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Things to Do Inside with Kids

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Take a moment to picture the following scenario. There you are, visiting New York City with the entire family in tow. You’ve made your plans, figured out exactly what you want to do, and everything is in place to make this the best trip ever. You’re beyond excited, the kids are beyond excited, and now all there’s left to do is get out there and have some fun.

Only problem is, the weather is not cooperating! Maybe there’s been a snowstorm, or the city is in the midst of a torrential spring downpour. Maybe it’s way too cold, or perhaps it’s far too hot and humid. Regardless, your big day has arrived and now the last thing you want to do is venture forth into the great outdoors.

Never fear, all is not lost! Read on for some great things to do inside with kids in New York City.

American Museum of Natural History

Whether or not the little ones are fans of the popular Night at the Museum movie franchise, they’ll love all there is to see and do at the American Museum of Natural History. This venerable institution has been delighting kids and families on the Upper West Side of Manhattan for almost 150 years. Among the American Museum of Natural History’s most beloved attractions are an exhibit devoted to the Alaskan Brown Bear and the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs, where the whole family can marvel at a skeleton of the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex and more. The Hayden Planetarium Space Theater is another fabulous spot to spend a rainy day.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Just across the river from New York City, in the great state of New Jersey, you’ll find the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Part of East Rutherford’s massive Meadowlands Sports Complex (where the NFL’s Giants and Jets play their home games), this sprawling facility is a perfect play place for kids 12 years old and under. The MINILAND area uses some 1.5 million legos to recreate miniature versions of several iconic New Jersey and New York landmarks, while the LEGO 4D Cinema is an interactive wonderland the kids will be sure to love. Last but not least, don’t miss out on the chance to ride the Imagination Express train when you’re here!

SEALIFE Aquarium New Jersey

Located right next door to LEGOLAND Discovery Center is SEALIFE Aquarium New Jersey. This approximately 25,000-square-foot aquarium is home to thousands of sea creatures, including nearly 100 unique species drawn from all over the world. Many of the aquarium’s attractions have been specially designed to pay homage to the metro New York market, so in addition to exotic fish, sharks, and jellyfish you’ll see all types of replicas of famous Manhattan landmarks situated throughout the tanks. To take your underwater experience to the next level, be sure to check out the schedule of daily feedings and educational talks given by SEALIFE’s expert staff.

The Met

New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art boasts one of the world’s most remarkable collections. Most importantly for those visitors attempting to still have fun with the kids on a day when the weather is crummy, it’s the type of place where there’s truly something for everyone. No matter your age, of course, you’ll be awed by the wonders of The Met’s unparalleled selection of rare Egyptian artifacts, but for something specifically kid-centric, download (or pick up a paper copy at an Information Desk) the “Family Guide.” This tremendous, complimentary resource will provide you with a kid-friendly map to the museum, as well as an audio guide designed for those guests ages 6 through 12.

Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds is known the world over for its startlingly lifelike wax figurines, and the Times Square branch is no different. Here you’ll encounter exhibits that let you pretend to be a visitor to the White House, a guest on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and face-to-face with a Broadway legend like the Phantom of the Opera. You can also enjoy a Marvel Universe 4D film or play the Coney Island Carnival Carnage 7D interactive game. Add it all together, and it has the makings of a terrific “indoor” afternoon.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Founded in 1899, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum can lay claim to being the oldest children’s museum found anywhere in the United States. Here you’ll find “Totally Tots,” a play area designed especially for those ages 6 years old and under; “Neighborhood Nature,” an interactive exhibit that introduces kids to the life sciences through dioramas and other hands-on activities; and “World Brooklyn,” a kid-sized reproduction of a typical Brooklyn streetscape, where the young ones can pretend to be bakers, grocers, shopkeepers, and more. What’s more, if the weather takes a turn for the better, there’s a charming green space just outside, too.

SPYSCAPE

If your kids are a bit older—say, 8 or up—then you may well want to consider spending part of that bad-weather day at SPYSCAPE. This high-tech, interactive museum, located just a few blocks south of Columbus Circle and Central Park, is devoted to all things espionage. Here you can learn about the ins and outs of spycraft, the history of several famous 20th Century intelligence operations, and the contemporary role of hackers in our globalized world—all while trying out the tools of the trade yourself. Whether you’re an actual kid, or just a kid at heart, you’ll probably get a kick out of the adventures to be had at SPYSCAPE.

