New York Dearest
The guide, $35
A place · Museum · Downtown Brooklyn · on 9 of my lists

New York Transit Museum.

Worth it, says Antonina. Located in Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum is one of the best museums in NYC for kids.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizI went myself · from my Best museums in New York
Where New York Transit Museum appears on New York Dearest

It's on 9 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.

Best museums in New York

No. 12 on that list
Worth it
  • Address99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

Dating back to 1904, New York City’s robust transportation system is one of the busiest and oldest in the world. As such, there’s a lot of interesting history here which has been wonderfully preserved. Interested visitors can take a walk down memory lane and explore vintage subway cars parked in a decommissioned subway station.

Located in Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum is one of the best museums in NYC for kids. The museum covers a century of subway history and each car displays era-appropriate ads, which makes for some fun age-appropriate humor.

Visitors are able to explore the inside of vintage cars, some dating back to 1903, sit inside the driver’s cabin and admire vintage walk signs and transit furniture. Make sure to study the impressive photographs that highlight the evolution of the subway system, you’ll be hooked.

Love history? Read.25 Thought-Provoking Facts About NYC You Probably Don’t Know (Yet)

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
Worth it

Founded in 1976, the New York Transit Museum is located inside of a decommissioned subway station in Downtown Brooklyn. The museum offers a fascinating look at the city’s robust transportation system (one of the busiest and oldest in the world!).

Visiting the New York Transit Museum is a great Brooklyn activity for families with young kids. The museum covers a century of subway history through the use of vintage subway cars that date back to 1903. The cars display era-appropriate ads, which are both fascinating and comical.

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 Brooklyn museum provides a unique educational experience and a nostalgic trip down memory lane, it’s fun for the whole family!

Worth it

Dating back to 1904, New York City’s robust transportation system is one of the busiest and oldest in the world. Thankfully, visitors can take a walk down memory lane and explore vintage subway cars parked in a decommissioned subway station.

Located in Brooklyn, this one of the most fun actives in NYC for kids. The museum covers a century of subway history and each car displays era-appropriate ads, which makes for some fun age-appropriate humor.

Kids are able to explore the inside of vintage cars (some dating back to 1903), sit inside the driver’s cabin and admire vintage walk signs and transit furniture. Make sure to study the impressive photographs that highlight the evolution of the subway system. It’s fun for the whole family!

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Worth it

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!

Best museums in Brooklyn

No. 3 on that list
Worth it

Housed in a decommissioned 1936 subway station, the unique New York Transit Museum takes a deep dive into the evolution of New York City’s robust public transportation system. Housing an extensive collection of vintage subway cars, visitors can (literally) step back in time and experience the commute folks made 100 years ago.

My adviceMost people rush through here. Take your time. It’s worth it.

The museum offers a hands-on learning experience with interactive exhibits, detailed reconstructions, and engaging tours that illuminate the engineering marvels that lay below ground. From the early days of horse-drawn carriages to the modern subway, visiting this museum is one of the best things to do in Brooklyn Heights for families.

Worth it

Housed in a real, decommissioned subway station, the Transit Museum in Downtown Brooklyn never ceases to impress first time visitors. Kids can explore vintage subway cars from different decades (complete with era-appropriate ads), climb into the driver’s cab, and check out old turnstiles and tokens.

The museum also walks through the history of New York’s vast transit system, like how it was built and how it works today. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir at the local shop to remember your trip!

Good for: Ages 3+, especially kids obsessed with trains Tip: Bring snacks, there’s no café nearby and it’s easy to lose track of time

Worth it

Housed in a decommissioned 1936 subway station, the unique New York Transit Museum takes a deep dive into the evolution of New York City’s robust public transportation system. Housing an extensive collection of vintage subway cars, visitors can (literally) step back in time and experience the commute folks made 100 years ago.

The museum offers a hands-on learning experience with interactive exhibits, detailed reconstructions, and engaging tours that illuminate the engineering marvels that lay below ground. From the early days of horse-drawn carriages to the modern subway, visiting this museum is one of the it for families.

Tucked into a decommissioned subway station in Downtown Brooklyn, this museum is heaven for train-loving kids. The exhibits feature vintage subway cars (you can climb inside!), historic signage, and an in-depth look at how the city’s vast transportation system came to be.

It’s educational, hands-on, and an unexpected hit for both kids and adults.

Thankfully, visitors can take a walk down memory lane and explore vintage subway cars parked in a decommissioned subway station.

New York Transit Museum
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New York Transit Museum

Downtown Brooklyn