NYC with Kids: The Ultimate Mini Family Guide (2025)

Because NYC has so much to do I like to explore by neighbourhoods. Midtown, Central Park, Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, Financial District are my five favourite neighbourhoods. I like to pick one or two neighbourhoods in a day so we are not bouncing around the city. 

There are many options to get around the city including the subway (the fastest and most affordable way to navigate NYC) but fair warning: stations can be hot, crowded, and not always stroller-friendly. The next option are  buses (can be slower with traffic, but they are much easier with strollers). Then there are ferries which I believe are a hidden gem for families. They are kid-friendly, stroller-friendly, breezy, and scenic - it’s transit with a mini adventure built in. Lastly, there are  Kid-Safe Car Services like  Uber or Kid Car both with car seats options. 

New York has some of the most amazing parks, museums and interactive spaces for kids of all ages! There are way too many for you to visit in one trip, so you’ll have to pick and choose but this is a good place to start and is one of my favourite itineraries:

1. Walk across Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO
One of the most iconic walks in the city. On the Manhattan side, the main entrance is at Center Street, near City Hall Park at the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall subway station. The pedestrian path is elevated above the cars, so it feels safe with kids. Start early before it gets too hot or crowded, and don’t forget to look back for some epic skyline views. 

2. Main Street playground 
Tucked into the northern end of Brooklyn Bridge Park near Jane’s Carousel, this playground has water features, a big pirate ship climbing structure, and soft flooring that’s great for younger kids. 

3. Pebble Beach
 A tiny rocky beach for sitting, relaxing, and watching the water with amazing views.

4. Time Out Market 
Right under the Brooklyn Bridge, this food hall has tons of kid-friendly options and a big open layout that makes it easy with strollers. You’ll find everything from pizza and burgers to tacos and gelato. The rooftop level has outdoor seating with one of the best views of Manhattan, even if you just go up for the photo, it’s worth it. In the morning, this is a great place to grab a coffee and a babyccino to enjoy with your kids. 

5. Jane’s Carousel
Right at the edge of Brooklyn Bridge Park, this fully restored 1922 carousel sits in a glass pavilion with sweeping views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s $2 a ride, beautifully maintained, and has a magical feel. Note: it’s closed Tuesdays, and open at 11am weekdays, 10am weekends.

6. Take the ferry to Pier 11

7. Sea Glass Carousel 
A magical experience that lets kids ride inside glowing fish.

8. The Battery Playscape
After an $18M redesign in 2021, this isn’t your average playground. It’s got boulder scrambles, massive slides, treehouses, and a giant sand and water play zone - all designed around themes of climate and nature.

9. Hop on the subway to Fulton Street

10. Grab a slice at Joe’s Pizza
A grab-and-go institution! My kids and I love these floppy slices. There are a few indoor seats and a high turnover - good for a quick lunch.

11. Mercer Labs
This immersive art and techology museum has 15 unique rooms blending light, sound, and motion. There are mirrored tunnels, digital walls that react to your movements, a robotic arm that draws patterns in sand, and a 4D sound room you feel through your feet. It’s creative, interactive, and fun for both kids and adults. You’ll also find a giant ball pit, an interactive chess board, and a station where kids’ drawings pop up digitally on a screen. Plan to spend 1–1.5 hours here.

Want more? Check out my full New York with Kids Guide. It’s packed with done-for-you itineraries, kid-friendly tips, neighbourhood specific recommendations, and detailed parent tips you don’t normally get in other guides (things like playgrounds, bathrooms, and kids menus). This was the guide I personally WISH I HAD … so I created it myself!

Don’t forget to bring our  NYC Kids Travel Guide & Activity Book Pouch along with you (or I like to prep my kiddos before the trip!) This all-in-one pouch is a screen-free, compact way to keep kids engaged with New York City. The exclusive NYC Kids Travel Guide & Activity Book is the main feature, with extra touches like NYC stickers, crayons, and a pretend passport to round out the fun.