What is the best museum in NYC for kids?

The American Museum of Natural History is the top pick for most families, followed by the Intrepid Museum for kids who love planes, ships and space.

Do kids pay on the Statue of Liberty ferry?

Children 3 and under ride free. Ages 4 to 12 pay $17.30 for general admission.

The parks and museums are. Many subway stations have stairs only, so buses and taxis are often easier with a stroller.

NYC › Guides › NYC with kids

By Jared Green, founder of ZipOuts · Facts checked October 26, 2026 · Live listings refreshed every morning

What works with children of different ages, what to skip, and family shows and events on this week.

American Museum of Natural History. Dinosaurs, the blue whale and the planetarium. Children's general admission is $18 for visitors from outside New York State.
Statue of Liberty ferry. $17.30 for ages 4 to 12, and free for 3 and under. The boat ride is often the highlight.
Intrepid Museum. Climb around an aircraft carrier and see the space shuttle Enterprise.
Central Park. The Central Park Zoo, the carousel, playgrounds and rowboats in season.
Staten Island Ferry. Free, and a great view of the Statue for little ones who will not sit through a tour.
Governors Island. Children under 12 always ride the ferry free; slides, hammocks and bikes on the island.

Under 5: Central Park playgrounds, the zoo, the ferries and short museum visits. Buses are easier than subway stairs with a stroller.
5 to 12: Natural History Museum, the Intrepid, an observation deck (SUMMIT's mirrored rooms are a hit) and a family-friendly Broadway show.
Teens: Edge's glass floor, the High Line, Chinatown and a comedy or sports night.

New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show: November 14, 2026 to January 10, 2027, with sensory-friendly viewing on November 21 and January 9 from 9 to 11 am.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular: November 4, 2026 to January 4, 2027.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 26 and the balloon inflation the day before. See our parade guide.
Need a calmer outing? See sensory-friendly events.

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Live listings, refreshed every morning.

Day of the Dead Family CelebrationLower-sensory by design
4:00 PM · The Green-Wood Cemetery · From $0.00
Day of the Dead Family Celebration at Green-Wood CemeteryLower-sensory by design
4:00 PM · Green-Wood Cemetery · Free admission
Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park · From $28.72

Family Concert: Who Is Duke Ellington? (Relaxed Performance)Designed for neurodivergent guests
3:00 PM · Lincoln Center · Jazz at Lincoln Center · See listing for price

What is the best museum in NYC for kids?: The American Museum of Natural History is the top pick for most families, followed by the Intrepid Museum for kids who love planes, ships and space.
Do kids pay on the Statue of Liberty ferry?: Children 3 and under ride free. Ages 4 to 12 pay $17.30 for general admission.
Is NYC stroller-friendly?: The parks and museums are. Many subway stations have stairs only, so buses and taxis are often easier with a stroller.

Visiting soon? Get free NYC picks by email every Thursday, matched to what you like and the dates you are in town.