Among the memorable things to do in New York with children, a trip to the American Museum of Natural History—where skeletons tower overhead and a 94-foot (29-meter) blue whale hangs suspended from the ceiling—truly tops the list. Book admission tickets in advance and plan to spend at least half a day exploring the exhibits, including the Hayden Planetarium and the hands-on Discovery Room. Don’t miss the Spotlight Tours offered throughout the massive museum, which focus on one hall of the museum.

Looking for outdoor things to do in New York City with kids? Look no further than Central Park, where you can ice skate at Wollman Rink in winter and rent rowboats at the Loeb Boathouse in summer—speaking of boats, the Central Park Conservatory offers remote-controlled model sailboat rentals, which are perfect for racing. Although small, the Central Park Zoo delights—and lets kids feed sheep and goats. And if anyone runs out of steam, consider continuing the adventure via a NYC pedicab ride.

For stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline, take the free Staten Island Ferry—a budget-friendly alternative to harbor cruises or more time-intensive Ellis Island tours. The 25-minute ride each way thrills children and is one of the most decidedly kid-friendly things to do in NYC. Pack a picnic to enjoy on Staten Island before heading back on the ferry.

When you think about New York City sightseeing for kids, you might not consider cracking codes or crawling through a laser tunnel, but that’s what can be expected during a trip to the Spyscape interactive museum in Midtown. On arrival, each guest is outfitted with a wristband that reveals which spy role suits you best, from an intelligence analyst to a special ops officer. Best for families with slightly older kids, it’s perfect for those who love escape rooms and problem-solving challenges.

The Stephen A Schwarzman Building—the main branch of the New York Public Library—isn’t just for card-carrying locals. Thanks to its magnificent architecture and massive inventory of books (including original manuscripts and illustrations from beloved children’s classics), it’s one of the best family attractions in NYC. Plus, photos out front with the famous lion statues, Patience and Fortitude, are a must.

At Manhattan’s southern tip, Battery Park offers spectacular harbor views, but its showstopper is the SeaGlass Carousel. Unlike any other merry-go-round, riders sit on iridescent fish that glide, pivot, and change color to music, which creates the sensation of swimming through an underwater garden. It’s a can’t-miss experience for family vacations in New York City. For the most magical photos, ride the carousel after dusk when the illuminated fish glow brightest against the darkened pavilion.

Located in Corona, Queens, the New York Hall of Science is a little farther-flung, but it's definitely worth it for curious kids. More than 450 interactive exhibits make science engaging for all, including the largest outdoor science playground in the US, complete with climbing nets, fog machines, and water play stations. Just be sure to make time for the Design Lab, where families can build and test their own inventions.

Don’t trust any New York City family guide that doesn’t mention Little Island, a park situated atop tulip-shaped concrete structures that rise from the Hudson River. The hilly terrain creates natural play spaces—with hidden seating areas and musical instruments built into the landscape—that seem far removed from the hustle of city life, yet provide an up-close look at creative urban design. The amphitheater hosts regular free family programming, including puppet shows and storytelling sessions.

NYC for families is nothing if not rooted in the city's rich and sprawling history. Case in point: the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, which made history as the world’s first museum created specifically for children when it was founded in 1899. One of the museum’s most popular attractions is its scaled-down version of the borough’s international neighborhoods, in which children can shop in a Mexican bakery or an African market.