BEST THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK WITH KIDS

INSIDE: The Best Things to Do in New York with Kids. Updated 2024.

We love New York, and with kids it’s even better.

You’ll be surprised how many New York attractions were created with kids in mind.

There are so many things to do in New York for kids, we’ve already written 40 stories!

There’s plenty more in the pipeline.

Do visit the famous New York sights at least once.

• Empire State Building
• Top of the Rock
• Rockefeller Center
• Central Park
• Natural History Museum of New York
• Central Park Children’s Zoo
• Battery Park, with views to the Statue of Liberty

If you like meeting the locals when you travel, we highly recommend spending some time on the the Hudson Greenway walk.

There are some awesome New York playgrounds along the way and chances for the kids to play with other kids.

You can find ALL these stories and more in the link below, in our comprehensive guide to New York with kids.

Disclosure: This article, written by a human (me), without AI input, may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at NO COST to you. For our Disclosure and Disclaimer statements, and an explanation of our Advertising policy please click here

BEST THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK WITH KIDS

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in US dollars, unless otherwise stated

This is our list of unique, MUST VISIT FAMILY ATTRACTIONS in New York City

This is our collection of the best UNIQUE things to do in NYC.

RELATED: Best New York Souvenirs and Gifts (UNIQUE!) 

No.1: Visit FAO SCHWARZ – The Biggest Toy Shop in New York City

Visit the biggest toy store in New York, the brand new FAO Schwarz Rockefeller Center.

THIS is the shop where Tom Hanks character played the giant floor piano in BIG. 

You can play it with your feet too!

(We did! So fun!)

But there’s so much more to do than that. 

Read our guide here. 

No.2: Walk the Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn to Manhattan

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York City’s must-do experiences with epic views of the Manhattan skyline, but what about the Brooklyn Bridge for kids?

Should you do the Brooklyn Bridge walk with kids, or is it too much, or too boring?

How long does it take to walk the Brooklyn Bridge with kids?

How long is a piece of string?

It’s one of THOSE questions, totally dependent on WHO you walk with, and why. 

Here’s a general guide to the Manhattan bridge walk in New York.

The Brooklyn Bridge Walk takes less than an hour tops!

Allow an hour and half if you are walking with headstrong toddlers who want to investigate every leaf along the way, or inquisitive kids who need to know EVERYTHING including all the facts about Brooklyn Bridge.

If you are a New York commuter trying to get to work, you can cross it in about 30 minutes if you hustle. Same goes if you are on a mission to get somewhere, or need to meet someone on a deadline!

Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour

If you want to do a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, allow 2-3 hours with plenty of time for selfies!

It’s a shortish hike, with plenty to see and do, and although you’ll be joining an estimated 28,000-odd people if you walk on a weekend, both tourists and locals, it’s still possible to bump into people you’ve met before!

Fun things to do at Brooklyn Bridge with kids

Here are 7 reasons why we think you should do the Brooklyn Bridge Walk on a family vacation to New York City with kids.

No.1: Take a pic at the best Brooklyn Bridge Photo Spot

Take a selfie of the Brooklyn Bridge arches from the Brooklyn side.

Get up close so you have the steel support wires in shot, then bob down to put the arches behind you.

It’s not easy to get a pic without people in it, unless you are prepared to wait a while. (That’s not a problem if you are photoshop savvy)

You can also take a pic in front of one of the Brooklyn Bridge walkway or bikeway signs that point you in the right direction.

Hot tip: The Best Brooklyn Bridge photo spot if you want to capture the whole bridge and the Manhattan skyline in the picture is from Pebble beach below the bridge.

No.2: See all the Famous Buildings – Brooklyn Bridge sightseeing! 

Wander from Brooklyn to Manhattan for the best views of New York City.

Make it a game to spot these famous NYC buildings

• Empire State Building
• Chrysler Building
• One World Trade building
• The divine Statue of Liberty

As you wander, there will be times you want to stop and gaze.

Pick those spots carefully to avoid being run down by local cyclists.

Try looking from the Main Archways – there’s more room here, as the path widens.

On our Brooklyn Bridge walk, we crossed paths with a couple we’d swapped photographer duties with the previous day at Madame Tussauds!

Can you imagine the LOOK OF SURPRISE when we locked eyes on one another, and then laughed out loud!

My brain went into overdrive:

‘NOOOOO wayyyyyyy!  This can’t be happening. How in the world????’

The world is way smaller than we think, and when you are tapped into your intuition, there are serious magic forces at play all the time.

You never know if you’ll have a magic moment on the Brooklyn Bridge walk too!

Failing that, there’s plenty of characters to see.

It’s New York after all, so along with all the regular joes, there’s always someone intriguing with a story to show and tell.

No.3: Learn Brooklyn Bridge History and Sights

The Brooklyn Bridge walk has plenty of things to see, and New York history to discover.

Check out the Historic and Iconic New York Sights along the way.

The best information we’ve come across for insights into this history when you are walking Brooklyn Bridge by foot can be found here.

Be sure to read this post before you cross, so you know what to look out for, as we did.

No.4: See the Brooklyn Bridge Locks!

There’s a collection of love locks near the Manhattan Tower of the bridge.

Love locks are mostly locked on to the bridge by lovers who want to demonstrate their commitment to each other.

People also leave locks for loved ones who’ve passed, and many tourists pledge their commitment to return to New York by leaving a lock.

Is it legal to leave a love lock on the Brooklyn Bridge New York?

Sadly, it’s now ILLEGAL to leave a lock and you’ll be fined if the authorities catch you.

The love lock collections here do disappear from time to time, thanks to the powers that be. 

But it doesn’t stop them reappearing after a time!

Love rules. It always does.

Pick the best time to walk the Brooklyn Bridge New York

Go early-ish in the morning after the peak workday rush hour finishes if you want to avoid the trample.

The Brooklyn Bridge for kids is best around 10am to lunchtime.

We walked at sunset, having spent the earlier part of a cold frosty day pretending to be Brooklyn locals, wandering through Prospect Park through local neighbourhoods to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum.

We caught the A train back to High Street, Brooklyn Bridge station, and began our walk from there.

The Brooklyn Bridge sunset was magnificent.

The Brooklyn Bridge views were incredible.

It was a tick off our Roam the Gnome Family Bucket List.

And mama was a happy lady!

FAQ: Is it safe to walk the Brooklyn Bridge?

PS: Yes, it’s safe to walk the Brooklyn Bridge at night to around 9 or 10pm, as there are lots of people and tourists about.

Keep your wits about you.

What to wear on the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway?

It was COLD up on the bridge in March (very cold!) with icy winds buffeting us as we crossed, but on the bright side, you can see this as a chance to pop on a beanie, a scarf, and a warm jacket.

Jack was snuggled up in the pram with an extra blanket, content to be pushed along while he took the chance to nibble a snack.

There is something refreshing though, about being out and about in the fresh air when you are land-locked in a city.

All three of us found this day of walking explorations to be just the thing we needed after days of museum visits, art galleries, city diner meals, and indoor events.

The slow-and-steady walk back home across the Brooklyn Bridge was an epic ending to a fun-filled day of surprises around every corner.

Fun Brooklyn Bridge Facts for Kids

Talk to your kids about these fun Brooklyn Bridge facts for kids. It makes the journey a whole lot more interesting.

People often us why was the Brooklyn Bridge built and why is it so popular?

Or what is so magical about the Brooklyn Bridge?

Let’s see if we can find answers to the most asked questions.

No.1: How LONG is the Brooklyn Bridge walk?

How many miles is the Brooklyn Bridge?

The Brooklyn Bridge has a main span of 1,595.5 feet (486.3 m or 0.3 miles)

The Brooklyn Bridge length is a total of 6,016 feet (1,834 m) long if you include the approaches.

That’s 1.14 miles.

(It’s also 85 feet or 26 meters wide)

No.2: What is the Brooklyn Bridge height?

133 ft  or 40.5 m, above the high tide mark.

No.3: What year was the Brooklyn Bridge built?

Construction of the Brooklyn Bridge started on the 2nd January 1870.

 

No.4: When was the Brooklyn Bridge built?

Want to know how long did it take to build the Brooklyn bridge?

Building the Brooklyn Bridge started in 1870.

Almost 14 years later, in 1883, it was all done!

No.5: How old is the Brooklyn Bridge?

This year, the Brooklyn bridge is 136 years old!

No.6: When is the best time to walk across Brooklyn Bridge NYC?

It depends on your goal!

Sunset is popular for lovers and tourists.

Families love the early morning, and so do NYC commuters, before the hoards of tourists arrive.

No.7: How did the Brooklyn Bridge construction happen?

The world’s first steel-wire suspension bridge was the first fixed crossing across the East River, and was originally designed to carry horse-drawn vehicles and elevated railway lines. 

Now it’s a bridge for cars, bikes and people.

No.8: Where is the Brooklyn Bridge?

It spans the boroughs of Brooklyn and New York, over the East River.

No.9: Who designed the Brooklyn Bridge in New York?

The original Brooklyn Bridge designer was German immigrant John Augustus Roebling.

A redesign of the bridge was designed by David B. Steinman in 1948.

No.10: Can you drive on the Brooklyn Bridge?

Yes, these days you can.

Brooklyn Bridge Location, Entry fees and Opening hours 

Address: The Brooklyn heights address using GPS is Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY 10038, USA

Brooklyn Bridge Opening Hours: Brooklyn Bridge Walk is free and open to visitors 365 days a year.

Brooklyn Bridge cost: Free entry

How to get to Brooklyn Bridge entrance on the Brooklyn side

Wondering how to walk the Brooklyn Bridge?

The official Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway begins at Tillary Street and Adams Street.

This is also the main entry to the bicycle lane too.

The entrance is smack bang in the middle of an intersection, making it a hazardous entry with kids!

There’s an alternative short cut which is safer (see ‘Shortcut’ below)

Need directions to Brooklyn Bridge?

By subway: If you do decide to start here, take the subway to Borough Hall Station, (2,3 or the 4,5 train) or the N or R train to Court Street Station. Then walk a few minutes to the starting point.

By car: Get Brooklyn Bridge directions by car here

Brooklyn Bridge Parking

Find the best Brooklyn Bridge parking here.

Limited metered parking is available on Furman Street near Pier 2.

SHORTCUT – Brooklyn Bridge Directions

Find the Pedestrian Walkway entrance via the shortcut at Cadman Plaza Park

How to find the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian entrance

We reached the bridge via a shortcut entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge walkway from the park opposite the High Street Station.

To go the same way as we did, catch the A or C train to High Street station, and take the High Street exit to the east.

• As you exit the station, you’ll see a green park across the road (Cadman Plaza Park)
• Cross the street to enter the park, then follow the curved concrete pathway around to the left. There’s a steady stream of people walking it in both directions. You can’t go wrong.
• Keep walking until you reach the underpass. Look to the left to find a set of stairs on Washington Street that lead up to the bridge.
• Stick to your left to join the walking lane.
• Always look out for cyclists on the bridge. They are in a hurry, and can be impatient with tourists, especially ones that get in their way.

This is our preferred entrance to Brooklyn Bridge for kids.

Main Pedestrian Walkway Entrance

Where to eat at Brooklyn Bridge?

Bluestone Lane DUMBO coffee shop is at 55 Prospect St, Brooklyn. It’s the closest cafe to the entrance of Brooklyn Bridge.

There’s lots of food and drink options in and around Brooklyn Bridge Park also.

Bathrooms near Brooklyn Bridge? 

The closest bathroom to Brooklyn Bridge can be found in Cadman Plaza Park, which is located next to the Brooklyn Bridge.

