70 Top Things to Do in New York City

Located at 151 W. 34th St. Open Monday through  Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Madison Square Park

With the original Shake Shack, this park is a good stop for lunch. Find lots of tables, mostly in the shade.

Located at 11 Madison Ave. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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MoMA

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, 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 gives out guides for family visits. You can also walk through the gift shop for unique souvenirs. 

Located at 11 W. 53rd St. Located at 11 W. 53rd St. Open From 10:30 a.m. To 5:30 p.m. Adult admission is $28 online. Kids under 16 get in free. 

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 though Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Mondays. Adult admission is $22, students are $13 and kids (12 and younger) enter for free.

Museum of Mathematics

In a facility dedicated to math, learn how it provides structure along with pattern to the world. With hands-on exhibits learn about the importance of math in the everyday world.

Located at 11 E. 26th St. This location will close in 2024 for a renovation.

New York Public Library

Between the granite lions on Fifth Avenue, this iconic Beaux Arts Library isn’t a traditional lending library. It’s a research library, and its name is the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. With its beautiful reading rooms, it is a popular destination for reading and studying. Additionally, it is also a popular destination for travelers. This is one of the Top Things to do in Midtown Manhattan.

The New York Public Library offers free weekday tours, and I recently went on one. During the 60-minute guided tour, I learned about the building’s architecture and the addition of archival storage under neighboring Bryant Park. We toured its many decorative rooms, rich with details and art. There’s even an iconic set from the Sex in the City movie inside the library.

The tour is free and reservations are required. The visitor center’s website offers the best place for information. There is also a free exhibit on the ground floor of the library with some of the most treasured items from its collection, the Polonsky Exhibition of New York Public Library’s Treasures.

Located at 476 5th Ave. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (8 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday). Free to enter.

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Radio City Music Hall

Next, tour the legendary theater and home to the Rockettes. After the Top of the Rock tour, stay at Rockefeller Center and tour Radio City Music Hall. Art Deco theater features rich architectural details from a bygone era along with some of Bob Mackie’s Rockettes costumes.

Located at 1260 6th Ave. Seasonal tours are Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Adult admission is $33. students and kids (12 and younger) are  $29. Reservations required.

Rockefeller Plaza 

Walk through Rockefeller Plaza, which features seasonal displays like the Christmas tree, ice skating rink, and summertime cafe. The Prometheus statue is another must-see during your visit.

The LEGO Store features NYC landmarks built in LEGOs, a must for all ages. There is also a Food Hall inside Rockefeller Center’s concourse level. It is free to enter. 

Located at 45 Rockefeller Plaza. Plaza. Open 24 hours a day.

Top of the Rock

With the best views of Central Park, heading up to the observation area of the Rockefeller Building is also the best way to see landmarks like the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building. A quick elevator ride later, explore three different floors all with incredible views.

Located at 30 Rockefeller Center. Open from 9 a.m. to midnight.  Adult admission is $40, kids (6 to 12) are $34. Reservations are a must during the busy season. A CityPass can be used for the Top of the Rock.

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 mid-town for some of the best views of Midtown.

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

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St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Regardless of religion, St. Patrick’s is a masterpiece of architecture. Take a few minutes to walk through the Neo-Gothic Cathedral in the center of Midtown. During my last visit, I saw a girls’ choir performing, and the acoustics were unbelievable.

Located at Fifth Ave. between 50th and 51st St. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is free to enter, though donations are accepted. An iPad-led audio tour, narrated by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, is also available.

The Edge 

Not for everyone, though if the idea of standing on a glass floor 100 floors above the street below sounds fun, there’s your chance. And there’s more, you can harness up and climb on the outside of the building, 1,100 feet above the ground. The observation deck seems tame with its angled glass walls that allow visitors to lean against the glass and see below. Also find a champagne bar if you need a drink, before or after.

Note: The outdoor areas close in inclement weather.

Located at 30 Hudson Yards. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Adult admission starts at $36, kids (6 to 12) admission starts at $31. Reservations are required.

The Vessel

A 16-story sculpture with 154 flights of stairs connected with 80 landings, it was originally opened to the public in 2019, However, it closed in 2021 and remains closed.

Located at 20 Hudson Yard.

The Shed

This is a performance and display space for the creative arts ranging from performance art to visual art to pop culture.

Located at 575 Hudson Yard.

