The best indoor activities for kids in NYC

Home to the largest and arguably most fabulous collection of dinosaur fossils in the world, AMNH’s fourth-floor dino halls have been blowing kids’ minds for decades. The Hall of Biodiversity is another stunner, wth world ecosystems on display. And don't miss the life-size, 100-foot-long model of a blue whale that hangs from the ceiling of the Hall of Ocean Life. There's plenty to see, do and learn.

Address: 200 Central Prk W, New York, NY 10024

Price: $24-$30; pay what you wish for NY State residents

Best for: all ages

This space is designed for the youngest kids, with site-specific installations and exhibits focused on the surrounding neighborhood. Launch boats, splash and play with locks and bridges while learning about local waterwaysKids can also look at animals and plants through a microscope and play in a kid-sized beaver lodge. A soft area space that will certainly delight the younger set and help them develop fine and gross motor skills through various activities.

Address: 725 Exterior St, Bronx, NY 10451

Price: $8-$14; children under 1 free

Best for: infants through 4th grade

This museum makes learning about culture, history and science a blast for kids ages 6 and under. Explore the benefits of good nutrition from "EatSleepPlay," a Dora the Explorer play area and immersive exhibits that rotate in and out of the five-story space. CMOM also hosts classes and workshops—from Gross Biology for kids who love burps and germs, to the Music in Me!, a toddlers' program by Laurie Berkner—all designed with the latest child-development research in mind.

Address: 212 W 83rd St, New York, NY 10024

Price: $14-$18; children under 1 free

Best for: ages 6 and under

As the country’s first museum specifically made for children, BCM is also one of the most comprehensive, with a permanent collection that includes musical instruments, masks, dolls and fossils. Kids have fun while learning at interactive exhibits like “World Brooklyn,” a pint-size cityscape lined by faux stores where young’uns can weigh ingredients and knead pretend dough at the Mexican Bakery, or shop for cans of Indian ghee and Turkish candy at the International Grocery.

Address: 145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213

Price: $15; children under 1 free

Best for: kids 10 and under

Cultivate your little culinary enthusiast with a class at Taste Buds. Kids prepare foods like sweet potato fries, brownie bites, deep-dish pizza and gooey butter cookies. They'll also learn mixing and measuring techniques, kitchen etiquette and the proper way to use kitchen tools. They'll be helping you in the kitchen in no time.

Address: 109 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001

Price: varies by class

Best for: ages 2 and up

Camp Stores NYC is a hidden gem for city parents looking to keep kids curious, active and off screens. The store’s hands-on setup encourages creativity, with gear and games that spark real-world play. You’ll find everything from build-your-own slingshot kits to nature journals and knot-tying guides. It’s not just shopping—it’s a mini adventure. There are plenty of immersive shows and experiences to keep the kids busy.

Address: 110 5th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Price: varies by experience

Best for: ages 2-12

Can math be fun? Yes! Here kids learn how math can be used to create through its 30-plus interactive exhibits. There's the Wall of Fire—a laser "wall" that shows visitors that cross-sections aren't always what you think they are; 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.

Address: 225 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010

Price: $20-$25

Best for: all ages

This Queens climbing gym is the largest in New York City, featuring more than 18,000 square feet of bouldering and climbing walls. Climbing classes for all skill levels are available. Once your kiddo has learned the basics, they can scale new heights whenever they please.

Address: 23-10 41st Ave, Queens, NY 11101

Price: $34

Best for: ages 5 and up

This Park Slope hotspot is a win-win for the whole family. The cafe and playground hybrid will give parents the opportunity to snack and socialize while their kids run wild. Youngsters can slide into a ball pit, create masterpieces in the LEGO station, test their agility at the angled climbing wall, run around the matted play area and explore the wonders of the magnetic wall. Then they can refuel with juice and cookies once they've wrapped up their adventures. 

Address: 591 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Price: $27.97 for 2 hours open play; class pricing varies

Best for: up to age 6

This children's museum celebrates imagination through art, storytelling and education. Kids can explore different exhibits and participate in a variety of events for kids from story hours to art workshops. 

Address: 898 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10032

Price: $4-$9; children 8 and under free

Best for: ages 3 to 8 and families

"Mall" isn't necessarily an accurate way to describe American Dream.  Sure, the Jersey attraction boasts hundreds of retail options, from Zara and H&M to Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany & Co., but the three-million-square-foot destination is definitely an entertainment hub that needs to be on your radar.  Check out all that awaits: Nickelodeon Universe, DreamWorks Water Park, Big SNOW Ski and Snowboard Park and more. 

