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How to Choose NYC Activities Everyone Will Enjoy

If you're planning a day out in the city, it can be hard to settle on something everyone loves. There are a few golden rules for finding an all-ages activity, and they boil down to this handful of tips:

• Look for attractions with multiple types of activities in one place. For instance, think visiting a playground for the littles adjoining a basketball court for the teens.
• Locations should be interactive for young kids and immersive for older kids/teens. The New York Hall of Science is a great example of a space where kids can run around and touch things, and teens can become immersed in all the exhibits.
• Seek out spots with food and rest areas for convenience. Everyone's going to need to rest their legs and chow down on lunch, so plan ahead to avoid trouble.

The three tips above will help you figure out the best location for your family. Most importantly, pick a spot that appeals to your kids' interests, and have fun!

Tips for a Stress-Free All-Ages NYC Day

Picking out the perfect spot for the whole family to enjoy is half the battle. Anyone who's ever had to coordinate groups and kids of different ages knows it can be tough to keep the whole party engaged and on track. Keep your outing fun and stress-free with these tips:

• Mix active time with rest breaks.
• Pick 1-2 major stops per day to avoid burnout.
• Always have snack and bathroom break options in mind.
• Know how you're getting there and back (ie, where will you park if you're driving? Where's the nearest train station?)
• Bring emergency entertainment for downtime.

You're ready to head out with the family in tow. Still trying to figure out where to go? Keep reading for a large list of great all-ages attractions in NYC.

Outdoor Adventures in NYC for All Ages

Central Park – Upper Manhattan

There's something for everyone to do over the 843 acres of Central Park. Adventure from the Hallett Nature Sanctuary in the lower end of the park to the newest NYC pool at Harlem Meer.

For Toddlers: Visit the park's playgrounds and ride the carousel.
For Big Kids: Hop in a rowboat, visit the zoo, and play games on the Great Lawn.
For Teens: Go rock climbing at Rat Rock and post for the ‘gram!

Hudson Yards – Hell's Kitchen

In recent years, Hudson Yards has become a hot spot for families. The two most well-known attractions here are The High Line, an elevated park built on the site of a historic rail line, and The Vessel, an artistic, honeycomb-like structure that's perfect for photo-ops.

For Toddlers: Catch a children's show like Mozart for Munchkins and Wonderspark Puppets.
For Big Kids: Wander around The High Line and take in free art installations.
For Teens: Head up The Vessel for great views, or head inside The Shops for a retail fix.

Hammock Grove is a perfect spot to escape it all on Governors Island. Photo by Timothy Schenck

Governors Island – Lower Manhattan

A seven-minute ferry will take you to a car-free oasis on Governors Island. Take a break from busy NYC streets and visit one of the only places in the city where you can let your toddlers run around safely while the older kids have plenty to entertain them. Rent a family bike and have a picnic!

For Toddlers: Play at the adventure playground, The Yard, and stop by the Urban Farm to water plants and say hi to the chickens.
For Big Kids: Climb around on natural structures at the play area and brave the three-story-tall slide on Slide Hill.
For Teens: Relax in the hammocks and chow down on delectable treats from the food trucks.

Bronx Zoo – Bronx Park, the Bronx

The Bronx Zoo is the largest zoo in the United States, with attractions for the whole family. Special events and seasonal exhibits make it a fun treat all year long.

For Toddlers: Visit the Children's Zoo (open April to October) for up-close animal encounters, and ride on the Bug Carousel.
For Big Kids: Catch various interactive attractions like the Budgie Landing, Nature Trek, and animal feedings.
For Teens: Take in all the animals and try a wild animal encounter.

Wave Hill – Riverdale, the Bronx

Open year-round, the gardens at Wave Hill offer a peaceful escape from the city. Take a break and relax with a picnic at one of the designated picnic areas, surrounded by nature and flowers.

For Toddlers: Engage the senses with herbs and flowers.
For Big Kids: Learn about all the different kinds of flowers and plants across 28 acres of garden.
For Teens: Take plenty of photos at one of the most Instagrammable spots in NYC.

Alley Pond Park – Oakland Gardens, Queens

This park's nature center has some up-close animal encounter opportunities, plenty of natural spaces to explore, and even an adventure course for a more exciting experience.

For Toddlers: Sign up for one of the children's workshops.
For Big Kids: Meet more than 80 animal ambassadors at the center's animal room.
For Teens: Hike the three different trails to explore nature and spot wild animals and birds.

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park – Flushing, Queens

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is a massive open space with plenty of playgrounds and iconic landmarks with a lot of history behind them, having hosted the 1939 and 1964 World's Fairs!

