Bright Lights, Big City: 53 Best Things to Do in NYC with Kids

Should you visit the Big Apple with kids? Yes! There are lots of fun things to do in NYC with kids. Discover hundreds of options for family fun in New York City. Start in Midtown, then head to Central Park before landing in Lower Manhattan with the kids in tow. Then skip over to Brooklyn and the Bronx for the top family fun spots for your next getaway.

53 Best Things to Do in NYC with Kids

With five boroughs, New York City offers ton of things to do with kids. Manhattan is the star, though you can find lots to do in the outer boroughs. Even the public transportation can be fun: the Staten Island Ferry and Roosevelt Island tram are both kid pleasers.

Most attractions have reopened and require masks. They may also require advance ticket reservations.

Read on for 53 of the best things to do in NYC with kids.

Best Things to Do in Midtown with Kids

This area offers days of family-friendly fun. Start here, especially if it’s your first visit to New York City. Here are Midtown’s best things to do in NYC with kids.

1. A Broadway Show

With audiences full of families, a Disney on Broadway production is a great choice for a kid’s first theater performance. The familiar characters and songs, plus elaborate sets and glittering costumes in Disney productions keep kids glued to their seats.

Current offerings in the Times Square area include The Lion King and Aladdin. There are also plenty of other kid friendly shows, including a new production of The Music Man opening soon. We always got the cast album before seeing the show. When our kids recognized the music, they enjoyed the show more. The theater district runs from 40th to 54th streets and from 6th to 8th avenues.

Masks are required, as well as proof of vaccination; children under 12 have to provide proof of a negative COVID PCR test taken within 72 hours of showtime or a negative antigen test taken within six hours of the performance.

Best for mature preschoolers and up.

2. Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is a symbol of NYC; its iconic look is known worldwide. Opened in 1931, the Art Deco National Historic Landmark recently underwent a $165 million renovation that added an observation deck on the  102nd floor. It includes a huge interactive museum. Although you will want to get to the main Observation Deck on the 86th floor, with its outdoor 360 views of the city, don’t shortchange the exhibits.

Located at 20 W. 34th St. Open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Admission based on age, starting at $36.

Best for school-age and teens.

3. Grand Central Terminal

Walk through the Beaux Arts masterpiece that is the largest train terminal in the world. It’s a hub for subways and commuter trains, and it also houses a shopping and casual dining center.

The main concourse features an astronomical ceiling and a four-sided brass clock. Tennessee marble was used for the stairs and the floors.

Located at 89 E. 42nd St. Terminal Open From 5:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Free to enter.

Best for school-age and teens.

Read more: Best Free Things to Do in NYC with Kids

4. NY Public Library

Don’t miss the fourth largest library in the world! Free one-hour tours of the Stephen A. Schwarzman building (the main branch of the New York Public Library) are given Monday through Saturday at 11 am and 2 pm. Register in the building’s Astor Hall one hour; the tour is limited to the first 15 people who sign up. Even if you can’t do the tour, be sure to pose with the library’s famous stone lions, Patience and Fortitude.

5. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Clamber across the deck of the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier, to see a retired Concorde and one of NASA’s retired space shuttles. The Space Shuttle Enterprise is one of several on display across the U.S.

You can also explore the submarine, USS Growler. The interactive Exploreum exhibits lets climb into a Bell 47 helicopter, navigate a submarine and steer an airplane.

Located at Pier 86 W.46th St. at 11th Avenue. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission based on age: $24 for children 5-12. You have to purchase timed advance tickets.

Best for: school age and up

6. Museum of Modern Art

To see some of the most recognizable works of art, head straight for the fifth floor of the Museum of Modern Art. Find Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh, and Dance by Henri Matisse along with works from Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo and Pablo Picasso. The architecture and design galleries are a hit with kids. There is a helicopter, a car and ordinary objects like silverware and furniture.

Kids under 16 get in free and MoMA offers activity guides for family visits.

Located at 11 W. 53rd St. Open From 10:30 a.m. To 5:30 p.m. Adult admission is $25 and timed tickets must be reserved in advance.

