay,” where kids can crawl through a digestive system, help pump a giant heart, and burn energy by ducking lasers and balancing on a beam, all in the name of helping them build healthy habits. The other, “PlayWorks,” lets little siblings (ages four and under) interact with a talking dragon, climb on fire trucks and MTA busses and crawl through sandy and soft structures.

Time Out Tip: Each week, there's a totally different line up of hands-on programs (spanning art, science, music, storytelling and adventure) for those 0 to 6. Check out the schedule here.

Address: 212 West 83rd Street, Manhattan

Give them a view from the top of the tallest building in the U.S.! One World Observatory at World Trade Center offers panoramic views of NYC, which kids can get to via a Jetsons-style Sky Pod elevator (one of the fastest in the world) which plays a two-minute video presentation of city images on the way to the 102nd floor. Check out City Pulse on the 100th floor, showing HD videos featuring notable NYC landmarks and neighborhoods, then daredevil kids (and parents) can brave the Sky Portal, where a 14-foot wide circular disc provides a view of real-time, high-definition footage of the streets below.

Time Out Tip: There's an extensive security check to get through before you're ushered up, so pack light and don't bring anything that could set off alarms. Here's a list of banned items.

Address: 117 West Street, Manhattan

Do they love James Bond or dream of being a super sneaky spy one day? They can test their skills at Spyscape, which is part museum, part spy training ground. First, they can learn all about real-life spies like Alan Turing, the mathematician who cracked the Enigma code, and Virginia Hall, the one-legged operative who helped escaped POWs travel to safety during World War II, and see all of the coolest spy gear. Then it’s time for their assessment: After sneaking through a hallway peppered with laser beams, they can submit to a lie detector test and test all kind of other Bond-style skills. The museum uses a profiling system developed by a former British Intelligence officer who grades their performance and assigns a spy role at the end.

Time Out Tip: Make sure they wear something they can easily move around in, as the laser beam hallway requires a lot of movement.

Address: 928 8th Avenue, Manhattan

As the saying goes, "You have to see it to believe it." The Museum of Illusions offers 70+ exhibits in science, tech, mathematics and other fields that will have patrons doing a double take. This sensory-driven experience allows visitors to take a look at unusual works, try their hand at games and puzzles and get to the bottom of the optical illusions. It's a great way to get zany pics of the kids!

Time Out Tip: Children ages 4 and under do not require a ticket for entry!

Address: 77 Eighth Avenue, Manhattan

A New York City Football Club game is a fun atmosphere to bring the kids! The family-friendly crowd at Yankee Stadium is filled with little David Villas, and you can get great seats at prices that are significantly lower than what you find at other pro sporting events, starting at around $55. To top it off, NYCFC plays beautiful soccer, and are quite fun to watch!

Time Out Tip: There's a lot to take in at the stadium: check out the kids clubhouse, a Yankees-themed playground on the 300 Level in right field (by Section 309) that has climbing structures, slides and interactive exhibits. It's accessible to all guests and includes family restrooms with changing tables and a nursing area. 

Address: 1 East 161st Street, the Bronx

Some things never change: The sun rises in the east, the Kicks will lose and kids love subways and trains. You will feed that interest with a trip to the New York Transit Museum, which is located in an authentic 1930s subway station under the streets of Downtown Brooklyn. The museum uses pictures, models and vintage cars (which you can hop aboard!) to tell the fascinating story about New York’s iconic underground tunnels.

Time Out Tip: There is quite a lot of family programming here, including "Transit Tots." On select Thursday and Sunday mornings, there is an early morning hour of story-time, crafts, imaginative play and interactive activities that are designed for transit-obsessed kiddos.

Address: 99 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn

Rain, rain, go away—and if it doesn’t, then head to one the indoor playgrounds that will allow your little ones to get some healthy physical activity while sheltered from the elements. Check out our list of the most awesome indoor playgrounds across the five boroughs and you won’t have to put the adventure on hold because of the forecast. These venues have jungle gyms, slides, bounce houses and other exciting features. 

Time Out Tip: Head to Peekaboo 21st Street for kids under 7 years old. There are two themed parks inside: "Vegetables & Fruits" and "PeekabooO Monster."

Address: 40-09 21st Street, 2nd floor, Long Island City

This is the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere! Located at Hudson Yards, the building’s outdoor terrace takes you onto the highest public balcony in NYC with unmatched, panoramic views of the city, the rivers and Jersey. If they're brave, kids can stand on a large, see-through glass floor and wave to passersby 1,100 feet beneath.

