Bright Lights, Big City: 53 Best Things to Do in NYC with Kids

If you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC with kids? Discover hundreds of options for family fun in New York City. Start in Midtown, then head to Central Park before landing in Lower Manhattan with the kids in tow. Then skip over to Brooklyn and the Bronx for the top family fun spots for your next getaway.

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53 Best Things to Do in NYC with Kids

Midtown’s Best Things to do in NYC with Kids

Central Park’s Best Things to do in NYC with Kids

Lower Manhattan’s Best Things to do in NYC with Kids

Best Things to do Outside of Manhattan with Kids

• Brooklyn’s Best Things to do in NYC with Kids

• The Bronx’s Best Things to do in NYC with Kids

More NYC Fun for Families

With five boroughs, New York City offers oodles of things to do with kids. Manhattan is the star, though you can find lots to do in nearby boroughs, like Brooklyn and the Bronx. If it’s your first time visiting, concentrate on Midtown then Central Park.

Read on for 53 of the best things to do in NYC with kids.

Best Things to do in Midtown with Kids 

1. A Broadway Show
2. Empire State Building
3. Grand Central Terminal
4. Gulliver’s Gate Mini World
5. Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
6. MoMA
7. The Morgan Library and Museum
8. Rockefeller Center’s Top of the Rock
9. Rockefeller Plaza
10. Rockefeller Tram
11. Times Square
Where to Stay? NYC Hotels for Families near Times Square

This area offers days of family-friendly fun. Start here, especially if it’s your first visit to New York City. Here are Midtown’s best things to do in NYC with kids.

1. A Broadway Show

With audiences full of families, a Disney on Broadway production is the top choice for a kid’s first theater performance. Packed with tunes they know by heart, elaborate sets, and glittering costumes, Disney productions keep kids glued to their seats — and that makes it one of the best things to do in NYC with kids.

Current offerings include The Lion King, Aladdin or Frozen, but there is always something opening! Choose from matinees or evening performances. The theater district runs from 40th to 54th streets and from 6th to 8th avenues.

Best for Mature preschoolers and up.

2. Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is a symbol of NYC; its iconic look is known worldwide. Opened in 1931, it’s an Art Deco masterpiece and National Historic Landmark. Head to the Observation Deck on the 86th floor, the backdrop to many a movie. Another observation deck is on the 102nd floor.

Located at 20 W. 34th St. Open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Admission based on age.

Best for School-age and teens

3. Grand Central Terminal

Walk through the Beaux Arts masterpiece that is the largest train terminal in the world. It’s a hub for subways and commuter trains, and it also houses a shopping and casual dining center.

The main concourse features an astronomical ceiling and a four-sided brass clock.  Tennessee marble was used for the stairs and the floors.

Located at 89 E. 42nd St. Terminal Open From 5:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Free to enter.

Best for School-age and teens

Read more: Free Things to Do with Kids at Grand Central 

4. Gulliver’s Gate Mini World

Walk through a tiny world, and find dioramas depicting the top neighborhoods and attractions in NYC along with other major cities in the world. It’s a charming area to explore with kids of all ages — and as one of the fun things to do in NYC with kids.

Located at 216 W. 44th. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission based on age.

Best for All Ages

5. Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

Clamber across the deck of the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier, to see a retired Concorde and one of NASA’s retired space shuttles. The Space Shuttle Enterprise is one of several on display across the U.S.

Then explore the USS Growler, a submarine. Find it here along with several different military aircraft.

Located at Pier 86 W.46th St. at 11th Avenue. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission based on age.

Best for: School age and up

6. MoMA

To see some of the most recognizable works of art, head straight for the Fifth Floor of the Museum of Modern Art. Find Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh, and Dance by Henri Matisse along with works from Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, and Pablo Picasso. Great for kids with short attention spans.

Kids under 16 get in free and the MoMA hands out guides for family visits. Walk through the gift shop for unique souvenirs.

Located at 11 W. 53rd St. Open From 10:30 a.m. To 5:30 p.m. Adult admission.

Best for: School age and up

7. The Morgan Library and Museum

Explore Pierpont Morgan’s three-story library, rotunda, and study. The opulent interiors are a must for readers and Harry Potter fans since it looks like Hogwarts.

