Chelsea with Kids: 50 Things to Do for NYC Families

Chelsea has changed a lot over the past few decades. Back in the '80s, its streets were run-down and desolate, but in the '90s an influx of artists and gay professionals helped kick-start the area's transformation. Today, Chelsea is a mix of the old and the new. Rows of charming historic townhouses and housing developments stand across from luxury high-rises, and veteran residents rub shoulders with families who've moved here for its fantastic amenities. You'll find megastores on the avenues and high-end children's boutiques on the side streets; a slew of kid-friendly restaurants and eclectic art galleries; massive athletics complex Chelsea Piers; NYC landmarks like Chelsea Market and The High Line; and popular indoor and outdoor romping spots like appleseeds play space, Chelsea Waterside Park and Seal Park.

Throughout May we'll be taking an in-depth look at all Chelsea has to offer local and visiting families. Although Chelsea's boundaries are difficult to define, for the purposes of our posts we'll be covering 14th to 30th Streets, Fifth Avenue to the Hudson River. Here are our top 50 things to do with kids in Chelsea, NYC.

1. Take a spin on the hand-carved wooden animals on the Pier 62 Carousel
2. Drop in to the indoor toddler play gym, Little Athletes Exploration Center, in Chelsea Piers
3. Romp through the colorful Dr. Seuss-like sprinklers at Chelsea Waterside Park
4. Take a nature walk two stories up on The High Line
5. Dig into a plate of Belgian waffles or moules frites at Petite Abeille
6. Make a difference with your outgrown strollers, high chairs or other gently used baby gear by donating to Room to Grow
7. While away an afternoon exploring shops and sampling delicacies in Chelsea Market
8. Stroll the tree-lined brownstone blocks in the Chelsea Historic District
9. Check out the big black archway on Pier 59 to see traces of the infamous White Star Line, the company behind the Titanic
10. Enjoy some of the best trick-or-treating in town in the West 20s on Halloween
11. Catch a free flick at Chelsea Cinema's no-cost summer kids' screenings
12. Learn about Himalayan art and culture at family workshops at the Rubin Museum of Art
13. Grab an exotic-flavored treat at Doughnut Plant
14. Peek into Hotel Chelsea, former home to the likes of Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Patti Smith and Iggy Pop
15. Sign up for an art class or hit an open play session at Kids at Work
16. Watch your kids cook up yummy eats at Taste Buds Kitchen
17. See skaters grab big air at the Pier 62 Skatepark
18. Check out the Art Quilt Gallery NYC, the only spot in town devoted exclusively to contemporary quilt exhibits
19. Knock down pins at Chelsea Piers' bowling alley 300 New York and join its Summer Kids' Club for free games
20. Hit the McBurney YMCA for family swim time
21. Register for a class at appleseeds or become a member for access to its adorable indoor playground
22. Meet celebrated children's authors and attend weekly storytimes at kid-lit Mecca Books of Wonder
23. Go ice-skating year-round at Chelsea Piers' indoor Sky Rink
24. Spend the afternoon visiting Chelsea’s famous art galleries
25. Pack a picnic and head for the grassy expanses between Piers 62 and 63 in Hudson River Park
26. Pick up a cool costume or novelty item at the Abracadabra Superstore
27. Cool off in the sprinklers at Seal Park, officially called Clement Clarke Moore Park
28. Hunt for Tom Otterness’ whimsical figures on the 14th Street A, C, E and L subway platforms
29. Watch a cutting-edge dance performance at the legendary Joyce Theater
30. Enjoy storytime in the children’s room of the historic Muhlenberg Library
31. Try delicious no-knead pizza at Jim Lahey’s Co.
32. Enter the lottery for free swimming lessons at the Chelsea Recreation Center
33. Practice your swing at the Chelsea Piers batting cages
34. Study anime and manga at Hi Art!
35. Splash around the interactive watertable at indoor play space City Treehouse
36. See talented local kids in awesome original musicals at TADA! Youth Theater
37. Peruse the carefully curated toys and gifts, and play at the train table at Kidding Around
38. Gaze at beautiful blooms and plants in the Flower District on Sixth Avenue
39. Learn how to cook as a family at the Institute for Culinary Education
40. Run around Penn South Playground, known by locals as Sandbox Park
41. Try circus yoga for the whole family at Karma Kids Yoga
42. Head to legendary performance art space The Kitchen for its annual family-friendly block party in the fall
43. Find fine furniture for babies through teens at Schneider's
44. Browse the high-end European children's wear at L.O.L. Kids boutique
45. Stock up on all of your new-parent needs at megastore Buy Buy Baby
46. See a show by one of the best children's theater companies in the city, Atlantic for Kids
47. Get your kid's hair cut and shop for toys at My Little Sunshine
48. Grab brunch at fancy family-friendly diner The Dish
49. Pick up a scrumptious cupcake for dessert at Billy's Bakery
50. Laugh it up at a Kids 'N Comedy stand-up matinee at Gotham Comedy Club