Exploring New York City with kids can be a real treat, thanks in large part to the great children’s museums spread across the city. As a local, I’ve explored every angle of museums for kids in NYC, and this the guide I wish someone had given me. From hands-on exhibits to immersive experiences, these museums offer the perfect mix of fun and learning, making them don’t skip this for families.
Whether your kiddo is fascinated by science, art, or just loves to explore new things, NYC’s children’s museums have something for every curious mind. In this guide, I’ll take you through some of my favorite spots, enjoy!
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 Best Neighborhoods & 3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Museums for Kids in NYC
Table of Contents. Museums for Kids in New York City
Table of Contents. Kid-Friendly Museums in NYC
American Museum of Natural History
Website. American Museum of Natural History
Location. 200 Central Park West, New York, NY
Welcoming 5 million visitors per year and spanning all aspect of the natural world, the American Museum of Natural History is arguably the best museum in NYC for kids. There’s more than 33 million specimens in the museum, but only 3% are on display (and honestly, even that is overwhelming if you don’t come in with a game plan).
Kids can marvel at everything from towering dinosaur skeletons to immersive dioramas of distant ecosystems. With interactive exhibits on space, human origins, and wildlife, it’s a place where learning feels like an adventure every time.
Don’t miss the Hall of Ocean Life where you’ll have an opportunity to see a life-size model of a 94-foot blue whale. it’s an experience your kids won’t soon forget.
Don’t know where to start? No worries! We created a guide to help you navigate this popular NYC kid’s museum, read— The 15 Best Things to See at the American Museum of Natural History.
The Intrepid Museum
Website. The Intrepid Museum
Location. Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY
Good to know — Kids under 4 are free
Home to a remarkable collection of military vessels of the sea and sky, the Intrepid Museum is a must-see for military enthusiasts, history buffs and kids obsessed with ships and planes. Don’t just take my word for it, this gem is considered one of the 10 best aviation museums in the world.
At this kid-friendly museum in New York City you’ll find authentic WWII fighter planes, aircraft carriers, a submarine used during the Cold War, supersonic jet and the NASA space shuttle Enterprise. Allow up to 3 hours for interactive displays and exhibits, this not a NYC museum experience you’ll want to rush, especially with kids.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Website. Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Location. 212 W 83rd St, New York, NY
Good to know — Best for children under 10
I never get tired of this view.
Part-museum, part-indoor playground, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is all about inspiring the next generation of creative thinkers through educational exhibits. For more than a decade, the museum’s team collaborated with child development experts to create a space where young kids can boost their motor skills and problem-solving abilities.
Five floors of fun, the museum is ideal for kids under 10 years old. Seasonal exhibitions keeps things exciting and fresh year-round, making it the perfect rainy day activity when you’re looking to tire the kids out.
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Website. The Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Location. 145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Considered one of the best children’s museums in New York City, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum encourages kids to explore the world from different perspectives. With three floors to explore, there’s an emphasis on sensory experiences, cultural appreciation, and family engagement. The rotating exhibits and programs work in tandem to empower children to become involved in their community.
Fun fact. The Brooklyn Children’s Museum was founded in 1899, making it the oldest children’s museum in New York City (and the country!).
Local tip. Between you and me, the seasonal menu is always better than the regular one. Ask what’s fresh today.
New York Transit Museum
Website. New York Transit Museum
Location. 99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY
Founded in 1976, the New York Transit Museum is located inside of a decommissioned subway station in Downtown Brooklyn. The musuem offers a fascinating look at the city’s robust transportation system (one of the busiest and oldest in the world!).
It covers a century of subway history through the use of vintage subway cars that date back to 1903. You’ll find everything from old tokens and turnstiles to historical maps and signage, alongside interactive exhibits that tell the story of the immense effort and engineering feats behind New York’s impressive public transportation network.
This one of the best museums in Brooklyn for kids because it provides a unique educational experience (for the kids) and a nostalgic trip down memory lane (for the parents), it’s fun for the whole family!
National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath)
Website. National Museum of Mathematics
Location. 11 E 26th St, New York, NY
Good to know — Best for ages 4+, allow ample time to explore each exhibit
Come early. Seriously. The crowds hit hard by noon.
The National Museum of Mathematics, also known as “MoMath” is one of the most kid-friendly museums in NYC and the only museum in the country dedicated to math. Who knew math could be fun? What’s more, this surprisingly a great place to burn off some energy, thanks to the hands-on activities centered around math.
New York City Fire Museum
Website. New York City Fire Museum
Location. 278 Spring St, New York, NY
Good to know — Best for ages 3+, fire safety tour available
If your kiddos are enthralled with blaring red trucks, then a trip to the New York Fire Museum (NYFM) is in order. Conveniently situated in SoHo, it’s one of the most fascinating museums in NYC for kids.