Time Out Tip: For kids 13 and older, take them to do City Climb, where you scale the side of the skyscraper. It's a heart-racing experience!

Address: 30 Hudson Yards, Manhattan

The American Girl Place at Rockefeller Center is a little girl's dream. The 40,000-foot shop spans two levels and offers some amazing features that include a salon for dolls— and kids. There’s a studio that allows kids to personalize a doll with their own designs (your American girl can make her own American Gir!), and a hospital where dolls can get a little surgery and physical therapy. 

Time Out Tip: Be sure to visit the American Girl Cafe, where your little one and her little-er pal can sit down for a full tea service, or simply grab a delicious snack. Be sure to make a reservation, which requires a deposit that goes toward the bill.

Address: 75 Rockefeller Plaza, Manhattan

Want to rub elbows with your favorite celebs? There’s no need to head to Hollywood—just visit Madame Tussauds for a taste of Tinseltown in the heart of midtown. The Times Square museum is in a league of its own, housing wax figures of beloved stars and starlets: Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Jacob Elordi, Marvel superheroes, and so many more. It’ll be hard to keep up, and chances are you might get a bit starstruck along the way. Make sure your phone battery is fully charged, as you’ll want to snap start-studded selfies throughout your visit.

Time Out Tip: This may be better for older kids since recognition of the celebrities is important. There are also some spookier parts like the "Icons of Horror" section.

Address: 234 West 42nd Street, Manhattan

When the Empire State Building was completed in 1931 it was the tallest in the world. Other towering buildings have been sent since, but the Empire State is still first in our hearts. Walk through the building's cool exhibit about its history and the 3,400 people who built the 1,454-foot skyscraper. The exhibition includes historic photos and offers a sense of the intense construction process. Other sections feature the building's powerful Otis elevators, clips of its pop culture prowess, and cool photo opportunities. Plus, you'll get to learn how the building isn't just for entertainment; it's a working office building and a center of commerce in the city. There may also be a King Kong sighting waiting for you. Take your time enjoying the scene from the 86th floor, then head to the newly renovated observation on the 102nd floor, where kids will take in a breathtaking view—and feel like they’re floating above the city. 

Time Out Tip: Visiting at sunset is extra special, so try to plan your visit around that time if you can. Or if you're an early bird, opt for "The Sunrise with Starbucks Reserve at ESB" Experience. We tried it and can vouch for how magical it is.

Address: 350 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan

People have a common misconception that NYC is lacking greenspace. Clearly, these people have not made a visit to the Edible Academy at the New York Botanical Garden. The renovated greenspace has one goal: Get kids in the dirt. Thanks to classrooms, lecture spaces, gardens and other facilities, the Edible Academy immerses little New Yorkers in all-things botany, nutrition and nature. Head to the Bronx to explore the classes, camps and cool event offerings.

Time Out Tip: New recipes featuring plants grown in the Edible Academy are offered on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 2pm.

Address: 2900 Southern Boulevard, the Bronx

Barclays is home to many a fantastic thing, but one thing you MUST do there is catch a Brooklyn Nets home game. Even if you grab a seat in the nosebleeds, big screens give you access to all you’ll want to see. The kiddos will love the halftime shows with giveaways, energetic performances by the kids-only dance team (Brooklyn Nets Kids) and traditional sports arena fair available throughout Barclays—though we prefer walking across the street to Shake Shack. Your mini-mes will also be glad to know there’s a Brooklyn Nets gear shop not far from their seats in the stadium so they can walk away repping their favorite team.

Time Out Tip: Participate in Kids Day! Your kiddos can compete in the “Kids Combine,” have access unique giveaways, get featured on the dance cam, and visit the Kids Court merch store. First-timers can even get "first game" certificates.

Address: 620 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn

Yes, 28 acres of gorgeous greenery does exist in the Bronx—and we’re not talking about the New York Botanical Garden or the Bronx Zoo. This 19th-century estate is home to a historic mansion and public woodlands perfect for getting lost in—or better yet, being led through on a nature walk. Be sure to check the event schedule before visiting: Chances are there’s an art project or family festival going on.

Time Out Tip: Wave Hill is free on Thursdays.

