Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State

We might be biased, but we think the family-friendly things to do in New York state are second to none. From the gorgeous Hamptons beaches to the rugged state parks of the Hudson Valley, serene Adirondack lake regions, and deafening Niagara Falls, the culture and arts found in New York City, and on up through the Hudson Valley river towns and beyond—we feel pretty lucky to live and raise our kids here.
New Yorkers are pretty good at making delicious food items, from ramen burgers and bagels to ice cream, and even wine at family-friendly vineyards on Long Island and in the Finger Lakes. There are children’s museums galore. Kids have no shortage of water and theme parks, cool playgrounds, zoos, parks, and nature, of course.
And yet, the thing about childhood is that it’s finite. The kids grow up and move away. We want to soak up every moment. So, we put together this list of 100 things to do in New York state, from upstate and the Adirondacks to the East End of Long Island. We collected suggestions from Mommy Poppins contributors, past and former, to fuse it all together just for you (OK, for us, too). Whether you're planning a long weekend getaway or a family day trip, you're sure to find some ideas here.
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Stunning photo-ops and fragrant fields await at two Lavender By the Bay locations on Long Island. Photo by Anna Fader
Can't-Miss Things To Do in New York State with Kids
1. Lavender By the Bay
Take the perfect selfie in the perfumed, purple-hued lavender fields on Long Island's East End.
2. Ausable Chasm
Hike or float through the jaw-dropping natural beauty that is the Ausable Chasm—possibly our favorite spot in all of New York state.
3. Explore a Lighthouse
Climb the steps of a local lighthouse. Long Island has more than 20 lighthouses. Four of them are open to the public, including Fire Island Light, the tallest in the region. Or, visit NYC's own famed (but non-working) Little Red Lighthouse beneath the George Washington Bridge on select tour days.
4. Stone Barns Center
Experience farm life at Stone Barns Center with a tour of the grounds where kids can see animals and enjoy family programming.
5. Broadway
Take in a family-friendly Broadway show.
6. Enjoy Aviation History
Be awed by the planes at the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Long Island, or watch the planes that date back as far as World War I fly at the Rhinebeck Aerodrome.
7. Learn About Walt Whitman
Visit the birthplace of famed 19th-century American poet, Walt Whitman.
8. The Bronx Zoo
This sprawling wildlife park just celebrated its 125th anniversary and keeps reinventing itself, adding interactive activities like Budgie Landing to accompany classic experiences like the Congo Gorilla Forest.
9. Afternoon Tea in NYC
Have a fancy tea date in the city. May we suggest The Plaza, Alice’s Tea Cup, or, for the little ones, American Girl.
RELATED: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Take the "Wild Walk" in the Adirondacks. Photo by Anna Fader
10. The Wild Center
Walk amongst the trees, bounce in a spider web, and gawk at awe-inspiring nature at the Wild Center.
11. Go Zip Lining
Zipline in the Catskills at Hunter Mountain, or hit one of these other adventure parks, ropes courses, and zip lines nearby.
12. Storm King Art Center
Walk among the outdoor modern art at Storm King without fear of knocking anything over.
13. Statue of Liberty
Have you ever climbed the steps of the Statue of Liberty to peek out of her crown overlooking the New York Harbor?
14. Long Island Vineyards
Tour Long Island’s family-friendly vineyards or ample breweries. Kids can play in the lush landscape while you sip and sample.
16. FAO Schwarz
Dance on the giant piano and gawk at the amazing displays at this Willy Wonka-esque toy emporium in Rockefeller Center.
16. Deep Hollow Ranch
Go on a horseback ride at Deep Hollow Ranch in Montauk—known as "the oldest working ranch in the US."
RELATED: 15 Family-Friendly Catskills Resorts for Your Next Getaway
See the stunning grounds of Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate in Glenview. Photo by Susan Miele
17. Kykuit
Roam the stunning halls and grounds of Kykuit, in Glenview, and other historic mansions throughout Westchester.
18. Ellis Island
Look up relatives during a visit to Ellis Island.
19. Macy's Santaland
Visit Santa at his true home: Macy’s NYC.
