The best toddler activities in NYC

When the coolest kids’ playgrounds in NYC are available at your fingertips, you’re in for a fabulous adventure. From Domino Park to Central Park to the amazing Brooklyn Bridge Park, the city’s best playgrounds take recreation to a whole new level. Where else can pint-sized park-goers construct their own playground, play on a pipefish or hang out with dinosaurs? Of course, it’s all up for grabs in NYC. 

There’s no shortage of family fun in NYC, especially when you visit the many incredible museums for kids in each borough. From classics such as The American Museum of Natural History and the Met, to the unique destinations such as the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and the Cloisters, every site offers something exciting. Regardless of what exhibit you opt for, one thing’s for sure: You won’t be hearing “I’m bored” at any point during your trip.

Get tickets to the American Museum of Natural History.

Storytime for kids will allow your child’s love for literature to blossom one picture book at a time. Make your way to the best bookstores, most engaging libraries for kids, charming toy stores and other creative locations (ice cream and books, anyone?) in NYC for fun read-alouds and interactive activities. Children will meet new friends and explore a wide variety of tales, from the latest bestseller to classic stories. 

Summon the harvest season one Granny Smith at a time. We found the best places for apple picking NY families need to explore, so grab a basket and map out the fall activities for kids your brood can’t miss.  Locations like Hurds Family Farm and Apple Dave’s Orchard are not only great places to score a bushel of fruit; they also offer fun activities such hayrides for the whole fam, petting zoos for kids, corn mazes and more. 

When you venture to the best kid’s library branches in NYC, your pint-sized bibliophiles are bound to get lost in the stacks.  Options abound for curious little ones, whether they’re searching for kid’s books about NYC or hoping to get involved in the library’s coolest free classes for kids. Head straight for the children’s room and check out the schedule for storytime. Don’t forget to get your free library card and head home with an armful of books to read at bedtime!

We scoured the boroughs for the best New York toy stores, and one thing’s clear: With so many adorable options, it’s pretty difficult to choose just one! A safe bet would be to put each charming location on your list of things to do with kids in NYC. Whether you’re in search of the must-have seasonal item, or want to put the kiddo’s STEM skills to good use, toy stores in NYC have patrons covered. From FAO Schwarz to LEGO and everything in between, these shops are a must-visit if you have birthday parties for kids coming down the pipeline…or if your own tykes deserve a little reward.

Picture this: Your tot is ready for a day at the park when grey clouds roll in and lightning strikes. Fear not! The best indoor playgrounds for kids are here to save the day, and there are plenty within the five boroughs that deserve your attention. These spaces are perfect for running, jumping, sliding and swinging, and options are endless—whether your child wants to play in ball pits or have fun in a dance class. Added bonus? Some cater to parents with designated café areas. A little rain won’t ruin your kid’s parade.

The NYC theater scene is alive and well…but that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone on stage is an actor. In fact, the city’s younger fan base prefers marionettes. Thanks to these adorable puppet theaters, we certainly can’t blame kiddos. NYC’s most lovable venues are perfect for families in search of a show with style—from classic retellings to the avant garde performances. 

Thanks to the fantastic zoos in New York City, families have the opportunity to see incredible animals from all around the world. Each of the zoos on our list offer something for everyone—including special activities for kids! NYC zoos are some of the most impressive in the world, and from the massive Bronx Zoo (one of the biggest in North America) to the petite Central Park Zoo, these family attractions invite kids to learn about numerous species through storytimes, art activities, camps, classes and hands-on interactions with nature.

Experience the Central Park Zoo on a sightseeing tour.

Run-ins with squirrels and pigeons are one thing, but many city kids don’t often get the opportunity to meet farm animals in person. Luckily, several local zoos—like the Bronx Zoo and Central Park Zoo—have petting zoos so kids can pet and feed critters like goats, pigs and ducks.

See the Central Park Zoo and other iconic NYC attractions on a walking tour.

Craving something sweet? Visit our favorite candy stores and feast your eyes on the swoon-worthy snacks that are mighty difficult to pass up.  Old-school shops such as Fferins of Brooklyn offer delicious imported treats while the popular IT’Sugar brand boasts a vibrant, whimsical vibe as guests fill their bags with all-things flavorful.

Staying in? Then it’s time to get comfy on the couch with the best cartoons for kids, all of which are worthy of a marathon (complete with friends and snacks). While kids will gravitate toward newbies such as Paw Patrol, it’s up to ’90s babies to show ’em the ropes with hits like Hey Arnold and Dexter’s Lab. Don’t forget about the classics like Tom and Jerry! No matter what you choose, you and the fam will be busy for quite some time with the best kids’ cartoons around.

Keeping little ones entertained is no easy feat, but we’re here to guide you through the ups and downs. Check out our roundup of the best movies for toddlers—they’re guaranteed to captivate your rambunctious youngsters for an hour or two. Chances are, kiddies won’t be in a rush for family movie night to end. From classic films to beloved animated titles, this list has a little something for everyone (and we promise adults will swoon over the selections, too).

The carousels in NYC are easily the world’s best, some with intricate designs dating back to the early 1900s! Many have been painstainkly restored to their original splendor so generation after generation can enjoy painted wooden horses, woodland creatures and chariots. There are newer carousels on our list as well, including quirkier picks like the Bug Carousel at the Bronx Zoo and Totally Kid Carousel, which was actually designed by children!

Non New Yorkers might be under the impression that the city lacks the awesome green spaces rural kids grow up loving, but that’s a myth! There are a million reasons why NYC is the best place to raise a family, and one of them is the beautiful gardens right in the area.

What makes the perfect sundae? Add a dusting of sprinkles, a dollop of whipped cream and douse it with hot fudge. Voila! Your taste buds will be grateful for the super-sweet expedition. No matter what you and the crew are craving—cones, cups or shakes—these ice cream shops are nothing short of fabulous.  These can’t-miss venues serve up sweets for days, and no toddler will say no to that!

The summer heat in NYC is no laughing matter. Thankfully, the best water playgrounds for kids throughout the five boroughs are unmatched! If your tots are a bit frightened by the slides and thrills at your local waterpark, these spots will help them stay cool without the plunging slides and overwhelming dump buckets. Littles can beat the 90-degree days with the help of fun splash pads, water cannons, play structures and other great, refreshing features.