Located at 225 Madison Ave. Open Tuesday through Sunday with various hours. Closed Monday. Admission based on age.

Best for: School age and up

8. Rockefeller Center’s Top of the Rock

Add this to your list of best things to do in NYC with kids. If you reserve tickets online, you can bypass the ticket line for the Top of the Rock. A quick elevator ride later, you can explore three different floors all with incredible views.

With the best views of Central Park, the Top of the Rock is also the best way to see landmarks like the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building.

Located at 30 Rockefeller Center. Open from 8 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Admission based on age.

Best for Preschoolers and up.

9. Rockefeller Plaza

Explore Rockefeller Plaza and enjoy its seasonal displays, like the Christmas tree and ice skating rink in winter, or summertime cafe.

While you’re there, stop by the LEGO Store to see NYC landmarks built in LEGOs, a must for all ages. Find a Food Hall inside of Rockefeller Center’s concourse level. Free to enter.

Best for All ages

10. Roosevelt Tram

The bright red tram cars climb up and over the East River to get to Roosevelt Island. Get off and re-board to return to Midtown for some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline.

Located at the intersection of 59th St. and 2nd Ave. Ride for free if you purchased an MTA MetroCard for the subway. Otherwise, it’s $4 roundtrip.

Best for All ages

11. Times Square

As a top NYC destination, Times Square offers 24-7 lights and energy. To capture its true brightness, however, you should head to Times Square in the evening or after a show.

Find street performers, art installations, shopping and dining.

Located at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue. Always open and free.

Best for All ages

Read More: Best Things to Do in Times Square with Kids

NYC Hotels for Families near Times Square

Luxury Hotel Options 

The Chatwal was built in 1905 and re-envisioned by Thierry Despont. By blending traditional architectural details with modern furnishings, the Chatwal offers king suites with Murphy beds that delight kids with their novelty.

Located at 130 W. 44th St.

Suites with Kitchenettes

The Residence Inn New York Manhattan Mid Town East offers more space — a rarity in NYC hotels — and the convenience of a full kitchen, including refrigerator, microwave and cooktop. A full hot breakfast and wifi are included in the room rate. The kitchenette helps hold down food costs further by keeping leftovers and snacks fresh and giving you the option of having dinner in before you head to that Broadway show. Book a queen studio with a sofa bed for larger families.

Located at 148 E. 48th St.

Value Hotel Options

SpringHill Suites NY Times Square is a good no-frills option for families that want to save on lodging. The rooms are smaller, but there is a minifridge and microwave to help hold down dining costs, especially if you’re traveling with ravenous teens. And the room rate includes breakfast.

Located at 338 W. 36th St.

Top Things to Do in Central Park Area

The beauty of Central Park enchants locals and visitors alike, and this area of the city offers so many things to do in NYC with kids. With more than 800 acres, it’s impossible to explore in one visit. So pick an area and explore on foot or rent a bike. And tours are readily available.

12. Alice in Wonderland Statue
13. American Museum of Natural History & Hayden Planetarium
14. Belvedere Castle
15. Bethesda Terrace and Fountain
16. Bow Bridge
17. Central Park Carousel
18. Central Park Walking Tour
19. The Central Park Zoo
20. Children’s Museum of Manhattan
21. Conservatory Water
22. Guggenheim Museum
23. The Imagine Mosaic in Strawberry Fields
24. Loeb’s Boathouse
25. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
26. Playgrounds of Central Park
Where to Stay? NYC Hotels for Families near Central Park

Read on for Central Park’s best things to do in NYC with kids.

12. Alice in Wonderland Statue

Let your kids climb this bronze statue, located near Conservatory Water in Central Park. It’s OK — climbing is encouraged. The statue features Alice, the Mad Hatter, and White Rabbit.

Best for All Ages and book lovers

13. The American Museum of Natural History & Hayden Planetarium

The American Museum of Natural History is a sprawling museum that could take all day, so hit the highlights, like the Hall of Dinosaurs, “Lucy” the early human, and the giant blue whale. Then explore the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda along with the Hall of North American Mammals.

Carve out a little time for the Hayden Planetarium to learn more about the world beyond our atmosphere. It’s located on-site and requires an additional timed ticket for a show.

TravelingMom Tip: There’s a food court on the lower level of the Natural History Museum that makes a good spot for lunch.