Times Square

As a top NYC destination, Times Square offers lights and energy 24-7. However, head to Times Square in the evening or after a show to see just how bright it truly is.

Find street performers, art installations, shopping and dining.

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

United Nations Headquarters

As the headquarters for the United Nations,  the complex includes gardens along with the General Assembly, the Secretariat and Conference Buildings. For an in-depth tour, reserve the guided one-hour tour (available in six languages)

Located at 46th St. and 1st Ave. Open Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for the tour is $28 for adults and $15 for kids 5 to 12 (kids under 5 not allowed on tours).

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Top Places to Go in Central Park

As the first landscaped public park in the U.S., the merchants and landowners wanted to develop an area like the ones of Paris and London for all to use. In 1853, money was designated for its development, and land in the center of Manhattan was acquired. With irregular terrain, the land was less desirable for development though home to farmers and their animals and crops.

In 1857, the park’s commission selected Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux. Many of the iconic details of the Central Park were part of their Greenward Plan. Thousands of workers reshaped the landscape, and the park officially opened in 1859.

Alice in Wonderland Statue and Hans Christian Andersen Statue

Located near Conservatory Water on the east side of the park, kids can actually climb this bronze statue featuring Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the White Rabbit. The Hans Christian Andersen Statue is steps away. 

Located near E 74th St.

Top Things to Do in Central Park 

American Museum of Natural History

Hayden Planetarium

This sprawling museum 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.

The Natural History Museum offers a Museum Food Court on the lower level featuring family favorites. 

Located at Central Park West at 79th St. Open Daily from 10 a.m. To 5:30 p.m. Adult admission with Planetarium is $34, students are $27 and kids (3 to 12) are $20. Timed-entry reservations are required.

Belvedere Castle

As Central Park’s highest point, the views are the draw. It was originally designed by Central Park’s architect, Frederick Law Olmstead, who wanted a whimsical castle.

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 

Bethesda Terrance and Fountain

If you are limited on time, head to Bethesda first. One of the original elements in Central Park, it was built in 1859. The grand fountain is one of the top NYC pictures.

Located at 72nd Transverse Drive (one of the roads that bisects the park).  

Bow Bridge

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

Central Park Carousel

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

Located in southeast corner of Central Park at 65th St. Open April though October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 7 p.m. on Friday to Sunday. Admission is $3 per person, cash only.

Walking Tour of Central Park

Exploring Central Park can take a whole day or more. You can arrange a professional tour or do it yourself. 

Central Park 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 St. and 5th Avenue. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (5:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays) from the first week of April through November. Open until 4:30 p.m. for the rest of the year. Adult admission is $19.95, seniors are $16.95 and kids (3 to 12) are $14.95.

Chess and Checker House 

It is an official Central Park visitor center in the children’s district, but you will still find people playing board games on the tables surrounding the building.

Located at midpark at 64th Street.

Conservatory Water

Head to a charming area dedicated to the young at heart. Rent a wind-powered sailboat or just enjoy the scenery.

Located on the east side in-between 72nd and 75th streets. Free

DiMenna Children’s History Museum

Geared towards older kids, learn about the 350 years of history on New York City along with the U.S. at large.

Located at 170 Central Park West. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ( 8 p.m. on Friday). Adult admission is $24, students are $13, kids (5 to 13) are $6 and 4 and younger enter for freeTimed entry reservation recommended.

Guggenheim Museum

Head to the top of the Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece and meander down through the collection. Its focus on modern and contemporary art allows for quick exploration. 

Located at 5th Avenue and 89th Street. Open Sunday through Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday until 8 p.m. Closed Tuesday. Adult admission is $ 30, students are $19, and kids 12 and younger are free.

The Dairy

With Swedish storybook architectural elements, the Dairy harkens back to the time when the park had grazing animals. In the late 1800s, it was used by children and served milk and refreshments. Now, it is a visitor center for Central Park.

Located just south of the 65th Street Traverser as it bisects the park.

The Imagine Mosaic in Strawberry Fields

Stroll this quiet zone and official peace park to honor John Lennon’s work. Along with his work with The Beatles, John Lennon advocated for peace. 

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

Literary Walk

This wide and straight walk is a formal promenade in the park. It is lined with benches and American Elms. On the lower section of the walk, you will find statues of literary figures like William Shakespeare. In addition, there is the Women’s Rights Pioneer Statue. It’s lovely during all seasons.

