New York’s Lower East Side isn’t typically the first neighborhood associated with families. But for those willing to look past the nightlife and narrow sidewalks, it offers a surprising number of things to do with kids.

The Lower East Side has long been shaped by generations of newcomers. That history remains visible in tenement buildings, immigrant-owned storefronts, and long-standing public spaces—but once again, the area has shifted.

Pocket playgrounds are tucked behind housing blocks. Public libraries hold free weekday programming. Markets sell ingredients from at least a dozen countries. Art spaces are small enough for a short visit and varied enough to hold a child’s attention. From climbing gyms to candy shops to museums that teach history through objects and lived experience, the Lower East Side offers a practical mix of indoor and outdoor options. Read on for our top things to do on the LES with kids and find more fun for kids in the neighborhood in our NYC Kids' Guide to the Lower East Side.