Located at Central Park West at 79th St. and Open from 10 a.m. To 5:45 p.m. every day. Admission based on age. Planetarium requires an additional ticket. Best for Preschool through Teens

14. Belvedere Castle

As the highest point in Central Park, Belvedere Castle draws visitors in with its amazing views. The whimsical castle was designed by Central Park’s architect, Frederick Law Olmstead. Located mid-park at 79th St. Open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the rest of the year. Free.

Best for All Ages

15. Bethesda Terrace and Fountain

If you have limited time, head to Bethesda first. One of the original elements in Central Park, it was built in 1859. And the grand fountain is one of the top sites for NYC pictures. Located at 72nd Cross Drive.

Best for All ages

16. Bow Bridge

As one of the most romantic spots in NYC, Bow Bridge is a favorite with couples. Built in 1859, it’s located mid-park at 74th St., west of Bethesda Terrace.

Best for All Ages and couples.

17. Central Park Carousel

A must for families, the 1908 Carousel features 57 horses.

The covered carousel is located in the southeast corner of Central Park at 65th St. Open April through October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $3 per person, cash only.

Best for All ages

18. Walking Tour of Central Park 

A whole day or more can be dedicated to exploring Central Park. So arrange a professional tour (there are plenty available) or create a DIY one.

Best for All ages

19. Central Park Zoo & Tisch Children’s Zoo

This compact zoo can be explored in two hours, perfect for younger kids and babies. The highlights are the sea lions, penguins, snow monkeys and grizzly bears.

Head to the adjacent facility, Tisch Children’s Zoo, for more exploring with the littles. Located at 64th Street and 5th Avenue and open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from the first week of April through November and open until 4:30 p.m. for the rest of the year. Admission based on age.

Best for: Younger kids and animal lovers

20. Children’s Museum of Manhattan

Best for: Younger kids and animal lovers

Kids find fun things at every turn on this museum’s five floors. Exhibits are centered around dancing, water play, art, and environmental experiments.

Located at 212 W. 83rd St. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. closing at 7 p.m. on Saturday. General admission is $15 and babies 1 and under are free.

Best for Toddlers and preschoolers

21. Conservatory Water

Head to this charming area of Central Park dedicated to the young-at-heart. Rent a wind-powered sailboat or just enjoy the scenery. Located on the East side between 72nd and 75th streets. Free

Best for All Ages

22. Guggenheim Museum

Best strategy: head to the top of the Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece and meander down through the collection. If you focus on modern and contemporary art, it can be explored quickly.

Located at 5th Avenue and 89th Street. Open Sunday through Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and Saturday until 7:45 p.m. Closed Thursday. Admission based on age.

Best for Teens and Art Lovers

23. The Imagine Mosaic in Strawberry Fields

Stroll this quiet zone and official peace park of Central Park, honoring the work of John Lennon. Lennon was a noted advocate and activist for peace, as well as one of the legendary group The Beatles.

Located along Central Park West between 71st and 74th streets, in the shadow of Lennon’s former home, The Dakota.

Best for Teens and music lovers.

24. Loeb’s Boathouse

It’s a restaurant/cafe along with rental rowboats, just north of Bethesda Terrace. And it’s one of the most photographed spots in Central Park. Rent a boat by the hour, weather permitting. Cash only

Hungry? Head to Loeb Boathouse Café Express, next to the fancier Loeb Boathouse Restaurant, for drinks or an ice cream cone. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Spring to Fall and open until 4:30 p.m. during the winter.

Located at Park Dr. N at 72nd St.

25. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

A sprawling museum that will test the will of a toddler, so focus on the highlights. Head to the Temple of Dendur on the first floor or to the European Paintings on the second floor. See works by Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, and Andy Warhol.

Cafes located in several locations for a break. Family guides available and special tours on select days.

Located at 1000 5th Ave. Open Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m. Admission based on age

Best for Teens and Art Lovers

26. Playgrounds of Central Park

Kids live in NYC too. So amazing playgrounds are sprinkled around Central Park.

Heckscher Playground—A favorite among locals and visitors alike. Find water play, climbing structures, and swings in areas based on age. Located mid-park between 61st and 63rd streets.