Top Viewing Platforms in New York City

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The New York City skyline is one of the wonders of the world, an instantly recognizable collection of famous buildings, fabled landmarks, and classic attractions. Seeing it up close and personal can be a breathtaking experience, for sure—but what’s the only thing better than seeing it up close and personal? How about seeing it from hundreds of feet in the air at one of New York City’s incredible viewing platforms?

With so many outstanding observation decks to choose from located throughout New York City, it can be a challenge to decide which one to visit. That’s why we’ve compiled this helpful guide comparing all the top viewing platforms in New York City. Read on to discover which viewing platform is perfect for your next New York adventure.

The Empire State Building as seen from the Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Top of the Rock may not be the single most famous observation deck in New York City, but it provides some of the most beautiful views of the city’s greatest landmarks. For instance, if you want to not just visit the Empire State Building, but to snap the perfect photograph of it from among the clouds, then Top of the Rock has you covered with just about the best view possible. Top of the Rock’s location at the heart of Midtown Manhattan in the iconic Rockefeller Center complex also provides great sightlines of Central Park, and there’s plenty of shopping and dining options onsite, too. Many visitors report being pleased with the smoothness of Top of the Rock’s timed-entry ticket system—which will keep your day rolling right along as you check out nearby attractions like the Museum of Modern Art, Times Square, and Madame Tussauds.

Empire State Building

How many different movies and TV shows have you seen the Empire State Building appear in? On second thought, don’t waste your time trying to count them all up, just go see it in person already! The Empire State Building is probably just about the most famous skyscraper in the world, and as befits a building of its stature, it’s home to not one, but two distinct viewing platforms. An open-air observation deck on the 86th floor is very popular with visitors from all over the world, but there’s also an enclosed space on the 102nd floor. If you’re uncertain which one to go with, stick with the open-air 86th floor. It’ll provide you with better camera angles, and it’s also less expensive, which will leave you with extra time and money to go on one of the Empire State Building’s guided, behind-the-scenes tours—if you’re so inclined.

Edge at Hudson Yards

The Edge at Hudson Yards is one of New York City’s newer viewing platforms. Situated on the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards, Edge is one of the highest viewing platforms in the world—it proudly bills itself as containing the highest open-air observation deck found anywhere in the world. While there’s a lot to experience at Edge, including notably its Outdoor Sky Deck and Skyline Steps (insider tip: this is THE place for that dream selfie in the clouds), it’s perhaps best well-known for its glass floor. Yes, you read that correctly: Edge has its very own glass floor, and you can walk out onto it and stare down some 100 stories all the way below to the New York City sidewalk. If you’re feeling especially daring—and willing to cough up a pretty penny in additional ticket fees—you might want to consider City Climb, the world’s highest open-air skyscraper ascent.

One World Observatory

One World Observatory is located at One World Trade Center, the 1,776-foot-tall skyscraper that stands today as the tallest building in the United States—in fact, it’s the tallest building found anywhere in the Western Hemisphere, and one of the tallest buildings on the planet. One World Observatory occupies the 102nd floor of this remarkable structure, and features wonderful views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, New Jersey, and Lower Manhattan. Ticket prices usually run near the high-end of the New York City observation deck market and One World Observatory is entirely indoors (meaning there’s no outdoor viewing platform), but the cutting-edge multimedia presentations that are a part of the experience here mean most visitors depart more than satisfied. If you’re in the mood to go next level, consider splurging and enjoying a meal, snack, or drink at ONE Dine, located near One World Observatory on the 101st floor.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is the newest viewing platform to open in New York City, and it’s a welcome addition to the scene. SUMMIT is located on the 92nd floor of the One Vanderbilt building near Grand Central Terminal, over 1,000 feet in the air. Given those details, the views on display from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt are, naturally, something special. However, that’s not all you’ll find here. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is also home to Air, an immersive art installation designed by Kenzo Digital. Honestly, it’s the sort of thing that just has to be seen to be believed. As a result, if you’re in the market for a viewing platform experience that is about more than just looking out and identifying the farthest point you can see in the distance—not that there’s anything at all wrong with that—this is the observation deck for you.

Vessel

Vessel is not your typical New York City-style observation deck. It doesn’t sit a quarter-mile in the sky, it doesn’t occupy some triple-digit story of an immense skyscraper, it doesn’t offer sweeping views as far as the eye can see. Still, it’s a unique viewing platform that has its own set of special charms. Essentially a piece of elaborate sculpture, Vessel was designed to function as the artistic centerpiece of the massive Hudson Yards redevelopment project. Standing 16 stories tall, Vessel consists of a labyrinth-like 154 interconnected flights of stairs that present visitors with a multitude of landings, nooks, and crannies calling out to be photographed.