The toilets/restrooms are next to the War Memorial.

The bathrooms are open all year round.

You can also find rest rooms on the Brooklyn side at Brooklyn Bridge Park at the end of Old Fulton Street, or on Pier 1 or 2.

Disability access: Yes. Although, only stair access on the shortcut.
Closest playground: Brooklyn Bridge Park
Shade: No. Bring hats on sunny days.
Enclosed: Yes, but keep children close.
Scooters and Bikes: Yes. BYO.
Dogs: On leash only.

No.3: Visit Brooklyn Bridge Park

Under the Brooklyn Bridge, on the Brooklyn side of the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge Park has fun stuff for kids and families to do.

If you are looking for things to do near Brooklyn Bridge, pop it on your itinerary.

You could spend a WHOLE DAY walking from Pier 6 back around to Pier 1 (on the left hand side of the bridge), then under the bridge around to the Empire Fulton Ferry Park, to Jane’s Carousel (the Brooklyn Bridge Park carousel), and the Mainstreet Park playground too.

There’s also the famous Brooklyn Bridge park movies.

It’s FREE family fun for everyone. 

If you are looking for things to do in Brooklyn with kids, or things to do near Brooklyn Bridge in particular, make the Brooklyn Bridge Park your first stop.

No.4: Enjoy brunch with your American Girl Doll 

In New York City, you can take your American Girl doll out for lunch.

Or morning tea.

Or afternoon tea.

Or whenever you can secure that elusive reservation.

It’s a very popular experience for families! 

My boys were outnumbered by girls 100 to 1, (it is the American GIRL cafe) but two-year-old Jack was super into it, even if his older brother was a little more reserved.

(There was one other boy present, a brother to a sister and daughter celebrating a birthday)

On arrival, the kids were asked to choose an American girl doll friend to join them, as we hadn’t brought our own.

When Jack was seated next to his chosen American doll girl, he put his hand on hers, and rarely let go throughout our entire stay.

It was a heart melting moment.

How to make American Girl Cafe Reservations

Click the blue link to make your American Girl Doll Cafe NYC reservations for:

• Brunch
• Afternoon Tea, or
• Dinner.

Book as soon as you can to secure your ideal time, and date.

The American Girl store cafe bookings sell out quickly.

Bookings open three months in advance.

A deposit is required for parties of 6 or more.

Guide to American Girl Cafe Prices

Brunch was $21 plus tax per person, which is a hefty sum for a teeny-tiny-weeny meal BUT you pay for the experience, not the food.

Generously, they didn’t charge for the two-year-old but still gave him his own brunch meal to eat.

The cost of brunch included a miniature pink plastic saucer and matching white mug with a flower decoration placed in front of the doll.

This was a take-home keepsake for the kids, and one they were pretty happy with.

Jack did eventually have to say goodbye to his new American Girl doll friend who’d joined us for brunch.

He wasn’t so happy about that!

First up on the American Girl Cafe Brunch menu, a Warm Welcome of a miniature Cinnamon Bun drizzled with sugar syrup. 

Cinnamon rolls are an American Girl tradition.

(Hot tip: Search their website for the American Girl Cinnamon Rolls recipe)

Brunch at the American Girl Store New York also includes a beverage of choice from this list of drinks:

• hot tea
• herbal tea
• hot cocoa
• milk
• chocolate milk
• apple or orange juice
• pink lemonade, or
• a soft drink.

Drinks at the American Girl NYC Cafe

The boys chose pink lemonade. Of course.

There’s a range of non-alcoholic drinks on the American Girl cafe menu including:

• a Strawberry Smoothie, and
• a Shirley Temple.

Alcoholic beverages for adults could be purchased separately.

Indulge in: 

• Mimosas
• Bellinis
• Red or White Wine, or
• Beer

American Girl Cafe menu food

The American Girl Brunch main dish was a choice of one item from this list:

• French toast with maple syrup and bacon
• A fresh fruit plate with fruit and greek yoghurt parfait, crunchy granola and a mini blueberry muffin
• Vegetable quiche, served with fresh fruit
• Focaccia egg sandwich with applewood bacon, served with fresh fruit
• Eggs benedict on an english muffin, topped with hollandaise sauce, served with home-style breakfast potatoes
• Perfect pancakes – deli
• Breakfast skillet of scrambled eggs, chicken, grilled cubed potatoes, and topped with melted cheddar cheese and served with salsa and sour cream

Ned chose Perfect Pancakes, delightful heart-shaped pancakes topped with powered sugar, and served with maple syrup, and bacon or sausage, and a fruit kabob.

I had the Eggs Benedict, which was tasty though on the smallish side.

Signature Chocolate Mousse Flowerpot at American Girl Store Cafe NYC

Dessert was the highlight.

Specifically, their signature Chocolate Mousse Flowerpot, strange as it was to eat out of a tiny plastic plant pot. The mousse came with a miniature fruit kebab stick (kabob!) too.

There was a pink box on the table filled with ‘conversation starters’.

They included questions such as:

• ‘If you owned a horse, what would you name it?, and
• ‘What’s the biggest surprise you’ve ever had?’ 

This was a bit of fun to pass the time while we waited for the food to arrive. You buy your own Table Talkers souvenir for $12 in the shop.

In the newly opened American Girl Store in the Rockefeller Center, the American Girl cafe is on the Ground Floor, unlike the one on 5th Ave which was on the 3rd floor with views of the posh street, and natural light.

But, it has FLOWER MOTIFS on the ceiling and shiny pink satin padded seating!

We’ve heard mixed reviews, but I don’t think a lack of light is going to stop people booking this iconic Mother-Daughter date at American Girl cafe in New York.

I’m glad I took the boys.

It’s important for boys to champion a place where girls take centre stage, but more than that, American Girl Place is the home of creativity, purpose, and play, and that’s something I want all boys to see.

American Girl Birthday Party Bookings 

As well as the open plan cafe seating in the American Girl Restaurant NYC, the American Girl Place Cafe in New York has two American Girl birthday party rooms.

These private party rooms are fitted with flat screen tv’s and boardroom style tables to seat larger groups hosting an American Girl doll birthday party.

Imagine being a birthday girl at an American Girl cafe birthday celebration!

Book your American Girl party today.

The New American Girl Place New York

The American Girl Store in Manhattan moved from 5th Avenue to the Rockefeller Center, and is now a two-level shop accessible by escalator and elevator.

It’s a glittering, glamorous retail hub with raindrop chandeliers, glossy design, and dazzling displays.

First Floor (Street Level) at American Girl Manhattan

A department-store style layout with pretty displays of your favourite American Girl Dolls including:

• Wellie Wishers dolls
• BeForever dolls
• American Girl Doll of the Year display 
• American Girl doll food
• American Girl doll clothes
• American Girl doll accessories
• A fabulous touchscreen personalisation station!  Kids can design their own One of a Kind American Girl doll here.
• the elegant and decadent American Girl Doll Salon- the centrepiece of the store. A must-see! (more details below)

Ground Floor at American Girl NYC

What you’ll find: 

• American Girl books and DVDS
• American Girl Bitty Baby displays
• American Girl Cafe

American Girl Doll Collections

Find all your favourite BeForever American Girl Dolls in store. 

Choose from Samantha, Kit, Kaya, Addy, Felicity, Josefina, Nanea, Maryellen,  Melody, Rebecca, and the ever popular, Julie Albright.

There are so many American Girl doll names, styles, looks and hair colours to choose from, it’s almost impossible to stop at one.

Click here to request the current American Girl doll catalog.

No.1: American Girl Bitty Baby Dolls

American Girl Doll Bitty Baby dolls inspire precious first steps into learning, loving play, and imagination as girls care for these little people. 

Priced from US$60.

No.2: American Girl Wellie Wishers

Priced from US $60, WellieWishers are a “sweet and silly group of girls who each have the same big, bright wish: to be a good friend.” 

Cute.

No.3: Create your Own One of a Kind American Girl Doll

Design your own doll from head to toe, with over 1 million options – hair style, hair length, skin tone, accessories, clothing, and look.

Dolls can even be fitted with hearing aids if needed.

Kids can also design their own clothes for their doll, and order matching outfits for them too!

American Doll Hair Salon

At the all-new American Girl Salon at the American Girl store, girls and their dolls can enjoy a bit of pampering!

The American Doll hair salon is where girls and dolls can choose matching hairstyles, mini manicures, and have their ears pierced (yes, the dolls too!).

Dolls can even enjoy a trip to the ‘Day Spa’ with a signature treatment, all while wrapped in a pink terry robe!

All these doll-and-child beauty makeovers happens in a purpose-built American Girl Store Hair Salon room with mirrors, hair salon chairs, and iconic floor-to-ceiling glass windows with views of 52nd street.

American Girl Doll salon

The American Doll salon also features shiny white laminated benchtops, fancy lighting, and Tiffany-blue padded seating where the kids (and moms) can sit while the Beauty Salon staff bring portable nail bars to you.

It’s a girls dream come true. (A Moms dream salon too! It’s spick and span.)

Hot tip: WellieWishers dolls can now have their ears pierced too. (Dolls with ear piercing!)

American Girl salon reservations may be made in store if you are lucky, but book online to avoid disappointment.

Allow at least an hour before your American Girl cafe reservation to ensure your girls (both real and mini) are ready in time!

MORE American Girl Cafe Locations

There are other American Girl cafes throughout America. If you are wondering which American girl stores have cafes, take a look below.

No.1: American Girl Cafe Los Angeles

Click here for American Girl Los Angeles.

Serves Afternoon Tea, Lunch and Dinner.

No.2: American Girl Restaurant Chicago

Click here for American Girl Chicago. 

Serves Brunch, Afternoon Tea, Lunch and Dinner.

No.3: American Girl Bistro Nashville.

Click here for American Girl Nashville. Or check in-store for details.

No.4: American Girl Atlanta Bistro

Click here for American Girl Atlanta.

Serves Brunch, Afternoon Tea, Lunch and Dinner.

No.5 American Girl Dallas

Click here for American Girl Bistro Dallas.

Serves Brunch, Afternoon Tea, Lunch and Dinner.

Boston, Houston and Miami also have American Girl Bistros at the American Girl Place.

Hot tip: Make your American Girl Bistro reservations well in advance.

American Girl Events in NYC

There’s also a bunch of fun American Girl events held at most American Girl Store locations.

Events in New York include:

• a Sightseeing Tour of New York on the Circle Line, with dinner in the cafe afterwards. 
• a trip to the Theatre to see Wicked
• painting workshops, and
• Science workshops too.

Check the website for details.

Can’t make it to American Girl Place in NYC in person yet?

There’s tonnes of American Girl stuff to play, do, and learn if you can’t make it in person.

• Create your own American Girl doll to match your little girl’s features here. Add freckles, your choice of hair colour and style, and the perfect outfit.
• There’s a bunch of super fun American Girl doll games on the American Girl website.
• If your girls love coloring in, find American Girl coloring pages here. 

You can learn how to care for American girl doll hair here. 

Where is the American girl cafe in New York?  Location, Opening hours, Prices

Address:  The American Girl Store Cafe in Manhattan is now located at 75 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10019
Telephone: +1 877-247-5223
Website: Click here

American Girl Store NYC Hours

• Monday to Thursday 10am – 7pm
• Friday 10:00 a.m. — 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday 9:00 a.m. — 9:00 p.m.
• Sunday 9:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m.

