New York City is not only Broadway, Central Park, and the Manhattan skyline. For families with children, it is also one of the best cities in the world in terms of both the number and quality of children’s museums. Here, a child can climb inside a real helicopter, touch live starfish, build a bridge out of foam blocks, and learn how the human heart works.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the best children’s museums in New York City, including descriptions, addresses, ticket prices, and practical tips. The article is useful for tourists visiting with children for a few days, as well as for city residents looking for weekend activities.
Children’s museums in New York City
These are museums in New York City designed specifically for children. When visiting them, you don’t have to worry about adult art or boring programs. Feel free to bring your child!
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan in New York City
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is perhaps the most famous and popular children’s museum…
Brooklyn Children’s Museum in New York
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is one of those places that remains etched in your…
Staten Island Children’s Museum
If you think a children’s museum is just display cases full of exhibits and…
The Bronx Children’s Museum: a castle on the Harlem River
On the banks of the Harlem River stands a brick castle with four crenellated…
Museums that will appeal to both adults and children
Here we’ve collected museums about science, art, history, technology, and nature that will appeal to all ages, with a few exceptions — some may not be suitable for very young children. Many also offer children’s programs, so check the schedule on the website before visiting.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (The Met)
Since its founding in 1870, The Metropolitan Museum of Art — known worldwide simply…
New York Hall of Science – a family-friendly museum in Queens
New York Hall of Science is the city’s only interactive science center. It’s located…
Mercer Labs: The First Immersive Museum of Art and Technology in New York
Mercer Labs (Museum of Art and Technology) is the first fully immersive museum in…
Concorde Tour at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
If you’re strolling along Manhattan by the Hudson River, make sure to visit the…
New York City Fire Museum
The Fire Museum is housed in a beautifully preserved former firehouse. Its two floors…
The Skyscraper Museum in New York City
If you still find yourself looking up at every skyscraper while walking through the…
Museum of the Moving Image in New York
The Museum of the Moving Image is a true paradise for cinephiles. Its exhibitions…
AKC Museum of the Dog in New York
The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog in New York City is dedicated…
The Drawing Center in New York
The Drawing Center in New York is a space dedicated exclusively to the art…
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest and most famous…
El Museo del Barrio in New York City
Located in East Harlem, El Museo del Barrio showcases the vibrant art and culture…
The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG)
Located in the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is one of the…
New York Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum, located in the former Court Street subway station, opened…
Liberty Science Center: a planetarium with a view of the Statue of Liberty
The Liberty Science Center is a case where one of New York City’s most…
Entertainment centers for kids in New York
These are more of an interactive experiences than boring tours.
Madame Tussauds New York
Ever dreamed of snapping a selfie with Leonardo DiCaprio or standing shoulder to shoulder…
Spyscape in New York — An Immersive Museum of Espionage
Spyscape in New York is a thrilling museum dedicated to the fascinating world of…
Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC) in New York
If you think the most expensive museum in New York showcases the greatest works…
Sloomoo Institute: sensory paradise for all ages
The Sloomoo Institute is a children’s interactive center and museum dedicated to slime. It…
Tips: how to plan a visit to a children’s museum in New York
- Buy tickets online. Almost all museums on this list offer a discount of ten to fifteen percent for online purchases and help you save time at the ticket counter.
- Arrive at opening time. Children’s museums in New York City are busiest between 11:00 and 14:00. Arriving at 10:00 allows you to spend the first hours without crowds.
- Check for free admission days. Many museums offer free or discounted entry at specific times or on certain days.
- Consider tourist passes such as New York Pass or City Pass if you plan to visit several museums.
- Use coat check and storage areas. Many museums provide free storage, and some offer space for strollers.
- Food. Museums usually have cafés, but prices are higher than outside. One exception is the Staten Island Children’s Museum, where visitors can bring their own food for a picnic.
- Ferry rides. Some museums can be combined with trips on the New York City Ferry, which is inexpensive and an attraction in itself for children.
