Things To Do With Kids in Queens, NY

Pelham Bay Park is a sprawling 2,700-acre urban oasis in the Bronx,three times larger than Central Park! Families can spend entire days exploring Orchard Beach (the Bronx's Riviera), multiple playgrounds, woodland trails, and wide-open spaces perfect for everything from picnics to horseback riding. With activities spanning from athletic fields to nature preserves, there's something here for every family member.

Roosevelt Field offers a convenient indoor soft play area where young children can burn off energy while parents tackle their shopping list. This popular Long Island mall combines family-friendly play space with over 270 stores, making it a practical destination for families who need to mix errands with kid entertainment.

The Bronx Museum of the Arts offers families a welcoming introduction to contemporary art with the unbeatable bonus of free admission year-round. Interactive family workshops and community-focused exhibitions make this cultural gem accessible and engaging for children, with rotating displays that celebrate diverse artists and cultures reflecting the vibrant Bronx community.

King David Tacos brings a kid-friendly twist to kosher Mexican cuisine in Great Neck, with creative tacos and familiar favorites that appeal to even picky eaters. The casual atmosphere means parents can relax while kids enjoy colorful, flavorful dishes in a welcoming environment where children are embraced, not just tolerated.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a breathtaking multi-sensory observation experience atop one of Manhattan's tallest skyscrapers, featuring immersive art installations with endless mirrors, glass skyboxes suspended 1,063 feet above Madison Avenue, and interactive reflective rooms that will absolutely mesmerize kids and adults alike. The combination of stunning 360-degree city views and Instagram-worthy infinity mirror installations creates an unforgettable experience that feels like stepping into another dimension.

Yankee Stadium offers far more than just baseball games for families. Beyond catching the Bronx Bombers in action, kids can run the bases on special Kids Run the Bases Sundays, explore the legendary Monument Park honoring baseball greats, and take behind-the-scenes stadium tours that bring them into the dugout and clubhouse areas where their heroes play.

The New York Botanical Garden offers 250 acres of stunning landscapes where kids can explore nature right in the heart of NYC. With interactive children's gardens, seasonal exhibitions, and plenty of space to run and discover, it's an educational outdoor adventure that feels like escaping to the countryside without leaving the Bronx.

The Empire State Building offers kids an unforgettable journey to one of the world's most iconic observation decks, standing 1,454 feet tall. Children will be amazed by the breathtaking 360-degree views of New York City from the 86th and 102nd floor observatories, while interactive exhibits bring the building's fascinating history to life in ways that captivate young minds.

RiseNY offers an immersive journey through New York City's history and culture, culminating in an exhilarating flying theater ride that soars over the city's iconic landmarks. Located in the heart of Times Square, this museum-attraction hybrid combines interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and cutting-edge technology to give families a unique perspective on the Big Apple without leaving the building.

The American Museum of Natural History is a wonderland for curious kids, featuring towering dinosaur skeletons, a life-sized blue whale hanging from the ceiling, and the spectacular Hayden Planetarium. Children can explore everything from ancient fossils to outer space, with interactive exhibits that bring science to life in ways that captivate visitors from toddlers to teens.

MoMA offers an inspiring introduction to modern and contemporary art that can spark creativity in kids of all ages. With renowned works by Picasso, Monet, and Warhol, plus rotating interactive exhibits and family-friendly programs, this world-class museum makes art accessible and engaging for young visitors.

Step back in time at this stunning 1840s Greek Revival mansion set within Bronx's largest park. Kids will love exploring the elegant period rooms, wandering through the formal gardens, and discovering the carriage house, while nature trails through Pelham Bay Park offer additional adventure. Special family programs and educational tours make history come alive for young learners.

SPYSCAPE is an immersive spy museum in Midtown Manhattan where kids become secret agents for the day. Through interactive exhibits, challenges, and high-tech experiences, families can test their espionage skills, crack codes, navigate laser mazes, and discover what it really takes to work in intelligence,all while learning about real spy history and techniques.

The Long Island Children's Museum is a hands-on wonderland where learning feels like pure play. With interactive exhibits spanning art, science, and imaginative play areas, kids can explore everything from creative studios to engaging STEM activities, making it a perfect indoor destination for curious young minds.