20. Central Park
Row a boat in Central Park or enjoy one of these other fun activities in Manhattan's backyard.
21. Visit a Water Park
Cool off at a local water park, including the family-friendly SplashDown Beach in the Hudson Valley.
22. Empire State Building
Visit the top of the Empire State Building.
23. Coney Island
Stroll the boardwalk, wiggle your feet in the sand, and hit the rides and carnival-style eats at Brooklyn's Coney Island.
RELATED: Unique NY Roadside Attractions to Visit with Kids
It's hard to beat the classic summertime rides at Rye Playland. Photo by Susan Miele
24. Playland Park
Stroll the boardwalk and enjoy kiddie and thrill rides alike at the Playland amusement park in Rye.
25. Hit an MLB Park
We’re not going to start any fights, but get to either a Mets or a Yankees game, glove in hand.
26. Hyde Park
See the birthplace, homes, and library of FDR and make a day of it in Hyde Park in Dutchess County.
27. The Hamptons
Book a weekend away at one of these family-friendly hotels for a weekend away in the luxe Hamptons.
28. Long Island Aquarium
Visit the Long Island Aquarium to learn about some of the state's native (and non-native) sea creatures, or try the underwater encounter with its sharks, in a protective cage—of course.
29. Niagara Falls
Ride Amtrak to Niagara Falls to take in some of the state’s most legendary scenery.
30. Ground Zero
Peer into the twin 9/11 reflecting pools at the NYC memorial downtown.
31. Montauk
Build a bonfire, roast smores, and watch the sun go down on the pretty beaches of Montauk.
32. West Point
Explore the storied training ground at the United States Military Academy, which has churned out Army officers since 1802. Take a tour of its historic grounds or cheer on the Black Knights during a football game at Michie Stadium, complete with plenty of pomp and circumstance, Blackhawk flyovers, and even parachute demonstrations.
33. Explore the Adirondacks
Lake Placid or Lake George? You can't go wrong with a visit to either of these Adirondack lakeside regions.
34. Legoland New York
Enjoy big-time theme park fun at Legoland New York, and book an overnight stay at the on-site hotel.
35. SeaGlass Carousel
Ride the SeaGlass Carousel in Lower Manhattan. It's a work of art and an homage to the original New York Aquarium. When you're done, hit the newly remodeled Battery Playscape nearby.
36. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
See the Rockefeller Center tree lighting or “world’s largest menorah lighting” in Midtown Manhattan and Brooklyn.
37. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Groove together at a music or art fest at the famed Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, where the Woodstock music festival was held.
38. Chinatown
Grab dim sum, banh mi, or more delicious eats in NYC’s Chinatown.
RELATED: 100 Things To Do on Long Island with Kids
Fire Island is more than beaches. Follow the wooden walkways to the lighthouse. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
Beautiful Outdoor Attractions in New York State
39. Fire Island
Tour Fire Island and its Sunken Forest.
40. Governors Island
Ride the ferry to Governors Island, which is now open year-round. Play on Slide Hill and its one-of-a-kind adventure playground, plus enjoy non-stop FREE festivals and art projects. You can even go glamping in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty.
41. Letchworth State Park
Marvel at the waterfalls and Grand Canyon-like gorge in Letchworth State Park.
42. The High Line
Walk the length of NYC's High Line, watching the city traffic below and mingling with modern art and flora.
43. Hit the Water
Go kayaking on the Hudson in NYC or try canoeing the river a bit further north.
44. See the Cherry Blossoms
Watch the cherry blossoms bloom around the serene Japanese Pond & Garden in the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens.
RELATED: Best Hudson Valley Resorts for Families
Hop the ferry to Shelter Island for a day trip from Long Island. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
45. Shelter Island
Ride the ferry to Shelter Island where you can enjoy the beach, paddling, or watch the wildlife of the Mashomack Preserve.
46. Walkway Over the Hudson
Traverse the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie. Don’t look down if you have a fear of heights!
47. Hit the Slopes
Learn to ski on NY’s gentle slopes like Mount Peter, Hunter, Windham, Thunder Ridge, and Belleayre.
48. Visit Fahnestock State Park
Camp, hike, cross-country ski, or swim at Fahnestock State Park in Putnam Valley. This one has it all.
