Fun things to do in New York with kids
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean that it’s not a great time to visit New York. There is lots to do here for families at any time of year. The weather may be a little cooler than during the summer months but that is no reason to hide away. The list below should give you plenty of ideas of ways to you can spend your time during a winter break in NYC with your kids.
Get Musical
Head to the Jazz Standard on E 27th street for their Jazz for kids series. The Jazz Standard youth orchestra provides the music while your family can enjoy a barbecue brunch. This series is free to attend although donations towards the Jazz Standard discovery program are encouraged.
If your kids are more like budding ballerinas than jazz musicians they may enjoy “Dance on a Shoestring”. This combination of traditional ballet and new pieces is a one hour showcase specifically designed for children. It only runs until the end of February at the Dance Gallery so see it while you can.
Get Active
If you are looking for things to do in NYC with kids who prefer action to watching then now is the perfect time to try out one of NYC’s many skating rinks. Skate hire is available at most rinks so there is no excuse not to take to the ice and enjoy gliding around the ice as a family.
For family fun with a difference take a look at the Just Kidding concerts. This series of musical performances are designed to be family friendly and great fun for children and adults alike. They run from December to March and should help to brighten the dullest winter day.
Meet the wildlife
Aside from specific winter events New York has plenty to offer at any time of year. If it is warm enough you can let your children burn off some energy in Central Park. While you are there don’t forget to pay a visit to the Central Park zoo. In particular you shouldn’t miss the Tisch children’s zoo where your kids will love getting close to goats cavies and pot-bellied pigs.
If being outdoors is too chilly then head for the DiMenna Children’s History Museum where there are plenty of games and interactive displays to amuse you all for hours. Another possibility is the Children’s Museum of the Arts in SoHo where craft projects for children are always underway.
Prospect Park is another New York attraction that shouldn’t be missed. Here you must take some time to visit one or two of the playgrounds or stroll through the forest for a while. There is also the children’s corner here which boasts a 100-year old carousel and the Prospect Park Zoo.
No visit to New York is complete without a trip on the Staten Island Ferry to get excellent views of the city skyline and the Statue of Liberty when you reach Staten Island you will be able to enjoy the Staten Island Children’s museum which is packed with hands-on exhibits and fun for everyone.
There are so many things to do in NYC with kids that one trip can not possibly fit everything in all you can do is to enjoy a small sampling of what is on offer and make plans for your next trip to this fascinating city.