Located from the 66th Street Traverse to the 74th Street Traverse.

Loeb’s Boathouse 

It’s a restaurant, cafe, and bar just north of Bethesda Terrace, along with rental rowboats. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Central Park. From April through November, boats can be rented by the hour ($20 an 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.  Temporarily closed for renovation.

Located at Park Dr. N at 72nd St.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art 

A sprawling museum that will test the will of a toddler so head for the highlights. The Temple of Dendur is on the first floor. Or head to the European Paintings on the second floor. See Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse and Andy Warhol. 

Several cafes are located in the Met for a break. Family guides are available, and special tours are on select days. 

Located at 1000 5th Avenue. Open Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p..m. and Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m. Adult admission is $30, students are $17 and kids 12 and younger are free. Reservations are recommended.

Playgrounds of Central Park

Kids live in NYC too. So sample some of the amazing playgrounds in Central Park that are sprinkled throughout the park.

Heckscher Playground

A favorite among locals and visitors alike. Find water play, climbing structure and swings in areas based on age. Located midpark in-between 61st and 63rd streets. 

Ancient Playground

This playground is better for museum-goers. Take a few minutes so the kids can run and climb before or after exploring The Met. Located next The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

Billy Johnson Playground

The draw at this playground is the granite slides. 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. 

Adventure Playground

A playground close to the American Museum of Natural Science with lots of climbing structures. A great spot to run out some energy before-or-after a museum visit. Located on the west side of the park at 67th Street.

Top Places to Go in Lower Manhattan

Statue of Liberty National Monument

The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and liberty known worldwide. It sits on a 12-acre island in the middle of New York Harbor. For a first-time visit to NYC, visit the Statue of Liberty. It’s one of the top things to do in Lower Manhattan with kids. The trip will take half a day, and it’s a memorable experience seeing the details of Lady Liberty up close.

While on Liberty Island, visit the museum to learn about its construction. Then, climb the 215 stairs to the top of the pedestal to capture views of downtown Manhattan and the copper patina (Additional tickets are required.)

Separate reservations are required for Pedestal Access and Crown Access. Depending on the time of the year, these reservations sell out months in advance.

Operated by Statue Cruises, the ferry departs from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. First, explore the Statue of Liberty, then reboard the ferry to tour Ellis Island, an additional stop. The first ferry leaves at 9:00 a.m., and the last one departs at 3:00 p.m., with extended hours during peak seasons.

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. While at Ellis Island, you can look up family names to see if they immigrated through Ellis Island.

Give yourself half the day to visit both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Reservations are a must, and book in advance to visit the pedestal. A Junior Ranger Booklet is available. All passengers will go through airport-style security screening.

The National 9/11 Memorial and Museum 

The outdoor memorial offers a peaceful fountain with the names of those lost along the perimeter of the fountain. It is lighted at night, and the flow of water drowns out the sounds of city life.

Inside the 9/11 museum, a collection of artifacts, narratives, archives, and interactive technology remembers the 2,996 people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. It retells the story of the tragic day along with the months of recovery. 

Located at 180 Greenwich St. The 9/11 Memorial is open from every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free. The 9/11 Museum is open from Wednesday to Monday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adult admission starts at $21, and kids 6 and younger are free. Reservations recommended. If you are visiting several museums during your visit, consider a CityPass.

Note: Due to the sensitive nature of the museum, skip it with small children.  

Battery Park

At the southern tip of Manhattan, Battery Park offers green space to explore with gardens, walkways and lots of views of the New York Harbor. Walk through the perennial gardens, the Battery Woodland and the Bosque Fountain during your visit. 

The playground is a kid magnet and offers some unique climbing structures as well as several assessible features. It is one of the top things to do in Lower Manhattan with kids. For snacks, food trucks line the streets next to Battery Park, or grab a snack at one of the kiosks in the park. 

Located at State St. and Battery Plaza. Free to enter. 

SeaGlass Carousel

Built in 2015, hop on a fish to whirl around the pavilion to classical music. This carousel moves up and down from the floor and twirls around in smaller circles so it feels like dancing. This is also one of the top things to do in Lower Manhattan with kids.

Located in Battery Park. Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and admission is $5.50 per person. 

Castle Clinton National Monument

After visiting the Statue of Liberty, explore the Castle Clinton National Monument, steps from the ferry dock, for more immigration history. 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. Juior Ranger booklets available.

