23 Family Activities In NEW YORK (Fun, Relaxing, & Joyful)

You must have heard about New York, where the dreams of adults and kids come true.

If you’re planning a trip with your family and wondering about adventures full of new experiences, New York is your place to be.

Explore this state, and you’ll find a diverse range of free and paid family activities for your little ones.

From outdoor recreational activities to indoor educational programs, New York has something exciting for everyone.

Are you worried about visiting New York with your kids?

Don’t worry; this article will provide incredible information about these family activities and helpful tips to manage your visit.

Read below some of the best things to do with your family, discover your interests, and have a great time.

Get ready to introduce yourself to its vibrant cities, historical landmarks, and natural wonders.

And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Family Vacations in New York.

Family Activities in New York City, New York

1. Visiting the Iconic Statue of Liberty

The tour of New York is incomplete without visiting the famous gift of friendship from France to the USA, a symbol of freedom.

You must have seen the Statue of Liberty in every movie filmed in New York City, so why do you not visit this fantastic site directly?

Climb 162 stairs to reach its crown, the most rewarding activity, and watch the surrounding NY through its 25 windows.

Plan your visit to its pedestal, take 215 steps, climb ten stories, and reach the top with a captivating view.

Never miss Ellis Island, where you’ll discover an immigration museum, take a ferry to the Island of Liberty, and a hospital.

At the Sculpture of Liberty Museum, three galleries tell the history and inspire you through immersive theater, an engagement, and an inspiration gallery.

Reach its rooftop, and observe the extensive views of New York and the iconic statue.

Participate in its museum’s interactive and educational exhibits with your kids, and expand your knowledge.

Reserve your tickets before your visit because limited tickets are available for every attraction.

Visit this national monument, and have fun with your family.

Address: New York City, NY 10004, USA

2. Explore Central Park’s Beauty

Are you wondering about a destination where you can enjoy a family vacation that has it all?

Central Park is an adventure hub where countless activities await you, and you’ll never run out of exciting things.

Bring your family to this park, and explore attractions from indoor museums to many playgrounds and the historic carousel to Belvedere Castle.

If your kids love visiting zoos, leave them at the Central Park Zoo, and let them explore a diverse range of mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles.

Take a family ride through the park on a horse or carriage ride, or visit it on your rental bike. 

The best thing is to enjoy a picnic, play, and spend time sitting in its healthy playgrounds and lush meadows.

Never miss visiting Belvedere Castle, climbing to the top, and seeing the breathtaking views.

Discover its hidden gems, participate in exhibits, and make memories with your family.

Enjoy exploring the most visited park and give your kids the best thing in life.

Address: Manhattan, NYC, New York 10022, USA

3. Journey at the American Museum of Natural History

Undoubtedly, one of the best family activities is visiting the American Museum of History, where you’ll discover many exciting things.

This destination is suitable for all ages and has plenty of educational exhibits and attractions.

Take advantage of its discovery room, where your kids will get a behind-the-scenes look at the research and discover rare artifacts.

The main thing is its collection of various dinosaur fossils and more than 33 million specimens, of which only 3% are on display.

Visiting its Gilder Center, insectarium, top collections display, and butterfly vivarium consisting of over 1000 butterflies will surprise you.

Participate in its Hall of Ocean Life, and get an opportunity to observe the life-size 94-foot blue whale’s model.

Explore the mineral hall to see rare gems, a fantastic planetarium, and an impressive theater.

So, if you’re looking for something exciting in the rain or snow, make this attraction your priority, and have a phenomenal time.

Are you ready to experience the beauty of invisible worlds and the life network of all scales?

Address: 200 Central Park, Manhattan, NY 10024, USA

4. A Visit to the Empire State Building

If you’re not afraid of heights, visit this 102-story iconic skyscraper.

Though it looks like an obvious choice, visiting this place is one of the fun things to do with your family.

Watch out for its observatory on its top 102nd floor, which is an iconic piece.