American Girl Cafe Opening Hours NYC

• Monday 11:00 a.m. — 1:30 p.m.
• Tuesday 11:00 a.m. — 1:30 p.m.
• Wednesday 11:00 a.m. — 1:30 p.m.
• Thursday 11:00 a.m. — 1:30 p.m.
• Friday 11:00 a.m. — 5:30 p.m.
• Saturday 9:30 a.m. — 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday 9:30 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

Note: Extended hours during vacation times.

American Girl New York entry fees: Free entry.The dress code for American Girl doll cafe is smart casual.

American Girl cafe prices

• American Girl bistro menu prices start at $15.50 US plus tax for an starter and main.
• Cafe bookings for Brunch start from $21.
• Ala carte menus available for lunch and dinner.

How to get to the American Girl Cafe from the Empire State Building

By Bus: Catch the M5 (red) or M7 (blue) bus from theAv of the Americas/w 34 St along 6th Avenue to Av of the Americas/w 51 St

By Subway Train: Take the D or F train (orange line) from 34 Street-Herald Sq Station to 47-50 Streets – Rockefeller Center

On Foot: 20 minutes walk north along 5th Avenue to Rockefeller Center

By Car/Taxi/Uber: Disembark at West 52nd St and 5th Avenue.

Parking at American Girl Place in New York?

Many parking garages are available nearby.

No.5: Eloise at the Plaza

One of the first things on our New York bucket list for kids was to visit the home of the mischievious and fanciful Eloise.

This well-known book character is famous for her residency in the Penthouse Suite at one of New York’s most expensive and exclusive hotels, the Plaza New York.

Imagine that kind of life!

Once inside the famous Plaza hotel in New York, we headed straight for the Eloise at the Plaza Store downstairs to find what Eloise at the Plaza merchandise we could buy to commemorate our visit.

Take a sneak peek inside here. 

A visit to the Plaza should be on your itinerary if only to take a sticky beak at the opulence. 

No.6: LEGO Store Rockefeller Center

There’s so many things to do and see at the LEGO store in the Rockefeller Center. 

• Buy up big at the The Lego Store at Rockefeller Center PICK’n’MIX wall!
• Play with the LEGO digital box
• Build your own minifigures
• Play virtual LEGO games

You’ll find unique iconic NYC Lego sets you can’t buy anywhere else. 

Bring your wallet and make sure it’s full. 

You won’t leave here empty handed.

Take a sneak peek inside here. 

No.7:  Hudson River Greenway Bike Path and Walking Trail 

An unexpected highlight of our trip to New York City was the day we strolled along the Hudson River Greenway walking and bike path.

Starting from Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan in New York, and making it all the way to Pier 51, the kids playing at all the New York City playgrounds along the way.

We didn’t make it all the way to the end of the trail as the sun was setting (it stops at the Little Red Lighthouse underneath George Washington Bridge), but we’ll be back.

The best day out in New York City for families on a budget is the Hudson River Greenway walk & bike path. It’s a chance to hang out with local families.

Hot tip: If you aren’t coming back this way, start your day by turning left from Bowling Green station and walk about 800 metres.

This is where you’ll find the Imagination Playground at South Street Seaport. (see Playgrounds section for pictures and detals) 

If you have them with you, take your bikes or scooters for a ride along this Hudson River bike path.

If you don’t, you can hire bikes and bike trailers locally. 

Best Hudson River Park playgrounds

As you begin your Manhattan Greenway adventure, working your way along the Greenway bike path you’ll go past these Hudson River playground areas:

No.1: Hudson River Park Pier 25 Playground & Tribeca skate park

No.2: Hudson River Park Pier 51 Playground

No.3: Rockefeller Park playground at Hudson River Park

No.4: Tom Otterness sculptures 

(Read all about each one in the PLAYGROUNDS section below) 

RELATED: Hire a bike for an hour or a day pass with Hudson River Bike Rentals

Hudson River Walkway route

The Manhattan waterfront greenway is a 12.9 mile pathway away from traffic.

It’s made of concrete and asphalt, and runs along the Hudson River waterfront with the Manhattan CBD on the other side.

It’s definitely one of the MOST picturesque city walks you can take, and it’s NEW YORK CITY.

There’s nowhere better to take your time and enjoy a wander and stroll in this fast-paced town.

Hudson River Greenway Map of Route in New York City

Grab a Manhattan map of the whole route here. 

This Hudson River waterfront walkway map is the best walking map of Manhattan.

Walking along this greenway in New York is a godsend when you have kids in tow, and need a break from the hustle and bustle of the CBD.

If you leave the NYC Greenway where we did, head to the High Line.

It’s another iconic NYC destination, and only minutes away.

Walking (and riding bikes) is one of our favourite things to do when we visit a city to get a LOCAL’s perspective.

The greenway takes you all the way up to Central Park so you can see this famous park too. 

Image credit: Mason Dahl via Unsplash

Best Hudson River Greenway entrances? 

Check this map to find entrances for Hudson River greenway.

They are represented as a yellow dot. 

Here they are in summary: 

• Battery Park playground
• W. 56th St
• W. 72nd St
• W. 133rd St
• W. 157th St
• W. 181st St

Image credit: The Turducken via Flickr CC BY 2.0

FAQ about Hudson River Greenway – Is the Hudson River Greenway safe?

During daylight hours, it’s totally safe for families. 

At dusk or later at night, it’s wise to visit in groups. 

Much of the path is lit at night also. 

BOOK NOW: New York Highline & Greenwich Village Combo Tour

Hudson River Greenway Location, Opening hours and Entry fees 

Hudson Greenway Bike Trail & Walk Address: Hudson River Greenway starts at Battery Park and runs along to the Little Red Lighthouse under the George Washington Bridge.
Website: Click here
Opening Hours: Sunrise to sunset. Some areas of the pathway are lit at night.
Entry Fees: Free

How to get to the Hudson River Greenway Trail

Our tip is to start at Battery Park right at the tip of Manhattan island.

By Car:  We recommend public transport as parking in the area is limited. 

Hudson River Greenway parking:

There is a parking lot located at Front and John Streets. Another lot is available at 294 Pearl Street.

By Subway:

• Catch the subway from Times Square to Bowling green subway station.
• Then walk about 5 minutes to Battery Park and the beginning of the Hudson River Walkway NYC. 

No.8: Best Things to do at Battery Park NYC with kids

No.1: Seaglass Carousel

After a play at Imagination Playground, walk back towards Battery Park and take the kids to the SeaGlass carousel.

The Sea Glass carousel in New York is one of the most, if not the most, beautiful carousel in the world, filled with sparkly fish and sea creatures to ride in.

It’s spectacular! 

No.2: Staten Island Ferry trip

If you have time, take a trip on the Staten Island ferry to get up close and personal with the Statue of Liberty, and visit Governors Island too. 

No.3: Governors Island playgrounds

Hot tip: Governors Island has two fabulous playground for kids if you have time to visit: 

• the Yard tinker playground on Hammock Grove, and
• the Hills playground where the slides on Slide Hill are 57 feet long!

How to get to Battery Park in New York City

By Subway:

• Take a 4 or 5 subway trains to Bowling Green subway station
• Take the 1 train to Rector Street or South Ferry station
• N, R to Whitehall Street or Rector Street
• A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4,5 to Fulton Street Station. You will have to walk about 10 minutes south on Broadway from this Station.

By Bus:

• M55 Downtown
• M15 Downtown
• M20 to South Ferry Downtown

By Car:

We recommend taking public transport as parking can be expensive in Lower Manhattan.

No.8: Visiting Empire State Building with kids 

The Empire State Building features in the list of the top 10 iconic buildings in New York.

It’s one of the tallest New York skyscrapers in New York and gives you fabulous 360 degree views of Manhattan, New York City, and beyond on a sunny day.

Those super fast elevators are the highlight!

Tips for visiting the Empire State Building for kids

1. Be FLEXIBLE with your New York itinerary so you can head up on a clear day if at all possible. I wouldn’t waste my time or money heading up if it’s overcast. There’s nothing to see.
2. Buy some kind of EXPRESS PASS to skip the lines.
3. Book central accommodation and GO EARLY. Visit between 8am and 11am.

New York doesn’t really get going till 10am, so take advantage of late sleeping tourists and beat the crowds with a short walk.

HOT TIP: Book an Empire State Building AM/PM Experience Ticket and go up twice in one day!  (Day & Night)

The observatories are on the 86th and 102nd floors.

An average of 4 million visitors take the elevator to the top each year.

That is exactly why an express pass to the top is necessary during the summer and holiday periods!

Enter through the new guest entrance and Visitor Center on 34th Street.

This is a spacious, fully air-conditioned venue designed for visitors to orient themselves, clear security, and buy tickets at the self-serving kiosks (or print if you buy tickets online).

BYO snacks and a small water bottle for the kids to avoid potential meltdowns in queues.

Book a COMBO TICKET with Get your guide

Includes: 

• 2 Day Pass on Hop on Hop Off Bus
• Empire State Building 86th Floor Observatory.
• Includes FREE 1-hr cruise past Statue of Liberty! 

Empire State Building Observation Deck 86th Floor 

The Observation Deck on the 86th floor wraps around the building’s spire, providing 360-degree views of New York and beyond.

From up here, you’ll get one-of-a-kind views of:

• Central Park
• The Hudson River and East River
• The Brooklyn Bridge
• Times Square
• The Statue of Liberty,
• and much more.

The official Observatory Experience app teaches you about your view from every direction.

Then take advantage of the high-powered binoculars to get a closer look.

Visitors now exit Empire State Building through the lobby.

This is where you can see the Art Deco inspired ceiling murals and spot the famous image of the Empire State Building with beams of light radiating out from the mast.

(It’s above the front desk.)

Hot tip: Love Superheroes? Book a 3-Hour SUPERHERO Bus Tour to see where they filmed your fave action movies featuring Comic Book legends!

Buy the tickets to the 102nd floor observatory.

It’s extra but worth it!

You only live once.

The Top Deck 102nd floor observatory at Empire State Building is the spot to see the most spectacular views of the city, the grid of streets, Central Park, and up to 80 miles beyond.

Top of the Rock or Empire State Building?

Why not both?

Top of the Rock is much less crowded, for a similar view.

But if you have to choose, the Empire State Building wins the vote simply by being a New York Bucket List attraction.

Outside of New York, who has heard of the Top of the Rock?

Fun Empire State Building Facts for Kids

Take a look at all this Empire State Building information and facts about the Empire State building.

No.1: How tall is the Empire State Building?

It’s a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.

The height of Empire State building stands a total of 1,454 feet (443.2 m) tall, including its antenna.

No.2: Why is the Empire State Building famous?

It was the tallest building in New York for many, many years.

The building has been named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

No.3: When was the Empire State Building built?

Construction on the building itself started on March 17, 1930, with an average construction rate of one floor per day.

The base covers 2 acres!

No.4: How long did it take to build the Empire State building?

It opened on May 1, 1931, thirteen and a half months after the first steel beam was erected.

No.5: How many floors in the Empire State Building?

If you are wondering how many floors are in the Empire State building, wonder no longer.

The building has 85 floors of commercial and office space.

No.6: Why do tourists visit the Empire State Building?

To check out the indoor and outdoor observation decks on the 86th floor, and take in the views of New York city from this awesome vantage point.

The 86th floor is the the highest floor within the actual tower.

The remaining 16 stories are part of the Art Deco spire, which is capped by a second observatory tourists can access on the 102nd-floor.

Interestingly, the spire is hollow with no floors between levels 86 and 102.

No.7: What is the Empire State Building used for?

According to their website,

“The Empire State Building is the center of the New York City and tri-state region’s broadcasting operations.