Address: 1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

Price: varies by attraction

Best for: all ages

The Museum of Illusions offers 70+ exhibits in science, tech, mathematics and other fields that will have you and your crew doing a double take. This sensory-driven experience lets you take a look at unusual works, try your hand at games and puzzles and get to the bottom of the opitical illusions. 

Address: 77 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014

Price: $24-$30; children under 4 free

Best for: all ages

Head straight to the Heyman Family Art Lab on the first floor. The cheerful art studio overlooks the garden, and it has books and toys and a small play area in addition to activity stations stocked with amazing art supplies. Family gallery guides help transform the museum into a playful and thought-provoking experience for all ages. Labels in the museum for children called For Kids not only identify art, they ask questions that will get your little gallery-goer chatting away.  Older kids (10 and up) will want to go to Paula and James Crown Creativity Lab on the second floor. This studio is geared for children, teens and adults, with more sophisticated art projects.

Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019

Price: $17-$30; children under 16 free

Best for: all ages

Though the city's made up of five boroughs, it has just three public library systems. The largest—the NYPL—runs all libraries in Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx. Hours at the branches vary wildly, but all have a dedicated section of children's books, and many a separate room for the use of kids up to fifth grade. Storytimes, craft and cultural projects, and poetry writing workshops are just some of the offerings on tap.

Address: 476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018

Price: free

Best for: all ages

The Hunters Point Library is a stunner, a public amenity so airy and tasteful it looks like it could be in the capital of a Scandinavian country. The library is more than a pretty facade—it's some serious architecture.  Most importantly, it's a library with an amazing section for kids and some fantastic children's programs, including Toddler Times, Saturday Pre-K Music and Play Times, Wednesday Crafternoons and Thursday STEAM Afternoons. 

Address: 47-40 Center Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11109

Price: free

Best for: all ages

We couldn't be more thrilled to see this little indie-store-that-could still going strong. The locally owned haven for lit lovers boasts 300 square feet of picture books, chapter books, and YA selections for children and tweens, as well as an assortment of educational games and toys. Catch storytime on Saturday mornings.

Address: 107 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Price: free

Best for: all ages

New York's oldest operating theater is home to the city's most innovative and exciting new productions for children. Offerings include everything from reworkings of classic plays to dance, performance art and even break-dancing BMX bandits. Expert-led workshops after select shows educate kids on fun topics like puppetry, juggling and songwriting in the intimate and beautifully restored space. The New Victory often collaborates with Autism Friendly Spaces on special adaptations of its shows for children with ASD and sensory issues, ensuring all kids can enjoy the experience of live theater.

Address: 209 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036

Price: varies by performance

Best for: ages 5 and up

This DUMBO space promises a healthy dose of compeition. Suit up for an adventure in a darkened, dual-level basement where you and friends can aim for one another and try to claim victory. Events and parties welcome. All ages are welcome, provided participants are able to handle the laser gun.

Address: 53 Bridge St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Price: $40-$50

Best for: kids at least 3.5 feet tall

Check out the Field House at Chelsea Piers to burn off some energy! Drop-in activities include open basketball and soccer, batting cages, teen parkour, youth rock climbing and more. 

Address: Pier 59-62, Chelsea Piers, NY

Price: varies by activity

Best for: all ages

When it’s time for treat, this old timey soda fountain shop offers a variety of different floats made with soda made in-house and Adirondack Creamery ice cream. Grab a stool at the counter and watch as sundaes are handcrafted on the spot. To keep from overdosing on sugar, the shop also serves sandwiches, freshly baked biscuits and granola.

Address: 513 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Price: varies

Best for: all ages

With four rooms to escape from (each puzzle must be solved in 60 minutes), Mission Escape Games is perfect for families in need of a challenge. If you work together, you'll be able to use clues around the room to free yourselves, but you'll have to work quickly before time's up.

Address: 265 W 37th St Suite 802A, New York, NY 10018

Price: $38-$45

Best for: older kids

Pop in to Brooklyn Strategist for a few hours of board game fun. This spot has a huge library of games—everything from Dungeons and Dragons and Settlers of Catan to chess and Pokemon. Classes, summer camps and even private lessons are available. The shop has games for sale as well if you can’t get enough.

Address: 333 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Price: $15

Best for: all ages

Learn how to make your own pottery—or just paint a pre-made piece—at this crafter's studio-cum-boutique chainlet. You'll find mugs, piggy banks and even dinosaurs to customize, all at varying prices.

Address: 123 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013

Price: $13; $12 ages 9 and under

Best for: all ages