Best for: school age and up

7. The Morgan Library and Museum

Explore Pierpont Morgan’s three-story library, rotunda, and study. The opulent interiors are a must for readers and Harry Potter fans since it looks like Hogwarts.

Located at 225 Madison Ave. Open Tuesday through Sunday with various hours. Closed Monday. Admission based on age. You have to buy advance timed tickets.

Best for: school age and up.

8. Rockefeller Center’s Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock has three observation decks, two of them completely outdoors. The elevator ride up is part of the fun; be sure to look up.

Top of the Rock has views right into Central Park. Also look for the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building.

Located at 30 Rockefeller Center. Open from 8 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Admission based on age. Buy tickets in advance to bypass the line.

Best for preschoolers and up.

9. Rockefeller Plaza

Explore Rockefeller Plaza and enjoy its seasonal displays, like the Christmas tree and ice skating rink in winter, or summertime cafe.

While you’re there, stop by the LEGO Store to see NYC landmarks built in LEGOs. You can also try to get free tickets to tons of the TV shows being taped upstairs. These are given away for free but we have been offered last minute tickets when strolling by.

Best for all ages.

10. Roosevelt Tram

The bright red tram cars climb up and over the East River to get to Roosevelt Island. You can also walk down to the FDR Four Freedoms State Park at the tip of the island. It is spectacular during cherry blossom season.

Located at the intersection of 59th St. and 2nd Ave. Ride for free if you purchased an unlimited seven day MTA MetroCard for the subway. Otherwise, it’s $5.50 roundtrip.

Best for all ages.

11. Times Square

As a top NYC destination, Times Square offers 24-7 lights and energy. To capture its true brightness, however, you should head to Times Square in the evening or after a show.

Find street performers, art installations, shopping and dining. And sit on the red stairs at TKTS Times Square. It’s a wonderful place to people watch.

Located at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue. Always open and free.

Best for all ages.

Read More: Top NYC Hotels for Families

Top Things to Do in and Around Central Park

Central Park is New York City’s backyard. You can find dogs romping off leash in the early morning, sports leagues for kids and adults and over 800 acres to explore.

12. Alice in Wonderland Statue

Let your kids climb this bronze statue, located near Conservatory Water in Central Park. It’s OK — climbing is encouraged. The statue features Alice, the Mad Hatter and White Rabbit.

Best for all ages and book lovers.

13. The American Museum of Natural History & Hayden Planetarium

The American Museum of Natural History is a sprawling museum that could take all day, so hit the highlights, like the Hall of Dinosaurs, “Lucy” the early human and the giant blue whale. Then explore the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda along with the Hall of North American Mammals.

Carve out a little time for the Hayden Planetarium to learn more about the world beyond our atmosphere. It requires an additional timed ticket for a show.

SheBuysTravel Tip: The food court on the lower level of the Natural History Museum is a good spot for lunch. There is an exit from the subway right into the museum, ideal for cold weather and rainy day visits.

Located at Central Park West at 79th St. and open from 10 a.m. To 5:45 p.m. every day. Admission based on age.

Best for preschool through teens.

14. Belvedere Castle

The highest point in Central Park, Belvedere Castle draws visitors for its amazing views. The whimsical castle was designed by Central Park’s architect, Frederick Law Olmstead. Located mid-park at 79th St. Open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the rest of the year. Free.

Best for all ages.

15. Shakespeare in the Park

The Public Theater stages free shows during the summer in Central Park’s Delacorte Theater. The lineup includes adaptations of Shakespeare and other classic plays. The cast sometimes features A-list celebs. Pre-Covid, you had to line up in the early morning hours and wait for tickets for the evening performance to be distributed. Currently, an online lottery system is in place using Goldstar.

16. Wollman Rink Ice Skating

Beginning in late October, the famous Wollman Rink is open for ice skating. It’s one of the most popular things to do in NYC. Since the rink does not take reservations, plan to take your turn on the ice early in the day. Lockers and skate rentals are available. Hours and rates vary. Check the Central Park website for the latest info.

