The best things to do with toddlers in NYC

When the coolest kids’ playgrounds in NYC are available at your fingertips, you’re in for a fabulous adventure From the newly opened Domino Park to the ever-popular Central Park green spaces, Gotham’s best playgrounds offer classic features such as splash pads and jungle gyms, but they also take recreation to a whole new level. Where else can pint-sized park-goers construct their own playground, play on a pipefish or hang out with dinosaurs? Of course, this is all up for grabs in NYC. 

Picture this: Your tot is ready for a day at the park when grey clouds roll in and lightening strikes. Fear not! The best indoor playgrounds for kids are here to save the day, and there are plenty within the five boroughs that deserve your attention. These spaces are perfect for running, jumping, sliding and swinging, and options are endless—whether your child wants to play in ball pits or have fun in a music in dance class. Added bonus? Many cater to parents with designated café areas. A little rain won't ruin your kid's parade.

The summer heat in NYC is no laughing matter. Thankfully, the best water playgrounds for kids throughout the five boroughs are unmatched! If your tots are a bit frightened by the slides and thrills at your local waterpark, these spots will help them stay cool without the plunging slides and overwhelming dump buckets. Littles can beat the 90-degree days with the help of fun splash pads, water cannons, play structures and other great, refreshing features. 

The picks on our list offer plenty for your smallest adventurers—including splash pads, interactive water features, water playscapes and other sweet options to enjoy as a family. Beyond our favorite water parks for toddlers, there are also some other great ways to cool off right here in town. Visit our favorite water playgrounds, indoor swimming pools and ice cream shops to beat the heat this season!

There's no shortage of family fun in NYC, especially when you and your crew visit the many incredible museums for kids in each borough. From the classic children's museums such as The American Museum of Natural History, to the unique destinations such as the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, every site offers something exciting. Regardless of what exhibit you opt for, one thing's for sure: You won't be hearing "I'm bored" at any point during your trip.

Swap the skyscrapers and overcrowded subways for some outdoor tranquility. NYC might be a concrete jungle, but its beautiful greenery is not to be missed. If you're not feeling terribly convinced, head to one of the five boroughs' nature centers and take in the scenery. Thanks to a variety of programs and activities, families can enjoy their surroundings and learn a bit more about the grounds. We have a feeling you'll be planting flowers in no time!

Non New Yorkers might be under the impression that the city lacks the awesome green spaces rural kids grow up loving, but that's a myth! There are a million reasons why NYC is the best place to raise a family, and one of them is the beautiful gardens right in the area.

Storytime for kids will allow your child's love for literature blossom one picture book at a time. Make your way to the best bookstores, most engaging libraries for kids and charming toy stores in NYC for fun read-alouds and interactive activities. Children will meet new friends and explore a wide variety of tales, from the latest bestseller to classic stories.  

When you venture to the best kids' library branches in NYC, your pint-sized bibliophiles are bound to get lost in the stacks.  Options abound for curious little ones, whether they're searching for kids' books about NYC or hoping to get involved in the library's coolest free classes for kids. Make a pitstop at each venue's children's room, sit in for a fun storytime and don't forget to go home with a bestseller or two!

The carousels in NYC are easily the world's best, some with intricate designs dating back to the early 1900s! Many have been painstainkly restored to their original splendor so generation after generation can enjoy painted wooden horses, woodland creatures and chariots. There are newer carousels on our list as well, including quirkier picks like the Bug Carousel at the Bronx Zoo and Totally Kid Carousel, which was actually designed by children!

Thanks to the fantastic zoos in New York City, families have the opportunity to see incredible animals from all around the world. Each of the zoos on our list offer something for everyone—including special activities for kids! NYC zoos are some of the most impressive in the world, and from the massive Bronx Zoo (one of the biggest in North America) to the petite Central Park Zoo, these family attractions invite kids to learn about numerous species through storytimes, art activities, camps, classes and hands-on interactions with nature.

Run-ins with squirrels and pigeons are one thing, but many city kids don't often get the opportunity to meet farm animals in person. Luckily, several local zoos—like the Bronx Zoo and Central Park Zoo—have petting zoos so kids can pet and feed critters like goats, pigs and ducks.

Fun, realistic dinosaur activities might just convince you that these carnivorous creatures are far from extinct.  Pint-sized paleontologists will swoon over the American Museum of Natural History's new exhibit, "T. rex: The Ultimate Predator" and anxiously await a ride on the forthcoming Dinosaur Safari at the Bronx Zoo (open April 19). Our go-to family attractions offer great things to do with kids who cannot get enough of these prehistoric creatures. From exhibitions and attractions to zoos and movies, NYC's best dinosaur activities make for a dino-mite outing. 

These fun mommy and me classes set your kids up for success! Many focus in on building fine motor skills through play at an early age, so you'll be trying everything from singing to dancing to holding fun yoga poses! It's the perfect way to spend an afternoon

Love amazing picture books for children? Your little ones won't be able to let go of these new and old favorites. You'll find classic picks like Goodnight Moon and newer favorites like Knuffle Bunny complete with beautiful illustrations your kids will love to look at! 

Have you done all 101 activities? Compete against your friends!