One Day NYC Itinerary

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Finding yourself in New York City for just a single day is a classic glass half-full, glass half-empty situation. On one hand, there’s just no way at all to come within light-years of seeing or doing even a fraction of everything there is to experience in New York City—people live here for decades and don’t accomplish that feat. On the other, having an entire day in New York City at your disposal is a pretty sweet situation, and you’ll want to make the absolute most of it.

We’ve put together the following sample itinerary designed to help you plan that perfect New York day. There’s no right or wrong way to go about this tough task, and everybody’s go their own particular interests, so feel free to tweak this as you see fit. Still, we think the schedule you’ll find below makes a great starting point for a day full of New York City fun.

Take a Guided Tour

The early bird gets the worm, while not the most pleasant of visuals, is a time-honored cliché for a reason, and it’s true for visitors to New York City, too. The earlier you start your day here, the more excitement you can cram into it. Likewise, the earlier in the day you partake in a guided tour, the less crowded this guided tour is liable to be—which is always a good thing.

We recommend starting your day with Big Bus New York’s Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour. Even though your one-day schedule means you can’t see and do everything, with a well-organized sightseeing tour like this one, you can at least feel like you’ve seen most of New York’s most famous attractions firsthand. You can use this tour as a scouting trip for the rest of your day, too: maybe you’ll see something along the way that you weren’t previously thinking of doing, but really piques your interest. Plus, you can use the hop-on hop-off aspect of the tour as a means for getting between different attractions, which will save you time and money.

Explore Central Park

Central Park is a special place, and you’d be wise to clear out some space in your schedule to see what it’s all about while you’re in New York. At the very least, take a stroll past or along some of its highlights like Belvedere Castle, The Mall (and its fabled “Literary Walk”), and Bethesda Terrace. If you’re in the mood to be daring, you can always rent a bike, go on a paddleboat, or visit the Central Park Zoo.

What’s more, when you make a point to spend some time in Central Park during your one day in New York, you put yourself in a fine position to audible in real time and check out any number of other nearby famous attractions. That’s because all sorts of landmarks (as well as plentiful shopping and dining options) can be found not all that far from Central Park, including the Museum of Modern Art, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, and many, many more.

Meet at The Met

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, conveniently adjacent to Central Park. It should be acknowledged straightaway that The Met (as it’s lovingly known) is the sort of place you could spend a month exploring and still not truly take in everything. Still, don’t let that deter you from at least spending the afternoon there. Its incredible collection numbers over 2 million pieces dating back some five thousand years. There’s genuinely something here for everyone, but if you need a gentle nudge, head straight for the ancient Egyptian art collection. You won’t be sorry.

If you somehow find yourself with extra time on your hands, or if you suddenly start feeling super ambitious, The Met’s location a few blocks south of the Guggenheim Museum, and just across Central Park from the American Museum of Natural History, makes it perfect for combining with another world-class attraction.

End Your Day at an Observation Deck

Let us suggest concluding your unforgettable day of sightseeing by soaking in the sights of this amazing city one last time from one of New York’s fabulous observation decks. And, consider if you will, doing this post-dinner or even after the sun sets. New York’s viewing platforms are typically less busy at night—although the moment just at sunset is very popular with photographers—and you’ll be seeing a whole different side of the city as its twinkling lights and colorful light displays come alive.

Since you’re able to check out just one observation deck on this whirlwind day of yours, the most natural choice might be the Empire State Building. It’s the most famous, and well worth the visit if you’re so inclined. But might we recommend picking Top of the Rock? Its remarkable views include the Empire State Building itself, as well as Central Park, and its location at Rockefeller Center means there’s plenty of places to grab a late-night bite or memorable nightcap afterwards.

Don’t Forget to Enjoy Yourself

It may sound simple, but make sure you’re taking the time amidst all your adventuring to enjoy yourself. Trying to pack as much as humanly possible into a single New York City day can make for tremendous excitement, but it can also be stressful if you go too far and bite off a bit much. Don’t get hung up on trying to do everything. Instead, remember to take your journey step by step and embrace anything you’re able to do.

Valentine’s Day in New York City

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Few cities in the world can provide as romantic a backdrop as New York. After all, some of the most beloved romance movies of all time use NYC as the backdrop for their iconic love stories. So if your visit is going to coincide with Valentine’s Day, it’s time to start the ball rolling on making those big heart-shaped plans a reality.

