fun things to do with kids in new york city - family travel    
  Travel for Kids
United States
  | new york | new york city
     
    New York - Upper East Side
 

Metropolitan Museum of Art – The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a “biggie,” so start your visit with kids early in the day. Check out the Egyptian collection, golden treasures from Peru, visit the Arms and Armor collection (European and Islamic armor, jeweled weapons, knights on horseback), relax in the Chinese garden court. The family audio guide (good for kids 6 - 12) has highlights for the whole family.

After all the glorious art goodies, go out on the roof, and from the snack bar, there’s a splendid view of Central Park. Children under 12 are always free, Friday night is free (for everyone) and the museum is closed on Monday.

Tip: Use your New York CityPass, no waiting in lines.

     

The Cloisters - The Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. For a nice afternoon adventure, head up to Fort Tyron Park, at the northern end of Manhattan. The Cloisters, built in the style of a traditional French cloister from the Middle Ages, has collections of medieval art from Europe. Kids will especially enjoy theincomparable Unicorn Tapestries, jeweled chalices, and the Lion Aquamanile.

This is a fun outing at any season, and great in winter if the weather is bad. Take the M4 bus, the last stop is Fort Tyron Park – The Cloisters. Closed Mondays.

    Playgrounds – After you’ve visited the museum, kids can go out and stretch their legs in Central Park (the Museum is situated on the edge edge of the park).
      Pat Hoffman Friedman Playground – Just south of the Museum, is a charming playground for little ones, with three bronze bears to climb on, climbing structures, swings and slide. The noses and arts of the Group of Bears are all shiny from children climbing on the bears.
      Ancient Playground – This playground just north of the Museum at 84th St. and 5th Ave has a water play area, baby swings, climbing structures, tire swings, a little stone obelisk for toddlers, pyramids for bigger kids, and picnic tables.
    Whitney Museum of American Art – The Whitney Museum specializes in art, paintings and sculpture by American artists. Alienated teens will feel right at home with all those Edward Hopper paintings. On Saturdays, go on a sketch tour (younger kids and parents, drop-ins are welcome). Click here for the schedule.
    Guggenheim Museum – The reason to visit the Guggenheim is so kids can walk up and down the huge spiral interior of the museum. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the building is sensational, and it's something for kids to experience first hand.
  Tramway to Roosevelt Island – Use your Metro card to ride the aerial tramway across the East River to Roosevelt Island. The ride is short, but you get a bird’s eye view of the bridges and buildings from up above. Bring a picnic (or buy picnic makings at the local supermarket or deli) and take the bus north to Lighthouse Park, with grassy areas. Or walk the esplanade around the island, there are benches, shade trees, and great views of the United Nations building across the river. This is a quiet haven in busy New York.
kids books
     
 
Can You Find It?
Judith Cressy

Can you find, “5 butterflies, 4 zucchini, 2 boats, 7 woven baskets, 2 bowls of grapes, 2 owls with yellow wings, 18 eggs” in a painting from ancient Egypt? Explore nineteen different art works from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. (Picture book)

 

     
Fun with Hieroglyphs
Metropolitan Museum of Art, Catharine Roehrig

Find out what hieroglyphs mean and how to say them, then write like an Egyptian with 24 different rubber stamps, plus counting and hieroglyphic word puzzles. Illustrated with Egyptian artifacts from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. (Activity pack and book)

 

 
Fun with Hieroglyphs
     
 

Claudia and Jamie go to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, sleeping in a Renaissance bed and taking baths in the fountain. The kids are hot on the trail of a mysterious statue – is it really by Michelangelo? A wonderful museum adventure (but you won't see Angel at the Met). (Chapter book)

 

     

In the Arms and Armor gallery at the Met, a 16th century French sword is haunted by a ghost. Tania can see the ghost, but it won't be easy for her and brother to set the ghost free. (Chapter book)

 

 
The Knight in the Shadows
     
 
You Can't Take a Balloon Into the Metropolitan Museum
Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman, Robin Preiss Glasser

A wayward balloon leads everyone on a hilarious chase through New York. Delightful illustrations, sprinkled with fun paintings and ancient art from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. (Picture book)

 

(More children's books on other New York City pages)