17. Central Park Carousel

A must for families, the 1908 Carousel features 57 horses.

The covered carousel is located in the southeast corner of Central Park at 65th St. Open April through October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $3 per person, cash only.

Best for all ages.

18. Picnic in the Park

There’s no better place to spread a blanket and enjoy a summer picnic than Central Park’s Great Lawn. There are a number of traditional delicatessens on the Upper West Side, like Zabar’s and Barney Greengrass, where you can gather your goodies. Bring a frisbee and a blanket, relax and enjoy.

19. Central Park Zoo & Tisch Children’s Zoo

This compact zoo can be explored in two hours, perfect for younger kids and babies. The highlights are the sea lions, penguins, snow monkeys and grizzly bears. Every hour on the hour, from 8am to 6pm, listen to the bronze animal musicians at the Delacorte Clock.

Head to the adjacent facility, Tisch Children’s Zoo, for more exploring with the littles. Located at 64th Street and 5th Avenue and open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from the first week of April through November and open until 4:30 p.m. for the rest of the year. Admission based on age.

Best for: Younger kids and animal lovers

20. Children’s Museum of Manhattan

My kids grew up playing and learning at this museum. The outdoor water exhibit was their favorite activity. There are also special places for babies to explore, things to climb and plenty of art activities.

Located at 212 W. 83rd St. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. closing at 7 p.m. on Saturday. General admission is $15 and babies 1 and under are free.

Best for toddlers and preschoolers.

21. Conservatory Water

Rent a model boat to set sail in the pond or watch the other boats on the water. There are also clean restrooms and a cafe. Located on the East side between 72nd and 75th streets. Free.

Best for all ages.

22. Guggenheim Museum

This must see museum, Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is a family activity guide (running down the famous spiral is NOT on it) along with a special guide for kids on the autism spectrum. The art ranges from Impressionist to contemporary.

Located at 5th Avenue and 89th Street. Open Sunday through Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and Saturday until 7:45 p.m. Closed Thursday. Admission based on age.

Best for teens and art lovers.

23. The Imagine Mosaic in Strawberry Fields

Stroll this quiet zone and official peace park of Central Park, honoring the work of John Lennon. Nearby, you can often hear musicians playing Lennon and The Beatles tunes.

Located along Central Park West between 71st and 74th streets, in the shadow of Lennon’s former home, The Dakota.

Best for teens and music lovers.

24. Loeb’s Boathouse

Rent a boat by the hour, weather permitting. Cash only. if you eat at the waterfront restaurant, you can watch the boats going by.

Loeb Boathouse Café Express, next to the fancier Loeb Boathouse Restaurant, has less expensive food that you can take into the park for a picnic. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from spring to fall and open until 4:30 p.m. during the winter.

Located at Park Dr. N at 72nd St.

25. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

This comprehensive museum has lots of kid friendly art, from the armor collection to the Temple of Dendur to the annual Christmas tree festooned with  eighteenth-century angels and Nativity figures. The masterpieces include paintings by Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe.

There are cafes in several locations for a break. Family guides are available and there are special tours on select days.

Located at 1000 5th Ave. Open Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m. Admission based on age.

Best for teens and art lovers.

26. Playgrounds of Central Park

Kids live in NYC too. 21 playgrounds are sprinkled through Central Park.

Heckscher Playground— The oldest and largest playground in the park. But don’t worry; all the equipment is up to date. Find water play, climbing structures, and swings in areas based on age. Located mid-park between 61st and 63rd streets.

Ancient Playground—Located next to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the design of the playground is inspired by the museum’s Egyptian art. We liked to have our kids get their ya-ya’s out before before  exploring The Met.

Billy Johnson Playground—This playground takes its cue from the park’s landscape A 45 foot granite slide is the highlight. Located at 67th Street and 5th Avenue.

Best for all ages.

