The New York children population is quite low. The lack of “children-friendly” public parks and soaring prices for apartments and private schools (almost inaccessible to middle-class families) make almost impossible to afford to continue living in Manhattan a few years after the birth of the first child of a family, having to move to other suburban areas. Anyway, New York could be a perfect destination for your family holidays because you will find some special entertainments for them (it depends on the age of your sons).

The amusement offer for families with kids who visit the city is quite comprehensive, making a family holiday in this city something really enjoyable.

What to do in New York with kids?

Most of the activities for kids in Manhattan are found very amusing for grownups as well, since many parents who travel with their kids to NYC for the first time always wanted to do something in this city when they were kids, like visiting famous toy stores, attractions and even some funny museums.

Toys and kids recreational stores

FAO Schwartz
This famous store reopened a few years ago with an impressive facelift. The latest in toys, a children’s restaurant, live performances by magicians, clowns and other performers that could almost match other competitors like skytechlasers.com/laser-tag-gun-set/, make this a favorite store in New York.

American Girl Place
This store is the dream of every girl. An entire store dedicated to girls where they can play with their favorite dolls, trying on costumes, eat all kinds of candies and funny meals, enjoy a live show and more.

Toys R Us of Times Square
This world-famous toy store is located in the very heart of New York (Times Squares, close to Broadway and 42ndSt.), in a really busy place, but it manages to house a 20 meters tall fair wheel inside the building.

Dylans Candy Bar
Here you can find two floors full of candy and all kinds of treats for the enjoyment of young and old. Here you possibly can find the largest selection of candies in the world.

Recreation and indoors parks

Laser Park (for kids 8 years old +)
Even though this place is a little bit outdated, it is still one of the favorites of the entire family. You can see here parents and children playing together in the arcade room or in the laser tag field.

Sony Wonder Technology Lab
The Sony building offers a completely free interactive tour which shows all kinds of multimedia devices which teach youth new technologies in a funny way.

Outdoor activities

Central Park & Zoo
The most interesting park in New York even has its own zoo. It is advisable to visit this place during the weekend where you will also find street performers like clowns, magicians and other entertainers. Do not forget to visit the carousel and -if you go in winter time- the ice skating track with the unique background of Manhattan skyscrapers.

Coney Island and New York Aquarium in Brooklyn
This is for sure the ultimate classic amusement park for all ages where you can enjoy the attractions almost in the same way they use to be one century ago. Also right next to attractions you can find a great aquarium where to spot the marine nature.

Museums

Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum
This U.S. Navy aircraft carrier was modified and converted into a museum of the sea, air and space. The permanent exhibitions include many air force and navy aircraft, a decommissioned Concorde supersonic airplane and a Submarine.

Natural History Museum & Planetarium
One of the most recommended museums for kids in New York. It has an advanced planetarium and IMAX cinema.

Nowadays there are many alternatives to travel with the entire family almost all over the world.

Is New York child friendly?

New York has been one of the busiest streets in the world. Streets filled with cars and streets busy with family friendly restaurants and also the streets of New York are always a favourite place for the children.