Its technology supports delivery of broadcasting signals to cable and satellite systems and directly to television and radio receivers reaching over 7.4 million television households, representing over 6.5% of all TV households in the U.S.”

More commonly, it’s an office building, home of many local and international companies going about their daily business.

Empire State Building View

No.8: What color is the Empire State Building?

The exterior of the building is clad in Indiana limestone panels sourced from the Empire Mill in Sanders, Indiana, which give the building its signature blonde color.

No.9: Why do the Empire State Building colors change?

On a regular basis, the Empire State building colors change to highlight or celebrate particular events such as Valentines Day, St Patricks Day, Memorial Day, Red Nose Day,

They change to red, white and blue for Labor Day, and rainbow colors with an hourly sparkle for World Pride day.

They may change colors for a film shoot too.

The building lights were changed to blue and red in honor of the film, Spider-Man: Far from Home.

Take a look here for the calendar of upcoming tower lightings.

No.10: How many steps in Empire State Building?

The building rises 1,860 steps from the first to the 102nd floor

No.11: What’s at the top of Empire State Building?

Atop the tower is the 203 ft (61.9 m) pinnacle, much of which is covered by broadcast antennas, and surmounted with a lightning rod.

No.12: How many elevators in the Empire State Building?

The Empire state building has 6,500 windows and 73 elevators including service elevators.

With thanks to Empire State Building Wikipedia

Movies that Feature the Empire State Building

How many movies feature the Empire State Building?

It has been featured in more than 250 TV shows and movies since the film King Kong was released in 1933.

Our favourite movie featuring the Empire State Building is ELF with Will Ferrell.

(Here’s a few facts you probably didn’t know about the movie ELF)

Empire State Building App

A free multimedia tour APP is included with every admission to the Empire State Building.

Kids love this. Ned was fascinated with the history of the building, and pointing out iconic landmarks too.

Download the APP for free from either the Apple Store or Google Play, or connect once on-site via their free Wi-Fi.

Empire State Building Live Cam

Take a look at the Empire State Building Live cam to watch the building light up!

Empire State Building Opening Hours, Location and Tickets

Empire State Building Address: 20 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10118

It’s located on the west side of Fifth Avenue (between 5th & 6th Avenue) between West 33rd and 34th Streets.

Website: Click here

What time does the Empire State building open? 

It’s open every day, including all holidays, 365 days a year, rain or shine from 8am to 2am.

We suggest visiting between 8am and 11am to avoid the bulk of the crowds.

Empire State Building Tickets Price

Hot tip: Buy tickets online to get the best available price.

• Kids under six are free. If you’re bringing a stroller, you’ll need to fold it before entering the elevator.
• 86th Floor observatory only: Prices start from $38 adults, $32 children 6-12 years and seniors from $36.
• 86th floor AND 102nd floor: Prices start from $58 adults and $52 children 6-12 years.

Empire State Building Fast Pass

Empire State Building Skip the Line tickets (VIP express passes) to the 86th floor start at $73 for all guests.

Buy Express Passes online here to skip the lines.

NB: If you are buying online, you can only buy the ESB passes to the 86th floor.

Upgrade upon arrival and pay the difference at the counter.

Empire State Building Tickets Discount

The cost to go up Empire state building can be reduced by finding a discount pass.

We recommend buying your discount entry to Empire State Building with KLOOK. We buy all our discount entries to local attractions with Klook where possible.

• If you have a New York Pass, you get FREE ENTRY to The Empire State Building Observatory. Save $43.55.
• If you have a New York City Pass, you get one-time FREE general admission entry to the 86th floor observatory, plus bonus same-night general admission, plus entry to 5 more top NYC attractions. Look out for City Pass sales. This sometimes drops the price of the New York City pass by up to 45%!

NB: Both these New York passes only allow you entry to the 86th floor.

Empire State Building tickets 102nd floor

Wondering how to buy tickets to the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building observatory?

You will need to purchase the add-on of the 102nd floor observatory at the counter when you arrive, either at the entrance, or on the 86th floor.

The current cost of the ticket is $20 per person.

Conditions of Empire State Building Tickets and Express Passes:

• Observatory tickets purchased online may be used at any time from one year of purchase.
• Tickets purchased at the ticket office may be used at any time from 14 days of purchase.
• Express Pass tickets are not sold on the streets in front of the Empire State Building, only on this website or from our onsite ticket office

How to get to the Empire State Building

The closest subway stop is 34th Street/ Herald Square.

The closest Big Bus hop on hop off Tour stop is Stop 4 on Downtown route and stop 32 on Uptown route

Click here for directions

Parking at Empire State Building.

Our tip? Leave the car at home.

 

Nearest takeaway coffee and/or food options: Click here for restaurants and cafes in the Empire State Building.
Toilets: Yes, including baby change table. Go BEFORE you head up to the observation decks.
Disability access: Yes

Image credit: Liubov Ilchuk via Unsplash

No.9: Best Things to do in Central Park New York City

Hot tip: While you are in Central Park, check out:

• the Hans Christian Anderson Statue
• the Alice in Wonderland statue, AND
• the iconic pond that was the setting for the boat race in the Stuart Little movie – Conservatory Water

(You can hire remote control boats too!).

You can also visit Central Park Zoo (see the section on Animals, Zoos and Wildlife Sanctuaries below)

There’s also a whole bunch of cool playgrounds (read about them in the Playgrounds section below). 

When you have finished playing, head over the road to the Plaza Hotel and visit the Eloise at the Plaza store to see how the other half live! 

How to get to Central Park by Subway or other transport

By Subway Train: Q train (Yellow line)Stop at Lexington Av – 63 St Subway Station

By Subway Train: 4,5,6 Train (Green line) 68 Street Station

On Foot: Enter at the 65th street

By Taxi/Uber: Exit at 65th and 5th Ave

Central Park Parking

 There is no parking in Central Park.

Many parking garages are available nearby.

No.10: Times Square New York City

Here’s one of the most UNIQUE things to do in NYC with a Gnome!  Get him on the kiss cam in Times Square.

Roam the Gnome was on KISS CAM in Times Square New York- we have proof!

MORE FUN THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK WITH KIDS

No.1: Tom Otterness Park New York City

There’s lots of unique art and design in NYC, including the Tom Otterness sculptures. 

Check out super cute statues in Battery Park.

Hot tip: There is a Tom Otterness playground for New York kids too – a giant copper cartoon man whose legs are a SLIDE!

Find it  at 630 W 42nd St, New York.

It’s close to Pier 81.

Keep walking a little further north. 

The Tom Otterness bronze sculptures pop up in the strangest spots.

These whimsical creatures imitate life with a genuine honesty.

My boys and I could not get enough.

It’s fabulous to see public art on display in this great city.

We want more!

Such a variety of sculptures can be found at this Tom Otterness exhibition of his art.

This face was intriguing!

Tom Otterness Battery Park

Installed in 1992, the collection of Bronze Sculptures by Tom Otterness is much loved by locals, and it’s now one of New York’s most popular public art collections with both kids and grown ups.

The Real World New York 1992

The Real World installation is full of cute fairy tale characters, hiding in plain sight.

If you look closely enough, you can see there’s a strong theme of money running through the installation.

Interpret that how you will.

Tom Otterness Studio

You can see more of the original photos of these bronze figurines here.

 “The Real World” Battery Park Esplanade 

Tom Otterness Sculptures Location, Opening hours 

Address: “The Real World” sculpture display by artist Tom Otterness is located at the South end of Rockefeller Park at the intersection of River Terrace and Warren Street New York.
Website: Click here for a video sneak peek!
Opening Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Entry Fees: Free

No.2: FDNY Fire Zone Attraction 

Climb aboard a fire truck, try on a bunker coat, learn how to action against the power of fire.

The FDNY Fire Zone is a state-of-the-art fire safety learning center run by the FDNY Foundation in association with the New York City Fire Dept. 

Buy cool NYC souvenirs at the FDNY Fire Zone attraction.

It’s the place to buy officially licensed FDNY clothing and souvenirs.

Address: 34W 51st St Rockefeller Center, New York City NY 

WHERE TO SHOP IN NEW YORK CITY FOR SOUVENIRS ANDN GIFTS 

Shopping in New York City with kids? Start here. 

No.1: Best New York Souvenirs

Reminder: Read this comprehensive NEW YORK CITY SOUVENIRS GUIDE before you do a thing.

It is EVERYTHING you need to know about buying the best souvenirs in NYC. 

No.2: Dylan’s Candy Bar New York

Feed your Sweet Tooth at the famous Dylan’s Candy Bar, New York

Pucker Powder Stand? Tick.

Penny candy to pick and mix? Tick.

Jumbo Gummy KILLER WHALES?

YES, these things…

AND SO MUCH MORE! 

There’s OVER 5000 nostalgic and modern day candies and lollies to choose from the best candy store in NYC, Dylan’s Candy Store in New York.

PLUS this nostalgic candy store has a dine-in Candy Cafe with RAINBOW COLOURED CUPCAKE BOOTHS!

Take a sneak peek inside here

No.3: Visit the Empire State Building Gift Shop

Visit the souvenir shop on the 2nd floor.  This freshly renovate Empire State Building gift store is one of the best shops in New York for iconic and unique New York souvenirs.

You’ll find something special among this curated range of New York gifts and souvenirs including:

• Empire State building clothing and apparel
• Christmas ornaments
• Empire State Building doorman teddy bears
• NYPD die cast cars
• ESB playing cards
• pop up books
• model kits
• puzzles
• a range of sweets and chocolates
• keychains
• magnets
• mugs
• shot glasses
• globes
• Empire State Building replicas,
• and more.

The Empire State Building Gift Store is open seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m.

HOT TIP: BUY Empire State Building LEGO at the LEGO Brick Store Rockefeller Center!

WHERE TO EAT IN NEW YORK WITH KIDS 

Wondering where to go and what to do in New York when the hunger hits?

No.1: Speedys Deli

Kids tired and hungry? Visit Speedy’s for a quick takeout meal & a fresh juice drink

No.2: Where to eat in Central Park near Billy Johnson Playground

The nearest takeaway coffee and food is at the Dancing Crane Cafe

The menu features wide variety of meals, snacks, and beverages for both Park and Zoo visitors.

Plus, there’s indoor and outdoor seating.

BEST PLAYGROUNDS IN NEW YORK CITY 

Hand on heart, my favourite thing about travelling with kids is exploring local playgrounds.

It’s hands-down the best way to find and meet locals, if only for a few minutes chat. Manhattan locals are happy to share their top tips on the best places to visit with kids in New York.

We have been given so many golden nuggets of insider travel from awesome mums (moms) and dads we’ve met while pushing a swing, catching a child at the bottom of a slide, or sharing a smile as our offspring played alongside one another, as brand new ‘best friends’.

No.1: Heckscher Park Playground in Central Park

The friendly policemen pointed us in the right direction to Heckscher Playground, the oldest playground in Central Park in New York. 

But before we headed off, we took that iconic photo with a New York City policeman selfie.

Because you have to, right?

(It made our day!)

Then the kids RACED across the grass to this well known New York playground for kids, Heckscher Playground. 

Explore stone forts and tunnels at the popular Heckscher Park Playground in Central Park

If you are looking for unique playgrounds in New York city, THIS is it.

Heckscher Park Playground, the oldest playground in Central Park, was originally built back in 1926!

Integrated with the natural rock landscape, the playground is pretty spectacular, even though it’s a little grey. 

This childrens playground is a fort-and-tunnel style with:

• bridge walks
• turrets
• multiple slides

Underground tunnels cut their way through stone domes.