Read More: 20+ Best Places to Eat in NYC

Top Things to do in Lower Manhattan

The Statue of Liberty is the big draw, though Lower Manhattan offers lots more to do with museums, parks, and even ferries.

Here are Lower Manhattan’s best things to do in NYC with kids.

27. 9/11 Memorial and Museum

The outdoor memorial offers a peaceful fountain featuring the names of those lost along the perimeter of the fountain. It is lighted at night. The museum has a collection of artifacts, narratives, archives, and interactive technology to remember the 2,996 people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The collection retells the story of the tragic day, along with the months of recovery afterward.

Located at 180 Greenwich St. The free 9/11 Memorial is open from every day from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The 9/11 Museum is open from Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. It charges $15 for children and $26 for adults.

Best for teens and tweens since they were born after 9/11. Due to the sensitive nature of the museum, skip it with small children.

Read more: Should You Bring Your Kids to the 9/11 Memorial?

28. Battery Park

Located at the southern tip of Manhattan, Battery Park offers green space along with the transportation hubs. There are playgrounds, basketball courts, and a place where you can borrow Frisbees and board games.

Located at State Street and Battery Plaza. Free to enter. Best for all ages.

29. Castle Clinton National Monument

After visiting the Statue of Liberty, explore the Castle Clinton National Monument for more immigration history. It’s located steps from the ferry dock. For war buffs in the family, it’s also a fort from the War of 1812 with antique cannons.

Located in Battery Park and open seven days a week from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free to enter. Best for school-age kids and teens.

30. Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex

With an indoor ice rink, bowling alley, arcade, and laser tag, Chelsea Piers is a total indoor sports complex. There are also drop-in activities like batting cages, driving range and climbing wall.

Located at 62 Chelsea Piers at 23rd Street and Hudson River Park. Hours and prices based on activity. Best for school-age kids and teens.

31. Children’s Museum of the Arts

In a facility dedicated to all forms of art, find a mix of engaging and child-centered exhibitions. The Museum also offers programming for getting little fingers busy. Check out the more than 2,000 works by children worldwide.

Located at 103 Charlton St. Open Thursday through Monday from noon to 5 p.m. most days. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. General admission is $13 and babies under 1 are free. Best for: toddlers and preschoolers. The museum is closed due to Covid-19.

32. Tenement Museum

Experience history in a preserved tenement building on the Lower East Side. Tour the buildings that housed 7,000 working-class immigrants from 1863 until 1935.

Through specialized tours focusing on Irish immigrants, Jewish immigrants and sweatshop workers – as well as neighborhood tours –  you get an understanding of an immigrant’s life over a hundred years ago. Tours are for ages 12 and up and you must show proof of Covid-19 vaccine.

The Visitor Center is located at 103 Orchard St. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Admission based on age. Best for school-age kids and teens.

33. Step onto The Edge

While you are in the greatest city in the world, you should definitely see the highest sky deck in the western hemisphere. The Edge, perched 100 floors up in the massive massive Hudson Yards development, has a twist on the view. You can look directly down, through a glass floor.

Don’t rush through the interesting multimedia floor that gives a history of the area and information on the green initiatives of the development.

Located on level 4 of The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards. Open 8 a.m. to midnight daily.

Best for all ages with no fear of heights. Tickets are pricey: they start at $33 for kids and $38 for adults, and go sky high.

34. Federal Hall National Monument

Located on Wall Street, this building served as the first capital of the United States, the Supreme Court, and the Executive Branch offices. George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States at Federal Hall.

The visitor center is located at the Pine Street entrance. The Federal Hall National Monument is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and during the summer, it’s open Saturdays as well. Free to enter.

35. The High Line

Created from an abandoned New York Central Railroad Spur, the nearly one-and-a-half miles of elevated walking path and park is a must. Created in 2009, The High Line is a destination for locals and travelers alike. The park includes public art and performances.

Located from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street with multiple entrances, some with elevators. Open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. during the warmer months. Closes at 7 p.m. during the winter. Free. On weekends, make a free reservation for a timed ticket. Best for all ages.