National Museum of the American Indian

Located in the Alexander Hamilton Customs House, a Beaux Arts Building that’s a National Historic Landmark, explore the New York branch of the Washington, D.C. Smithsonian Museum. With 700 Native American artifacts and arts, it’s part of the George Gustav Heye collection, started in 1903. This museum is organized geographically and includes items from North America as well as South and Central America.

Located at 1 Bowling Green. Open Daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free to Enter. Reservations not required.

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. Weekends only in winter. Adult admission is $18, students are $15 and kids (3 to 17) are $5. Harbor cruises are available and require a separate ticket purchased in advance. Harbor cruises are available and require a separate ticket.

Staten Island Ferry

Tight on time but 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. Since it’s free, it’s one of the top things to do in Lower Manhattan with kids.

Located in Battery Park. Open seven days a week and 24 hours a day.

NYC Ferry at Wall Street

For the Wall Street Ferry Port, you can catch a ferry to popular spots like DUMBO, Governors Island, and even Midtown and the Upper East Side, along with several locations in Queens and Brooklyn. With open-air decks, it’s a run ride with exceptional views of Lower Manhattan.

Located at South Street at Pier 11. Ferries run from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. It’s $4 to ride one way and tickets (or on the app) are available at the ferry dock (or on the app).

Brooklyn Bridge

Walk over the first bridge that spanned the East River, started in 1870 it was completed in 1883. The towers feature Gothic Revival Towers made of limestone and granite with a pedestrian walkway above the vehicle traffic below. In total, the Brooklyn Bridge is 1.1 miles long, and the DUMBO area offers a lot of dining and activities. Best of all, you can take the ferry back to Manhattan.

Oculus-World Trade Center

As a transportation hub, retail, and dining area along with stunning work of architecture, the Oculus is a modern version of the Grand Central Terminal. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, visitors should enter from the street level to see the voluminous space Calatrava created. For the exterior, it’s meant to look like a dove flying from a child’s hands.

Underground, find several NYC subway lines as well as PATH trains to New Jersey.

Located at the intersection of Fulton St. and Greenwich St. Free to enter and open daily from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.

One World Observatory

Rising up in Lower Manhattan, 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 sun sets and glass glows.

Located at 180 Greenwich St. Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days. General admission is $39.

East Side Tenement Museum National Historic Site

Walk through 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. Though not great for younger kids, my teen really enjoyed this museum. It’s one of the top things to do in Lower Manhattan with older kids.

With specialized tours focusing on Irish immigrants, Jewish immigrants, and sweatshop workers, along with neighborhood tours, you can get an understanding of an immigrant’s life over a hundred years ago.

The Visitor Center at 103 Orchard St. Open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6: p.m. General admission tours are $30. Timed Entry Tickets Required.

New York City Fire Museum

As the official museum of the New York City’s Fire Department, learn about its history in the 1904 firehouse. See the 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 Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $15, students are $10 and kids (3 to 17) are $6.

Fearless Girl Statue

Looking 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

Federal Hall National Monument

Located on Wall Street, this building served as the first Capitol 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 as well.

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.

Little Island

Created from piers, Little Island is one of the newest areas to explore in Lower Manhattan. Located at Pier 55, the island and its gardens appear to float about the water. Enjoy a stroll to its high point for views of the Hudson or attend a live performance. It’s one of the top things to do in Lower Manhattan with kids since they like exploring the island with its winding walkways.

Located at West 13th St. at Hudson River Park. Open daily at 6 a.m. and closes at midnight during the summer, 11 p.m. in the spring and fall and 9 p.m. during the winter. Free to enter.

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 Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and every day during the summer. Adult admission is $30 and kids under 18 are free. Reservations recommended.

African Burial Ground National Monument

Learn about the final resting place of more than 400 African Americans in Lower Manhattan. A mass burial site from the 17^th and 18^th centuries retells the story of free and enslaved people in colonial New York.

The visitor center is on the first floor of the Ted Weiss Federal Building at 290 Broadway in lower Manhattan. The Visitor Center and Memorial are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Free to enter.

Chelsea Market

On the main floor, locals and tourists traise through for standards like Sarabeth’s, Los Tacos No 1, and L’Art del Gelato. The tables might be limited at peak times.

Located at 75 9th Ave. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friends Apartment 

In the iconic TV show from the 1990s, the outside of this building was featured as their apartment building. It is located at 90 Bedford St.

Where to Stay

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