Multiple slides take the children back down from up high on the forts.

The playground backs onto giant-sized boulder rock formations – a parkour lover’s dream.

These rocks are just as good as the playground equipment – kids are all over them!

I can’t quite put my finger on what this part of the playground reminds me of.

Heckscher playground looks like something out of the future, or perhaps the ancient past in Mayan culture. 

One minute, I’m thinking ancient Egyptian pyramids.

The next, future space stations on Mars.

One thing is for sure, this playground was before its’ time, and it continues to capture the imaginations of kids from around the world.

At Heckscher Park playground in Manhattan, there’s also :

• a water playground inside three adjoining paved circles (kind of like mystery crop circles…. the space theme continues!)

• a separate swing zone, with multiple swings
• two giant-sized slippery dips on either side

Heckscher Central Park Playground Giant Sandbox

Centre stage, there’s a giant sandpit zone, with a climbing net.

In the centre of the sandpit sits a twin-carriage toddler-sized slide set on a smaller pyramid structure.

The Heckscher playground at Central Park was reconstructed in 2005, and is fully fenced.

It’s definitely one of the best Manhattan playgrounds, and up there on our list of the best playgrounds in New York City for kids from toddlers to elementary school.

Heckscher Fields Central Park Ballgames

The Heckscher Ballfields consist of six baseball and softball fields.

Find them located at 63rd Street, west of the Carousel.

Baseball and softball leagues from all over the city play on these six fields every year.

You’ll be most likely to find a game in play during May to July, and there’s plenty of seating for you to stop and enjoy this New York family tradition.

New York Heckscher Park Events

There’s lots of FREE and low-cost Central Park events and attractions, including storytelling, guided walks, kids adventure tours and more.

Click the blue link for current Central Park events.

Visiting Central Park should be on your list if you are looking for interesting things to do in New York City with kids.

We spent three WHOLE days on our last trip wandering the park, visiting all the Central Park playgrounds and visiting the museums that border Central Park.

We barely scratched the surface!

Heckscher Park Central Park, a favourite with NY locals

Turns out the Heckscher Playground is a popular haunt with locals, and visiting families with kids, because it’s the closest playground to the W59th st entrance to Central Park.

This is the road across from The Plaza, where the horse-and-carriage rides wait.

It’s also within walking distance from:

• the Empire State building
• Radio City Music Hall 
• the Rockefeller Center LEGO brick store
• American Girl Cafe
• Eloise at the Plaza Gift Shop

Don’t be put off by the dry landscape if you are visiting after winter like we did.

Kids don’t care about a bit of dirt.

Look out for the Snack carts on site near the Heckscher playground.

Ballfields Cafe is the closest cafe for coffee and light meals.

Address: Heckscher Playground NYC is located at 7th Avenue and Central Park South, mid-park from 61st to 63rd Streets.
Telephone: 212-310-6600 (Information available Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Website: Click here  (Managed by Central Park Conservancy)

Heckscher Playground in Central Park opening hours: 7:30am until dusk

Entry Fees: Free entry

How to get to Heckscher Playground in Central Park

By Bus: From the Empire State Building, catch the M5 (Red line) or M7 (Blue line bus) up 6th Avenue. Disembark at Central PK S/6 Av

By Subway train: Catch the N or R train to 5 Ave Subway Station

On Foot: Entrance to Central Park South is opposite the Plaza Hotel on W 59th St Central Park S

By Taxi/Uber/Car: Drop off point is W 59th St Central Park South

Heckscher Playground Central Park parking

There is no parking in Central Park.

Many parking garages are available nearby.

Facilities at Central Park

Toilets: Restrooms onsite, including baby change table
Disability access: Limited
Closest ATM: There’s a Wells Fargo ATM two blocks south at 1755 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, USA
Enclosed: Yes.
Picnic tables: Yes, and bench seating
Electric BBQs: No
Water Bubblers/fountains: Yes
Scooters and Bikes: Yes
Dogs: On leash only.

Heckscher Playground is best for children ages 6 to 12.

At Hecksher playground, I chatted to a few Manhattan moms who gave us tips on:

• where to eat with kids in New York City
• where to find more Central Park swings, and
• fun interesting things to do in New York City with children in tow.

The places THEY go when they head out with the kids. NOT the tourist stuff.

They told us about all the other Central Park Children’s playgrounds we must visit.

Check them all out below. 

No.2: Billy Johnson Playground in Central Park

If you’ve ever searched for pictures of New York playgrounds, you will have seen the ICONIC GRANITE SLIDE!

Now you know where this vintage New York playground equipment is – Central Park!

Not only does it have the slide, it’s newly renovated and has a WATER PLAYGROUND too!

BYO cardboard, or borrow a piece from a fellow family, and you are all set.

Image credit:Brian Corsi

The Awesome Billy Johnson Playground Slide

The Billy Johnson 14 foot playground slide made from granite is by far the most popular feature at this park.

THIS is the famous big slide in Central park New York.

It’s still there.

Thank goodness.

My boys spent over an hour racing up through the log maze and back down the slide.

Image credit: Jesse Spector

The NEW Billy Johnson Playground New York

The Billy Johnson Playground, located in the park near East 67th Street, has recently undergone a restoration to add several new features, including more new water jets.

Plus, there’s a giant climbing net and fort with multiple platforms on different levels.

Image credit: Emily Anderson

(The new stairs next to the granite slide for toddlers)

There’s a second matching granite slide on the left of the original one – a smaller version for toddlers in New York City.

Image credit: Matt Binetti

Sandbox play at the Billy Johnson Playground NYC

The sandpit with ‘walk the plank’ benches for running along, or sitting upon remains intact.

BYO sandpit toys for the sandbox.

How about some of these:

• A bucket and spade
• ice cream scoops
• cereal scoops
• an old school whisk
• cookie cutters

Image credit: Manuel Gonzalez

Water Playground at Billy Johnson park

The water playground inside Billy Johnson park is a flat mosaic space surround by amphitheater seating. There’s hidden water sprays in the ground.

Kids need to press the interactive button to start the flow of water at this water feature, then can jump and jive over the spraying fountains!

There’s a few more scattered around the place too, including under the bridge.

Great fun on a hot day.

When it’s cold and dry, this is a fab space for kids to act out their stories to a captured audience.

Image credit: Pam Cheung

Nature Play in this Central Park Children’s Playground NYC

There’s all kinds of opportunities for imaginative play at Billy Johnson Playground.

Nature play is just one of them.

You’ll also find:

• a stone bridge (the playground bridge is ideal Troll Bridge for fun storytelling games)
• hide-and-seek pockets of fun

Image credit: Emily Anderson

Central Park Swings for toddlers

There’s a row with:

• three new bucket swings
• an all abilities swing
• a tire swing too

All surrounded by the familiar natural rock formations you find throughout Central Park.

This revamped play area uses timber log framing, making it eye catching and enhancing the nature playground vibe too.

Image credit: Emily Anderson

Rustic Playground Design in NYC

The renovation has enhanced the playground’s current rustic and natural design by architect M. Paul Friedberg in the 1980s.

We love the mosaic circle with picnic bench, and stone circle seating, as well as the low hedge planting in and around the playground to break up the space.

There’s quite of bit of seating around the playground under the rustic entrance area, and near the swings too.

The best thing is it is gated, and you can see the kids from almost anywhere in the park, unless they are hiding of course!

FAQ about the Billy Johnson Playground Central Park

No.1: What is the Billy Johnson playground history?

It was built in the mid-1980’s, the result of a design competition to revamp the old tired playground that stood there. M. Paul Friedberg was the winner, and the outcome was the first adventure playground of its’ kind in New York City.

No.2: Who is the Billy Johnson playground named after?

Research tells me it was name after journalist and onetime editor of the now-defunct New York Tribune, but I cannot find any sources to back this up, so perhaps the mystery is not yet solved?

Image credit: Source unknown

No.3: Is the Billy Johnson playground closed?

No! It’s now open again after its’ recent refurbishment. Hallelujah!

Address: Billy Johnson playground is at East Side at East 67th Street and Fifth avenue.
Telephone: 212-310-6600 – Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm  (Central park conservancy)
Website: Click here

Billy Johnson Playground Opening Hours

Central Park is free and open to visitors 365 days a year. Central Park opens at 6:00 am and closes at 1:00 am. Billy Johnson playground hours are from 8am to dusk.

Entry Fees: Free

Facilities at Billy Johnson Central Park playground

Toilets: No. Closest toilets are at the Dancing Crane Cafe, or at Conservatory Water.
Disability access: Limited. It’s a bumpy, lumpy playground. There are no wheelchairs or scooters available for rent inside the Park.

No.3: Imagination Playground New York City

One of the kids all time favorite playgrounds in New York city is Imagination Playground South Street Seaport.

With views of the harbour, and on prime Manhattan land at Burling Slip, Imagination Playground New York is surely the world’s most expensive playground!

The transformable open space design is perfect to inspire child-directed unstructured free play.

There’s a multi-level space with a giant sand pit, and a water play area.

But the WOW FACTOR of this interactive playground is that kids can manipulate their play environment with loose parts, and build and create wherever there’s a free space.

Because it’s a free-ranging, free-thinking, wide-open-spaces kind of spot, where kids can immerse themselves deep in play without too many rules or regulations, or helicopter parents hovering.

This cool Loose Parts playground in NYC is one of a kind!

In fact, it’s the most relaxing playground for parents in New York.

Sit back, and scroll the gram while they play.

(Be sure to BYO coffee)

The best bit?

In Spring and Summer, there’s a WATER PLAYGROUND.

Do remember your towels, bathers and a change of dry clothes so the kids can join in the fun. 

It’s also one of the best things to do at South Street Seaport with kids!

Loose Parts Play at Imagination Playground NYC

At Imagination Playground New York, loose parts and elements are provided by the trained on-site ‘play associate’ staff who manage the playground and provide supervision over the loose parts.

Children are allowed to constantly redesign and change up their environment.

They are encouraged to design their own imaginative play experiences with these ever-changing loose parts such as toys, tools and giant foam building blocks.

The Imagination Playground foam blocks come in all kinds of shapes including:

• balls
• ramps
• tracks
• circles
• pipes
• troughs, and
• balls.

Kids are invited to use their intuition as a guide for play as they build something, tear it down, and start all over again.

Imagination Playground architect

Designed by famed architect David Rockwell, the Imagination Playground in New York lets kids exercise their minds AND muscles.

More things to do at this New York playground

Kids can:

• run up and down the ramps or hide under them for some cool shade
• slide down the iconic yellow tunnel slide
• climb the ropes
• laze in the hammocks
• skip, and jump
• as well as play out their own imaginative games with new friends.

Water Play at Imagination Playground South Street Seaport

Loose part pipes and hoses are added to the water play area for kids to build with.

There’s a small wading pool zone, a waterfall down one side, and jets that spout water into the sky too.

Kids love to step on them!

This is one playground where parents are encouraged to sit on the sidelines under the shade umbrellas (necessary to block out the hot sun!) and enjoy their own self-prescribed time out.

It’s fenced from traffic too, so it makes this our favourite playground to visit on a sunny day!

Fun Manhattan Playground at Burling Slip

The Imagination Playground captures Burling Slip and South Street Seaport’s rich maritime and commercial history.

The design includes ship and harbour themed elements such as:

• a cascading water channel
• a climbing rope
• masts and pulleys, and
• a lookout ramp with telescopes.

The built landscape also incorporates amphitheater seating and a “crow’s nest” that has a double function as a storage unit for the playground’s loose parts.