After elevating yourself to more than 1200 ft, you’ll get an opportunity to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.

Take advantage of its express pass, bypass all queues, and get entry to the top 86th floor and 102nd floors of the building.

Enjoy a well-guided 90-minute tour of the building, including its Art Deco lobby and the celebrity walks, and explore its history and heritage.

Make a reservation, take your family to its 86th floor, and observe the city that never sleeps awaken from its observation desk.

Enter its 2nd and 80th-floor galleries and discover numerous educational exhibits and clutches of King Kong.

You have never seen such a spectacular view of the city before.

Address: 20 West 34th St, Manhattan, NY 10001, USA

5. Exploring One World Observatory

Have you ever imagined the 360o view of New York from over 1268 feet and 100th stories height?

Look at the most famous observatory desk, One World Observatory, at the 1 World Trade Center.

Enjoy its fastest lift in the world, soar above the skyline, and embrace the beauty of spring.

Dine at its restaurant, One Dine, and enjoy delicious meals, quality-driven ingredients, and create your inspired plates.

You’ll witness breathtaking aerial views of Manhattan and its surroundings with your kids and family.

Get its combo ticket, and visit three iconic attractions, including the Liberty Statue, the 9/11 Museum, and One World Observatory.

Never miss its 100th floor, where you’ll find HD videos on high-tech flat screens giving a bird’s eyesight of the top attractions and the Sky Portal.

Watching these videos will provide views of various streets above 1776 feet.

Your kids and family will enjoy being in the tallest building in the country and will have an unforgettable experience.

Reserve your time-specified tickets, and elevate your senses at One World Observatory.

Address: 117 West St, Manhattan, NY 10007, USA

6. Unraveling the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Discovering a unique collection of art from around the world with your family is another level of excitement at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Many indoor exhibitions and events will enhance your knowledge and introduce you to human heritage.

Explore its Met Collection, where you’ll discover 1.5 million unique objects revealing the human creativity of over 5000 years.

Meet the museum staff and listen to meaningful stories about these objects from ancient times.

Remember to attend its Date Night at The Met every Friday and Saturday to enjoy a night full of live music, entertainment, drinks, and gallery charts.

If you have a family keen on learning, this place is your best destination, and you’ll never run out of unique educational exhibits.

Discover and shop art-inspired jewelry, scarves, necklaces, and a wide array of new and exclusive designs at Karl Lagerfeld.

So, what are you waiting for?

Get its membership and an opportunity to win a private tour of Karl Lagerfeld, and enjoy free admission and discounts throughout the year.

Address: 1000 5th Avenue, NY 10028, USA

7. A Ride on the Staten Island Ferry

Are you bored with visiting New York and want something more exciting to experience?

Staten Island Ferry is one of the most popular charms and experiences you’ll never want to miss.

Ride on this ferry, and you’ll see the fascinating view of the New York Harbor and the Sculpture of Liberty.

This 25-minute 5.2 miles one-side trip covers all the fantastic scenery and is long enough to hold your family’s attention.

You can explore the stunning St. George neighborhood on Staten Island and Whitehall Street in Manhattan.

Once across, you can stay on Staten Island and visit its attractions or head back to Manhattan to see more views on another ferry.

Don’t worry about tickets, this is entirely free, and you can catch a boat after every 15-30 minutes and experience an adventurous journey.

So, if you’re tired of moving in the vehicle, get this non-vehicular mode, capture every moment, and re-energize your energy.

Address: South Street, Whitehall Terminal, Manhattan, NY 10004, USA

8. The High Line Experience

If you’re looking for a perfect destination to spend a whole day with your family, the High Line is your right choice.

Previously an elevated rail line, this is now a unique attraction in New York, and visiting this location is the best activity.

Visiting this linear park will provide fabulous Hudson River views and the surrounding city.

You’ll observe numerous naturalized plants in bloom, unique morals, creative art, and innumerable sculptures whenever you visit.

Explore the park, see its famous Old Tree artwork, feature Queen Anne’s Lace, and unearth the history of this beautiful park.