American Girl Place New York is a magical destination in the heart of Rockefeller Plaza where doll enthusiasts can shop, dine, and experience everything American Girl. This multi-level flagship store offers not just shopping but an immersive experience including a café where kids can dine alongside their dolls, a doll hair salon, and photo opportunities that create unforgettable memories.

This modern recreation complex in Prospect Park transforms with the seasons - ice skating on a beautiful outdoor rink in winter and roller skating plus splash pad fun in summer. The 16,000 square foot rink is less intimidating than massive Rockefeller Center, making it perfect for kids learning to skate, and the lakeside setting adds natural beauty to the experience. The splash pad area in warmer months provides hours of water play for younger children while parents relax on the surrounding lawn.

Brooklyn Bridge Park stretches along 1.3 miles of reclaimed waterfront with some of the city's best playgrounds and the most stunning Manhattan skyline views. Kids can splash in the water lab, climb elaborate play structures themed around the waterfront, and run freely on spacious lawns with the Brooklyn Bridge as a backdrop. The park offers something for everyone from sandy beaches to sports facilities, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring different piers.

The Cradle of Aviation Museum brings Long Island's rich aerospace history to life with over 75 air and spacecraft that kids can see up close. From real lunar modules to hands-on flight simulators and an IMAX theater, this interactive museum transforms learning about aviation into an exciting adventure that will have your little pilots dreaming of the skies.

Brooklyn's beloved 585-acre green oasis offers endless family adventures with its famous playgrounds, Prospect Park Zoo, pedal boats on the lake, and miles of paths perfect for biking and exploring. Kids can run free in wide open meadows, discover nature at the Audubon Center, splash in water features during summer, and enjoy seasonal activities year-round. This is Brooklyn's backyard where families spend entire days picnicking, playing, and making memories.

Located in an actual decommissioned 1936 subway station in Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum lets kids explore vintage subway cars, sit in the driver's seat, and learn about NYC's transportation history through interactive exhibits. This unique underground museum transforms what could be a typical museum visit into an adventure where children can climb aboard real trains and imagine life in different eras of New York City.

The Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center is a hidden gem where kids can get up close to vintage fire trucks, antique firefighting equipment, and interactive displays that bring firefighting history to life. Best of all, admission is completely free, making it a budget-friendly option for families looking for an educational yet exciting outing on Long Island.

Madame Tussauds New York offers kids an exciting, interactive experience where they can pose with incredibly lifelike wax figures of their favorite celebrities, superheroes, athletes, and historical figures. Unlike traditional museums, this Times Square attraction encourages hands-on interaction,kids can sit on the Iron Throne, shoot hoops with sports legends, and snap selfies with everyone from Spider-Man to Taylor Swift.

This intimate museum in Washington Heights brings art and stories to life through interactive exhibits designed specifically for young children. Kids can explore rotating art installations, participate in storytelling sessions, and engage with hands-on creative activities that celebrate diverse cultures and narratives. The museum's small size makes it perfect for little ones who might get overwhelmed at larger institutions.

The Children's Museum of Manhattan is a hands-on wonderland designed specifically for little ones to explore, create, and discover. Kids can climb through PlayWorks' multi-level adventure structure, splash in water play areas, and learn about healthy living in the EatSleepPlay exhibit. The museum emphasizes learning through play with constantly rotating exhibits that keep even repeat visitors engaged.

CAMP is a one-of-a-kind family destination that brilliantly combines interactive experiences, creative play spaces, and toy shopping all under one roof. This innovative concept store in Manhattan's Flatiron District features rotating themed exhibits and hands-on activities that transform ordinary shopping into an adventure kids will talk about for weeks.

The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) transforms math from a classroom subject into an interactive playground where kids can ride square-wheeled tricycles, create geometric light patterns, and explore mind-bending exhibits that prove math is actually fun. With over 40 hands-on exhibits spread across two floors, this one-of-a-kind museum makes abstract concepts tangible through play, sparking curiosity in even the most math-reluctant kids.

Grimaldi's Pizzeria is a beloved coal-fired brick oven pizza spot that's become a family favorite for its delicious, crispy-crusted pies and welcoming atmosphere. Kids love watching the pizza makers toss dough while families enjoy the casual, no-fuss vibe that makes dining with little ones stress-free. The generous portions and simple menu make it easy to please even picky eaters.