It’s hard to beat spending your Valentine’s Day in New York City, but just exactly how you do so will be up to you, because the possibilities are almost endless. Read on for some creative ways to make this New York City Valentine’s Day one you’ll never forget.

Make a Dinner Date

Who doesn’t love a candlelight dinner for two? Or, if candles aren’t really your thing, how about just sharing a cozy, romantic meal at a fabulous New York City restaurant? It’s a classic date night activity, that much is for sure, and it doesn’t get much better than experiencing it on Valentine’s Day in New York City. Here you’ll find every possible type of dining you can imagine, and many New York restaurants even run specials or feature unique tasting menus in honor of this holiday. Restaurant-wise, you can’t really go wrong this time of year, but if you want to take your Valentine’s Day next level, consider a restaurant in the clouds, like One World Observatory’s ONE Dine. This unique restaurant is located some 100 floors above street level, and while pricey, makes for a one-of-a-kind meal.

Share a Special View with that Special Someone

New York City’s skyline, as seen from one of its ever-popular viewing platforms, is one of the most special viewing experiencing in NYC and provides the perfect romantic vista. You’ll find that there are numerous observation decks to choose from throughout Manhattan, so if you’ve got other plans in the works, make your choice based on which one is closest to wherever you’re already going to be for, say, dinner. Or, if you’re really indecisive, put names like Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, and The Edge into a hat, and have fun drawing one out at random. No matter what you do, though, just be certain to make some time on your big day to soak in the scenery and snap a Valentine’s Day photo from the sky with your partner in crime!

Cuddle Up on a Cruise

If the weather is cooperative (fingers crossed!), think long and hard about spending your Valentine’s Day taking a romantic sightseeing cruise of New York City. Popular tour operators like Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises and Hornblower City Cruises not only offer a regular assortment of New York Harbor cruises, they typically run special Valentine’s Day-themed cruises this time of year. Regardless of whether this is your first, fifth, or thirtieth Valentine’s Day together, this can be an amazing way to spend an evening.

Go for a Stroll

Sometimes the simplest things in life prove the most worthwhile—and this can be the case even on a special day like Valentine’s Day. That’s why if you find yourself spending this Valentine’s Day in New York City, don’t hesitate to drop everything else and head for Central Park. There you can get lost in conversation as you stroll arm in arm along its beautiful paths and promenades—or, if you’re feeling daring, head for one of its many beloved attractions. In Central Park you’ll be able to rent a bike or kayak, take a carriage ride, and grab a bite to eat—or, again, just enjoy being together in the midst of such a resplendent setting.

Take to the Ice

You haven’t really spent an authentic winter in New York City if you’ve failed to go ice skating at one of its picturesque rinks. Given that time is fleeting—these ice-skating rinks are only open a couple months each winter—what are you waiting for? Bundle up, grab your date, and complete a romantic Valentine’s Day outing with some spins around the ice. The two most famous ice-skating rinks in town are probably the iconic sheets of ice located at Rockefeller Center and Wollman Rink in Central Park, but there are rinks to be found throughout New York City, and searching for a romantic spot farther afield can prove quite rewarding in the end.

Live from New York

Consider spending your Valentine’s Day evening out at one of New York’s innumerable live events. You can take this exciting possibility in a number of directions, and/or even pair it with any number of the suggestions detailed above. Go cheer on the New York Knicks at historic Madison Square Garden. Take in an improv show at one of the city’s incomparable comedy clubs. Attend a Broadway musical or catch a jazz concert. No matter what you’re interested in, it’s out there waiting for you.

If You Fail to Plan . . .

As you prepare for your big Valentine’s Day out in New York City, keep in mind that you won’t be alone in wanting to make this most romantic day of the year one to remember. If you have your heart set on enjoying a particular New York City activity—or don’t think your Valentine’s Day would be complete without visiting a specific NYC attraction—you’ll want to be sure and plan ahead. So, if you have something special up your sleeve, don’t delay. Make the reservation now. Buy a ticket asap. Get your name on that list immediately. Otherwise, you might come to regret letting your preferred plans slip out of your grasp when they prove unavailable due to popular demand.

Conversely, don’t let the stress of organizing your romantic outing overshadow the experience itself. Simply being in New York City on Valentine’s Day can be magical in its own right. When in doubt, be spontaneous, let the moment breathe, and follow your heart. You never know just where in New York City it’ll lead you!