49. Catch a Drive-in Movie
Go retro with a family movie night at the drive-in. There are several around New York, including the Warwick Drive-in Theater, the Glen Falls Drive-in, and Mountain Mist Custard in Saranac Lake.
50. Hike in Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Explore Rockefeller State Park Preserve's many easy wooded hiking paths, including the loop around Swan Lake.
51. Empire State Trail
Bike, walk, scoot, or run along the Empire State Trail, which runs from Lower Manhattan to the Canadian border.
52. Go Apple Picking
Pick local apples on Long Island, in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, or elsewhere in New York State.
53. Sands Point Preserve
See a real-life castle at the Sands Point Preserve on Long Island where kids might also enjoy the dinosaur walking trail. Explore the rest of Port Washington, a pretty seaside town.
54. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Bike through Brooklyn Bridge Park from Brooklyn Heights to Dumbo, stopping at all the kid-centric attractions, including epic playgrounds, roller rink, green spaces, a carousel, and almost more ice cream stands than even a kid can handle.
55. Appalachian Trail
Hike the AT in New York. Ninety miles of the iconic Appalachian Trail run through the state.
56. High Falls Gorge
Take an easy stroll along an elevated walkway to see the Adirondacks' High Falls Gorge for a spectacular waterfall view.
57. Corn Maze
Puzzle your way out of a corn maze during the fall harvest season.
58. Petting Zoos
Feed animals from giraffes and zebras to camels, lorikeets, and more at Long Island's White Post Farm or another petting zoo or kid-friendly farm.
59. Minnewaska State Park
Swim in one of two lakes in Minnewaska State Park after a hike through this Catskills gem where you can see Awosting Falls and more.
60. Wolf Conservation Center
Meet native wolves at the Wolf Conservation Center in Westchester's South Salem.
61. See Beautiful Blooms
Stop and smell the roses and other fragrant flowers at one of the botanical gardens on Long Island, or check out Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers, or New York City's NYBG, Queens Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and Wave Hill.
62. Catamount Aerial Adventure Park
Swing from the trees (sort of) at Catamount Aerial Adventure Park.
63. Taughannock Falls
Chase waterfalls in the Finger Lakes region, including a hike to Taughannock Falls, which is taller than Niagara! Cool off with a swim in the lake afterward.
64. Go Tubing
Grab an inner tube for a lazy adventure through one of the state's waterways. Both Kittatinny Canoes and Lander's River Trips operate rafting, tubing, and more water tours along the Delaware River from Sullivan County in the Catskills.
65. Whale Watching
Join a boat cruise to watch for whales, seals, and other marine life off New York's coast.
66. Go Underground
Play explorer with the natural caves at Howe Caverns or Stone Bridges and Caves.
67. Bear Mountain State Park
Enjoy the stunning fall foliage and mountain views while ice skating, enjoying the zoo, or riding the carousel at Bear Mountain. It's a perfect day trip destination.
RELATED: 100 Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids
Although it's not a children's museum per se, the Whitney hosts many family tours and activities. Photo by Suzy Q
Best Family-Friendly Museums in New York State
68. The Whitney
Take a family art class at the Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC's Meatpacking District.
69. New York Hall of Science
Geek out at the New York Hall of Science, an all-ages STEM-fueled children's museum and play space.
70. Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
Tour this World War II-era aircraft carrier, which is filled with history and family-friendly things to do, including the Space Shuttle Enterprise.
71. American Museum of Natural History
See the dinosaurs, prehistoric mammals, the planetarium, and more at the American Museum of Natural History.
72. Long Island's Museum Row
Visit the rest of Long Island’s Museum Row in Garden City, including the Firefighters Museum. By the way, the state has several fire museums!
73. Living History Museums
Visit one of the state’s living history museums where kids can get a taste of hard work in the form of butter churning and more.
74. National Baseball Hall of Fame
See the baseball greats at Cooperstown.
75. The Met
Study the masters, get lost in the Arms and Armor halls, and see the stunning rooftop garden during a family-friendly visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which anchors NYC's Museum Mile.
