7 things you didn't know you could do with little kids in New York City
Approximately 65 million people visit New York City each year.
It's easy to understand why, considering you can get to New York-JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), Newark (EWR) and Long Island's Islip (ISP) using airline miles.
And it isn't just a city for adults. If you're traveling to New York City with youngsters, you'll find plenty of activities geared toward children in the City That Never Sleeps — and there are a number of family-friendly hotels in New York City, too.
In addition to all the New York City attractions, such as the Empire State Building, Central Park and the Statue of Liberty, here are seven other things you probably didn't know you could do with young children in the Big Apple.
Enjoy a family Broadway show
Experiencing Broadway in New York City is a quintessential experience. While most people think of Broadway as an adult activity, there are many shows geared to children, such as "Aladdin" or "The Lion King."
Note that while these performances are kid-friendly, these childhood favorites are geared toward children ages 8 and older, and are not recommended for kids under 4 years of age.
Ticket prices vary depending on the show, date and time, but typically begin at $75 at retail price. But there are a number of ways to score discounted tickets, including the TKTS booth, digital lotteries, rush tickets, the TodayTix app and Kids Night on Broadway — so do your research before you book.
Take the Behind the Magic Broadway tour
Whether you end up seeing a Broadway show or not, taking a Behind the Magic Broadway Tour gives your family a behind-the-scenes look at the props, costumes and sets of your favorite Disney musicals. Tickets begin at $65 per person.
Related: 8 ways to upgrade your New York City vacation
Enjoy a family cooking class
If your kids love to cook, New York City is the perfect destination for a cooking class for your budding gourmands. Freshmade NYC specializes in classes for kids as young as 2 years old. You can choose a destination to inspire your meal, or pick something based on dietary restrictions. Little Chefs Camp classes cost $37 per person.
Explore the New York Transit Museum
The New York subway system is world-renowned. If your kids get excited about the idea of piling into a subway car, imagine how thrilled they'll be if you take them on the "train" from Manhattan to Brooklyn to visit the New York Transit Museum. You'll get to explore vintage subway cars, see how the subway fare has changed over the years and learn about what happens to subway cars that are no longer in use.
It's an unforgettable experience that will have your kids talking for weeks to come, and it's very affordable. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 per child between the ages of 2 and 17.
Sip afternoon tea at American Girl
Many children enjoy playing with their tea sets at home. So, why not give them the real experience? There are a lot of places that offer afternoon tea in New York City, but the tea offered at American Girl sets the gold standard for little fans. Your child can even bring along his or her favorite American Girl dolls to enjoy the experience together! Afternoon tea costs $21 per person, and adults can upgrade to include a mimosa or glass of sparkling wine for $26.
Not a fan of tea? Brunch, lunch and dinner reservations are all available on the American Girl website as well. You can also treat your child to their first spa experience with American Girl manicures, child-and-doll ear-piercing sessions and many other doll-centric delights.
If your child is celebrating a birthday in the city, American Girl has that covered, too. The retail store in Manhattan offers a number of immersive experiences, including the ultimate sleepover: A private, late-night shopping experience for your child and up to 29 other participants. Tickets begin at $245, and $205 per adult.
See the skyline on a dinner cruise
Dinner cruises aren't just for adults. The Spirit of New York river cruise welcomes kids of all ages, and my 3-year-old had the best night ever when we sailed around the Hudson.
You can dance the night away together while getting an up-close view of the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge — and you won't even have to figure out dinner plans afterward.
The buffet offers a wide range of food, and the cruise line also offers a special menu for kids, with offerings such as mac-and-cheese perfect for picky eaters. Tickets for weekdays and Sundays start at $119.90 per person, while Saturday tickets cost $124.90 apiece. Children under the age of 3 sail free.
Eat your heart out on a food tour
New York City is known for its fantastic food, and what better way to sample as many options as possible than on a food tour?
My family and I chose a Chelsea Market food tour, which was perfect for our young children. The Chelsea Market food tour limited our travel distance to the confines of the market, which eliminated concerns regarding the walking distance or possible weather fluctuations. We enjoyed donuts, pizza, tacos, a hot sauce tasting and more during our tour, which lasted between two and three hours.
If you prefer to have a guide for your experience, many tour operators offer Chelsea Market food tours; expect to pay $35 to $55 per person. If you prefer to explore on your own, check out Free Tours by Foot to print out a self-guided tour of the market.
Related: The 29 best restaurants in New York City
Earn points exploring the city with your kids
Remember that many sightseeing tours, theater tickets and museum admissions code as "entertainment" when posting to your credit card statement. Since that's the case, be sure to use the best credit card for entertainment spending. Of course, if your entertainment involves food, then you'll also want one of the best cards for dining in your wallet.
Botton line
New York City has a plethora of activities for travelers of any age to enjoy. While the staple New York City activities are always fun, there's more to this vibrant metropolis than the typical landmarks. So don't hesitate to bring your kids on your next New York City adventure.
Interested in more posts like this one? Here's some more New York City trip-planning advice for families:
- Best Marriott Category 5 hotels in New York City for families
- The room that sleeps 8 in NYC: TRYP Times Square South
- 5 family-friendly hotels in New York City where you can use points
- Enjoy New York City with the family — without the tourist traps
- Affordable activities for families visiting New York City
- 8 things every teen should do in New York City
- Tips for navigating New York City with kids
- Every tourist in New York makes these 11 mistakes
- Best Broadway and off-Broadway shows in NYC for kids
- Taking a bite of the Big Apple: 11 NYC restaurants kids will love
Monet Hambrick is the mom and writer behind The Traveling Child blog where she shares tips on traveling with kids and how to afford travel as a family. Her motto is, "If kids live there, kids can visit." Follow along with her family adventures on Instagram and Facebook.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.