For Toddlers: Check out any of the eight playgrounds, including the extra-special Home for Retired Playground Animals.
For Big Kids: Head to the Queens Zoo, which is home to a large petting zoo, and get some tame thrills at the Fantasy Forest Amusement Park.
For Teens: Rent out kayaks, paddle boats, or bikes, go ice skating, or skateboard in NYC's best skate parks.

Socrates Sculpture Park is a beautiful destination in any season. Photo by Alexa Hoyer

Socrates Sculpture Park – Astoria, Queens

No need to head inside for this open-air sculpture museum, where you can take in artwork that rotates on a seasonal basis.

For Toddlers: Enjoy the open space to run around and play.
For Big Kids: Learn about and interact with the sculptures while enjoying a picnic.
For Teens: Catch a special program, workshop, or talk about art-making, and take in the stunning Manhattan skyline view.

Luna Park – Coney Island, Brooklyn

Luna Park is a one-stop destination for family fun in the beach air.

For Toddlers: Splash around by the water in the summer, or tackle the Sky Tykes adventure course in Luna Park.
For Big Kids: Ride the many lower-thrill attractions of Luna Park.
For Teens: Bike down the Boardwalk, check out the area's history at the Coney Island Museum, and, of course, brave the famous Cyclone.

Snug Harbor Cultural Center – Snug Harbor, Staten Island

The cultural center and botanical garden are gorgeous family destinations with lush gardens, historic and cultural landmarks, and many incredible photo-ops.

For Toddlers: Stop by the children's museum and explore the Lion's Sensory Garden and Herb Garden.
For Big Kids: Take in over a dozen different gardens, including a Butterfly Garden and the famous Chinese Scholar's Garden.
For Teens: Check out the fresh produce farm stand and browse the many cultural institutions, including the music hall and the Art Lab.

NYC Museums & Cultural Stops that Wow All Ages

American Museum of Natural History – Upper West Side

There's something for everyone at this massive museum, so you can plan to spend all day at the American Museum of Natural History.

For Toddlers: Get hands-on at the Discovery Room and explore the animals displayed in the dioramas.
For Big Kids: Head to the top floor for exciting dinosaurs and check out the space show at the planetarium (recommended for ages 6 and up).
For Teens: Check out special exhibits like the temporary displays and live butterflies, or catch a behind-the-scenes tour.

Museum of the City of New York – East Harlem

Learn more about the history of New York City with a museum that's exciting for all ages, thanks to a variety of exhibits. Plus, admission is FREE on Wednesdays!

For Toddlers: Make a craft or enjoy a thematic art-making workshop.
For Big Kids: Try your hand at the interactive exhibits, which range from computer simulations to dance parties.
For Teens: Learn about NYC history through interesting artifact displays, interactive screens, and vibrant exhibits full of art.

The Skyscraper Museum – Battery Park City

Celebrate the architecture and buildings of NYC a the Skyscraper Museum, which hosts frequent activities, events, and fun outings for the whole family. Admission is always FREE!

For Toddlers: Time your visit to check out a hands-on activity, or head out of the museum to explore tot-friendly Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park.
For Big Kids: Regular family events take kids through structures and buildings in the city and around the world.
For Teens: Learn the history and science behind NYC architecture.

New York Aquarium – Coney Island, Brooklyn

Meet some marine life at NYC's aquarium, located right by the beach at Coney Island.

For Toddlers: Get tactile at the touch pool, where kids can pet marine life like crabs, marine snails, and horseshoe crabs.
For Big Kids: Check out the exciting shark tank and adorable penguins, and take in a 4D theater show.
For Teens: Catch a show and meet the animals with wild encounters and feedings.

The Brooklyn Museum offers hands-on fun alongside a world-renowned collection. Photo by the author

Brooklyn Museum – Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Museum is the city's second-largest museum and is full of artifacts and historic objects from around the world. A children's wing, the Toby Devan Lewis Education Center, opened to the public in 2024, making it an even better place for the whole family.

For Toddlers: Head to the children's wing for hands-on arts and crafts activities and special children's events.
For Big Kids: The ancient Egyptian exhibits on the third floor tend to be winners with bigger kids.
For Teens: Choose a handful of the most intriguing exhibits to check out. It's a large museum, so narrow it down to whatever interests your teen!

New York Hall of Science – Flushing, Queens

The New York Hall of Science is one of the most interactive and kid-friendly museums in the city, but it's also a great spot for teens and adults to explore and learn about science. Nearly every exhibit teaches math and science through hands-on activities.

For Toddlers: Play with everything, especially at the Preschool Place, which is designed for kids 6 and under.
For Big Kids: Interact with all the exhibits, or head outside for mini-golf or the science playground.
For Teens: Catch one of the special events and exhibits, and stop by the Maker Space for more complex STEAM activities.

