15 Fun Things to Do in New York City in Winter With Kids For 2024

Are you planning a trip to New York City in Winter with kids? We’ve got you covered!

New York City is a popular destination anytime of year. However, winter continues to be a busy time to visit the city, due to the numerous indoor attractions like world renowned museums and tall buildings.

Even though it can be cold, New York City in winter can still be a lot of fun with plenty of things to see and do.

The guide below includes tips for visiting New York City in winter with kids and shares some of the free and less-expensive attractions that kids will love. It includes some popular paid attractions, too!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Tips For Visiting New York City in Winter With Kids

Before you visit New York City in the winter, keep these tips in mind:

• You can’t see everything! Make a list of your priorities (2-3 attractions for each day) and have a few alternates to fill in time, if you need it.
• Visit attractions that are closer to each other. It takes time to walk, take the subway, or a taxi to each attraction. If you only have a short weekend in New York, try to group as many attractions together as you can. The list below covers about 20 blocks (north/south), which is approximately 1 mile.
• Plan for rest breaks. This pairs with the above tip. Walking is tiring. Standing and walking around attractions can also wear on you and your kids. Plan to stop at attractions and locations that will give you a much-needed rest. We list two of the places we stopped below!
• Dress in layers. The winter in New York can be COLD! Make sure you bring the appropriate winter gear, like hats, gloves, scarves, etc., to stay warm while walking around. Use a winter packing guide to make sure you are prepared! However, many of the attractions can be warm. Dressing in layers helps reduce overheating while inside. 
• Bring a backpack or a larger purse to hold all of the above-mentioned winter items. In addition to that, it can hold snacks and water. Kids will get hungry walking from around, and food in New York is not cheap.
• Stay close to the action. To save yourself time and energy, stay at one of the family-friendly hotels in New York that is close to the attractions you want to visit. There are many options to fit any budget!
• Bring a portable phone charger. New York’s tall buildings can drain the battery of your cell phone as it searches for service. You’ll want to be able to charge it on the go.
• Purchase the New York Pass by Go City: Many of the attractions on this list are included. It could save you money depending on what you want to do!

FREE or Inexpensive Things to Do in New York City in Winter With Kids

Believe it or not, there are many free and not-so-expensive activities you can do with kids in New York City. One of the more popular things to do, visiting Central Park, doesn’t always make sense in the cold weather. However, many of the activities are perfect for a winter visit.

1. The New York Public Library – Schwarzman Building

• Location: 476 5th Ave
• Hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday-Saturday, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Sunday
• Price: Free
• Top Tip: The Children’s Section is a great place to warm up and recharge.

Visiting a library may not sound like a fun thing to do with kids in New York City, but it’s a perfect spot to visit! The building itself is quite beautiful, and even without kids in tow, is a must-see in New York. And entrance into the library is FREE!

You can take time to explore the building and take in all of the beautiful architectural details and artwork. However, your kids will might be more interested in the museum’s special collections.

The Polonsky Exhibition of the New York Public Library‘s Treasures has the original gang from the Hundred Acre Wood on display!

They are almost 100 years old, so they are carefully protected in a glass box. It’s so amazing that Christopher Robin Milne held onto his childhood toys and that we are lucky to enough to see them.

Visitor Tip: The New York Public Library is also a great location for a rest break! Across the street from the main museum is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation building. Inside, on the lower floor, is the Children’s section. You’ll find clean bathrooms and a water fountain inside as well.

2. Bryant Park Carousel

• Location: 35 W 40th St
• Hours: Daily starting at 11:00 am in December, January, and March. Thursday-Sunday in February
• Price: $4 per person or $30 for a 10-ride card

Bryant Park shares the same city block with the New York Public Library, so it is only a few minutes walk to the to the carousel. A carousel ride is $4 per person. It is open year-round, though days and hours differ depending on the time of year.

