Family outings in New York
New York impresses kids from the very first glance: skyscrapers, yellow cabs and a rumbling subway. Between the great museums, Central Park and the Brooklyn waterfront, the city offers families far more than you might expect, and many outings are free or pay-what-you-wish. Getting around is mostly on foot and by subway: plan breaks in parks and don't overload the days. The Staten Island Ferry, which is free, offers a view of the Statue of Liberty.
Must-do activities
American Museum of Natural History
Giant dinosaurs, a suspended blue whale and a planetarium; one of kids' favourite museums.
Central Park
Playgrounds, a carousel, model sailboats, the Central Park Zoo and an ice rink in winter.
Bronx Zoo
One of the largest urban zoos in the United States, with an area dedicated to children.
Staten Island Ferry
Free, it passes the Statue of Liberty with views of Manhattan. A mini-cruise of about 25 minutes.
Intrepid Museum
An aircraft carrier turned museum, with airplanes, a submarine and a space shuttle.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Waterfront playgrounds, a carousel and views of Manhattan; reach it on foot across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Free parks and playgrounds near New York
- 🌳 Zuccotti Park
- 📚 Pace University Library
- 🛝 Imagination Playground
- 🌲 Bird Island
- 🏖️ Pebble Beach
- 🌳 Liberty Park
- 📚 New Amsterdam Library
- 🛝 Kowsky Plaza Playground
- 🌲 Hudson River Park Estuarine Sanctuary
- 🏖️ Pier 4 Beach
- 🌳 Louise Nevelson Plaza
- 📚 Foundation Center
Making the most of New York as a family
Whether you live in New York or are just visiting for the weekend, there is no shortage of family outings: parks, playgrounds, libraries, museums and seasonal events are often free or low cost. FamiSwipe gathers these ideas in one place so you can stop searching.
To choose well, think about your children's ages, the weather and the travel time. A park with a splash pad suits hot days, while a library or community centre saves rainy or freezing ones. Pack a snack, water and a change of clothes.
Tip: swipe through the suggestions in the app, keep your favourites and share the shortlist with the other parent. Free activities are perfect for trying something new without pressure, and short trips close to home spare everyone a long car ride.
Bookable activities in New York
Tours, attractions and tickets in and around New York, often with free cancellation.
See activities on GetYourGuide →See experiences on Viator →
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Family outings not to miss
→ Discover activities in New York on FamiSwipe
FAQ
What can kids do in New York when it rains?
The Museum of Natural History, the Intrepid Museum and the Children's Museum of Manhattan are good choices. The big public libraries also have children's areas.
What are the free family activities in New York?
Central Park, the Staten Island Ferry, the High Line, Brooklyn Bridge Park and many playgrounds. FamiSwipe shows the parks and playgrounds around you.
Is New York stroller-friendly?
Sidewalks are wide, but many subway stations have no elevator. A lightweight stroller or a baby carrier helps a lot.
How many days should we plan in New York with kids?
Four to five days let you see the highlights without rushing, with one museum or park per half-day.