It’s bold, bright and colorful and we love it!

So many reasons that Imagination Playground is one of the best playgrounds in NYC. 

Visit the South Street Seaport Museum ships

When you are done, visit the South Street Seaport Museum. It’s 2 minutes walk away.

Once you’ve bought tickets, kids can:

• take a look at the fleet of five historic vessels
• explore the inside of the Wavertree ship and the lightship Ambrose
• visit the 19th century style print shop at 211 Water street to see New York’s oldest operating stationers
• play in the kids play area

Where to eat at South Street Seaport Restaurants

Looking for restaurants near South Street Seaport playground?

These five New York eateries are very close by:

• Periscope Coffee
• Roast Kitchen
• Luchadores NYC
• Flavors Cafe
• The Paris Cafe
• Little Tokyo cafe on South Street is especially good for kids too

Address: 158 John Street Burling Slip between Front Street and South Street in New York, NY (Opposite South Street Seaport. Front fence located between Pier 15 and Pier 16)
Telephone: Please call 311.
Website: Click here

Imagination Playground Opening Hours

• 9am to 6.30pm.
• The playground is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

Entry Fees:

Free entry.

How to get to South Street Seaport Imagination Playground NYC

By train: Take the A, C, 2, 3, J, Z, 4, or 5 train to Fulton Street.

Upon exiting, walk east on Fulton Street until you reach the playground.

By bus:

• Take the M-15 SBS or M-15 to Fulton Street. Note: On the M-15 SBS, you must pay at the bus stop before boarding.
• Walk two blocks east.

South Street Seaport Parking

Parking near the Imagination Playground NYC at Burling Slip is limited. 

There is a parking lot located at Front and John Streets, just one block from the museum. Another lot is available at 294 Pearl Street.

Nearest takeaway coffee and/or food options: BYO snacks and drinks.
Toilets: Yes, theres’ toilets at Imagination Playground Seaport inside the bright red silo, including baby change table
Disability access: Yes
Shade: Limited. Large sun umbrellas are dotted around the playground to ward off the hot sun. BYO hats and sunscreen.
Enclosed: Yes

No.4: Pier 25 Playground Manhattan & Tribeca Skate Park

There’s views for days for at Pier 25 Playground on the Hudson River

A top spot for kids who love a challenge, it’s also right next to the Tribeca Skate Park.

Plus, there’s a big sandbox for kids.

And ocean sealife theming. 

There’s another skate park at Pier 62 at Hudson River Park too

No.5: Pier 51 Playground Manhattan

Visit Pier 51 Playground. 

This New York playground was named on of the Top 25 playgrounds in New York City by Time Out Magazine.

It’s safe to say you should put it on your list, but ONLY on a fine, dry day.

NOT on a freezing cold, winter’s day when the arctic breeze is bringing a fresh dump of snow.

 

If it is a hot day, there’s no place better.

The water playground is EVERYTHING.

BYO towels etc. 

No.6: Rockefeller Park Playground NYC

As you wander along the Hudson River greenway heading towards the Highline, you’ll stumble across the fenced Norman A. Rockefeller Park Playground.

The best bits?

• the giant fort with red colored webbing nets to scramble over
• the spouting hippo
• stone water feature
• the age old pedal-powered carousel ride 

But most importantly, all abilities access. 

The Rockefeller Park Playground is one of the best playgrounds in New York City.

Introducing Rockefeller Park Playground

At Nelson A Rockefeller Park playground, you’ll find a giant suspension bridge, perfect for imaginative games of Three Billygoats Gruff

Centre of this playground, there’s:

• a medium sized fort featuring a platform
• a play area made of bright red web straps
•  timber walkways, and
• chain nets to climb.

The giant sized concrete fort has:

• fireman poles, and
• super high viewing platforms on the play structure.

Accessible Playground in New York City

There’s a raised sand table for play which is designed to be accessible for wheelchairs.

There’s a toddler playground fort with yellow slide.

One of the slides lands straight into the toddlers sandbox!

Oops.

BYO sandbox toys.

You’ll find a wide slide for toddler friends to play on together, and infant swings too.

The toddler playground at Rockefeller Park has ladybug rockers, and is separated from the bigger play space by fences.

Battery Park Merry Go Round

Down the other end of this New York playground, there’s a pedal powered merry go round carousel.

My boys LOVED the pedal-powered merry-go-round most of all.

This was a TEAM EFFORT, with the kids cycling, and a few parents helping to push too!

It’s what I love most about visiting playgrounds when we travel – the chance for the kids to play with local kids who have cultures, languages or looks that may be different to their own.

They simply play, without prejudice.

Kids are kids.

A playground is also a spot for parents to have a (possibly rare) opportunity to engage with other adults and children from other places too.

I truly believe a playground can do wonders in this world to help kids of all ages and genders develop empathy, tolerance, understanding and a love of culture.

Visit the Water Playground Battery Park 

When the weather warms up, pack your wet gear and prepare to get wet.

The Rockefeller Park water play area has three friendly dog faces lined up along one wall.

Water spouts from their mouths into a water trough below.

BYO water play toys and kids will spend hours pouring, measuring and splashing.

From our observations, it’s likely your kids may end up IN the trough, instead of playing alongside it so bring towels and a few changes of clothes!

An elephant and a hippo spray streams of water onto anyone who dares venture between them.

Smaller children might prefer the dodo bird sprinkler near the swings.

Bring your snacks and drinks.

There’s undercover areas for picnics and morning snack breaks

The Parkhouse at Battery Park NYC

The Parkhouse at Rockefeller Park loans out:

• sports equipment for basketball, ping-pong, or billiards
• board games
• pre-school toys
• books
• and much more, including the odd art and craft activity.

Permanent ping pong and billiards tables are available, as well as basketball and handball courts and swings.

The Parkhouse is open 11:30am to 6:30pm each day May through October.

Rockefeller Park Playground Battery Park Address: Rockefeller Park playground is located at the South end of Rockefeller Park at River Terrace (Park Terrace West near Murray Street) New York.
Website: Click here
Opening Hours: 8am to 6pm
Entry Fees: Free

How to get to Battery Park playground in Manhattan

Battery Park City playground is served by most subway lines.

By subway:

• Catch the 1  train to Chambers Street station and walk 10 minutes towards the Greenway.
• Or catch the 2 or 3 train to Park Place station and walk 10 minutes.

Battery Park Parking

There are a number of parking garages nearby.

Facilities at this Battery Park Playground in New York

Toilets: Public Restrooms are located at the northwest corner of the Solaire Building, across the street from the Parkhouse.
Disability access: Yes
Enclosed: Yes

Picnic tables: Shaded tables and lots of bench seating. Also shaded grass areas between the Hudson River and Rockefeller playground for BYO picnics.

No.7: Diana Ross Playground Central Park

Diana Ross Playground in Central Park is a timber fort adventure!

The Diana Ross playground in Central Park is THE best nature playground in town. 

And never more beautiful than in the late afternoon, where the golden light streams in.

Head to this playground if your kids love timber log forts, and balancing beams, and big silver slides. 

It’s a popular New York playground for all ages. 

Hot tip: Be sure to check out the Children’s Museum of Manhattan nearby, another one of the best NYC attractions for kids! 

In my mind, the Diana Ross playground timber fort has a likeness to the “Giant’s Causeway”, a natural wonder of  hexagonal, lava-forged rocks in Ireland, made by the forces of nature.

It’s the upright timbers of varying heights that does it, and makes it a wonderful unique playground to visit in New York.

The boys see something different.

To them, the Diana Ross Playground is a parkour-lover’s dream destination with a multitude of structures and levels to climb, jump, skip over, and scramble along.

Whatever you and your bunch see, the Diana Ross Playground is tonnes of fun for kids of all ages.

Surrounded by a colossal ring of bench seating perfect for tired moms (and bums), this Central Park playground deserves a mention, and a visit.

I cannot write this story without mentioning that the Diana Ross playground was funded by singer Diana Ross and family after her historic Great Lawn concert in 1983!

It’s totally her doing that this epic playground in New York exists.

What a gal.

What you’ll find at the Diana Ross Central Park playground

The EPIC timber fort playground: 

• The aforementioned timber fort playground in New York city has:
  varying levels and heights
• ascending stairs
• platforms
• balance beams
• ladders

This timber fort is THE perfect playground for a game of hide-and-seek with new friends in Central park.

Log bridges and swing bridges help the kids to get from fort to fort.

There’s a medieval feel to the fort, just right for children who love to dress up as Kings, Queens and Jesters for imaginative play

BYO Sandbox Toys

One giant sandbox hides within the fort structure as underfoot soft fall.

BYO sandpit toys:

• buckets and spades
• ice cream scoops
• shovels
• spare containers
• cookie cutters.

A super-long and super-high metal slide was Ned’s favourite thing of all.

Jack took his turn to slide down too. Thankfully, his big brother was there to catch him.

It’s FAST!

There’s a bunch of smaller metal slides for younger children too, plus a covered slide, and a twirly corkscrew slide.

Bonus! Golden Light at Diana Ross Playground NYC

Visit in the late afternoon and be bathed in magnificent golden light!

It’s one of the few times in New York that the light has thrilled me to the core.

Playgrounds in New York are so often cast in the shadows of the New York skyscrapers so to be enveloped in warm golden light for an hour or so was a real treat.

Central Park Playground Swings

The Diana Ross playground features two tire swings, plus a row of bucket seat swings separated from the main playground by a fence.

This is the toddler playground area for kids.

Water Play at Diana Ross Park

The hexagonal water feature at the Diana Ross playground is chockablock with kids in summer.

This Central Park water playground is a fave spot to beat the heat during summer vacation.

Address: The Diana Ross playground is located inside the park at West 81st Street and Central Park West.
Telephone: +1 212-310-6600
Website: Click here
Opening Hours: 8am to dusk
Entry Fees: Free

How to get to Central Park Diana Ross Playground

By Bus: M10 bus to Central PK w/w 79 St

By Subway Train:  Take the B or C train to 81st St-Museum of Natural History

On Foot:  25 minutes wander from Heckscher Playground

By Car/Taxi/Uber:  Disembark at Central Park West & W 81st St

Central Park Parking

Many parking garages are available nearby.

Nearest takeaway coffee and/or food options: Good Enough to Eat Cafe at 520 Columbus Ave, New York. All-day menu of updated American comfort fare served in casual, farmhouse-themed cafe.
Toilets: No. Closest at the American Museum of Natural History, or across the park at Conservatory Water.
Disability access: Limited.
Enclosed: Fenced.
Scooters and Bikes: Yes
Dogs: No

No.8: The Rudin Family Playground Central Park

Last on the list is Rudin family playground.

This one makes the list because it’s the closest playground to the New York Museum of Natural History.

There’s not much to do, but after hours in a stuffy museum, the kids will think THIS jungle gym playground is the bees knees.

Hang out with locals at the Rudin Family Playground in Central Park.

Image Credit: Warren Sze

No.9: Chelsea Waterside Playground 

A little further up, to the right of Pier 63, you’ll find Chelsea waterside park play area.

This bright and colorful shaped timber adventure playground with net ladders and giant slippery dip, and hiding holes is definitely worth a side trek.

(The orange, blue and yellow creature is a Pipefish, one of many fish species that lives within Park waters.)

At this recently opened New York water playground, kids will get a kick out of getting wet underneath the head of a bull – a repurposed limestone cattle head sculpture reclaimed from a former slaughterhouse nearby.

Or being sprayed by the water spouts along the brick pathway or the stone obelisks at this playground for kids. 