3. Visit the National Museum of the American Indian

• Location: 1 Bowling Green
• Hours: Daily, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Price: FREE
• Top Tip: Don’t miss the imagiNATIONS activity center for kids

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian is an amazing museum sharing about the the native people who lived (and still live!) in New York and the rest of the country.

Located at One Bowling Green in the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, and just like the Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC, this museum is FREE to visit.

Kids will love the museum’s imagiNATIONS activity center. There are several hands-on activities where they can learn more about the indigenous populations of the area.

4. Visit Times Square

• Location: 7th Ave & 45th St
• Hours: None
• Price: FREE
• Top Tip: Avoid the characters walking around. They will offer photos and other things and then hound you for a tip.

Time Square is a must-visit location when you are in midtown-Manhattan. It can be fun for kids to see the street performers, the lights, and all the craziness that comes with the area. 

However, it can also be very overwhelming to kids. We recommend a quick stop and photo, but don’t stay too long in the area.

Also, avoid the characters in Times Square. They will let you take a picture with them, but then will hound you for a tip.

5. The Disney Store in Times Square

• Location: 1540 Broadway
• Hours: Daily, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
• Price: FREE to enter, but you might buy something!
• Top Tip: Take the escalator up stairs where they usually have free crafts and videos. It’s a great place to warm up and rest.

When you are big Disney fans, and you are in New York City with kids, you have to stop at the Disney Store in Times Square! In addition to their regular merchandise, they have New York-themed merchandise, including Minnie dressed as the Statue of Liberty and Mickey wearing an “I ♥ NY” shirt. 

On the 2nd floor, there is an area for the kids to sit, color, and watch video shorts. It is another excellent spot for a rest break, though it is not a quiet area.

6. F.A.O. Schwarz

• Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza
• Hours: Daily, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
• Price: FREE to enter, but you might buy something!

F.A.O. Schwarz should be a must-visit for anyone in New York City with kids. Although it is not at the same location as the original store, some things never change, including the “Welcome to Our World” song that greets you as you enter.

There are many interactive displays for the kids to play with, including the famous floor piano made famous by the movie “Big”. Kids can play in the spaceship, “shop” in the food store, and even design their own RC car.

It’s not as big as the original store, but it is still a fun place to stop and share childhood memories with your kids.

7. Enjoy the Art

• Location: Everywhere
• Hours: None
• Price: FREE

New York City has so many beautiful art sculptures throughout the city. While walking through the city, take the time to stop and enjoy the art. Kids will even have fun interacting with some of the sculptures.

8. 81st Street Studio at the Met

• Location: 1000 5th Ave. Enter The Met through the 81st Street and Fifth Avenue entrance to the left of the main steps.
• Hours: Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm
• Price: FREE

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a favorite place to visit in New York with kids (see below). However, they have a fun learning and play center that is next to the museum, but it is FREE to visit.

Inside, you’ll fine seven interactive stations and children’s library. The stations include music, hands-on building, and other fun activities.

It is FREE to visit the 81st Street Studio. However, due to high demand, it is first-come first-served and capacity is limited. When you arrive, you sign up for a time-slot. Time slots cannot be reserved in advanced, you have to do it in person that day.

Other Things to Do With Kids in New York City in Winter

Many of the activities below are included in the Go City: New York Explorer Pass. You can pick as few as two locations and as many ten to add to your pass. Depending on the locations you choose, you can save a decent amount of money. Check it out to see if it works for you and your family.

9. The American Museum of Natural History

• Location: 200 Central Park West
• Hours: Daily, 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
• Price: $16 – $28, or Pay-What-You-Wish if you live in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut
• Top Tip: Plan ahead to see what you want first. The museum is HUGE and you might not see it all in once visit.

The American Museum of Natural History is further away from some of the other places on this list. However, it is easy to get to via subway. The station leads you right to the museum, so no need to go outside into the elements!