Plan your visit From Tuesday to Saturday, join a free tour three days a week, and take your excitement to the next level.

If you visit this park, support its programs, and participate in its vast collection of events and education exhibitions with your kids.

Discover significant plants and insects that you may find there and try to find interesting relationships between them.

Make sure to swing by with your kids and explore the unseen beauty of the High-Line.

Don’t worry; if you want to eat or buy something, Chelsea Market is there to entertain you, featuring interesting shops and high-quality restaurants.

Are you ready to see the transformation of a raised freight rail path into a well-maintained green park?

Address: 820 Washington Street, Manhattan, NY 10014, USA

9. Discovering the South Street Seaport Museum

Have you ever visited a giant ship closely with your family?

Don’t worry; South Street Seaport Museum allows you to explore the historic ships, the unique collections at the museum, and the letterpress.

Though it took a massive hit during Hurricane Sandy, still, it is the best thing to do with your family to make the weekend memorable.

You’ll get incredible information about boats, ships, maritime history, and the five historic ships here.

Take a free guided tour of its 1908 lightship Ambrose, observe the multiple decks of historic landmarks, and discover the ship’s unique features.

Check out its letterpress print shop, and learn how this letterpress works and how to use it.

Don’t miss its Seaport Museum educational exhibitions, where you’ll have a lot of things to do with your families and have a blast.

Take a look at its turn-of-the-century store, where you’ll find a unique and eclectic collection that you’ll never see other in the city.

Get advantage of its free learning and family programs, and your kids will get creative opportunities to learn about history and life at sea.

Plan your visit, and be the one who is experiencing the fresh prints and other free hands-on activities.

Address: 12-Fulton Street, NY 10038, USA

10. Conquer The Escape Game

Are you shy and looking for indoor activities to do with your family?

Go to the escape room with your kids, solve the puzzle, try to escape the room full of clues, and have a blast.

You’ll enjoy its multiple epic rooms per game, get unlimited hints, and experience an unexpected wow moment.

Choose various themes and difficulties, and explore one of its five escape rooms, including Special Ops, Playground, Prison Break, The Heist, and the Gold Rush.

Remember that you’ll have a 60-minute countdown to escape from a room, and you can ask for as many hints as you want from your game guide.

From its most difficult Prison Break to the Gold Rush room, it is fun that the whole family can enjoy.

But that’s not all; you can select your time and book your game accordingly on its website.

So, is there anything more exciting you’re still waiting for?

Build your family team, do the best and most fun activity, and get the best 60 minutes of your life.

Address: 295-Madison Avenue, NY 10017, USA

Also see our article on Dog Friendly Activities in New York.

Family Activities in Buffalo, New York

1. Exploring the Buffalo Museum of Science

Are you hunting for educational and exciting experiences with your whole family?

There’s no need to search further because the Buffalo Museum of Science has everything, and you’ll have exciting things.

You’ll find plenty of activities to do with your family, from National Geographic 3D Cinema to unique collections of 700,000 artifacts and traveling exhibits to super fun science studios.

Explore its workshop spaces, impressive galleries, and interactive studio, where you’ll discover collections from anthropology to physics and motion.

Become a member, and browse all its perks, including workshops, camps, educational classes, and hands-on training.

This is where you’ll find something interesting for everyone, from adult programs to fantastic kids’ activities.

Remember to hike five miles among its marshes and the fantastic wildlife of Tifft Nature Preserve.

Mark your calendar for its upcoming special exhibits, or enhance your next event with its science programming.

Dive into this world of discoveries, and have a blast with your family.

Address: 10-20 Humboldt PKWY, Buffalo, New York 14211, USA

2. Interact Up Closely at the Buffalo Zoo

Introduce your kids and family to the unique history and wildlife of one of the largest zoos in New York, the Buffalo Zoo.

You must need an entire day to explore this 23-acre zoo featuring more than 1200 diverse animals and above 320 plant species worldwide.