Ancient Playground—Located next to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this playground is for museum-goers. Take a few minutes so the kids can run and climb before or after exploring The Met.

Billy Johnson Playground—The draw at this playground is the granite slides. Here’s a hint – you can go faster with a piece of cardboard. Find two slides, the original and faster one and a new shorter slide that accommodates kids of differing abilities. Located at 67th Street and 5th Avenue.

Best for All ages

NYC Hotels for Families near Central Park

Iconic Luxury

The Ritz Carlton Central Park underwent a recent renovation and shines with luxurious modern fittings. Its city chic styling is sleek in design and the property pays lavish attention to detail. The park view rooms command a premium; it’s worth if you’re splurging on a special getaway.

Located at 50 Central Park South.

Suites with Kitchenettes

The Residence Inn New York Manhattan Central Park offers stylish interiors paired with the convenience of more space and a kitchenette. The suites offer a refrigerator, microwave and cookware with a small portable cooktop available upon request. Find a large lobby with complimentary full breakfast and wifi.

Located at 1717 Broadway.

Value Hotels for Families

The Courtyard New York Manhattan Upper East Side offers a spacious room with modern decor. Perks include mini-fridge along with complimentary WiFi.

Located at 410 E. 92nd St.

Top Things to do in Lower Manhattan

The Statue of Liberty is the big draw, though Lower Manhattan offers lots more to do with museums, parks, and even ferries.

27. 9/11 Memorial and Museum
28. Battery Park
29. Castle Clinton National Monument
30. Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex
31. Children’s Museum of the Arts
32. East Side Tenement Museum National Historic Site
33. Fearless Girl Statue
34. Federal Hall National Monument
35. The High Line
36. New York City Fire Museum
37. Oculus
38. One World Observatory
39. SeaGlass Carousel
40. South Street Seaport Museum
41. Staten Island Ferry
42. Statue of Liberty
43. Ellis Island
44. The Whitney Museum of American Art

Here are Lower Manhattan’s best things to do in NYC with kids.

27. 9/11 Memorial and Museum

The outdoor memorial offers a peaceful fountain featuring the names of those lost along the perimeter of the fountain. It is lighted at night.

Through this collection of artifacts, narratives, archives, and interactive technology, you can remember the 2,996 people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The collection retells the story of the tragic day, along with the months of recovery afterward.

Located at 180 Greenwich St. The 9/11 Memorial is open from every day from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free. The 9/11 Museum is open from Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Best for teens and tweens since they were born after 9/11. Due to the sensitive nature of the museum, skip it with small children.

Read more: Should You Bring Your Kids to the 9/11 Memorial?

28. Battery Park

Located at the southern tip of Manhattan, Battery Park offers green space along with the transportation hubs. Walkthrough the perennial gardens, the Battery Woodland and the Bosque Fountain.

If you’re hungry, head to the bistro at Peter Minuit Plaza or find a garden cafe or the restaurant’s beer garden. Open seasonally from April to October.</p>

Located at State Street and Battery Plaza. Free to enter. Best for All ages

29. Castle Clinton National Monument

After visiting the Statue of Liberty, explore the Castle Clinton National Monument for more immigration history. It’s located steps from the ferry dock. For war buffs in the family, it’s also a fort from the War of 1812 with antique cannons.

Located in Battery Park and open seven days a week from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free to enter. Best for School-age kids and teens

30. Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex

With an indoor ice rink, bowling alley, arcade, and laser tag, Chelsea Piers is a total indoor sports complex. There are also drop-in activities like batting cages, driving range and climbing wall.

Located at 62 Chelsea Piers at 23rd Street and Hudson River Park. Hours and prices based on activity. Best for School-age kids and teens

31. Children’s Museum of the Arts

In a facility dedicated to all forms of art, find a mix of engaging and child-centered exhibitions. The Museum also offers programming for getting little fingers busy. Check out the more than 2,000 works by children worldwide.

Located at 103 Charlton St. Open Thursday through Monday from noon to 5 p.m. most days. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. General admission is $13 and babies under 1 are free. Best for: Toddlers and Preschoolers

32. East Side Tenement Museum National Historic Site

Experience history in a preserved tenement building on the Lower East Side. Tour the building that housed 7,000 working-class immigrants from 1863 until 1935.