Considered one of the best museums in New York City, this museum offers so much to see! It is almost impossible to see everything all in one visit. If it’s your first visit, pick the areas you definitely want to see first, then if you have time, visit the other sections.

The dinosaur area of the museum is one of the most popular exhibits. It can be difficult to navigate with the crowds, especially with little kids. There is stroller parking outside of the main exhibit to help limit the congestion, but it is still hectic. 

The Halls of Ocean Life, North American Mammals, and African Mammals are also popular, but they are larger and more open, so they feel less crowded than the Dinosaurs.

The café at the museum has a large selection of food. In addition to typical museum fare (sandwiches, pizza, hot dogs, etc.) they had an extensive salad bar and a hot offerings bar that included rotisserie chicken, pulled pork, and various hot sides.

You can purchase your admission online ahead of time or use the Go City: New York Explorer Pass.

10. The Empire State Building

• Location: 20 W 34th Street
• Hours: Daily, 9:00 am – 1:00 am
• Price: Starting at $38 and $44
• Top Tip: Visit first thing in the morning to avoid crowds

When you are in New York City with kids, you have to take them to the Empire State Building! Visiting in winter means fewer crowds, which makes for an easy and enjoyable trip.

The elevator ride to the first stop has a fun video projected on the ceiling on the elevator car. The video makes it feel like they are constructing the building as you ascend. Kids will enjoy watching the video. It also makes the quick ride feel even faster.

Once at the top of the Empire State Building, take your time enjoying the views in all four directions. You will be able to see the Statue of Liberty and One World Trade Center very easily to the south. On the north side, look for people ice skating at Bryant Park. 

If you are trying to stay closer to Times Square and Rockefeller Center area, consider visiting Top of the Rock instead of the Empire State Building. You’ll still get great views, but you’ll get to see the Empire State Building instead.

11. See a Broadway Show

• Location: Varies
• Hours: Daily – Typically shows are at 7:00 pm or 8:00 pm with matinees on weekends and Wednesday at 2:00 pm or 3:00 pm
• Price: Varies
• Top Tip: Look for mid-day shows if you have little kids. The evening performances can run very late.

It’s hard to visit New York City without taking some time to enjoy the theater. There is always a family-friendly musical on the Great White Way, and what better way to expose your kids to the arts!

Tickets to your favorite musical can be a budget buster, but there are several ways to purchase discounted Broadway tickets before your trip or while in the city.

12. Intrepid Museum

• Location: Pier 86 at West 46th Street
• Hours: Daily, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm ( open until 6:00 pm on weekends in the summer)
• Price: Prices starting at $26 for kids and $36 for adults. Children under 4 are FREE

If you’ve never visited an aircraft carrier before, you will be impressed at its size! the Intrepid Museum is built on a resorted WWII aircraft carrier and features dozens of military aircraft, a submarine, and space shuttle. And that’s just the beginning!

The also have the Exploreum, an interactive space where kids can fly a helicopter, navigate a submarine, and more.

You can buy your tickets online or at the box office in the Welcome Center. Admission to the Intrepid Museum is included in Go City: New York Explorer Pass.

13. Madame Tussauds

• Location: 234 W 42nd Street
• Hours: Daily, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (some days they close at 10:00 pm)
• Price: Prices starting at $44

Does your child have a favorite celebrity? They might be able to “meet” them at Madame Tussauds.

Toted as the “World’s Great Wax Museum”, Madame Tussauds offers more than just familiar faces. After you enjoy the five floors of celebrities and other famous people, you can also see a 4D movie. For an extra cost, you can take on the 7D ride where you’ll fire lasers at enemy clowns!

Tickets are available online but you can also enter the museum using the Go City: New York Explorer Pass.

14. Metropolitan Museum of Art

• Location: 1000 5th Avenue
• Hours: Sunday – Tuesday &Thursday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Friday & Saturday, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm. Closed Wednesday.
• Price: Prices starting at $17 for kids 13+ and $30 for adults. Kids 12 and under are FREE.

