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The Best of New York · With kids · Things to do with kids

The best museums in New York City for kids

Updated September 2026. 8 places.

Exploring New York City with kids is an exciting endeavor (when done right!). The city is an overwhelming place, a logistical puzzle! But if there’s one thing that makes it infinitely easier to navigate with kids, it’s the abundance of kid-friendly museums.

After a decade in the city, I’ve developed a short list of tried-and-true museums that are essential in our weekly arsenal with kids. Whether you’re a fellow local or just visiting the Big Apple for a few days, here’s a roundup of museums my family keeps coming back to.

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best museums in New York City for kids, 2026

  1. American Museum of Natural HistoryMuseum · Upper West SideThis is the heavyweight of NYC family-friendly museums for good reason.
  2. Intrepid MuseumMuseum · MidtownPerched on a real aircraft carrier at Pier 86, this museum is a must for kids who love things that float and fly.
  3. New York Transit MuseumMuseum · Downtown BrooklynHoused in a real, decommissioned subway station, the Transit Museum in Downtown Brooklyn never ceases to impress first time visitors.
  4. Brooklyn Children’s MuseumMuseum · BrooklynFounded in 1899, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum is recognized as the first museum in the world specifically designed for children.
  5. Museum of Ice CreamMuseum · SoHoThe Museum of Ice Cream is a sensory explosion of pink, sugar, and Instagram-ready setups.
  6. National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath)Museum · Flatiron DistrictThe only math museum in the U.S., MoMath is shockingly fun—even if math wasn’t your favorite subject in school.
  7. New York City Fire MuseumMuseum · SoHoIf your kids love fire trucks, this one’s a no-brainer.
  8. New York Hall of ScienceMuseum · Flushing Meadows, QueensLocated in Queens, this is NYC’s only hands-on science and technology center.
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: The Best Museums in New York City for Kids (The Local Mom).