Chelsea Waterside Park is open from 9am to Dusk.

Find it at W 23rd St. 

Source

MORE OF THE BEST NEW YORK PLAYGROUNDS 

Try these:

No.1: Ancient Playground

Another of the outdoor playgrounds in Central Park, on 5th Avenue and E 85th St. 

Find play structures including silver slides, and a sand play area. 

Near the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection. 

No.2: Teardrop Park

On the Hudson River greenway, near the Battery Park City ball Fields and Shake Shack.

This is another nature playground in NYC, surrounded by:

• shale walls, and
• leafy greenery, and
• with hidden bushwalks inside too. 

At this children’s playground, there’s a hill slide, a Hilltop reading circle, a sand lot, water rocks, a Beech grove, and a Witchhazel Dell. 

The shade makes it one of the best nature play areas in New York for staying cool on a hot day. 

Image Credit: Corvus Design

BEST BROOKLYN PLAYGROUNDS FOR KIDS  

There are FOUR awesome playgrounds in Brooklyn Bridge park.

(The one pictured above is Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6 playground) 

We visited two others. (see below)

There’s more things to do at Brooklyn Bridge Park, including:

• the historical Jane’s Carousel
• pebble beach
• pop up movies
• soccer games, and
• awesome children’s museum. 

Hot tip: If you are in Brooklyn, don’t miss the BROOKLYN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM.

It’s one of the world’s best museums for kids! 

No.1: Lincoln Road Playground Prospect Park

Another playground in Prospect Park is this one.

Lincoln Road playground, or sometimes just Lincoln playground.

We visited on a snowy day, and the kids thought it was top fun! 

Lincoln Playground in Prospect Park has water-spouting frog sculptures

No.2: Vanderbilt Playground Brooklyn

We visited Vanderbilt Playground in Brooklyn after it snowed!

The bright orange fort structure makes this one of the best playgrounds in Brooklyn for kids who love parkour. 

Plus, there’s:

• monkey bars
• a spinning carousel
• twisty slides and regular slides

And more! 

Vanderbilt Playground in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park has a tonne of playground equipment for kids of all ages.

The added bonus for parents is a splendid view of the lake from the fort.

There’s dual monkey bars, tunnels, a twisty slide, a straight slide, climbing ladders, chain link ladders. It’s a kid’s parkour dream.

Also, the largish round disk-shaped spinning carousel that fits 3-5 children at a time

(Watch out. When they get it going round, the spinner moves fast!)

There’s also this giant geometric free-standing climbing frame in the shape of a star.

The toddler area is separated from the rest of the Vanderbilt playground with a low fence and gate.

• Two-turreted toddler fort with multiple levels, and a toddler slide
• Round multi-height “stepping stones” to balance on
• Smaller one-person spinning ride that resembles a space-age cocoon
• Simple interactive equipment to make musical sounds
• A water feature

There’s a row of baby and toddler swings in a separate gated area also.

The main water play area has a huddle of water-spraying fountains that resemble reeds in a pond. 

The floor covering in this area is concrete.

We want to go back in summer and see these in action!

Address: Vanderbilt Street playground is located at 170 West Dr, Brooklyn, NY 11218, USA (Prospect Park S/W, Vanderbilt Street Brooklyn)
Phone: Click here  to report an issue or find information
Website: Click here 
Opening Hours: Vanderbilt playground is open from 8:00 a.m. to dusk
Entry Fees: Free

How to get to Prospect Park in Brooklyn (Vanderbilt Playground):

By Train: F Train to Fort Hamilton Parkway station. 9 minutes walk to Vanderbilt Playground.

By Bus: Take the B-68 Bus along Coney Island Ave to Prospect Park Southwest.

By Car from Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges: Take Flatbush Ave. to Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park West exit, make left on Prospect Park Southwest at Bartel- Pritchard Circle to Vanderbilt St.

By Car from BQE (Brooklyn Queens Expressway): Take BQE to Prospect Expressway, 10th Ave. exit. Make left on 11th Ave. Make right on Prospect Park Southwest to Vanderbilt St.

Prospect Park Parking

Limited on street parking

Facilities at the Vanderbilt Playground Brooklyn

Prospect Park Bathrooms

• There’s no bathrooms at this Prospect Park playground.
• The closest bathrooms are at Prospect Park (The Bandshell) at Prospect Park West/7th Street/15th Street.
• Keep an eye out for a Porta-potty (portaloo) stationed nearby as you wander in.
• They appear from time to time.

Click here for a list of bathrooms in Prospect Park.

Disability access: Accessible playgrounds with transfer platforms, ground level play features, including an adaptive swing
Enclosed: Fully fenced around, and toddler areas and swings separately fenced inside also.  The gates on the toddler playground are easily opened by young children, so stay in close proximity.
Scooters and Bikes: Yes, plenty of room and paths to ride throughout the park.
Dogs: No. On leash in park only.

We quickly learned that Converse Boots are definitely not made for snow days!

They soaked straight through, and no amount of sock-stacking was going to help.

We had to buy a new pair of shoes, and warm socks for Ned on our way to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Oops.

Image Credit: Yang You

No.3: Domino Park Brooklyn

Look for the aqua colored cranes and you’ll have found this Brooklyn playground for kids. 

The matching aqua colored playground is on the water, with views of NYC.

Kids can slide down one of three epic silver slides, and climb up the woven steel tunnel to get to the top and into the tunnel and timber fort. 

Check out the water fountain for kids to run through in front of the Domino Sugar building. 

Domino Park is open from 6am to 1am daily. 

Find it at 300 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 

BEST NEW YORK CITY ART GALLERIES, MUSEUMS, AND LIBRARIES 

There are plenty of unique NYC Museums for Kids

Take a look.

No.1: Children’s Museum of Manhattan

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is our NUMBER ONE museuum to visit in New York with kids

 

No.2: Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Don’t miss the Brooklyn Children’s Museum with kids

It’s GIGANTIC. 

No.3: Discovery Room at Museum of Natural History New York

Kids can “dig” for bones at the Discovery Room, Museum of Natural History New York

No.4: Children’s Corner Prospect Park Brooklyn

No.5: Discovery Garden at Brooklyn Botanic Garden for kids

Discovery Garden at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is just for kids

No.6: Madame Tussauds 

There’s a Marvel Superhero 4D Movie at Madame Tussauds in NY

No.7: Visit 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York with Kids

I thought long and hard before taking Ned and Jack to the 911 Memorial Museum on our trip to New York. What pushed me over the edge was the fact I really wanted to visit.

9/11 was a worldwide tragedy, that touched everyone who turned on the tv, listened to the radio, or had access to the internet. There was almost no way to escape the news.

For many reasons, I wanted to wander the corridors, listen to the stories of both the survivors and those who were lost, to learn a little bit more about the people behind the buildings.

Ned was 7 at the time. Jack almost 2.

Travelling solo with the boys, it was either take them, or miss out entirely.

We used our New York Pass tickets to skip the line  and headed in. (Skipping the long entry queue into the 9 11 Memorial Museum when you have a two year old in tow is a HUGE plus of having the New York pass.)

Here’s the caveat from the September 11 Memorial Museum: 

The historical exhibition may not be appropriate for visitors younger than 10 years of age. Adults accompanying younger visitors should exercise discretion before entering.

At the end of the day, you know your kids personality, temperament and coping ability best, and can make right decision for your family on whether to go in, or not.

Make a visit to the site of 9/11 more personal, by taking this best-selling tour with a local to hear their real-life perspective. Museum ticket included.  

For those who would like to join a 911 Memorial Tour to hear the stories of survival and triumph over adversity in person, we recommend this one below: 

BUY NOW: One World Observatory Entry and 9/11 Memorial Tour – this is a best selling tour going further behind the scenes. (Does not include entry to 9/11 Museum)

THE 911 MEMORIAL MUSEUM CORE EXHIBITIONS 

The main Historical Exhibition located in the northern end of the Ground Floor space on C4 is a three-part journey exploring:

• the lead up to 9/11
• the day of 9/11, and
• after 9/11.

No.1: THE HISTORICAL EXHIBITION at the 911 Memorial NYC

Through stories, photographs, artefacts, and audio, the events of 9/11 at the World Trade Centre, the Pentagon and Flight 93 are retold with elegance, and grace.

Ned, who up until this moment had never heard of 9/11, was equal parts intrigued and frightened by the story.

For the most part, he was happy to wander, looking at photos and objects along the way, and asking lots of questions about the event as he tried to make sense of what he called ‘baddies’ doing something so mean and nasty to hurt people.

The entire event is tastefully reconstructed in a 911 Memorial Timeline to reflect the horrors that unfolded not just on the day, but also during the lead up.

The National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center bears solemn witness to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993.

The BIG THINGS on display made it real for him.

Center Passage demonstrates the scale of the 9/11 attacks through monumental artifacts, evoking the magnitude of the World Trade Center buildings and their destruction.

The squashed and bruised Ladder Company 3 Truck of the New York City Fire Department, the giant scrap piles of twisted metal, the image of the damaged flag, and the Survivors Stairs (pictured below) are all relics of a time no-one wants to remember but no-one can forget.

“The Survivors’ Staircase was the last visible remaining original structure above ground level at the World Trade Center site.

Originally two outdoor flights of granite-clad stairs, and an escalator that connected Vesey street to the WTC’s Austin J Tobin Plaza”

(Wikipedia)

Those New York City survivor stairs were the lifeline to hundreds of people evacuating from the 9-floor building (5 World Trade Centre) next to the 110 storey towers.

They were moved to the National 911 Memorial and Museum and are now a stand-out feature opposite the Blue Wall artwork, “Trying to Remember the Color of the Sky on That September Morning” by Spencer Finch.

For me, it was the LITTLE THINGS.

The mundane everyday items that were retrieved from the wreckage – tiny non-momentous items that all of us use each and every day.

A pair of shoes.

A wallet.

Receipts from lunch.

A handbag.

Computer disks.

All the things used by the people who went to work one day, and never came home.

The museum reminds us that beyond the stark images of planes hitting buildings on a blue sky day in the world’s most favourite city, and the unbelievable spectacle of fire raging and steel buildings falling, the people matter most.

This is their memorial.

A chance to reflect upon, and learn more about those individuals who left us that terrifying and sorrowful day, and their loved ones who were left to pick up the pieces.

WARNING: Not for Kids at the 911 Memorial NYC

There was one section in the 911 memorial NYC that I steered him around.

Tucked behind a solid wall, a screen showing video footage of those who either fell or leapt to their deaths.

This is the one incomprehensible memory that stays with me all these years later, those poor souls who could see no other way out.

A senseless death, and a tragedy of epic proportions.

Definitely not for kids.

THE MEMORIAL EXHIBITION

Surprisingly, the place where Ned spent the most time was in the Memorial Exhibition, and in particular, “In Memoriam”.

A quiet, contemplative space, “In Memoriam” is a quiet darkened space filled with short film stories about each of the 2,983 victims of September 11 2001, as told by their friends and family.

He could have sat and listened and watched all day.

When I asked him later what he’d learned, he told me stories of the people who died too young, and what their families and friends miss most about them.

Human stories connect us, especially when we can put ourselves in their shoes.

We are more alike than different.

These stories help us to remember that.

WITNESS AT GROUND ZERO & REFLECTING ON GROUND ZERO

See hundreds of in-person photos of the aftermath of Ground Zero, as captured by French photographer and film maker, Stephane Sednaoui during the few days after the attacks.

You can also watch video interviews with government officials, historians, journalists, members of the armed forces, family members of victims, survivors, emergency responders and other museum visitors in the reflecting on 9/11 exhibition.