76. Corning Museum of Glass
Even preschoolers can create cool glass projects and gawk at the delicate and whimsical creations at the Corning Museum of Glass in the Finger Lakes.
RELATED: 9 Favorite Upstate New York Getaways for Families
The Strong National Museum of Play celebrates the power of play inside and out. Photo by Jody Mercier
77. The Strong: National Museum of Play
The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester lays claim to the world's largest collection of toys and tons of payable video games, too. Kids can really be themselves—and just play.
78. Dia Beacon
Marvel at modern art at Dia Beacon, a gorgeous former factory turned museum overlooking the Hudson. Spend the day exploring the rest of the charming Hudson Valley town of Beacon when you're done.
79. Buffalo Museum of Science
Stand in the shadow of a towering polar bear at the upstate Buffalo Museum of Science and gaze into the skies from the roof deck of its Kellogg Observatory.
Awesome Annual Family-Friendly Events in New York State
80. Radio City Christmas Spectacular
See the Rockettes in action at Radio City Music Hall.
81. Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks
Celebrate our nation's independence by taking in the Fourth of July fireworks in NYC.
82. Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival
Introduce the kids to The Bard during the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, which always includes a family-friendly show.
83. The Polar Express
Hit the rails with Santa and friends on one of these seasonal holiday trains that take to the rails each winter.
84. New York Renaissance Faire
Watch knights joust, ride a camel, and interact with amusing "Elizabethans" at the annual NY Renaissance Faire, held in Sterling Forest near the state border with New Jersey.
85. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation
Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons get inflated. Of course, we think lining up early to watch the parade is a must-do at least once in everyone's lifetime, too.
86. Dutchess County Fair
Enjoy rides, carnival fare, livestock, and more at the Dutchess County Fair. Make it a weekend by staying the night in the quaint, Hudson Valley city of Rhinebeck.
87. The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center
Get dressed up to see The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center.
88. New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
Marvel at the miniature choo-choos at the annual holiday train show at the New York Botanical Garden.
RELATED: Local Mom's Guide to Three Days in NYC
Buy your tickets for dusk and you can watch the jack-o'-lanterns at The Blaze come to life as darkness falls. Photo by Susan Miele
89. The Great Jack-o'-Lantern Blaze
Kick off Halloween with the epic Great Jack-o'-Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor or its second location on Long Island.
90. Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival
See the colorful canopies or hitch a ride at the Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival.
91. Celebrate Native American Culture
Dance at a Native American powwow to celebrate the region's local tribes. The Shinnecock celebrate on Long Island annually, while an inter-tribal powwow takes place each summer in Queens.
92. Warwick Applefest
Celebrate more than just the local apples at the annual Warwick Applefest—a full-scale carnival in the Hudson Valley.
93. BRIC: Celebrate Brooklyn
Dance to a free outdoor concert at the Prospect Park Bandshell in Brooklyn.
94. Strawberry Picking
Savor the brief—sweet—strawberry season with a visit to a local pick-your-own farm, including those in the Hudson Valley or on Long Island.
95. Albany Tulip Festival
Explore the state capital in the springtime during this annual bloom fest where 140,000 tulips in 150 different varieties and a rainbow of colors take your breath away.
Relaxing on the lazy river never gets old at The Kartrite!Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Family-Friendly Resorts to Visit in New York State
96. The Kartrite
Bask in the luxury of this Catskills resort, which comes complete with the largest indoor water park in New York state. A stay here includes plenty of creature comforts and entertainment.
97. Rocking Horse Ranch
Chase away the winter blues with a weekend at Rocking Horse Ranch and its indoor water park. Read our full review.
98. Glamping Resorts
Make your next overnight camping trip an elevated outing with these glamping destinations that include perks like safari tents, beds with plush mattresses, tiny houses, and even AirStream accommodations.
99. Mohonk Mountain House
Get a day pass to hike the epic labyrinth trail near the Mohonk Mountain House, or splurge on a family overnight getaway at this scrumptious Hudson Valley resort.
100. The Sagamore Resort
Perched on the shores of Lake George, this sprawling shorefront resort offers an action-packed activity calendar to keep families entertained in all seasons.
Originally published in 2016.
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