36. New York City Fire Museum

The official museum of the New York City’s Fire Department is housed in a 1904 firehouse. See antique equipment, some of it horse-drawn. Then take a moment to reflect at the  NYCFM 9/11 Memorial that honors the 343 fallen firefighters.

Located at 278 Spring St. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission based on age. Best for all ages.

37. Oculus

A transportation hub, retail and dining area, the Oculus is also a stunning work of architecture. It’s a modern version of Grand Central Terminal. This is a good place to visit during extreme heat or cold, or on a rainy day.

Located at the intersection of Fulton and Greenwich streets. Free to enter and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

38. One World Observatory

One World Observatory, at 1 World Trade Tower, offers sweeping view of Lower Manhattan and the New York City harbor.

Located at 180 Greenwich St. Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days. Admission fee. Best for school-age and teens.

39. SeaGlass Carousel

Hop on a fish to whirl around the pavilion to classical music. Built in 2015, this carousel moves up and down from the floor and twirls around in smaller circles. so it feels like dancing.

Located in Battery Park. Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and admission is $5 per person. Best for all ages.

40. South Street Seaport Museum

Learn about the rise of NYC and its role as a port city. The South Street Seaport Museum indoor exhibits are closed due to Covid-19. But you can tour the tall ship Wavertree, the Lightship Ambrose, and the tugboat W.O. Decker.

Located at 12 Fulton St. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Admission based on age. Harbor cruises are available and require a separate ticket. Best for school-age kids and teens.

41. Staten Island Ferry

Want to get a free, close view of the Statue of Liberty without taking the official tour? Then hop the Staten Island Ferry.

The commuter ferry is crowded during rush hour but otherwise offers a pleasant ride throughout the day. Open seven days a week and 24-hours a day. Best for all ages.

42. Statue of Liberty

As a symbol of freedom and liberty known world-wide, the Lady Liberty sits on a 12-acre island in the middle of New York Harbor. Learn about its construction in the terrific Statue of Liberty Museum under the pedestal. Then climb the stairs to the top of the pedestal or head to the crown to capture views of downtown Manhattan (additional tickets required; crown access is currently closed).

Operated by Statue Cruises, the ferry departs from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. Explore the Statue of Liberty first then re-board the ferry to tour Ellis Island, an additional stop.

The first ferry leaves at 9:30 a.m. and the last one departs at 3:30 p.m. with extended hours during peak seasons. Ferry tickets required for everyone, based on age. Best for all ages.

43. Ellis Island

From 1892 until 1954, Ellis Island welcomed 12 million immigrants to the United States. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum walks visitors through the facility that processed close to 5,000 people a day. Best for school-age kids and teens.

SheBuysTravel Tip: To visit both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, give yourself half the day. Reservations are a must; they book months in advance for the pedestal tour and six months in advance for the crown tour. A Junior Ranger Booklet is available. All passengers will go through airport-style security screening.

44. The Whitney Museum of American Art

Anchoring the southern end of High Line Park, The Whitney showcases contemporary art from the 20th and 21st century with a focus on living artists.

Located at 99 Gansevoort St. Open every day from 10:30 to 6 p.m. during the summer. Closed on Tuesday during the school year. Admission based on age. Best for art lovers of any age.

Things to Do Outside of Manhattan with Kids

With so much to do in Manhattan, you might never leave the island.  But Brooklyn and The Bronx have many great things to do in NYC with kids.

Things to do with Kids in Brooklyn

45. The Brooklyn Bridge

If the weather is nice, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s 1.3 miles long and offers some amazing views. A new bike lane will separate bikers from pedestrians and give you ample room to stroll. The Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883.

The Manhattan entrance is at City Hall Park. And the best place to start or end your walk-in Brooklyn is at the High Street short cut (stairs to street level). Free.

46. Coney Island

Imagine screaming your head off while enjoying the view of the Atlantic Ocean. Coney Island offers an old school amusement park with Coney Island Cyclone (a wooden roller coaster) and Deno’s Wonder Wheel (a Ferris wheel). Grab a hotdog at the original Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Stand ad stroll along the boardwalk. Or go to the beach!