An art museum might not be the first place you think of to take you kids when visiting New York City. But the Met isn’t just any art museum!

This 2 million-square foot building holds some of the most recognizable art. Plus some amazing artifacts and pieces of old buildings. It’s mind-blowing! Our kids wanted to visit because they read From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, where a brother and sister run away and live in the museum for a few nights.

The Met is also a great place to grab lunch. Their cafeteria serves large portions of anything you could want, from chicken fingers to hamburger to specialty salads.

Kids under 12 are FREE when visiting the Met, so it can be an affordable activity in New York, depending on your child’s age.

15. Ice Skating

• Location: Various
• Hours: Open Daily- Hours varying
• Price: Depending on location

The nice thing about New York City is there are several places to go ice skating with kids in the winter.

The Winter Village at Bryant Park offers ice skating daily, but you need to reserve your time slot in advance. It’s FREE to skate at Bryant Park, but ice skate rentals can range from $18-$55, depending on the day.

They also have bumper cars on the ice, curling, and place to eat and warm up. The rink at Bryant Park is open from the end of October through the beginning of March.

Most people picture Rockefeller Center when they think about ice skating in New York. The Rink at Rockefeller Center is open daily through the end of March. You have to reserve a time slot, which can range from $11-$73, depending on the day. Skate rentals are an additional $11.

Central Park has a few options for ice skating, but the Wolman Rink is the most popular. It’s open daily from the end of October through mid-March. Tickets cost $10-$37 depending on the day, and skate rentals are $11. You’ll want to reserve your spot ahead of time.

How to Get Around New York City With Kids

Walking

Walking is FREE, but it can be tiring for little legs. Some of the attractions on this list are close together, making it easy to walk in-between them.

The Subway

The MTA subway is the best option for moving one from one location to another that is further away. It is faster than a bus and cheaper than a taxi. At $2.75 per ride, it can’t be beat.

And keep in mind, up to 3 children under 44 inches tall can ride for FREE with a paying adult. 

The Bus

Buses are also an inexpensive way to get around the city. However, they are subject to city traffic, so the ride could take longer than walking. Keep in mind, the same Metro Card you would use for the subway will also get you a ride on the bus.

And, like the subways, up to 3 children under 44 inches tall can ride for FREE with a paying adult.

Taxi Cabs

While taxi cabs may be the most convenient, they can also be very expensive. If you are riding with a young child, it is recommended that you install a child safety seat, though it is not required by law.

Money Saving Tips for Your Next Visit to New York City With Kids

Transportation

• Walk to as many attractions as you can: It’s FREE!
• Take the subway instead of a cab: It costs $2.75 each way per person. And up to 3 kids under 44 inches can ride FREE with a paying adult!
• NJ Transit – Take the train into the city instead of driving. The cost of gas, tolls, and parking could have you paying almost double the cost of the train tickets. Bonus: Up to 2 kids ride FREE with a paying adult on weekends and holidays.

Discounted Admission

• Check sites like Groupon for discounted admission to any of the attractions you are interested in visiting. Sometimes popular attractions are available at a discount.
• Capitalize on your child’s age! For many attractions in New York City, kids under six are FREE! This includes the Empire State Building.
• Consider purchasing a pass like the New York Explorer Pass by Go City. Many attractions are included, like the Empire State Building and the Museum of Natural History, and it might save you money during your visit.

Other Things to Do in New York City With Kids

Although there is something magical about visiting New York City in winter, New York is amazing any time of year.

There are so many fun ways to explore the city as a family. You can ride the Staten Island Ferry, or just take the time to enjoy all that Central Park has to offer.

And don’t forget! Visiting New York doesn’t have to break the budget. There are many FREE and inexpensive ways to enjoy the NYC with kids.

You can also visit New York City in December for all of the Christmas events!

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