Through specialized tours focusing on Irish immigrants, Jewish immigrants and sweatshop workers – as well as neighborhood tours –  you get an understanding of an immigrant’s life over a hundred years ago.

The Visitor Center is located at 103 Orchard St. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Admission based on age. Best for School-age kids and teens

33. Fearless Girl Statue

Looking at the Charging Bull in the eyes, Fearless Girl, gathered international attention. But she’s moved to outside the New York Stock Exchange, looking up at the building.  The bronze statue is a beacon for strong-willed girls worldwide.

Located at 11 Wall St. Free. Best for All ages

34. Federal Hall National Monument

Located on Wall Street, this building served as the first capital of the United States, the Supreme Court, and the Executive Branch offices. George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States at Federal Hall.

The visitor center is located at the Pine Street entrance. The Federal Hall National Monument is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and during the summer, it’s open Saturdays as well. Free to enter.

35. The High Line

Created from an abandoned New York Central Railroad Spur, the nearly one-and-a-half miles of elevated walking path and park is a must. Created in 2009, High Line is a destination for locals and travelers alike. As a bonus, it’s free, unless if you want to grab a snack or buy a coffee along the route.

Located from Gansevoort Stree to 34th Street with multiple entrances, some with elevators. Open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. during the warmer months. Closes at 7 p.m. during the winter. Free. Best for All ages

36. New York City Fire Museum

The official museum of the New York City’s Fire Department is housed in a 1904 firehouse. See antique equipment, some of it horse-drawn. Then take a moment to reflect at the  NYCFM 9/11 Memorial that honors the 343 fallen firefighters.

Located at 278 Spring St. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission based on age. Best for All ages.

37. Oculus

A transportation hub, retail and dining area, the Oculus is also a stunning work of architecture. It’s a modern version of Grand Central Terminal.

Located at the intersection of Fulton and Greenwich streets. Free to enter and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

38. One World Observatory

Rising up in lower Manhattan, One World Observatory is famous for its views. Head to the 102nd floor of the 1 World Trade Tower for a view of Lower Manhattan and the New York City harbor. Anchoring the revitalization area most affected by 9/11, this building offers a guiding light to the future, especially as the sunsets.

Located at 180 Greenwich St. Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days. Admission fee. Best for School-age and teens.

39. SeaGlass Carousel

Hop on a fish to whirl around the pavilion to classical music. Built in 2015, this carousel moves up and down from the floor and twirls around in smaller circles. so it feels like dancing.

Located in Battery Park. Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and admission is $5 per person. Best for All ages.

40. South Street Seaport Museum

Learn about the rise of NYC and its role as a port city. The South Street Seaport Museum offers five historic vessels. Tour the Ship Wavertree and the Lightship Ambrose, located nearby.

Located at 12 Fulton St. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Admission based on age. Harbor cruises are available and require a separate ticket. Best for School-age kids and teens.

41. Staten Island Ferry

Tight on time but still want to include the best things to do in NYC with kids? Want to get a closer view of the Statue of Liberty without taking the official tour?

Then hop the Staten Island Ferry, offering passenger service. Departing every 15 to 30 minutes, it’s a free harbor cruise. Located in Battery Park. Open seven days a week and 24-hours a day. Best for All ages.

42. Statue of Liberty

As a symbol of freedom and liberty known world-wide, the Lady Liberty sits on a 12-acre island in the middle of New York Harbor. Learn about its construction in the terrific Statue of Liberty Museum under the pedestal. Then climb the stairs to the top of the pedestal or head to the crown to capture views of downtown Manhattan (additional tickets required).

Operated by Statue Cruises, the ferry departs from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. Explore the Statue of Liberty first then re-board the ferry to tour Ellis Island, an additional stop.

The first ferry leaves at 9:30 a.m. and the last one departs at 3:30 p.m. with extended hours during peak seasons. Ferry tickets required for everyone, based on age. Best for All ages.

43. Ellis Island

From 1892 until 1954, Ellis Island welcomed 12 million immigrants to the United States. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum walks visitors through the facility that processed close to 5,000 people a day. Best for school-age kids and teens.

TravelingMom Tip: To visit both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, give yourself half the day. Reservations are a must; they book months in advance for the pedestal tour and six months in advance for the crown tour. A Junior Ranger Booklet is available. All passengers will go through airport-style security screening.