Located at 12th Street and Surf Avenue. Admission and hours vary with attraction.

47. Governors Island

Explore this island between Manhattan and Brooklyn that once was a full-service military base, first for the U.S. Army then the Coast Guard. Check out the two remaining forts, Castle Williams (1811) and Fort Jay (1775) that are National Park sites. Governors Island offers a walking and biking trail, lots of open space and slide hill, with a 57 foot slide.

You can rent bikes and surreys on the traffic-free island.

Open daily. Free to visit, though a ferry ride is required and there’s a fee for that. The ferry departs from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South St or Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, in Brooklyn, on weekends. Great food is available throughout the island.

SheBuysTravel tip: make sure you take the correct ferry back; some go to Brooklyn, some to Manhattan.

48. Fulton Street Ferry

After a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, take a ferry back to Manhattan. Head to the DUMBO/Brooklyn Bridge Pier One and take a ferry to Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan or East 34th Street in Midtown.

Adult fares are $2.75 and kids under 44” ride for free with an adult.

49. Jane’s Carousel

With views of the East River, this 1922 48-horse carousel originally built for Ohio is a must. Located at Old Dock St.

Open from Wednesday to Monday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and closed Tuesday during the summer. Open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. from the rest of the year. Rides are $2.

50. New York Aquarium

The New York Aquarium, which has a heavy focus on education, has both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Walk through the tunnel in the shark exhibit, which features 18 different species. Learn the differences between sea lions, sea otters and seals at the Sea Cliffs area. Touch tanks are currently closed.

Located at 602 Surf Avenue. Open every day with seasonal hours. Summer hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days and Friday and Saturday open until 10 p.m. Fall hours open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days. Winter hours 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission based on age. Advance timed tickets are required.

51. New York City Transit Museum

In this decommissioned subway station, you can explore a rotating collection of 20 different vintage subway cars, some wooden. This museum explains the past, present, and future of the MTA, Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York City.
Note: the museum is temporarily closed due to Covid-19.

Located at 99 Schermerhorn St. Open from Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed Mondays. Admission based on age.

Things to Do in the Bronx

The northernmost borough of New York City, The Bronx is known for Yankee Stadium, the home field of the New York Yankees baseball team.

52. New York Botanical Garden

The 250-acre New York Botanical Garden has more than one million plants. The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, a Victorian-age beauty, is also a New York City landmark. The annual train show is held in here at holiday time.

Find displays of orchids, palms, and desert-loving plants inside the traditional greenhouse. The immersive Kusama: Cosmic Nature runs through October 31.

Located at 2900 Southern Blvd. in The Bronx. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closing at 5 p.m. during the winter. Admission based on age.

Best for: all ages.

53. Bronx Zoo

One of the largest zoos in the U.S., the Bronx Zoo offers 265 acres of habitats. Find lions, tigers, grizzly bears, bison, baboons, butterflies and more. It’s a large property that will take the majority of the day to explore.

There is a large children’s zoo (with a separate admission) and a Treetop Adventure course and zipline for kids age seven or older (with a rather steep separate fee).

Located at 2300 Southern Blvd. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on the weekends from April to November. The winter hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission based on age.

Getting Around NYC

If you are just sticking to midtown, walk, take the subway or a cab. But if you are going uptown, to the outer boroughs, or schlepping a stroller, snacks, diapers, bottles, umbrellas, favorite toys and extra sweaters for everyone, you’ll want a car. The Hyundai Tucson is a great way to explore all of the city, and the hybrid version gets 37 miles per gallon.

The car is loaded with safety features, including a backseat warning alert so you don’t accidentally leave anyone behind. And in NYC, the forward collision alert and pedestrian detection is very important. The Tucson also has a family friendly quiet mode. If the kids fall asleep in the back seat, you can mute the music for the nap. No, the feature doesn’t shush them if they are squabbling. But the rear seat is so roomy that three kids can ride comfortably without anyone jockeying for space.