(Note: For the purposes of our post, our geographical boundaries are 59th to 96th Streets between Fifth Avenue and the East River.)

Best Things To Do with Kids on the Upper East Side

1. Attend Families Art Programs 

Drop in to one of the many awesome, year-round family programs at Fifth Avenue's iconic museums, like Start With Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, kiddie concerts and art workshops at the Jewish Museum, and the Guggenheim's after-school classes and school break camps.

Cuddle with a ball of fluff at The Art Farm in the City. Photo courtesy of the Art Farm

2. Play with Furry Creatures and Other Animals 

Meet and feed a bunny or other critter, then sketch your new furry pal at The Art Farm in the City, NYC's only indoor petting zoo.

3. Get Crafty

Learn how to sew, spin, knit, and crochet in Loop of the Loom's after-school kids' classes.

Enjoy all things Eloise at The Plaza. Photo courtesy of the Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel

4. Be Eloise For a Day

Put on your best pink frock and make like the Plaza's most famous resident at the fabulous Eloise at the Plaza shop, where kids can try on outfits, enjoy storytime, and even try afternoon tea.

5. Have a Magical Afternoon

Borrow a pair of fairy wings, get a sprinkling of fairy dust, and then take tea for two (or 20) at Alice's Tea Cup.

6. Shop for the New Mom 

Pregnant or have a newborn? Satisfy your changing needs at the wide variety of mom-friendly stores spanning the neighborhood.

7. And for the Kids

Got older children? Outfit everyone, from toddlers to teens, at kids' clothing megastore Lester's.

8. Check out the Y

Peruse the jam-packed schedule of family programs and classes at the 92nd Street Y, which offers everything from dance to cooking to art and swimming.

9. Play Dress Up

Try on all kinds of cool and crazy outfits at Let's Dress Up!, NYC's only play space dedicated to dressing up and one of our top recommendations for a princess-themed crawl in the city.

10. Stay Active

Sign up for soccer, basketball, flag football, martial arts, or swimming classes at massive athletics center Asphalt Green, which boasts an Olympic-size pool and was the training home of Olympic medal winner Lia Neal.

11. Learn to Play Gaga

Go gaga for Israel's version of dodgeball at the Gaga Center, the only spot in NYC dedicated to the popular game.

12. Visit the Zoo

Feed the goats, alpacas, sheep, and cows in the Tisch Children's Zoo before heading to the Central Park Zoo's main grounds to see the sea lions, grizzly bears, penguins, exotic birds, and other wild animals.

13. Ice Skate

Go ice-skating in a winter wonderland at Central Park's Wollman Rink.

14. Ride the Merry-Go-Around

Take a spin on the Central Park Carousel, but be prepared for speed: It's noticeably faster than NYC's other merry-go-rounds.

15. Visit the Mayor's House

See the mayor's house by touring Gracie Mansion. All public tours are offered on Mondays and cost $10. 

16. Rock a New Hairstyle

Kid need a cut? Take the kids to Sharkey's Cuts for Kids, a childrens-only salon, where young customers sit in whimsical chairs, watch cartoons, and leave with balloons, lollipops, and dry eyes.

Pamper yourself at Milk & Cookies Kids Spa. Photo by Jody Mercier

17. Treat the Kids to a Spa Day

Need more extensive grooming services? Check out Milk & Cookies Kids Spa for pampering services geared toward "Cool Gals" and "Cool Dudes." The sweetest part of the treatment? The post-service snack of the spa's namesake goodies.

18. Enroll the Kids in Fencing

Say "En garde!" and get your epée on at Sheridan Fencing Academy.

19. Try Out Different Sports

Try your hand at a variety of other sports from baseball to football to basketball and beyond. Neighborhood staple Yorkville Youth Athletic Association serves kids of all ages and offers after-school programs and birthday parties, too.

20. Shop for Artisanal Toys

Peruse wooden, educational, and artsy toys at the independently-owned shop, Mary Arnold Toys.

21. Make Art

Paint ceramics and take other art classes at The Craft Studio.

22. Get Hands-on With STEM  

Have some educational fun at one of these STEM learning centers.

23. Play Indoors 

Get a break from your apartment by stepping out to one of the kid-friendly indoor play spaces in the nabe and let someone else clean up for a change.

24. Attend Cultural Events 

The Park Avenue Armory often has family-friendly art performances and installations so make sure to check its calendar.  

Top Free Things To Do on the Upper East Side

25. Enjoy NYC's Best Museums for Free

Admire art or make your own masterpieces at the free Museum Mile Festival, held the second Tuesday evening in June, rain or shine.

26. Celebrate Different Cultures 

Cheer on marchers at the annual Puerto Rican, Irish, Israel, or other cultural parades that march down Fifth Avenue.