Address: 675 West 252nd Street, the Bronx

Imported to the U.S. from Sweden in 1876, this venue is the coziest in all of NYC. Employing handmade marionettes and beautiful sets, the resident company mounts citified versions of well-known stories and fairytales. Catch the show Tuesdays through Fridays at 10:15am and 11:30am, and weekends at 11am and 1pm. Tickets are $10 for kids and $15 for adults.

Time Out Tip: Shows are best ideal for children ages 3–7 years old (pre-K to third grade), so tickets for those 2 and under are free.

Address: West 79th Street & West Drive, inside Central Park

This children's museum celebrates imagination through art, storytelling and education. Kids can explore different exhibits, including "Beneath the Harlem Sun: Zelinette Estrada Celebrating 10 years of Faith in the Arts," a mural about summer in the city, depicting a Harlem girl who leaves a trail of stories behind, and a student art show by kids at the Dorothy Day Early Childhood Education Center and Sugar Hill Museum Preschool.

Time Out Tip: Drop into the museum for its reading series, story times and artist-led workshops!

Address: 898 St. Nicholas Aveune, Manhattan

Prospect Park’s all-in-one recreation center effortlessly transitions from an icy wonderland in winter to a summer-fun hot spot for Brooklyn families, whether it’s biking along the park’s shaded paths or gliding on the 16,000-square-foot roller rink. Rent equipment on-site and move at your own pace with the kids, or improve their skills in a roller-skating or roller-hockey class. Pack a swimsuit, because you won’t be able to duck out without dashing through the 20 water jets of the LeFrak Center’s awesome Splash Pad feature (for those who are under 12).

Time Out Tip: There is a cafe on site, so if the little ones get hungry or thirsty, you don't need to leave the area.

Address: 171 East Drive, Prospect Park, Brooklyn

If you have little ones, head to the Heyman Family Art Lab at the Museum of Modern Art, a cheerful art studio that overlooks the garden. The lab has books, toys and a small play area in addition to activity stations stocked with amazing art making. Older kids ages 10 and up will want to go to the new Paula and James Crown Creativity Lab on the second floor—this studio is geared for children, teens and adults, with more sophisticated projects. Free family-friendly tours turn the museum into a playland of shapes, colors and ideas. Art should always be this amazing, and this much fun!

Time Out Tip: Keep kids the engaged while exploring the museum with an activity guide for Floors 4 and 5, which includes searching, drawing, posing and imagining, for those 4 and older. Pick them up at the museum's ticketing desks, the Crown Creativity Lab, and the Heyman Family Art Lab.

Address: 11 West 53rd Street, Manhattan

Consider this park NYC’s best example of recycling on a mega scale. Built atop an abandoned train track, the High Line offers more than 20 blocks worth of car- and bike-free strolling. Besides plenty of seating and a killer view of the Meatpacking District and Chelsea, there are fun opportunities for little ones such as monthly family festivals, partnerships with schools and camps as well as teen programs.

Time Out Tip: Go stargazing on the High Line! It's free and open to the public every Tuesday night, April through October.

Address: Enter at Gansevoort Street: (southern end); 14th Street; 30th Street (northern end, near 10 Hudson Yards); and 34th Street (northern end, at grade access)

We’re all familiar with the bouncy brown sparrows, speckled European starlings and the smattering (or should we say, splattering) of pigeons that live on every block. But look—and listen—a little closer, and you could meet some more unknown city dwellers such as glorious red Northern Cardinals, shimmering Blue Jays and orange-chested American Robins. Nature-nurturing organization New York City Bird Alliance protects the birds, wildlife and their natural habitats in our area. The venue’s fun workshops and school programs teach children how to identify their feathered friends and care for the environment, too.

Time Out Tip: Check the group's calendar for when and where the group is hosting its events and bring your own binoculars if you want to guarantee you'll have them.

Finally, their acceptance letter to Hogwarts has arrived! The Harry Potter Store New York invites wizards and witches to shop from the world's largest collection of Harry Potter merch amid an intricately designed shop with incredible props like a massive models of Fawkes the Phoenix, a moving griffin and a spiral staircase that descends into a space made to look like the Ministry of Magic. The store is full of moments fans can geek out over, like a chance to "try on" Hagrid's boots, apparate into the Ministry of Magic inside a red phone box, be transported by way of the Floo Network using the elevator, and even pick a wand like at Ollivanders. There's even an interactive wand table where you can "duel" with another wizard and two exciting and immersive multiplayer virtual reality games — "Chaos at Hogwarts," which places them inside the castle, where magical creatures and secrets are ready to be found, and "Wizards Take Flight," which lets guests fly on brooms as they battle against Death Eaters over the skies of London and around the grounds of Hogwarts Castle. Finish it all off with a butter beer at the Butter Beer Bar!

