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Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly

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8/18/24 - By Laurie Rein

Visitors to the New York City metro area have no shortage of family-friendly attractions to visit. From NYC's iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty to the sprawling Legoland New York in the Hudson Valley and Long Island's wet-and-wild Splish Splash, there are tons of can't-miss attractions near New York City for families.

Take advantage of everything the city and its suburbs offer with these unique, family-friendly experiences. Find more family must-do's in our local Visitors Guides for Families. 

More Top Local Attractions for Families

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Top New York City Attractions for Families

Semi-Private Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour

The Battery
Explore the heart of American history on a thrilling 3-hour adventure! This intimate journey dives into the stories of more than 12 million immigrants who passed through Ellis Island and stood in awe of the Statue of Liberty. Guests walk in the footsteps of those who sought a fresh start in the land of opportunity. READ MORE

Madame Tussauds New York

Midtown West
Step into an immersive celebrity experience at Madame Tussauds New York in the heart of Times Square. Visitors can experience a New Year's Eve concert in Times Square, see Warner Bros. Icons of Horror, strut through New York's iconic gala scene, pose with the Ghostbusters team, and more. READ MORE

New York Botanical Garden: All-Access Pass

Bronx Park, the Bronx
America's premier botanical garden, the New York Botanical Garden spans 250 beautiful acres and includes 50 separate gardens and plant collections. Explore rotating exhibitions, including annual favorites like the Holiday Train Show and Orchid Show, plus tons of educational, family-friendly programs at this living museum. READ MORE

The Escape Game NYC

Midtown East
In The Escape Game, players are immersed into interactive rooms where they have to follow clues, solve puzzles, and complete missions in under 60 minutes! Each escape game provides a unique hands-on experience, designed for families, friends, and anyone else looking for an elevated unplugged adventure! READ MORE

Sloomoo Institute

Soho
Sloomoo Institute celebrates the viral cultural phenomenon of slime, packing a vibrant 8,000-square-foot space in Soho filled with slime experiments, inspiration, and sensory delights. READ MORE

Rockefeller Center Architecture and Art Walking Tour

Midtown West
Dive into an outdoor adventure at one of NYC's iconic gems, Rockefeller Center! Wander and marvel at the stunning sculptures, captivating murals, and intricate mosaics. An expert historian leads the way sharing the fascinating stories behind the art and architecture that define this landmark. READ MORE

Ferox Ninja Park

Brooklyn
Ferox Ninja Park is the biggest professional ninja training facility on the East Coast for adults and kids. Its 40,000+ square feet include ninja warrior courses and obstacles, the biggest pro calisthenics set up in New York City, a modular parkour setup designed for people of any skill level, a massive trampoline arena, and a full-size cafe and juice bar. READ MORE

Whale Watching NYC Adventure Cruise

South Street Seaport
No need to rush off to Cape Cod for whale watching—NYC’s waters have more than enough whales for your viewing pleasure! See species like North Atlantic Right Whales, Fin Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, and more, with a 97 percent chance of seeing at least one whale.   READ MORE

Carriage Ride in Central Park

Midtown West
Enjoy a classic NYC horse carriage ride through Central Park with your family. Founded in 1979, this family business offers a top-notch Central Park experience with professional service, happy horses, licensed guides, and comfy carriages. READ MORE

Improv 4 Kids Off-Broadway Live

Times Square
Live from Times Square NYC, and touring since 2003, Improv 4 Kids presents its signature off-Broadway, family-friendly interactive musical comedy show, improvised based on audience suggestions and participation. READ MORE

Circle Line: NYC Beast Speedboat Ride

Midtown West
This thrilling NYC speedboat ride whisks visitors toward the Statue of Liberty at 45 mph with twists, turns, and splashy action. Enjoy an exciting, 30-minute tour with entertaining guides. Not recommended for pregnant visitors and all children must be taller than 40 inches to ride. READ MORE
The action-packed American Dream Mall offers tons of family-friendly attractions, including the indoor Nickelodeon Universe theme park. Photo by Jody Mercier
The action-packed American Dream Mall offers tons of family-friendly attractions, including the indoor Nickelodeon Universe theme park. Photo by Jody Mercier

Family-Friendly New Jersey Attractions

The Escape Game New Jersey at American Dream

East Rutherford
In The Escape Game New Jersey at American Dream, players are immersed into interactive rooms where they have to follow clues, solve puzzles, and complete missions in less than 60 minutes! Each escape game provides a unique hands-on experience, designed for families, friends, and anyone else looking for an elevated unplugged adventure! READ MORE

Legoland Discovery Center New Jersey

East Rutherford
Legoland Discovery Center New Jersey is home to millions of bricks, fun rides, attractions, and an all-around awesome Lego experience. Explore the Hero Zone laser maze, the Duplo Park play area, the Lego car play area, a Lego train ride, and more. READ MORE

