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Best Things To Do in NYC this Winter with Kids

1. Go Bowling

Try for a strike at one of NYC's numerous bowling alleys.

2. Play at FAO Schwarz

FAO Schwarz is a fun anytime destination to dance on the giant piano, take a selfie with a toy soldier, browse the aisles, and see a few amazing magic demos.

3. Go Rock Climbing

Give rock climbing a try at one of these rock-climbing gyms within city limits.

4. Visit a Play Cafe

Grab a cup of joe and let the kids run around at a play cafe.

5. Attend the Lunar New Year Parade

Line the streets of Chinatown to cheer on the dragon dancers and usher in the Year of the Snake at the annual Lunar New Year Parade Saturday, January 25. FREE

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One World Observatory is an indoor observation deck experience that offers plenty of cool tech to engage with. Photo by author

6. Visit an Observation Deck

Play tourist, and check out the best observation decks in NYC. Choose views from the Top of the Rock and its newest attraction, The Beam, the Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge at Hudson Yards, or Summit One Vanderbilt.

7. Check Out a World-Class Museum

Explore the Museum of Modern Art and take in all its family-friendly perks and priceless works of art. The Met is always a crowd-pleaser and has now has a FREE play space. The Whitney is perfect for older kids.

8. Experience Immersive Art

Step into the immersive art experience at Artechouse in Chelsea or visit the colorful Hall des Lumières in Lower Manhattan. The newer Mercer Labs is also a crowd-pleaser, with plenty of hands-on experiences and photo-ops.

9. Indulge in a Sensory Experience

Head to Soho for a day of slimy fun at the Sloomoo Institute or visit the nearby Museum of Ice Cream and think warm, sticky, ice-cream-melting thoughts.

10. Smell the Flowers at the Orchid Show at NYBG

Escape the chill of winter with the NYBG's annual ode to orchids. This time, the show is inspired by Mexican Modernism and runs from February 15 to April 27 in 2025.

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The photo-ops at the Museum of Illusions will puzzle your senses. Photo by Sara M.

11. Enter the Museum of Illusions

Snap a quirky selfie and allow your eyes to be tricked at the mind-bending Museum of Illusions.

12. Play at Camp

The store with the magic door is currently hosting a Bluey experience at its flagship Fifth Avenue location in the Flatiron District. You can also see what's going on at its Hudson Yards, City Point, and Columbus Circle outposts.

13. Escape Into Virtual Reality

Get your game on with teens and tweens during a virtual reality outing at one of these virtual reality arcades.

14. Visit an Art-centric Play Space

Head to Playday's location in Cobble Hill, where children can choose from a full roster of art classes, including weaving, still life drawing, and embroidery. Live in Queens? The creative hub is still humming along at its original spot in Long Island City, plus it's opened new outposts in Park Slope and on the Upper West Side.

15. Spend a Day at Governors Island

There's plenty to do over at Governors Island, just a seven-minute ferry ride away from Manhattan. Visit on February 7 and 8 to watch master artists at work carving ice statues.

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16. Hang Out at a Bookstore

Browse the shelves at one of our favorite bookstores, Powerhouse Books in Industry City.

17. Wander Around Grand Central

Outside of rush hour, you can wander around a relatively peaceful Grand Central and explore some of the family-friendly fun within.

18. Visit Industry City

Brooklyn's bustling Industry City is always fun with lots to do (and eat); if you go on a Thursday, head to the skating rink where you'll pay only $10 for ice rink admission and rentals. Or stop by on Fridays starting in December for a fun themed music night.

19. Build with Legos

The Flatiron Lego Store is just a subway ride away, and the flagship Lego wonderland awaits at Rockefeller Center.

20. Explore Children's Museum

Enjoy an afternoon at the Brooklyn Children's Museum. Been there, done that? Head to the Boogie Down to see the FREE Bronx Children's Museum.

21. Don't Miss Kids Week at the Intrepid

There's no better place to spend a day of February break than at the Intrepid's annual action-packed Kids Week, which takes place from February 15 to 22 this year. Make sure to explore the history of this storied museum while you're there.

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Guy Fawkes masks, often associated with the hacker group Anonymous, are displayed in a Spyscape exhibit about hacking. Photo by Ros Muggeridge

22. Interact With Gadgets at the Spyscape Museum

Plan a secret mission to the Spyscape Museum where young special-ops can try their hand at interactive challenges, learn all about true spy stories, and engage with high-tech interactives.

