Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

Explore the National Museum of the American Indian in Bowling Green. Jason DeCrow/AP Images for Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian)

Fun Free Things To Do in the Financial District with Kids

1. National Museum of the American Indian

Learn about our country's original residents with family programs and rotating installations at the always-FREE National Museum of the American Indian.

2. See George Washington

Stand on the site where George Washington was inaugurated and learn about the first POTUS at the Federal Hall National Memorial.

3. New York Stock Exchange

Gawk at the grand facade of the New York Stock Exchange and gaze at the center of the financial universe from afar.

4. Fearless Girl

While you're there, strike a power pose with Fearless Girl, a petite statue from artist Kristen Visbal. She's been staring down the gender inequities since 2017.

5. Charging Bull

Head to Bowling Green to see the Charging Bull sculpture from Arturo Di Modica. It's 11-feet-tall and 16-feet-long and symbolizes financial optimism and prosperity.

6. Visit the Gateway to New York Harbor

Intended to keep the British out, Castle Clinton served as a fort, an immigration depot, and an entertainment center—before its current turn as a historical monument.

7. Battery Urban Farm

Volunteer at the Battery Urban Farm, where you'll find more than 100 varieties of organically-grown veggies, fruits, flowers, grains, and plants.

RELATED: 25 Things To Do, See, and Eat in Chinatown with Kids

Cool down in the water play area at Imagination Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

8. Imagination Playground

Build something amazing out of the signature blue foam blocks in the South Street Seaport's Imagination Playground. If it's too busy, the traditional Pearl Street Playground is just a few blocks away.

9. Bosque Fountain

Frolic in Bosque Fountain where kids can cool off in 35 jets of cool spray.

10. St. Paul's Chapel

Take a tour of St. Paul's Chapel where George Washington worshiped after taking the oath of office and partake in children's events like Easter egg hunts, summer camps, and more.

11. Elevated Acre

Catch the sunset from the gardens at the Elevated Acre, a true hidden gem in the middle of the bustling district.

12. Ride a Ferry

Catch a ferry to a kid-friendly destination like Red Hook, Governors Island, or Staten Island—some are completely FREE.

13. Battery Playscape

Cruise down the slide or climb into the sky at the lovely Battery Playscape.

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

Be amazed by the architecture of The Oculus. Photo by Jody Mercier

14. The Oculus

Tour the architectural marvel that is The Oculus where shops, food, and FREE events abound.

15. Pick Your Favorite Building

Try to pick a favorite building from some of the city’s most gorgeous architectural gems like the ornate Woolworth Building or walk a few blocks to the Beekman Hotel and stare up at its restored atrium.

Best Things to Do in the Financial District with Kids

16. Learn Colonial History

Visit the Fraunces Tavern Museum, where George Washington discharged his troops. Be sure to stop by the museum's restaurant for scrumptious food in a historic setting.

17. Dinner and a Movie

Take in a movie and meal at the new iPic Theater where you can lounge on luxe, reclining seats and order food throughout the movie.

18. Ride the SeaGlass Carousel

Hop on the whimsical SeaGlass Carousel for an unforgettable "underwater" spin.

19. 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Reflect on NYC's most tragic day and learn how the city came together at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

20. Go Swimming

Take swimming lessons with the amazing staff at Physique Swimming at Léman Manhattan Preparatory School.

21. Complete Playground

Take your kids inside to play at the massive Complete Playground for a wild romp no matter the weather.

22. Mercer Labs

Head to Mercer Labs for a completely unique audio-visual museum experience.

23. One World Trade Center

The elevator at One World Observatory takes 45 seconds to reach 100 floors where you can get spectacular views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the New York Harbor.

Family-Friendly Restaurants in FiDi

24. Adrienne's Pizza Bar

You can't go wrong with pizza. Adrienne's Pizza Bar offers thin-crust pizza in the heart of FiDi.

25. Cowgirl Seahorse

Cowgirl Seahorse is as quirky and eccentric as you would expect with a slogan like "Where Coney Island Meets the Rodeo." This Tex-Mex restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices.

26. Eataly

Stock up on groceries or enjoy a sit-down meal at Eataly, where delicious food and lovely home goods await.

27. Dim Sum Palace

Head to Dim Sum Palace on Williams Street for authentic Cantonese food and dim sum.

28. Industry Kitchen

Nosh on New American fare at Industry Kitchen while enjoying stunning views of the Brooklyn skyline.

29. Squires Diner

Enjoy casual diner food at Squires Diner where service is friendly and the atmosphere is laid-back.

30. Mister Dips

Towering cones of soft-serve in inventive coating and topping combinations are served from retro ice cream and burger joint at Pier 17. We love to take our cones outside to enjoy the view while we lick.

Family-Friendly Hotels in the Financial District

31. Holiday Inn Manhattan-Financial District

It's no surprise the world's tallest Holiday Inn calls FiDi home. The rooms are cozy; the city view spectacular and kids eat FREE.

32. New York Marriot Downtown

Enjoy stunning views of the harbor, Hudson River, or the city skyline from this classic Lower Manhattan hotel.

33. Millennium Downtown New York

You're in the heart of all the action at this property, with 11 subway lines within a block of the hotel. Special offers unlock fun outings like tickets to One World Observatory, a sailing excursion, and more.

Originally published in 2018. Amy Meader contributed additional reporting.

Disclosure: We may earn a small commission if you click through our link and make a purchase. This revenue helps us maintain this site, so thank you for supporting us.