New York City for First-Time Visitors

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Congratulations! For the very first time, you’re on your way to New York City. You’re excited, you’re nervous, you’re nervous and you’re excited—so many emotions!—but most importantly of all, you’re still not quite sure just what exactly to do first when you find yourself right there in the midst of all. Where do you even start?

Fortunately, we’re here to help. We’ve assembled this handy list of suggestions sure to make your first time in New York City a rousing success. Read on to discover an assortment of experiences that’ll make your initial New York adventure one to remember.

Begin Where So Many Before You Began Their Time in New York

Frankly, it’s difficult to fathom someone visiting New York City and NOT setting out to see the Statue of Liberty and its counterpart, Ellis Island—so trust us, you don’t want to be the one who misses out on these world-famous landmarks. You can ride a ferry that’ll take you to both attractions, with the ferry itself providing lovely views of New York Harbor that are well worth your time, too. At Ellis Island you’ll be able to explore the National Museum of Immigration, where you can learn all about the history of those who came to America in the 19th and 20th Centuries seeking better lives. And, of course, on Liberty Island you’ll get to see the Statue of Liberty as never before.

Get Your Bearings While Seeing a Bit of Everything

You’re new to New York City, and there’s a lot to take in. There are famous attractions here, can’t-miss landmarks there, new adventures practically everywhere. All of which is why you shouldn’t shy away from going on some sort of guided tour to kick off your New York City visit in style. You’ll be spoiled for options. Big Bus New York operates its classic Hop-On Hop-Off tour that hits most of Manhattan’s most famous spots, while THE RIDE offers a more modern take on the guided tour format. There are also numerous walking and biking tours available for you to choose from, each one corresponding to a different neighborhood or theme. Do whatever strikes your fancy!

Take a Cruise in the NYC

As a first-time visitor to New York City, it’s easy to get caught up in all the constant hustle and bustle, so you’ll be forgiven if you happen to forget that the incomparable borough of Manhattan actually consists of an island. Yes, for all the glitz and glamor of its streets and sidewalks, New York City is a place very much rooted to the water. Accordingly, a fantastic thing to consider doing while you’re in town is taking a sightseeing cruise. Popular local operators like Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises and Hornblower City Cruises offer a variety of guided tours catering to a number of interests, themes, and budgets.

Museums Galore!

No matter what you compare it to, New York City’s museum scene is pretty hard to beat. If it’s your first time here, you may well not have the time to visit them all—and honestly, that’s basically an impossible task for anyone on any trip to New York—but you’re going to want to take the opportunity to hit up at least a couple of them. And you’ll have no shortage of choices as you plan your outing. Perhaps the most famous New York City museum is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, so if you have time for just one stop on this trip, you can’t go wrong spending an afternoon at The Met. If art is well and truly your thing, you’ll want to try and check out the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum, too. The whole family is bound to love the American Museum of Natural History and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, and of course, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum makes for a powerful experience as well.

Make Central Park “Central” to Your Adventures

No trip to New York City is complete without a visit to Central Park, and that’s especially true if it’s your first time in town. This 850-acre green space, located in the heart of Manhattan, is the crown jewel of New York City’s public parks system. Originally designed by legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Central Park has delighted locals and visitors alike since its completion in 1876. Go for a walk, rent a bike, check out the Central Park Zoo, take a carriage ride, grab a bite to eat—you can do all this and more just within Central Park. If it’s wintertime, you can even go ice skating at historic Wollman Rink.

Spend Some Time in Times Square

How many New Year’s Eves have you spent watching the ball drop from high above the crowds of Times Square? That’s okay, you can stop counting now, we all get it: Times Square is a place you’d like to experience in person. Well, it’s your first time in New York City, so here’s your chance! Once you’ve taken it all in by having your fill of selfies snapped in the midst of its neon lights and one-of-a-kind street performers, you can turn your attention to deciding which of its many attractions you want to visit. Perennial favorites in the general vicinity of Times Square include Madame Tussauds, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, Broadway, and so much more.

Channel That Empire State of Mind

New York is a city of skyscrapers, its skyline renowned the world over for its size, scale, and architectural diversity. Perhaps the most revered of its many structural wonders, though, would have to be the Empire State Building. It’s well worth a visit during your first time in New York City. Buy a ticket to one of its observation decks—it has two, located on its 86th and 102nd floors—and marvel at the majesty of this magical city. Just be certain to have your camera at the ready!