Discover new species of animals, their habitats, management, and medical care, and have a memorable walking experience with your family.

Never miss the stars of the show, like its famous exhibits, where you’ll be able to see real underwater sea lions, polar bears, and otters.

You’ll find numerous special fascinating exhibits, wildlife habitats, and garden areas to play and relax whenever you visit this zoo.

Did you know you’ll be able to interact closely with the family of gorillas and lions in their massive habitat?

Enjoy a family-friendly environment, leave your kids on the small playground, or give them a carousel or train ride.

Are you hungry after all day activities at the zoo?

Don’t worry; you can enjoy a delicious lunch at the nearby Park Meadow restaurant and capture moments after a beautiful day.

Address: Parkside Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA

3. Dive into Underwater Paradise at the Aquarium of Niagara

If you’re planning a rainy day to enjoy with your family, there is no best place than the Aquarium of Niagara.

Dive into this underwater paradise, and have a great day with your family discovering unique sea creatures.

You’ll have so much fun exploring its indoor aquatic animals, enjoying educational sessions, and experiencing hands-on activities.

Capture the fascinating displays, interact closely with live animals, and get an opportunity for an incredible behind-the-scenes tour.

Take advantage of its daily seal and penguin encounter shows, and watching their management, feeding, and training is the best thing.

Your little ones will be surprised to get a close encounter with piranhas, seals, jellyfish, starfish, and many more.

But that’s not the end; you’ll have exciting activities and displays from marine mammals to numerous fish and invertebrates.

Acquire about the endangered species of New York and the conservation efforts of the aquarium to protect these animals.

Reserve your tickets now, and have a blast with your underwater friends.

Address: Whirlpool St, Niagara Falls, NY 14301, USA

4. Discover the Charms of Buffalo Waterfront (Canalside)

Spend a day with your family at the Buffalo Waterfront, a fun place for all ages, and do unique activities you’ll never forget.

Buffalo Waterfront has something interesting for everyone, from Silo City to LaSalle Park and Canalside to Outer Harbor.

Come with your family, ride a double-decker, build your sandcastles, enjoy with your kids at lawn games, sit in its Wilkeson Pointe, and have a blast.

Get well-guided history tours, discover caricature portraits, and enjoy water motors, paddle boats, and kayaks with your kids.

You’ll get many affordable and free kid-friendly activities, including live music, concerts, giant games, and game tables.

If hungry, walk along the boardwalk, shop, and enjoy memorable family dining.

Never miss its family-oriented festivals and events showcasing the culture and art of the community, and it is one the best family activities to do here.

Enroll in fitness classes, enjoy ice skating, boat tours, food, beer garden, and discover public art at Canalside.

Plan your visit, and experience its newest attraction, the Buffalo Heritage Carousel, for family fun.

Address: 44 Prime Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

5. Explore and More Children’s Museum

Never quit your journey of exploring the city that never sleeps without visiting the Explore and More Children’s Museum.

The museum’s four floors welcome your family with countless attractions and activities, making it the best family activity.

Give your kids’ imagination a life, play in its immersive practical exhibitions, and discover your interests and potential.

Introduce yourself to Western New York’s multiple themes, rich history, geography, agriculture, athletics, commerce, innovation, and architecture.

Dream of discoveries here, study the innovations and heritage of New York and watch your kids getting hands-on educational training.

Your kids will never know that they are learning something new at its play zone while they play there.

Don’t worry; if you have toddlers with you, leave them in the special toddlers’ zone, where they will spark their passion accordingly.

Your whole family can participate in some of its extraordinary exhibitions and training and learn many new things.

Be assured you’ll find something innovative awaiting you throughout the year, so mark your calendar for upcoming events.

Get your kids the best gift of life and make tons of memories.

Address: 130 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

Also see our article on Outdoor Activities in New York.

Family Activities in Rochester, New York

1. Roaming with Wildlife at Seneca Park Zoo

Are you belonging to a family of wildlife lovers and looking for an activity to do on your vacation?