Sea Life New Jersey

East Rutherford
Dive into a day of fun at Sea Life New Jersey, located in the American Dream Mall. Discover more than 3,000 underwater creatures, plus stroll through the underwater tunnel with exhibits inspired by New York's most memorable landmarks.  READ MORE

iPlay America

Freehold
iPlay America is the all-indoor destination where the city meets the boardwalk. When guests come to iPlay America, they can expect to take part in a plethora of activities. More than just an amusement park, iPlay America provides everything from rides and attractions to classical boardwalk games and bites. READ MORE

Liberty Science Center

Jersey City
New Jersey's largest children's museum, the Liberty Science Center, offers four floors of educational fun for young visitors. Its 300,000-square-feet of exhibit space houses long-standing displays as well as rotating exhibitions, so there's always something new to see.  READ MORE

Beat the Heat & Save Big at American Dream

East Rutherford
American Dream is home to Nickelodeon Universe, the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere. It also includes DreamWorks Water Park, the largest water park in North America, and Big Snow, the only indoor ski resort in North America.  READ MORE

iFly Indoor Skydiving

Paramus
Dive into the excitement of skydiving without ever leaving the ground at iFLY Paramus. Gear up for an adrenaline-pumping session inside a cutting-edge vertical wind tunnel. No experience is necessary; you'll soar like a pro after a quick training. Plus, you'll snag a personalized certificate to flaunt your aerial feats. READ MORE

Adventure Aquarium

Camden
The Adventure Aquarium features impressive marine life exhibits, including a shark tunnel and a touch tank for hands-on experiences. Kids can marvel at sea creatures up close and learn about ocean conservation in a vibrant, entertaining environment. READ MORE

Battleship New Jersey

Camden
Just across the river from Philadelphia, the Battleship New Jersey invites families to explore one of the most decorated battleships in American history. Interactive tours and exhibits provide a hands-on look at naval history and life on board. MORE: Visiting Battleship New Jersey with Kids READ MORE

Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience at American Dream

East Rutherford
Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience bursts onto the scene at American Dream this summer. The surreal and colorful interactive experience invites guests to escape into a whimsical world of bubbles, in which they can engage their senses and let their imaginations run wild. READ MORE

Six Flags Great Adventure

Jackson
This popular park isn't only about death-defying drops and high-intensity thrills; it also has an awesome selection of kiddie rides. Young children will also dig the Six Flags Safari, where they can visit lion cubs, parrots, goats, and a multitude of exotic animals. READ MORE
Legoland New York is a must-visit Hudson Valley attraction for families! Photo by Jody Mercier
Legoland New York is a must-visit Hudson Valley attraction for families! Photo by Jody Mercier

Best Attractions in the Hudson Valley for Families

Legoland New York Resort

Goshen
There's so much to see and do at Legoland New York Resort's seven Lego-themed lands, which include Brick Street, Bricktopia, Lego Ninjago World, Miniland, and more. READ MORE

Legoland Discovery Center in Westchester

Yonkers
At Westchester's Legoland Discovery Center, surround yourself with millions of Lego Bricks, take flight on Merlin's Apprentice, blast skeletons on Kingdom Quest ride, see your favorite characters in the Lego 4D Theater, and build epic Lego creations alongside master builders. READ MORE

Rye Playland

Rye
With more than 50 rides, Playland provides a full day of fun, but there’s lots more to do, too. Old-fashioned lake cruises take you back in time. There’s also miniature golf, a swimming pool, and a sandy beach on the Long Island Sound. READ MORE

Top Long Island Attractions for Kids

Splish Splash Water Park

Calverton
Splish Splash Water Park is home to more than 20 water slides, attractions, and aquatic activities spread across 96 acres, making it a great way to spend a day of fun in the sun. Dare to ride the Bombs Away slide at lightning speed or try the only hydromagnetic water coaster in New York, which plunges from nearly five stories high. READ MORE

Long Island Children's Museum

Garden City
Enjoy play days at the award-winning Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM), specifically designed to support and nurture your child’s developmental stages. LICM provides families with opportunities to play and learn together.   READ MORE

Long Island Aquarium

Riverhead
This destination features one of the largest all-living coral reef displays in the hemisphere, a 120,000-gallon shark tank, year-round sea lion shows, African penguins, marmosets, numerous touch tanks, and more than 100 exhibits including a lavish indoor Butterfly Garden. READ MORE

Long Island Museum

Stony Brook
The Long Island Museum provides cultural and educational experiences for people of all ages featuring compelling exhibitions and programs designed to engage the community and enhance the museum’s position as a cultural destination. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

New York Improv Theater Times Square
Battleship New Jersey
Legoland New York Resort

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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