New York City | Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids

Bump, slide, and spin onto the rink and into the new year with the seasonal debut of ice bumper cars at Bryant Park. Photo by Jody Mercier

Bryant Park Bumper Cars and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids

Whether you want to embrace the cold, or hide inside, our weekend picks are for you.

Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys

27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

Get out of the house—and the cold—with these free, kid-focused spots.

Bryant Park's Bumper Cars are a mainstay of late-winter fun in the park. Photo by Janet Bloom

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 49 Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC

Don't let the cold stop you: NYC is a wonderland of winter fun.

Museo del Barrio's The Three Kings Day Parade takes over the streets of East Harlem Photo by Mommy Poppins

18 Best Things To Do in NYC January 2025 with Kids

Usher in 2025 with Three Kings Day, MLK tributes, Lunar New Year fun, and more.

Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum

GUIDE

Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids

Find the best FREE kids' activities in NYC.

Peppa Pig is coming to Legoland New York with an all-new playground opening in 2025. Photo courtesy of Legoland New York

17 Awesome Family-Friendly Destinations that Opened in 2024, Plus What's Coming in 2025

How many of our top picks have you visited and what's on your 2025 bucket list?

The 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.

Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2024-2025

Start planning your 2024-25 school year vacations now.

Join Manhattan Country School for its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative March. Photo courtesy of the school

35 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC in January with Kids

Beat cabin fever with entertaining, no-cost family events all month long.

Winter fun for kids in New York City: Building a snowman is just the start of fun things to do with kids in NYC during winter

GUIDE

NYC Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families

The best things to do in NYC with kids during winter break!

Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort

14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC

These weekend getaways offer nature, culture, art, and food and are well worth the trip.

Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.

Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love

Some of NYC's most interesting kid-friendly museums aren't the ones you find in guidebooks.

Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop

GUIDE

Guide to NYC Classes for Kids

Discover awesome afterschool and weekend classes for kids in New York City.

Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep

We've scoured the city and swung on the monkey bars, and these are our favorite spots.

Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier

47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day

These indoor NYC activities guarantee a good time when the weather is a bummer.

Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin

Best New Broadway Shows This Season Plus Can't-Miss Classics for Families

Broadway is booming with new openings. Here are our top pick for families.

The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!

Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids

These NYC hotels house special perks for kids, from pools to bunkbeds.

For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier

Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly

These local destinations are guaranteed to please kids and kids at heart.

Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun

GUIDE

NYC Summer Camp Guide

Find a great summer camp in NYC for kids of all ages and interests.

Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier

25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More

These NYC tours offer behind-the-scenes secrets, local lore, and get you off the beaten path.

Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.

21 Top Indoor Play Spaces in New York City

A day indoors is a lot of fun at these local romper rooms.

The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH

Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC

Make art, explore the natural world, and enjoy science projects at NYC's top kid-friendly museums.

GUIDE

Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC

Discover the best places for children's birthday parties in New York & throw a kids' party to...

Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.

Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids

These all-ages summer camp programs won't break the bank.

There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier

100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids

Here's how to have fun as a family in NYC without spending a dime.

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids

Go under the sea on a day trip to one of these local aquariums.

Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.

Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC

These celebration worthy spots are perfect for milestone meals.

GUIDE

Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and Fun Zones in NYC

Where to go when it's too hot, too cold, or too rainy to play outside.

See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo

100 Things To Do in NYC With Kids Before They Grow Up

This is our NYC kids bucket list. How many have you checked off?

Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier

3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

You can take a big bite out of the Big Apple in a short time with these tips.

Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier

NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families

NYC offers plenty of fun without breaking the bank. Here are our top tips for budget fun.

75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day

Turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.

The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier

Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids

Enjoy a day of nature or culture without spending a dime.

No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird

40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now

Bookmark this list of must-sees for the next time you host visitors to the Big Apple.

65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age

It's not a bad time to go back to basics, especially when we have the kids' full attention.

Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.

GUIDE

Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids

Find a great weekend getaway from NYC for the whole family.

Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander

67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home

Execute mind-blowing science experiments with stuff you have around the house.

The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader

100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up

Your ultimate bucket list of the best things to do in NY as a family.

Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

GUIDE

Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide

NYC is a big concrete jungle, yes, but we've also got almost 30,000 acres of parkland. From grand...

Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette

Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects

Bookmark this blockbuster list of arts and crafts and never run out of ideas for creative play.

GUIDE

Boredom Busters for Kids

Find crafts for kids, games, and more projects to spark kids' imaginations!

Find Things To Do In New York City

SEE ALL ACTIVITIES EVENTS CLASSES ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL CAMPS PARTIES

Featured

Broadway Magic Hour at the Broadway Comedy Club
Broadway Comedy Club - 2:00 PM

Mulchfest in Prospect Park
Prospect Park - 10:00 AM Pick

STEAM Saturday: Confetti Poppers at Latimer House
Lewis Latimer House Museum - 12:00 PM Pick

Family Day: Make Your Own Victorian Silhouettes at Morris Jumel Mansion
Morris-Jumel Mansion - 1:00 PM Pick

Prehistoric New York Hike in Central Park
Central Park - 1:00 PM Pick

Living History: Mantua Makers at the New-York Historical Society
Dimenna / New York Historical Society - 12:00 PM Pick

Bald Eagle Watch in Riverdale Park
Riverdale Park - 1:00 PM Pick

Fort Tryon Rocks Geology Hike
Fort Tryon Park - 1:00 PM Pick

Ice Age Hike in Cunningham Park
Cunningham Park - 1:00 PM Pick

Winter Wonder at Hero - Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center - Rink Level - various times Pick

Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Gallery Annex - 10:00 AM

Sloomoo Institute
Sloomoo Institute - 10:00 AM

Roebling Rink: Ice Skating under the Brooklyn Bridge
Emily Warren Roebling Plaza - 10:00 AM

Tea Around Town: Pink Winter Wonderland
TopView Sightseeing Bus Stop - various times

Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition at St John the Divine
The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine - various times

Stomp, Clap, and Sing with Princess Backpack and Benjamin at BPL
Brooklyn Central Library - Dweck Center - 10:30 AM Pick

Storytime in the Lobby: WonderSpark the Case of the Missing Creature at the Marlene Meyerson JCC
Marlene Meyerson JCC - 3:30 PM Pick

Winter Wonder at Hero - Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center - Rink Level - various times Pick

Frosty Festivities in Australia at the Children's Museum of Manhattan
Children's Museum of Manhattan - various times Pick

Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Gallery Annex - 10:00 AM

Winter Wonder at Hero - Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center - Rink Level - various times Pick

Frosty Festivities in Australia at the Children's Museum of Manhattan
Children's Museum of Manhattan - various times Pick

Roebling Rink: Ice Skating under the Brooklyn Bridge
Emily Warren Roebling Plaza - 10:00 AM

New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
The New York Botanical Garden - 10:00 AM

Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Gallery Annex - 10:00 AM

Ezra Jack Keats Story and Craft at Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Central Library - 3:30 PM Pick

Nature Story Time in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park Environmental Education Center - 3:00 PM Pick

Winter Wonder at Hero - Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center - Rink Level - various times Pick

Frosty Festivities in Australia at the Children's Museum of Manhattan
Children's Museum of Manhattan - various times Pick

Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Gallery Annex - 10:00 AM

Frosty Festivities in Australia at the Children's Museum of Manhattan
Children's Museum of Manhattan - various times Pick

Winter Wonder at Hero - Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center - Rink Level - various times Pick

Roebling Rink: Ice Skating under the Brooklyn Bridge
Emily Warren Roebling Plaza - 10:00 AM

New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
The New York Botanical Garden - 10:00 AM

Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Gallery Annex - 10:00 AM

Latest Articles

Cheap ways to get the whole family to London? Read on!

How to Plan Cheap, Crazy, Amazing, and Affordable Family Vacations

Jennifer Swope, Jan 11 - Machu Picchu and Paris on a budget? We've got a step-by-step plan! READ MORE

100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids

Jody Mercier, Jan 10 - Here's how to have fun as a family in NYC without spending a dime. READ MORE

Bryant Park Bumper Cars and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids

Drew Kristofik, Jan 10 - Whether you want to embrace the cold, or hide inside, our weekend picks are for you. READ MORE

Galactic snow tubing at Camelback offers an LED light show come nightfall.

Best Snow Tubing near NYC for Families

Stephanie Ogozalek, Jan 9 - These slopes in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania offer family-friendly snow tubing. READ MORE

The Queens Botanical Garden has debuted a new, glowing light show named Lektrik, which runs through March.

Lektrik's Jaw-Dropping Light Show at Queens Botanical Garden Keeps the Holiday Magic Alive

Brian J. Bromberg, Jan 9 - This one-mile, after-dark experience is a dazzling way to end a cold winter day. READ MORE

Kids eat free at IHOP no matter the day beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP

Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free in NYC

Rosalind Muggeridge, Jan 7 - These family-friendly dining deals are sure to please and easy on the wallet. READ MORE

More Latest

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

You can take a big bite out of the Big Apple in a short time with these tips.

Embrace the winter magic in Central Park. Tagger Yancey IV/NYC Tourism + Conventions

Top Tips for a Wintertime Visit to NYC

Don't let the cold winter's chill scare you. NYC is a breathtaking winter destination.

Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC

Make art, explore the natural world, and enjoy science projects at NYC's top kid-friendly museums.

Best New Broadway Shows This Season Plus Can't-Miss Classics for Families

Broadway is booming with new openings. Here are our top pick for families.

100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids

Here's how to have fun as a family in NYC without spending a dime.

A visit to the Museum of Broadway highlights props, costumes, and personalities who make the Great White Way shine.

Unique Behind-the-Scenes Tours in NYC for Families

Pull back the curtain on all NYC offers with the special sneak peek tours.

Connecticut's Mohawk Mountain Ski Area offers endless opportunities for fun in the snow. Photo courtesy of the Mohawk Mountain

Inexpensive Winter Weekend Getaways from NYC for Families

Drive to one of these family-friendly getaways for a quick weekend escape. READ MORE

Embrace the slow rhythm of a camel ride on a safari adventure. Photo by Diana Kim

Best Family Travel of 2024: Our Favorite Cities, Beaches, Hotels, and More Vacation Ideas

Check out all the amazing places we visited in 2024! READ MORE

The historic Kenoza Hall is perched on a hillside, boasts lake-front views, and soon family-friendly bungalows. Photo by the author

15 Family-Friendly Catskills Resorts for Your Next Weekend Getaway

The Catskills are far enough to feel like an escape and close enough for a weekend trip. READ MORE

Train-lovers of all ages love to explore the roundhouse at Steamtown.

All Aboard These Train Rides and Day Trips near NYC for Locomotive Lovers

From mini-train displays to train rides, and rail yards to explore, train lovers are in luck. READ MORE

Family Travel Guide

The very best kid-friendly vacation destinations for making memories. READ MORE

100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up

Your ultimate bucket list of the best things to do in NY as a family. READ MORE