Visit to Seneca Park Zoo is the best family activity for you, where you’ll meet with more than 90 species of animals living in Rochester.

Your kids will enjoy close encounters with numerous animals, birds, fishes, and reptiles in real life that they have only seen in movies and storybooks.

Connect to animals, participate in its exhibitions, and get an opportunity to learn about their habitat, feeding, and management.

Meeting the animals like monkeys, lions, and penguins and interacting closely with them will give a fantastic experience.

You’ll also find numerous educational and learning exhibits where you can meet new people and animals and discover new things.

Remember to see its newly added African savannah and red panda habitat exhibitions.

After exploring the park, sit and enjoy a picnic at its playgrounds or picnic benches, and have a memorable time with your family.

Get tickets now, experience the wild side of the world, and enjoy close interactions with your new friends.

Address: 2222-Street Paul Street, Rochester, NY 14621, USA

2. Explore the Rochester Museum and Science Center

Rain on your vacation day, and you are hunting for an activity with your family?

Rochester Museum and Science Center are there to make your day memorable with its amazing educational offers in science and tech.

With a vast collection of 1.2 million objects, you’ll discover something new at every corner whenever you visit this center.

You’ll have plenty of activities here, from educational and innovative exhibits to watching live demonstrations.

Enjoy its Planetarium star shows, and attend events suitable for all ages.

Take advantage of its latest exhibit, SciFiTech, which will take you on a trip of innovations and imagination in history.

Enter into the virtual paradise with Oculus Rift, and interact closely with characters, machines, inventors, robots, and many more.

Plan your upcoming family events at one of its most distinctive venues, and elevate your celebrations to the sky.

Visiting this center will be fun for your entire family, and you’ll have the opportunity to take enchanting photographs on its grounds.

Get your tickets, learn, and experience diverse, innovative activities with your family.

Address: 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607, USA

Also see our article on Indoor Activities in New York.

Family Activities in Brooklyn, New York

1. The New York Aquarium Experience

You can’t say you have visited New York without visiting the most famous magical New York Aquarium.

Spending a whole day with your family at this aquarium is one of the best things to do, and you’ll have so much fun in this underwater world.

The New York Aquarium provides you with an opportunity for close encounters with more than 266 species of marine life.

Meet its animals, get personal with animals like sea lions and penguins, and discover the fascinating sea that never sleeps.

Explore various species of sharks, sea otters, octopus, jellyfish, rays, and experience riding the animal, touching and feeding them.

Never miss its outdoor and indoor exhibitions like Ocean Wonders, where you’ll learn much about aquatic life and its conservation.

Leave your kids at the aquarium to explore coral reefs, shady shore, and kelp forest, and get hands-on activities with animals at the touch pool.

Plan your visit to this underworld paradise, where you’ll get exhibits, entertainment, and numerous family-friendly activities.

Address: 602-Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224, USA

2. Exploring Wildlife at Prospect Park Zoo

If you are hunting for a family-friendly area, Prospect Park is the best destination for your family, where you can enjoy various activities.

From jogging to kid-friendly events, parties to playgrounds, visiting the Prospect Park Zoo is the best activity in this area.

Known as Brooklyn Zoo, it allows you to see your imaginary animals in real life, interact with them closely, and have the best time.

You’ll find more than 864 wildlife animals from 176 species, and interacting with them will elevate your excitement.

Enjoy its sea lion training, when you can touch and feel them, and you will learn how they build up insulation for winter.

Numerous exhibits are specially designed for families where they’ll get hands-on activities and learn about the habitat and management of animals.

Visit its barn and garden exhibit with your family, and you’ll have a great time with the gentle farm animals.

Schedule your visit now, and make unforgettable memories with these animals.

Address: 450-Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA

Also see our article on Zoos in New York.

Family Activities in Albany, New York

1. Unleash the Fun at Billy Beez Crossgates

If you’re looking for the best birthday gift and family activity in one place, there’s no need to search further.

