Things to Do With Kids in NYC That Deserve a Spot on Your List
If you’ve ever googled things to do with kids in NYC or fallen down a rabbit hole of “top 25 kids activities NYC,” you know the feeling: when there’s so much, how do you know what to pick.
So here’s a different kind of guide, filtered for joy. Hint hint: it stars a slime-filled, playful experience you’ll wish you found sooner.
What Makes a Great NYC Kid Activity (and What Doesn't)
Let’s be honest: not every “must-do” in NYC is actually a must for the kids.
The best activities for kids encourage movement, play, exploration, and creativity. All without screens. Kids need stimulation and a place to get all of their energy out.
The Best Things to Do With Kids in NYC
If you’re searching for the best things to do in NYC with kids (or just planning a day of fun), start here.
1. Sloomoo Institute (SoHo)
Sloomoo Institute is what happens when play becomes the main event. It’s everything your won’t let your kids do at home - add slime to a wall, slingshot slime, walk on slime, dig into hundreds of gallons of every texture, the list goes on.
Analog, hands-on play triggers the imagination and actually builds the brain’s neurons. The best part - after walking through cloud slime and jumping on squishies, they will wind up taking a long nap later (you’ll also leave with an eye mask… you’re welcome).
If you’re thinking about birthday plans while you’re at it, there’s a reason Sloomoo is known as the best birthday party in town. Check out our party packages.
2. The Little Island
If it’s nice out, you can get lost in a world of green, flowers, and cute things to do at The Little Island on the West Side Highway (we love bringing lunch and having a picnic - BTW, you can pick up a Sloomoo towel to sit on while you’re there).
3. The High Line + Snack Combo
Near The Little Island, The High Line is the best walk in the city. There are public art installations on the way to inspire you. And our favorite spot is the stadium seating where you can watch all of the oncoming traffic drive by (while playing with your new slime). There are also snack stands along the way.
4. The American Museum of Natural History
Yes, the dinosaurs. Yes, the giant whale. But here’s your insider tip: pick one or two exhibits and call it a win. We also love the gems collection. You’ve never seen anything like it.
5. A Ferry Ride That Feels Like a Tiny Escape
The Staten Island Ferry is free, breezy, and unpredictable enough to feel like an adventure. Movement and newness = happy kids. Play Eye Spy to keep everyone on their toes.
Things to Do With Kids in Manhattan, Specifically
If you’re looking to keep things local, there are plenty of things to do with kids in Manhattan that feel easy and exciting.
SoHo: Sloomoo Institute
If you’re wondering what to do in NYC with kiddos when the energy is high and you want a guaranteed win, this is it. Nonstop sliming awaits!
Upper West Side: Museum + Park Pairing
A little structure, a little freedom. Museum first, playground after.
Midtown: Bryant Park Moments
Carousel, open space, snacks—a reset in the middle of the city.
Planning Your NYC Day Out (What Parents Actually Need to Know)
Here’s the part no one puts in the listicles—but every parent eventually learns:
Anchor your day with one great activity.
Everything else can flex. When you start strong (hello, Sloomoo), the rest of the day follows.
Book ahead whenever possible. Prices are better when you get tickets in advance.
You don’t need to do five things. You need one or two that actually fill your kiddos - and you - with joy.
On the way home, talk about your favorite parts of the day to connect and bond.
Find More Things to Do in NYC With Kids Near You
If you’re visiting the city— or planning a trip —Sloomoo doesn’t stop in New York.
Families fall in love in one Sloomoo experience, then find something new in another one when they’re in one of our locations - Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, Boston (a MiniMoo), Philadelphia (a MiniMoo at the King of Prussia Mall), and in the summer of 2026, Charlotte and D.C.!
Because once you see what play can feel like, you’ll want to find it everywhere.
Your NYC With Kids Questions, Answered
What are the most unique things to do with kids in NYC?
The most unique things to do in New York with kids are the ones that feel like stepping into a new world. Sloomoo Institute is a slime universe with endless slime, scent, color, and play to discover!
Is Sloomoo good for kids in NYC?
It’s more than good—it’s THE place parents wish they had found sooner (the best part - adults always wind up loving it as much or more than their kiddos). Sloomoo Institute is designed to spark connection, play, and creativity in everyone, no matter their age.
Our favorite two reviews…
One was from a mom who said, “even my miserable 16-year-old loved it.” LOL! True!
The other was from an 89-year-old who said, “I haven’t felt this young in decades. I want to come back with MY friends.” So sweet!
How do I find kid-friendly activities in NYC that aren't just tourist traps?
Look for places that prioritize doing over seeing. The best activities require you to touch, hear, see, and smell at once. Skip long lines and passive exhibits, and choose experiences that encourage kiddos to truly engage.
Are there sensory-friendly activities for kids in NYC?
Yes—and they can make all the difference. Sloomoo Institute is built around sensory play, offering a tactile, immersive environment that helps kids feel calm, engaged, and completely present - with dedicated Sensory Hours on the third Thursday of every month. If you come with someone who is sensory sensitive and the experience is loud, please ask us to borrow head phones. We have them.