Time Out Tip: Scan a QR code to join a virtual queue when it's at capacity so you can return to the store when notified your time has come.

Address: 935 Broadway, Manhattan

While the highlight of most museums is what’s inside, simply climbing aboard this former aircraft carrier, which fought in World War II, the Cold War and the Vietnam War, and survived five kamikaze attacks is one of the most exciting parts about visiting. No trip is complete without stepping inside the Bell 47 helicopter, navigating the interacting submarine, or steering the wings of an airplane in the Exploreum hall, but don’t miss the Space Shuttle Pavilion, either, which houses the giant NASA orbiter Enterprise.

Time Out Tip: In the summer season, you can take in a movie for free on the aircraft carrier's flight deck!

Address: Pier 86, Manhattan

Believe it or not, hours of waterfront fun can be found right in Tribeca! At Hudson River Park, athletic kiddos can tackle a massive playground and get their toes in the sand and play on regulation-size beach volleyball courts. If volleyball isn’t your game, take to the 18-hole mini golf course, complete with a pond, streams, footbridges, waterfalls, sand traps and even a cave. Young Masters-in-training will also love the Play Area outfitted with a sandbox, swings and water features.

Time Out Tip: Go after dinner for a stunning sunset view.

Address: 227 West Street, Manhattan

This beloved toy store at 30 Rock is chock full of stuffed animals, Jellycats, Hatchimals, Barbies, STEAM toys and anything else you can imagine, the store boasts plenty of fun (and even free) interactive activities. Children can enjoy magic acts, science experiments, toy race cars, spa treatments and loads of other fun.

Time Out Tip: You must reserve your spot in advance if you want to do the Jellycat Diner experience.

Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Manhattan

This dessert lover’s paradise is known for its Frozen Hot Chocolate made of whole milk, crushed ice, whipped cream, and a secret blend of no less than 14 different kinds of chocolate, but there is SO much more to enjoy here across its 150 menu items.

Time Out Tip: Serendipity3 just opened a new Times Square location at 157 West 47th Street, which is even more colorful and whimsical than its original location.

Address: 225 East 60th Street, Manhattan

The Children's Library at the Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library is one of the best anywhere, full stop. Housed in a striking 1941 Art Deco building designed to look like an open book, the library is Brooklyn's largest: About one million people visit it each year. Among the library's strongest suits is its first-floor Youth Wing, with designated spaces for toddlers, grade-schoolers, tweens and teens to read, work on homework and use game-equipped computers. Plus, a state-of-the-art performance space puts on more than a hundred events per month, many of which are aimed squarely at kids.

Time Out Tip: Children's programs are broken down by age groups. There are also programs for kids who need additional resources.

Address: 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn

When it comes to out-there carousels, NYC’s certainly takes the cake, both in sheer quantity and in elaborateness. There’s the Bronx Zoo’s Bug Carousel, which trades in the traditional horses for enormous insects, the Central Park Carousel, one of the country’s largest, and Le Carrousel in Bryant Park, which, as its name suggests, is a nod to the park’s Francophone style with blaring cabaret tunes. But the best of the bunch might be Jane’s Carousel, the renovated 1922 structure that boasts 48 hand-carved horses—and since it’s protected inside a giant glass enclosure in Brooklyn Bridge Park, it spins year-round.

Time Out Tip: Bring cash.

Nestled in the strip of the East River bordered by Harlem, the Bronx, and Queens, this island park is an active family’s paradise: There’s a complex for football, soccer, baseball and other field sports, not to mention trails for walking and cycling. Green thumbs can also stop by the Urban Farm, where on summer weekends kids can meet chickens and learn about growing fruits and veggies. When little legs get tired, simply sit back and enjoy the view of the Manhattan skyline.

Time Out Tip: In need of a playground? Head to Scylla Playground, which has a sprinkler, swings, a slide and more. The Urban Farm, Cottage Garden, picnic tables and public restrooms are just steps away.

Address: 20 Randalls Island Park