Billy Beez is where you’ll hear the fun before you walk in and find countless activities there.

Within its 20,000 sq ft area, you’ll get everything from tunnels to towers, wild slides to sports courts, bouncy trampolines to ball blasters, and an obstacle course.

It has something exciting for everyone, a place full of adventures, and you’ll not run out of exciting things.

Leave your kids in their designated areas, and enjoy super speedy slides for a fantastic experience.

Don’t worry if you’re hungry; sit in its honey café and enjoy its delicious deals and offers to make your trip more exciting and memorable.

Visiting this location is one of the best things to do in Albany, and you’ll get excitement and fun activities.

Plan your visit, arrange your kids’ birthday parties there, and give them the gift of their dreams.

Address: Crossgates Mall Road, Albany, NY 12203, USA

2. Exploring Albany’s Indoor Rockgym

Are you tired of doing old traditional family activities and looking for something exciting to do with your family?

Alabny’s Indoor Rockgym has everything to offer you that will take your excitement level to the next level.

Under its ceiling, you’ll find top roping, lead climbing, overhangs, floor-to-ceiling cracks, and trackable roof climbs that will test your courage.

Explore the only indoor cave system in the nation featuring a Lexan slide and bridge, cargo net, mirror room, submarine room, and a 60 feet zip line.

You’ll have multiple cave openings to explore with shadowy depths, a giant periscope, and a stalactite pod.

In addition to these features, you can enroll in various programs, from winter climbing sessions to outdoor climbing excursions.

Perform team building activities there, build your family team, and enjoy climbing, caving, and other activities.

Are you courageous enough to climb through overhangs and cracks?

Visit this place, and enhance your lead climbing abilities and bouldering.

Address: Vatrano Road, Albany, NY 12205, USA

Also see our article on Planetariums in New York.

Family Activities in Syracuse, New York

1. A Tour through the Museum of Science and Technology

Visit the Museum of Science and Technology, and get ready to discover and learn with exciting hands-on activities, demonstrations, and exhibits.

Your family has plenty of activities to do here, from building and playing to a Dine Zone, Earth Science Discovery Cave to flight and space, and many more.

Leave your kids in the build-and-play, where they’ll play with colorful blocks and bricks and make skyscrapers, furniture, stations, and bridges.

Explore its unique life-sized Dino Zone, where you’ll see moving, lifelike dinosaurs in scenes, and discover how life was on Earth 65 million years ago.

Step into the Earth Science Discovery Cave, and explore various topics related to plate tectonic, cave formation, climate change, and geologic history.

At its National Grid Energy, you’ll learn how much power is used to light a single bulb, and your families will talk about energy and power.

That’s not the end; your visit to the MOST is sure to have endless fun and options that you’ll not run out of activities.

Book your tickets now, and experience a flight simulator or operate a ham radio there.

Address: 500 South Franklin St, Syracuse, NY 13202, USA

2. Experience Nature at Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Spending a day with your family at Rosamond Gifford Zoo, interacting with its wildlife, and exploring its exhibits is one of the best things to do.

You’ll find a diverse range of indoor exhibits ranging from aquariums to various animals and a range of birds to community animals.

Meet above 700 unique animals representing more than 200 species living in its zoo, including iconic and endangered species.

Outdoor exhibits entertain you in winter, ranging from a waterfowl pond to a domestic animal barn and outdoor bird exhibits to wildlife trails.

If you have a good photographer in your family, join a seasonal photo contest, submit your favorite click, and win recognition and prizes.

The place is far more than a zoo featuring numerous learning programs, hands-on exercises, and training for people of all ages.

Meet its new arrivals, animals, amphibians, birds, and reptiles, and enjoy close animal encounters.

Get your time-specified date, and get ready to discover something exciting and new during behind-the-scenes experiences.

Address: Conservation Place, Syracuse, NY 13204, United States

If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Aquariums, Fun Things to do, and Escape Rooms in New York.

Looking beyond New York? Check out our article on the best Family Activities in Illinois and California.