Cold Stone Creamery in Maplewood Village is a sweet destination where kids can watch their ice cream creations come to life on a frozen granite stone. The interactive experience of choosing mix-ins and seeing them folded into premium ice cream makes this more than just a dessert stop,it's entertainment that ends with a delicious treat.

The High Line is a unique elevated park built on historic freight rail tracks 30 feet above Manhattan's streets, offering a totally different perspective of the city. Kids love the feeling of walking through a secret garden floating above traffic, discovering public art installations, and peeking into building windows from unexpected angles. The mix of urban views, wildflower gardens, and creative play areas makes this 1.45-mile walking park feel like an adventure through a storybook version of New York.

Step aboard a real aircraft carrier and explore an incredible collection of sea, air, and space history including the Space Shuttle Enterprise, a British Airways Concorde, and a Cold War-era submarine you can actually walk through. Kids become explorers as they climb through tight submarine passages, sit in cockpits, and discover what life was like for sailors at sea. The flight deck alone - with its collection of historic aircraft - will leave young aviation enthusiasts absolutely mesmerized.

Edge NYC is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, offering breathtaking 360-degree views from 1,100 feet above the ground at Hudson Yards. Kids will be thrilled by the glass floor sections where they can look straight down to the streets below, and the angled glass walls create a unique 'floating in the sky' experience that's both exciting and photo-worthy for the whole family.

Step into literary history at this charming 1840s cottage where Edgar Allan Poe spent his final years. The cozy house museum offers family-friendly tours that bring 19th-century life to vivid reality, complete with period furnishings and engaging stories about Poe's life in the Bronx. It's a wonderful introduction to American literature and local history that's manageable even for younger children thanks to the cottage's small, intimate size.

The Museum of Illusions in New York's Chelsea neighborhood offers an interactive experience where kids can defy gravity, shrink and grow in size, and question reality through mind-bending optical illusions and holograms. Unlike traditional museums, this hands-on attraction encourages touching, exploring, and taking plenty of photos, making it perfect for curious minds who love to be amazed and fooled by their own eyes.

Squire's Diner is a classic family-friendly spot in Great Neck where picky eaters and adventurous diners alike will find something to love. With breakfast served all day, an extensive kids menu, and portions generous enough to share, it's the perfect low-stress dining option for families who want good food without the fuss.

One World Observatory offers breathtaking 360-degree views of New York City from the top of the Western Hemisphere's tallest building. The high-speed elevator ride alone is an unforgettable experience for kids, featuring a mesmerizing time-lapse video of NYC's evolution, and the interactive Sky Pod displays help children engage with the city sprawling below them.

Eisenhower Park is a sprawling 930-acre paradise for active families in Nassau County. With multiple playgrounds for different age groups, a seasonal splash pad, two miniature golf courses, and miles of paved trails perfect for bikes and strollers, this park offers something for everyone. The sheer variety means you can visit repeatedly without ever doing the same activities twice.

Pier 62 Skatepark offers an exciting waterfront experience where kids can skateboard, scooter, or rollerblade with stunning Hudson River views and the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop. This welcoming park caters to all skill levels, from first-timers testing their balance to experienced riders perfecting tricks, making it an inclusive spot where the whole family can enjoy outdoor action sports together.

Pier A Park is Hoboken's premier waterfront destination where kids can splash, play, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. This beautifully maintained park features multiple playgrounds for different age groups, a popular splash pad for hot summer days, wide open lawns perfect for running around, and peaceful picnic areas shaded by trees,all with the Hudson River as your backdrop.

Sinatra Park offers stunning Manhattan skyline views along the Hudson River waterfront, making it a picture-perfect destination for families. Kids can enjoy well-maintained playgrounds while parents relax on the grassy lawn or stroll the scenic walking paths. The amphitheater hosts free family-friendly concerts and events throughout the warmer months, adding extra entertainment value to your visit.

Elysian Park is Hoboken's elevated gem offering families a winning combination of active play and stunning Manhattan skyline views. Kids can burn energy on the playground, basketball courts, and baseball fields while parents enjoy the panoramic cityscape backdrop. The park's hillside location provides a refreshing escape with plenty of space for picnics and outdoor fun.

Governors Island is a 172-acre car-free oasis just a short ferry ride from Manhattan, offering families an incredible escape with sprawling green spaces, playgrounds, historic forts, and stunning harbor views. Kids can bike along traffic-free paths, explore interactive art installations, climb The Hills for panoramic city views, and enjoy seasonal activities from splash pads to winter ice skating,all without worrying about cars.

