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Kid-Friendly NYC Businesses That Closed in 2020: Toy Stores, Play Spaces, and More

Gulliver's Gate, the Times Square attraction showcasing major cities in miniature form, closed in 2020.
Gulliver's Gate, the Times Square attraction showcasing major cities in miniature form, closed in 2020.
1/4/21 - By Jody Mercier

It's no secret 2020 took its toll on New York City. From weary parents to homebound school children, the pandemic has left its mark on us all. As we turn the page to the new year, we want to take a moment to share some appreciation for the family-friendly NYC businesses that closed in 2020. These spots are pandemic victims in their own right, ranging from play spaces to bookstores and family-friendly eateries and boutiques who all helped make our lives a little simpler, and their loss is one we'll likely feel for years to come.

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national geographic Ocean encounter Kid-Friendly NYC Businesses Closed in 2020
National Geographic Ocean Encounter had a good run as an other-worldly Times Square attraction. 

Family-Friendly NYC Attractions That Closed in 2020

1. Modern Pinball – Kips Bay
2. Gulliver's Gate – Times Square
3. National Geographic Ocean Encounter – Times Square
4. Met Breuer – Upper East Side

RELATED: The New York City People and Places Who Saved Our Sanity in 2020


Bank Street Bookstore was a resource for parents and educators.

Kid-Friendly NYC Bookstores That Closed in 2020

5. Bank Street Bookstore – Upper West Side
6. Book Culture – Upper West Side (Columbus location only)
7. Stories Bookshop + Storytelling Lab – Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

mini-galaxy play cafe closes its doors Kid-Friendly NYC Businesses Closed in 2020
The pandemic was especially hard on indoor play spaces, like Mini Galaxy Play Cafe. Photo by Sally Chaffin Brooks

NYC Play Spaces That Closed in 2020

9. Busy Bodies – Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
10. Giocare Play Spot – South Slope, Brooklyn
11. Superstar Family Fun Center – Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
12. Union Square Play – Union Square (Its online app and presence live on, though brick-and-mortar has closed.)
13. Little Chubs Indoor Play Space – Bensonhurst, Brooklyn
14. Little Dreamers Kingdom – Little Neck, Queens
15. Raising Astoria – Astoria, Queens
16. Kiddie Wonderland – Midland Beach, Staten Island
17. City Owlets – Long Island City, Queens
18. Kids Fun House – Ridgewood, Queens
19. Little Dreamers Kingdom – Little Neck, Queens
20. Mini Galaxy Play Cafe – Jamaica, Queens
21. Sunnyside Plays – Sunnyside, Queens

RELATED: 10 Things Families Resolve To Do More of in 2021

Rail Line DIner closes its doors Kid-Friendly NYC Businesses Closed in 2020
It was sad to see a neighborhood diner like the Rail Line close its doors. 

Family-Friendly Restaurants That Closed in 2020

22. Sarabeth's – Upper East Side location only
23. Uncle Louie G's Italian Ices – Bay Ridge, Brooklyn location only
24. The Rail Line Diner – Chelsea
25. Ice & Vice – Multiple Locations
26. Grom – Multiple Locations

Century 21 closes its doors Kid-Friendly NYC Businesses Closed in 2020
New Yorkers mourned the loss of the iconic Century 21 stores. 

Kid Boutiques, Toy Stores, and Retail Spots That Closed in 2020

27. Century 21 – Multiple Locations
28. Les Petits Chapelais – Soho
29. Flying Squirrel – Greenpoint, Brooklyn
30. Teich Toys & Books – Greenwich Village
31. Flying Tiger – Multiple Locations
32. Dinosaur Hill – East Village

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the venues

About the Author

Jody Mercier
Jody Mercier always dreamed of being a mom, and she's raised three wonderful kids in New York City. Since that job only pays in hugs, she’s spent her career as a journalist covering health, fitness, sports, and parenting for Sports Illustrated, espnW, and Mommy Poppins. Follow her family’s adventures on Instagram @momtakesmanhattan or reach her at jody@mommypoppins.com.
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