It's a kaleidoscope of colors at Artechouse. Photo courtesy of Artechouse

Entertainment in NYC Everyone Can Get Into

Artechouse – Chelsea

Artechouse is a digital art playground with interactive artwork displayed across the walls, floor, and ceiling of its Chelsea space. It's an entrancing experience for all ages, and features rotating exhibits that keep things fresh. Adults can grab themed drinks at the bar, and kids and teens can get their own mocktails and enjoy the show.

Broadway & Off-Broadway Shows – Midtown Manhattan

You can't go wrong with a family-friendly Broadway (or off-Broadway) show. The Lion King, Wicked, and Aladdin, are popular hits for all ages, captivating audiences with colorful productions, exciting stories and performances, and catchy songs the whole family will be singing for weeks to come.

Madison Square Garden – Midtown West

Catch a concert, sports event, or other family-friendly show at the world-famous Madison Square Garden. Many shows are great for all ages, including touring family shows at the theater.

Recreation Centers – Citywide

Up for some FREE activities? Recreation centers in parks all around the city always have activities for the whole family. Play a sport like table tennis, take part in exercise classes, go for a dip in a pool, or take part in special events and workshops. An annual membership to all the city's Recreation Centers is quite affordable at $100-150 for all spaces without a pool, and anyone under 24 is completely free.

Kupferberg Center for the Arts – Kew Gardens, Queens

Catch a cultural performance and event at the Kupferberg Center for the Arts in Queens. Most of the events here are family-oriented and include a wide variety of music, theater, and dance performances.

Chelsea Piers Sports Complex – Chelsea

Get some exercise at the huge Chelsea Piers Sports Complex, with fitness classes and activities for all ages. Whatever sport you're interested in, you can find it here, including baseball, football, figure skating, squash, soccer, tennis, trampoline tumbling, and so many more.

Color Factory – Hudson Square

This fun indoor playground brings out the inner child in any visitor. The immersive interactive art installation is a vibrant place that lets visitors play with color, quite literally. Have a dance party, frolick in the massive ball pit, and stop for all the 'gram-worthy photo-ops.

Seasonal Favorites for All Ages in NYC

Summer Events in NYC

• Hit the Beaches: NYC has eight beaches, all of which are open between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.
• Shakespeare in the Park: Enjoy performances of classic Shakespeare plays while younger kids frolic on Central Park's lawns.
• Summer Movie Nights: Grab a blanket and a picnic and head out to a local park for nightly family movie screenings.

Fall Events in NYC

• Pumpkin Picking & Fall Festivals: Locations like the Queens County Farm Museum, botanical gardens, and various parks host fall festival fun events for families.
• Halloween Parades: Besides the main Halloween parade, there are smaller parades and festivals, including a fun annual dog costume parade at Tompkins Square.
• Dia de los Muertos Celebrations: Hosted by El Museo del Barrio and other local institutions, celebrate the holiday with colorful and lively performances, parades, and tributes.

Winter Events in NYC

• Ice Skating: Head to one of NYC's many outdoor ice skating rinks, open for the winter season.
• Winter Markets: Celebrate the winter season with the annual winter markets, where you can find delicious and warming meals, and unique gifts from small creators. Plus, all the winter markets pop up in or near parks, so no one will get bored.
• Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: Visit the iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and snap a selfie, then watch the skaters and hit the nearby shops.

Spring Events in NYC

• Cherry Blossoms Festival: Whether you choose to see the famous blooms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden or elsewhere, seeing these pretty pink petals is a rite of seasonal passage.
• Tribeca Film Festival: Catch special family program screenings, workshops, and events in the annual Tribeca Film Festival.
• Macy’s Flower Show: Check out vibrant floral displays that are a treat for all the senses and include plenty of photo-ops.

Food Stops That Make Everyone Happy

Chelsea Market – Chelsea

Endless food stalls offer everything from tacos to gelato, plus fun shopping and photo-ops for the whole family.

Smorgasburg – Multiple Locations

Open seasonally from April through October, Smorgasburg is the place to go for unique and cultural eats from local vendors. You can find treats for everyone at these markets, including kid- and teen-approved street food and desserts.

Time Out Market NYC – Dumbo, Brooklyn

The Time Out Market is home to dozens of vendors, with picks like fresh pasta, bagels, and delectable doughnuts. Grab a meal and enjoy the nearby park and its ship-themed playground, the carousel, and plenty of space to sit and enjoy the water and Manhattan views.

Mom's Kitchen and Bar – Astoria, Queens and Midtown Manhattan

You can't go wrong with the comfort food you can get at Mom's Kitchen and Bar. From pancakes to the most insane cereal milkshake concoctions, you can find something to satisfy every sweet tooth here.