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

The New York experiences every kid should have.

In my order, from my own visits, updated September 2026. 10 places.

Some childhood memories stick forever. And if your child spends any time in New York City—whether you live here or you’re just visiting—there are a few magical, can’t-miss moments that define what it means to be a kid in the greatest city in the world.

I’m not talking about overstuffed tourist checklists or hours spent standing in line. I mean the things that make kids’ eyes light up. The kinds of experiences they’ll talk about years later, long after they’ve outgrown the stroller or stopped begging for sprinkles on everything.

Antonina PattizI went to every one · how I decide

The New York experiences every kid should have, 2026

  1. Staten Island FerryOther · Lower Manhattan/Staten IslandThere’s something undeniably magical about seeing the Statue of Liberty from the water, and the Staten Island Ferry is one of the best—and free—ways to do it.
  2. American Museum of Natural HistoryMuseum · Upper West SideThere’s something about standing under the towering skeleton of a Titanosaur that makes kids feel tiny in the best possible way.
  3. Outdoor Movie Nights (Bryant Park / Brooklyn Bridge Park)Event · Bryant Park / Brooklyn Bridge ParkEven if your kid doesn’t make it through the whole movie, the experience of lying on the grass under a glowing skyline is pure New York magic.
  4. NYC Pizza Slice (any neighborhood spot)Restaurant · citywide
  5. Katz's DelicatessenRestaurant · Lower East SideThe pastrami is legendary, no doubt—but the experience is what makes it unforgettable.
  6. Central ParkPark · Central ParkCentral Park is a New York rite of passage for all ages, but for kids, it’s practically a wonderland.
  7. Roosevelt Island TramOther · Roosevelt IslandThe Roosevelt Island Tram floats over the East River, giving you incredible skyline views and a totally different perspective of Manhattan.
  8. FAO SchwarzStore · MidtownFrom the doorman in uniform to the floor piano from Big, FAO Schwarz is pure theatrical retail joy.
  9. Brooklyn Children's MuseumMuseum · Crown Heights, BrooklynThe Brooklyn Children’s Museum is a neighborhood favorite that’s been around since 1899—and it’s one of the best places to let kids explore at their own pace.

The New York experiences every kid should have, 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 10 Iconic NYC Experiences Every Kid Should Have (At Least Once).