Visiting the 911 Memorial NYC with kids?

Join in at the 9/11 Memorial Art Cart to participate in free, self-guided explorations and art activities, written in age-appropriate language.

These activities will help children discover the stories and symbolism behind the 9/11 Memorial, and the rebuilt World Trade Center site.

Stop by the drop-in activity stations tied to specific artifacts and themes in the Museum.

Meant to spark conversations between children and their caregivers, current activities offer age-appropriate entry-points into the history of the World Trade Center, 9/11 and its aftermath.

• This program takes place on Saturdays in the Museum’s Education Center from September through early June.
• Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Program dates and times subject to change.  
• Click here for event dates.

Download the Kids Guide to the NYC 911 Memorial here.

You can also download lesson plans if this is of interest.

9/11 Memorial Facts

Take a look at these 911 Memorial Facts and FAQ.

No.1: What is the 911 Memorial?

According to the official website,

“The National September 11 Memorial is a tribute of remembrance and honor to the 2,977 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site, near Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon.

The Memorial’s twin reflecting pools are each nearly an acre in size and feature the largest manmade waterfalls in North America.

The pools sit within the footprints where the Twin Towers once stood.

The names of every person who died in the 2001 and 1993 attacks are inscribed into bronze panels edging the Memorial pools, a powerful reminder of the largest loss of life resulting from a foreign attack on American soil and the greatest single loss of rescue personnel in American history.”

No.2: What’s the difference between the 911 Memorial and the 911 Museum?

The 911 memorial is outside, as above.

The National September 11 Memorial Museum is America’s indoor museum where visitors can:

• learn about the events leading up to 9/11
• explore the artefacts and reflect upon the stories of the dreadful days’ events, and
• their ongoing impact on the American psyche, culture and people.

It’s also a place to explore the continuing significance of September 11, 2001.

No.3: Why is the Museum underground?

The Museum is located below-ground because remnants of the original World Trade Center buildings are still visible below-ground, and it is the Museum’s job to preserve them so they can be seen by visitors like you and I.

No.4: Why were they called the Twin Towers?

The 110-story Twin Towers were the tallest buildings in New York City.

For a brief period, they were the tallest buildings in the world.

They were called the Twin Towers because they were nearly identical.

You could tell them apart, though, because the North Tower had an antenna on its roof.

No.5: Why is the word ‘SAVE’ written on the columns?

Can you see the word “SAVE” written on the steel trident columns?

After 9/11, people wanted to make sure some objects from the World Trade Center were kept and protected for a possible future museum.

They spray painted the word “SAVE” in big letters on those objects to make sure they were preserved.

FAQ ABOUT 911 MUSEUM

No.1: How many people have visited the 911 Memorial Museum in New York?

More than 10 million people have visited the 911 Memorial NYC Museum since it opened in May 2014, marking a major milestone for the organization.

No.2: How many people visit the 911 Memorial each day?

Averaging about 9,000 visitors per day, the Museum has welcomed attendees from all 50 states and more than 170 nations who have traveled to the Museum to connect with the significance of September 11, 2001.

Visitors to the United States also stop by the 911 Memorial and Survivor Tree to remember the victims of the attacks.

911 Memorial Timeline

Take a look at the in-depth 911 Memorial timeline either before, or after your visit too.

Audio Tours – 9/11 Museum Audio Guide

Enhance your experience of the 911 Memorial NYC Museum by using the official audio guide.

Narrated by Robert De Niro, this self-guided experience includes three themed tours featuring stories from the day of 9/11 and the recovery at Ground Zero.

It also presents details of the Museum’s archaeological elements and architectural designs of the Memorial and the Museum.

Tours are available in:

• American Sign Language
• Chinese (Mandarin simplified)
• English
• French
• German
• Italian
• Japanese
• Portuguese, and
• Spanish.

The 9/11 Museum Audio Guide is available via handheld devices at the Information Desk, and downloadable as an app for iOS and Android smartphones.

Visitors using handheld devices or smartphones must use personal headphones.

Headphones are available for purchase at the Information Desk.

The app is available on iOS and Android devices.

Download the app now for free at Apple’s App store or Google Play store.

911 Memorial App

Use the Explore 9/11 app to learn the history of the World Trade Center, the design of the 911 Memorial NYC and the inspiring artifacts of the Museum.

Experience the app’s map and story features by rotating your device to switch between modes.

Users can explore a content-rich landscape of the memorial and multilevel maps inside the Museum.

Clickable hotspots along the maps reveal photos, videos, audio and more.

In story mode, users can explore this content organized in chapters.

The app also features a new tribute mode where users can leave tribute messages, including their name and where they are from. Tributes can also remain anonymous.

The app is available on iOS and Android devices.

9/11 Memorial Museum Gift Shop

Visit the 911 Museum Store, located on the Concourse Lobby level.

They stock a range of meaningful keepsakes, educational books, and DVDs.

All net proceeds are dedicated to sustaining the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

Where to eat at the 911 Museum Cafe

Visit the Pavilion Café, located on the Atrium Terrace level.

Food and beverages are not permitted in the exhibition spaces.

Visit the One World Observatory Freedom Tower

You can visit the One World Observatory, 102 floors high above New York, for a unparalled views of the city from above.

One World Observatory is at the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

There’s a 14 foot wide circular glass disc that you can walk on to look down at the city below. This glass walkway is not for the faint of heart!

Visit the One World Observatory gallery shop for iconic New York souvenirs too.

September 11 Memorial Museum Location, Opening hours and Tickets

The 911 Memorial Address: The National September 11 Memorial & Museum are located at the World Trade Center site in lower Manhattan  at 180 Greenwich Street New York, NY 10007.

Visitors can currently access the Memorial at the intersection of Liberty Street and Greenwich Street, at the intersection of Liberty Street and West Street and at the intersection of West Street and Fulton Street.

Visitors can also use the entrance at Fulton Street and Greenwich Street daily between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Email: [email protected]
Website: Click here

911 Museum Opening Hours 

The 911 Museum is open daily.

• Sunday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (6 p.m. last entry);
• Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (7 p.m. last entry)

911 Memorial Hours

The 911 Memorial is open daily.

• 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

911 Memorial Tickets:

The 911 Memorial museum tickets cost:

• Adult $26
• Youth (7-12) $15
• Young Adult (13-17) $20
• Senior 65 + $20

FREE September 11 Memorial Tickets:  Children under the age of 7 receive FREE admission, but a ticket is required for entry.

Free Admission Tuesdays from 5pm till close. Free Admission Tuesday tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the Museum starting at 4 p.m. The distribution time is subject to change.

911 Museum and Memorial tickets can be purchased up to six months in advance and include entry to all exhibitions. Last admission is two hours prior to closing.

The 9/11 Memorial outside the museum is free and open to the public daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

911 Museum Admission and Tours

Click here for combo ticket prices which include admission to the Memorial Museum, and either a Museum or Memorial tour

9 11 Memorial Museum Discount Tickets

• Try Groupon for discount coupons

You can also get FREE entry with any one of these New York sightseeing passes:

• The New York Pass
• New York explorer pass
• New York CityPass
• New York C3 pass
• New York Sightseeing Pass

Download a copy of the Memorial Museum New York map here.

Facilities at the 911 Museum

Toilets: Yes, including baby change table at the 911 memorial NYC
Disability access: Yes.

• The 911 memorial NYC facility is wheelchair accessible. Manual wheelchairs are available, free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis at the coat check on the Concourse Lobby level.
• Induction loops are installed throughout the Museum including in the exhibitions, auditorium, and classrooms.
• Open captioning or written transcripts are available for all exhibition media installations that feature audio.
• ASL interpretation is available, free of charge, for guided tours and public programs by request with two weeks advance notice.
• The 9/11 Museum Audio Guide is VoiceOver compatible on all iOS devices and includes a descriptive tour for visitors who are blind or partially sighted.
• Large print materials are available upon request at the Information Desk. Service dogs are welcome.
• For additional information about programs and services for visitors with disabilities, please visit the Information Desk.

Closest ATM: Eftpos and Credit card facilities at Ticket Booth, Cafe and Shop
Dogs: Service dogs only.
Photography in the 911 Museum:

• Flash photography is not permitted anywhere inside the Museum.
• Photography is not permitted in the security screening area, the auditorium, Rebirth at Ground Zero, September 11, 2001, and In Memoriam.
• Photography is permitted in all other spaces.

The September 11 Memorial Museum

The 911 Memorial NYC Site, and the 9 11 Memorial Museum is the place to pay your respects to the victims of this atrocity.

The September 11 Museum is a quiet contemplative and reflective space, with strict codes of behaviour and noise levels. It’s a difficult place to take toddlers and young preschoolers, but easy to take babes in arms (or in Ergo baby carriers).

Those who can go, should go.

How to get to the 911 Memorial Museum

We strongly recommend the use of public transportation to access lower Manhattan in New York. 

Hot tip:  Click here to access Google Map directions.

Add your starting point, and let google do the rest, including the quickest or most straightforward 911 memorial directions by foot from the subway station where you disembark.

You may not need this, as you can see the World Trade Center building.

By Subway to 911 Memorial: 

• A, C, 1, 2 or 3 to Chambers Street subway station – a 10 minute walk on W Broadway, then Greenwich street, Vesey street and left onto West street
• A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4 or 5 trains to Fulton Street subway station –  a 6 minute (0.3 mile) walk via Broadway and Liberty Street.
• 2 or 3 trains to Park Place station – an 8 min walk
• E train to World Trade Center
• R train to Rector Street
• R train to Cortlandt Street  (the nearest subway station)
• 1 train to Rector Street

You can also travel to Wall Street, and walk from there in no time.

By Bus to 911 Museum: 

•  M55 Southbound: get off at Broadway and Thames Street
• M55 Northbound: get off at Trinity Place and Rector Street
• M20 Southbound: get off on South End Avenue between Liberty Street and Albany Street
• M22 Southbound: get off on Vesey Street between North End Avenue and West Street

Directions to 9/11 by PATH

• The PATH train serves the World Trade Center terminal from multiple points in New Jersey.
• If traveling by car from New Jersey or other points west, the Harrison PATH station is a convenient location to park in an adjacent parking facility and take PATH to the World Trade Center.
• Click here for PATH information.

Directions to 9/11 Museum by Ferry

Ferry service is available from Midtown Manhattan, New Jersey, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. For service from these areas, we recommend the following transportation options:

• New York Water Taxi 
• East River Ferry Service
• NY Waterway
• Staten Island Ferry
• Statue Cruises

Directions to 9/11 Museum by Taxi – New York yellow cab

• The closest taxi stands to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum are located on West Street and Liberty Street and on Vesey Street at West Street.

Directions to 9/11 Museum By Car

• Click here to access Google Map directions.
• We strongly recommend using public transport as it’s very busy in this part of Manhattan

Parking near 911 Memorial

The Memorial does not provide parking.

• On-street parking in lower Manhattan is extremely limited.
• Click here for a list of parking facilities in New York City.

BUY NOW: New York 9-11 Memorial and Museum SKIP THE LINE entry ticket (through Get your Guide)

ANIMALS, WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES AND ZOOS IN NEW YORK CITY

No.1: Central Park Zoo 

Central Park Zoo is the best zoo in New York for kids.

The outdoor sealion display is quite something, seeing as it’s surrounded by a CBD. 

Tisch Children’s Zoo is where we headed. 

There’s unique play equipment, 

And a mini animal farm. 

The landscape is cool too. 

It’s worth a few hours of your time. 

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