44. The Whitney Museum of American Art

Anchoring the southern end of High Line Park, The Whitney showcases contemporary art from the 20th and 21st century with a focus on living artists.

Located at 99 Gansevoort St. Open every day from 10:30 to 6 p.m. during the summer. Closed on Tuesday during the school year. Admission based on age. Best for art lovers of any age.

Things to Do Outside of Manhattan with Kids

Most visitors to NYC rarely make it out of Manhattan, but you can find lots to do with kids in the other four boroughs.

Here are Brooklyn and the Bronx’s best things to do in NYC with kids.

Things to do with Kids in Brooklyn

45. The Brooklyn Bridge
46. Coney Island
47. Governors Island
48. Fulton Street Ferry
49. Jane’s Carousel
50. New York Aquarium
51. New York City Transit Museum

45. The Brooklyn Bridge

If the weather is nice, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s 1.3 miles long and offers some amazing views. The Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883.

The Manhattan entrance is at City Hall Park. And the best place to start or end your walk-in Brooklyn is at the High Street short cut (stairs to street level). Free

46. Coney Island

Imagine screaming your head off while enjoying the view of the Atlantic Ocean. Coney Island offers an old school amusement park. Highlights include the original Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Stand, the Coney Island Cyclone (a wooden roller coaster) and Deno’s Wonder Wheel (a Ferris wheel).

Located at 12th Street and Surf Avenue. Admission and hours vary with attraction.

47. Governors Island

Explore this island between Manhattan and Brooklyn that once was a full-service military base, first for the U.S. Army then the Coast Guard. Check out the two remaining forts, Castle Williams (1811) and Fort Jay (1775) that are National Park sites. Governors Island offers a walking and biking trail, lots of open space and slide hill, a hit with kids.

Open seasonally from May 1 to October 31. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, open until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and open until 7 p.m. on Sunday. Free to visit, though a ferry ride is required and there’s a fee for that.  The ferry departs from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South St. Food service is available.

48. Fulton Street Ferry

After a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, take a ferry back to Manhattan. Head to the DUMBO/BB P Pier One and purchase a ticket at the self-serve kiosk. Several routes are available; popular stops are Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan or East 34th Street in Midtown.

Adult fares are $2.75 and kids under 44” ride for free with an adult.

49. Jane’s Carousel

With views of the East River, this 1922 48-horse carousel originally built for Ohio is a must. Located at Old Dock St.

Open from Wednesday to Monday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and closed Tuesday during the summer. Open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. from the rest of the year. Admission fee

50. New York Aquarium

You’ll learn a lot about marine animals at the New York Aquarium, which has a heavy focus on education. Walkthrough the tunnel in the shark exhibit, which features 18 different species. Learn the differences between sea lions, sea otters and seals at the Sea Cliffs area.

Located at 602 Surf Avenue. Open every day with seasonal hours. Summer hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days and Friday and Saturday open until 10 p.m. Fall hours open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days. Winter hours 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission based on age.

51. New York City Transit Museum

In this decommissioned subway station, you can explore a rotating collection of 20 different vintage subway cars, some wooden. This museum explains the past, present, and future of the MTA, Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York City.

Located at 99 Schermerhorn St. Open from Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed Monday. Admission based on age.

Things to Do in the Bronx

52. New York Botanical Garden
53. Bronx Zoo

A borough of New York City, The Bronx is known for Yankee Stadium, the home field of the New York Yankees baseball team, the New York Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo.

52. New York Botanical Garden

In New York City’s northernmost borough of The Bronx, you can walk through the New York Botanical Garden, a 250-acre garden with more than one million plants. The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, a Victorian-age beauty, is also a New York City landmark. Find displays of orchids, palms, and desert-loving plants inside the traditional greenhouse.

Located at 2900 Southern Blvd. in The Bronx. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closing at 5 p.m. during the winter. Admission based on age.

53. Bronx Zoo

One of the largest zoos in the U.S., the Bronx Zoo offers 265 acres of habitats. Find lions, tigers, grizzly bears, bison, baboons, butterflies and more. It’s a large property that will take the majority of the day to explore.

Located at 2300 Southern Blvd. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on the weekends from April to November. The winter hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission based on age.