Times Square NYC [Image by Roberto Lee Cortes from Pixabay]New York City is a vibrant, exciting destination for so many reasons. With its museums, theaters, restaurants and more, it can be difficult to decide what to do next. However, if you throw a bunch of kids into the mix, you will find there are a number of great attractions for the little ones to enjoy in the Big Apple. Let’s take a brief look at five of the best things to do with the kids in New York City.
1. Take a Hudson River cruise
Circle Line Landmarks cruise [Image @circlelinenyc/Instagram]One of the most fun adventures for the kids is to board a boat and head out onto the Hudson River. Among the best cruises to choose from is Circle Line’s Landmarks cruise from Pier 83. The one-and-a-half-hour cruise reveals all the famous landmarks on both sides of the Hudson and East Rivers. The family will also enjoy breathtaking views of Manhattan’s downtown and midtown skyline. You will even get a peek at the Statue of Liberty.
2. Visit the Empire State Building
Empire State Building [Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay]One of the world’s most iconic buildings stands tall on New York City’s famed Fifth Avenue. In fact, the Empire State Building is a focal point of the Manhattan skyline. Standing 102-stories tall, the landmark attracts around 4 million visitors each year to its observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors.
The family can take the elevator to the top floors to enjoy some self-guided audio tours. Meanwhile, exhibitions about the construction of the Empire State Building are fun for the whole family. The kids will particularly enjoy seeing images of King Kong’s hands coming through the wall. Naturally, the family will enjoy the spectacular views over New York City from the top. However, bear in mind that according to the official website, reservations must be made before heading out there.
3. Ice skating at Rockefeller Center
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center [Image by David Mark from Pixabay]When visiting New York City in the fall or winter, one fun thing for the kids is to go ice skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center. Here, locals and visitors alike can enjoy skating in the Big Apple and at Christmas, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will light the rink up. If you don’t have your own skates, no problem, as you can rent them on-site for a small charge.
4. Ride the Staten Island Ferry
Staten Island Ferry [Image by johnuwe2805 from Pixabay]The Staten Island Ferry is another opportunity for the kids to get out on the water. This totally free ferry ride takes you through New York Harbor while sailing from Staten Island via Manhattan. The boat ride is 25 minutes each way and heads past the iconic Statue of Liberty, offering spectacular views of the New York skyline along the way.
5. Children’s Museum of the Arts, SoHo, New York City
Children’s Museum of the Arts [Image @cmainnyc/Instagram]While there are many museums that parents love to browse, this one in SoHo is made especially for the kids. In fact, the Children’s Museum of the Arts’ mission is:
We unite children and artists to create and share ambitious works of art with their communities and the world. Since 1988.
The museum features more than 10,000 square feet of kid-focused activities with hands-on workshops and beautiful artwork by talented kids.
Make sure you take the kids to these great attractions and many more on your next trip to New York City. The whole family will have a great time in the Big Apple.