The coolest part? The museum is housed within a renovated firehouse built in 1904. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the evolution of rescue equipment and admire vintage fire engines too boot. While this a great NYC museum to visit with kids there are also aspects parents will love, like the 9/11 exhibit.
Expect to find a few interactive elements (like a mock apartment) that allows children to visualize and point out fire hazards in an educational way.
Museum of Ice Cream
Website. Museum of Ice Cream NYC
Location. 558 Broadway, New York, NY
Good to know — This museum is heavily geared towards photo-ops, best for young kids
The million dollar question, “is the Museum of Ice Cream worth it?”. our answer; yes and no. It really boils down to who you’re visiting the museum with, kids or adults? If the answer is kids, then yes the Museum of Ice Cream is easily one of the best museums in NYC with little kids.
The free ice cream samples, sprinkle pool and giant slide are hands-down going to get grins from your little. But if your kids are a bit older and not into the whole Instagram, photo-taking opportunities you will leave underwhelmed and disappointed.
My two cents is if your kids are small and ice cream is their second language, consider this one of the best museums in NYC for kids. But if your kids are 14+ you’re better off checking out a different museum.
New York Hall of Science
Website. New York Hall of Science
Neighborhood. Queens
Location. 47-01 111th St, Queens, NY
Good to know — Entire family can enjoy
The New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is, hands-down, one of the coolest museums in New York City that kids are guaranteed to enjoy. Situated in Queens, the trek from Manhattan is worthwhile. Why? For starters, NYSCI is the city’s only hands-on science and technology center. reason alone to visit.
What makes this one of the best kids museums in NYC is the abundance of interactive exhibitions and learning opportunities. Outside of the museum you’ll find two retired rockets (that actually traveled to space!) which your kids will LOVE. If that’s not enough, there’s also a mini golf course.
Honorable Mentions.
- Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling. It’s an inexpensive interactive modern art museum full of activities and fun for little kids to partake in. Adults find the art amusing while children love all the hands on exhibits.
- Madame Tussauds New York. Located in the heart of Times Square, Madame Tussades is a wax museum chock-full of realistic wax figures. If your kids are celebrity obsessed this one of the best museums in NYC with kids. There are nine floors of life-like wax figures of their favorite superhero or character spread across 80,000 square feet.
- Museum of Illusions. For those who have older kiddos to tend to the Museum of Illusions is sure to stir up some chaos. The mental gymnastics you’ll go through is entertaining for both adults and kids alike. It takes time to wrap your head around some of the exhibits, but it’s definitely fun.
Kid-Friendly Museums in NYC (Post Summary)
- American Museum of Natural History
- New York Transit Museum
- The Brooklyn Children’s Museum
- Children’s Museum of Manhattan
- National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath)
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
- New York Hall of Science
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- Museum of Ice Cream
- New York City Fire Museum
- Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling
- Madame Tussauds New York
Frequently Asked Questions. NYC Museums for Kids
New York City is chock-full of kid-friendly museums. The list of educational and fun exhibits and experiences in NYC are endless, you won’t struggle keeping your kiddos entertained.
The best museum in New York City with little kids is the Museum of Natural History. This incredible science museum is home to 33 million specimens, yet only 3% are on display (and even that amount can get quite overwhelming!).
New York City wears many hats and is great for all ages, including the youngest ones in your clan. There is always something to do, for any age, at all times.
Further Reading for Fun Things to Do in NYC With Kids
Best Things to Do With Kids. 15+ EPIC Things to Do in New York City With Kids
Top Dessert Spots to Visit With Kids. 15 Dessert Spots in New York City to Visit with Kids
Festive Things to Do With Kids During Christmas. 15 Festive Things to Do for Christmas in New York City with Kids
Best Toy Stores in NYC. 15 Charming Local New York City Toy Stores
This one of those New York moments that makes you fall in love with the city all over again.
Exploring New York City
Unique Things to Do. 25 Unique (Non-Touristy) Things to Do in New York City
Free Things to Do. 20 Unique Free Things to Do in New York City to Keep Your Wallet Happy!
Best Things to Do in NYC. 30 Best Things to Do in New York City
Map of the Best Children’s Museums NYC
Based on our extensive local experience, we cover the top picks for children's museums in New York City in this guide. Each spot has been personally visited and reviewed.
And there you have it folks, our list of the best kids museums in NYC! Let us know what your favorite spot to take your little is.
Cheers!
Final Thoughts
That wraps up our guide to Children’s Museums in New York City (Fun & Educational). Have a favorite spot we missed?
Hungry while exploring? Check out our guide to the best food in Times Square for local dining picks.
What would you add to this list?
If you liked this guide, you might also enjoy exploring my other local recommendations.
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