Stevens Institute of Technology's scenic campus offers families a tranquil escape with its picturesque pond that's perfect for duck feeding and waterfront exploration. The beautifully maintained grounds provide open spaces for kids to roam, stunning views of the Manhattan skyline across the Hudson River, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes this university campus feel like a hidden gem park in Hoboken.

The Hoboken Historical Museum offers a kid-friendly journey through local history with interactive exhibits that bring the past to life. Located in a charming historic building, this compact museum features hands-on displays about Hoboken's railroad heritage, maritime history, and even its connection to Frank Sinatra,making it an educational yet entertaining stop for curious young minds.

Monkey Joe's Party & Play is a lifesaver for Hoboken families on rainy days or cold winter weekends. This colorful indoor inflatable playground features massive bounce houses, exciting slides, and arcade games that let kids burn energy regardless of the weather outside. The spacious facility offers both open play sessions and private party options, making it perfect for everything from casual drop-ins to birthday celebrations.

As New York City's third-largest park, Van Cortlandt Park is a true family oasis in the Bronx, offering an incredible variety of activities that can keep kids entertained for hours. From cooling off at the splash pad to exploring nature trails and stepping back in time at the historic Van Cortlandt House Museum, this 1,146-acre park delivers both adventure and education in a beautiful natural setting.

Bwè Kafe is a Hoboken gem that truly gets what parents need, a welcoming cafe where you can enjoy quality coffee and healthy food while your little ones play safely nearby. The dedicated play area means kids stay entertained while you actually finish a hot beverage, making it a favorite hangout spot for local families looking to connect without the usual restaurant chaos.

The Hoboken Public Library is a fantastic free resource for families, offering much more than just books. With a modern, extensive children's section and regular storytimes, this community hub provides engaging educational programs year-round and popular summer reading challenges that keep kids excited about learning during school breaks.

Carlo's Bakery is the famous Hoboken institution featured on TLC's Cake Boss, where kids can watch bakers creating elaborate cakes through the shop windows and indulge in cannoli, cookies, and signature Italian pastries. The colorful displays and sweet aromas make this a magical stop for young foodies, though be prepared for crowds of fellow fans looking to experience the TV show magic in person.

Wave Hill offers 28 acres of stunning gardens, woodlands, and nature trails overlooking the Hudson River, making it a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Kids can explore greenhouse conservatories, participate in hands-on family art workshops, and roam through meadows and forests while parents enjoy breathtaking views and beautifully curated gardens.

The Statue of Liberty is an iconic American landmark that brings history to life for kids of all ages. Young visitors are amazed by Lady Liberty's sheer size,from her 8-foot index finger to the panoramic views from her pedestal,while learning about immigration, freedom, and American history in an unforgettable setting accessible only by ferry.

Flat Rock Brook Nature Center offers families 150 acres of peaceful woodland trails perfect for little explorers. Kids can wade in the shallow brook searching for tadpoles and crayfish, discover hands-on nature exhibits in the center, and join seasonal programs like maple sugaring and owl prowls that make learning about nature exciting and interactive.

Cross County Center offers a one-stop destination for families combining retail therapy with genuine entertainment for kids. Beyond typical mall shopping, families will find dedicated children's play areas, family-friendly restaurants, and regular seasonal events that transform this Yonkers shopping center into an engaging outing rather than just an errand run.

Tibbetts Brook Park is a sprawling 161-acre outdoor paradise in Yonkers that offers something for every age and energy level. From splashing in seasonal pools to exploring nature trails, playing baseball, or enjoying a relaxed picnic under the trees, this well-loved park provides countless ways for families to spend quality time together without breaking the bank.

Lange's Delicatessen is a welcoming neighborhood deli that's been feeding Westchester families for years with hearty portions and a relaxed atmosphere where kids can be kids. The extensive menu features classic deli favorites alongside breakfast all day, making it perfect for picky eaters and families with varying tastes who want a casual, no-fuss dining experience.

The Bronx River Parkway Reservation Conservancy offers families a scenic escape with its multi-town linear park system stretching through Westchester. This green corridor combines classic playground fun with nature exploration opportunities, plus Westchester's first paved bike path network,perfect for teaching little ones to ride or enjoying a family bike adventure together.