23. Explore AMNH

The American Museum of Natural History never disappoints. While you're there check out the Gilder Center and catch the tail end of the current temporary exhibit, The Secret Life of Elephants, on show through August 3, 2025. 

24. Bounce Around a Trampoline Park

Have kids beat the winter doldrums by jumping and playing at one of these indoor trampoline parks.

25. Visit the Brooklyn Museum

Reacquaint yourself with the galleries at the Brooklyn Museum.

26. Get Hands-on at Camptopia

It's never too early to start thinking about summer camp and this Mommy Poppins-sponsored camp fair lets families meet reps from tons of local camps while enjoying hands-on activities. Book your spot now for this event on Sunday, February 2. 

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27. Play at Let's Dress Up

Book an afternoon of princess play fun at Let's Dress Up, which has locations on the Upper East Side and in Chelsea.

28. Be a Ninja for a Day

Head to the New York Ninja Academy in Midtown or Brooklyn Ninja Academy where kids can run, jump, and kick to their heart's content.

29. Outdoor Art Parks

Plan an outdoor art day trip to explore larger-than-life sculptures and breathe some fresh air.

30. Take the Family to a Broadway Show

There are quite a few family-friendly shows on Broadway, and you can book discounted tickets directly from our calendar! Make it a full-day adventure by exploring Times Square.

31. Laugh Along With Bessie's Big Shot

Grab your tots and head to the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre for this all-new production starring one high-flying cow.

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Hit the local sledding hill for hours of fun when the flakes fly. Photo by author

32. Go Sledding

Suit up and slide down one of the city's best sledding hills.

33. Indoor Water Park

If you have kids who love to swim year-round, there are plenty of indoor water parks just a short drive from NYC.

34. Book a Staycation

Have a holiday at one of these family-friendly hotels without even leaving New York.

36. Learn at the Museum of the City of New York

Visit the charming Museum of the City of New York for family-friendly exhibitions and programming.

37. Drive Ice Bumper Cars

Bryant Park's popular annual attraction returns for the season, bringing with it a smashing good time. This year, bumper cars will also be arriving on the ice in Prospect Park. Be sure to book tickets in advance!

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Enjoy a scenic skate underneath the Brooklyn Bridge while enjoying a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline. Photo by Diana Kim

38. Glide on Ice Skates

Take a twirl on an outdoor ice skating rink, including the new rink Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park, which has returned for its second year and will be open until February 2, 2025.

39. Hike Van Cortlandt Park

Trek through the Bronx gem of Van Cortlandt Park to hike some of the prettiest trails in or out of the city.

40. Take a Hike

Plan a day trip to explore the trails in Westchester's Minnewaska State Park or New Jersey's High Point State Park.

41. Get Into Shape at Indoor Batting Cages

Get into shape for spring by honing your little slugger's swing at one of these batting cages. Be sure to book your session in advance.

42. Be Dassled By Astra Lumina

The Queens Botanical Garden will be transformed into a celestial night walk with this awesome installation, which will light up select nights this winter. 

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See NYC's leading lady without all the tourists. Photo by author

43. Visit the Statue of Liberty

Hop aboard the ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty Museum.

44. Hop On a Train For a Daycation

Explore one of these nearby towns or attractions, even without a car.

45. Spend the Day Outside

See how many of these 40 outdoor winter activities you can conquer.

46. Go for a Spin

Hop on one of NYC's beautiful, spinning carousels. Many are open year-round and nestled in some of our favorite parks.

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Mount Peter, in the heart of the Hudson Valley, is a great place for beginning skiers.

47. Hit the Slopes

Make your plans now to hit the slopes at one of these local-ish ski areas.

48. Go Snow Tubing

If skiing is too technical for you, try snow tubing.

49. Catch a Concert

Visit one of the city's music theaters for family-friendly winter concerts, like Lincoln Center's family programs or BAM Kids. Don't miss the BAM Kids Film Festival, held on February 1 and 2 this year.

50. Dine in an Igloo

Take your meal outdoors with family-friendly restaurants that offer (heated!) outdoor seating in the winter months, including some adorable igloo dining experiences.

51. American Dream Mall

Indulge in some over-the-top suburban fun at the action-packed American Dream Mall. Ride the rides at Nickelodeon Universe, the slopes at Big Snow, or the waves at DreamWorks Animation Water Park. You can also hit the links with the Angry Birds, explore the Sea Life Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center, or, you know, just shop in a super-sized candy store or two-story Toys R Us.

This post, originally published in January 2010, is updated annually.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of their respective venues