Explore the Second Avenue Subway. Photo by Sara Frazier

27. Explore the Second Avenue Subway Station

Take your train fan for a jaunt on the city's newest line: the Second Avenue Subway.

28. Play Chess, Checkers, and More in Central Park

Got kids that are into mental challenges? Enjoy free games of chess, checkers, dominoes, or backgammon at Central Park's Chess & Checkers House.

29. Take the Kids to St. Catherine's 

Run around the block-long St. Catherine's Playground—although it's based on a holy spot in Rome, it's open to your little devils.

Speed down the long steep slide at Billy Johnson Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

30. Visit the Central Park Playgrounds

Do a playground tour of Central Park: Notable East Side romping spots include the Egypt-themed Ancient Playground near the Met, the "big slide playground" aka Billy Johnson Playground, the oldest playground in the park, Heckscher, and the newly-remodeled East 72nd Street Playground.

31. Learn to Swim for Free

Enter the lottery for free summer swimming lessons at John Jay Park's 145-foot outdoor pool.

32. Name That Flag

The consulates of France, Pakistan, Italy, India, and Russia are all located in the neighborhood so make a little game to spot all the flags. 

33. Browse the Library

Enjoy free movies, live music, and children's book readings at the 96th Street Library.

34. Revel in Halloween Activities

Trick-or-treat door-to-door on Halloween at decked-out brownstones on East 92nd, East 95th, and East 78th Streets.

35. Visit Carl Schurz Park

Explore Carl Schurz Park, a 15-acre waterside green space featuring a popular playground and lots of annual family events. 

36. Celebrate Chinese New Year

Skip Chinatown's crowded parade and ring in the Chinese New Year on the UES at the Asia Society, which hosts an annual celebration.

37. Explore Central Park

Go on a Central Park statue hunt. Kids will love climbing the iconic Alice in Wonderland mushroom sculpture, posing with Balto, hearing free stories on summer Saturdays at the Hans Christian Andersen statue, and watching the animals of the Delacorte Musical Clock turn round on the half hour.

38. Catch Some Great Views 

View the Upper East Side from above by taking the Roosevelt Island Tram.

39. Discovery New Artists

Hit the Park Avenue Malls to see what public art display is on view.

40. Hit the Slopes

When the flakes fly, flock to Central Park's many hills for some of the most popular sledding spots in the city.

41. Find the Perfect Book

The Corner Bookstore has a dedicated section for children offering a carefully curated selection of books for children of all ages. Spend the afternoon browsing to find the perfect booik for your reader. 

42. Walk or Bike Along the East River

The East River Greenway is perfect to walk or bike and take in the amazing views of the East River and Brooklyn.

Family-Friendly Upper East Side Restaurants 

43. Lexington Candy Shop

Indulge in an egg cream, malt, or root beer float at Lexington Candy Shop, which looks like it hasn't changed in 70 years.

44. Serendipity3

Satisfy sweet cravings and relax with a frozen hot chocolate as big as your head at Serendipity3.

45. 2nd Avenue Deli 

Offering quintessential deli fare like matzah ball soup and pastrami sandwiches, going to the 2nd Avenue Deli is an experience in itself. Portions are huge so perfect for sharing.

46. Tony's Di Napoli 

With traditional old-school decor and cozy Italian favorites, Tony's Di Napoli is a great family restaurant offering huge portions meant to be shared. Prices are very easy on the wallet. 

47. Barking Dog Restaurant 

Not only is Barking Dog Restaurant family-friendly with a delicious kids' menu, it's also dog friendly. Families are encouraged to bring their furry friends where they're allowed to hang out on the patio. 

Best Hotels on the Upper East Side for Families

48. The Plaza 

For the ultimate New York experience, stay at the Plaza Hotel, home to the much-loved character of Eloise. Book Eloise's one bedroom and indulge in afternoon tea at the Palm Court. For large rooms, you can book connecting rooms and suites. For all room reservations with kids, the Plaza offers the Children’s Check-In Program where each child receives their very own Plaza Passport, making their stay at the Plaza even more magical.

49. The Lowell Hotel 

The rooms at the Lowell Hotel are spacious and many have kitchenettes, ideal for families and large groups. Situated right next to Central Park and Museum Mile, the Lowell is perfect for sightseeing.  

50. Loews Regency Hotel 

Families will be able to stretch out in the spacious rooms at the Loews Regency Hotel, located on Park Avenue. The Loews Little Legends programs offers a curated experience for little ones that includes dining, shopping, tourist attractions, kid-only amenities and unique experiences like scavenger hunts.

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This post, originally published in September 2012, has since been updated.