New York City is packed with amazing places to explore, and museums are some of the most incredible spots for kids. Whether your child loves dinosaurs, science, art, or history, there’s a museum in NYC that will make learning fun and exciting. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best museums for kids in NYC, highlighting what makes each one unique and why they’re perfect for families.
Why Museums Are Awesome for Kids
Museums aren’t just places to look at old stuff they’re places where kids can touch, play, and discover new things. Visiting museums helps kids learn about the world in a hands-on way. In NYC, many museums are designed just for kids, with interactive exhibits, fun activities, and incredible programs that make learning feel like an adventure.
For parents, museums are a great way to spend quality time with their kids while exploring something new together. Plus, many NYC museums for kids offer free or discounted days, so you don’t have to break the bank to have a fun day out.
Best Museums for Kids in NYC
Here’s a list of the best museums for kids in NYC! These museums are packed with cool exhibits, hands-on activities, and exciting displays. Kids can see giant dinosaurs, explore real spaceships, create art, and even walk through a butterfly garden. Perfect for families, these museums make learning fun and exciting for kids of all ages!
1. American Museum of Natural History
- Location: 200 Central Park W, New York, NY 10024
- Known for: blue whale, dinosaur exhibit
- Best for: ages 4+
- Time Commitment: at least two hours
- Positive Google Reviews: 21,489
- Phone: +1 2127695100
If your kids are really into dinosaurs, space, or animals, the American Museum of Natural History is the place to be. Right next to Central Park, this museum is vast and filled with impressive things to see and do. Kids can walk around giant dinosaur skeletons, like the famous TRex, in the Fossil Halls. They can also visit the Butterfly Conservatory, where live butterflies fly all around them, sometimes even landing on their hands! For hands-on fun, the Discovery Room lets kids touch real fossils and animal specimens and even try on costumes. Don’t forget the Hayden Planetarium, where incredible space shows take you on a trip through the stars.
The museum is like a giant playground for curious kids. Every corner has something new to discover, and it’s all designed to be both fun and educational. Whether your child loves dinosaurs, space, or animals, there’s something here to spark their imagination.
Additional Information:
- Admission: $18 for adults, $17 for children, Infant (under 1 year old): free
- Hours: Open daily, 10 am–5:30 pm.
- Special Features:
- Butterfly Conservatory: A seasonal exhibit with live butterflies (open in fall and winter).
- IMAX Films: Giant-screen movies about nature and science.
- Space Shows: Cool planetarium shows about the universe.
- Accessibility: Stroller-friendly, with elevators and ramps throughout.
- Nearby Attractions: Central Park is right next door, perfect for a post-museum picnic or playtime.
2. Children’s Museum of Manhattan
- Location: 212 W 83rd St, New York, NY 10024
- Known for interactive exhibits, creative play, cultural diversity
- Best for ages 1-8
- Time Commitment: 1.5–2 hours
- Positive Google Reviews: 2,822+
- Phone: +1 212-721-1223
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) is a fantastic place for kids who love to play, explore, and learn. Located on the Upper West Side, this museum is made just for young children, with fun exhibits that let them use their imagination and discover new things. One of the most popular exhibits is “Adventures with Dora and Diego,“ where kids can solve puzzles, climb through a pretend rainforest, and even help “rescue” animals.
Another favorite is the EatSleepPlay™ exhibit, which teaches kids about staying healthy in a fun way. They can climb on a giant toothbrush, slide down a tongue-shaped slide, and learn about eating right, sleeping well, and staying active.
For younger kids, the PlayWorks™ area is perfect. It has building blocks, a mini fire truck to play on, and a soft play area for toddlers. The museum also changes its exhibits and offers fabulous workshops, so there’s always something new to try.
Additional Information:
- Admission: $18 per person (free for children under 1).
- Hours: Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm (closed Mondays).
- Special Features:
- Workshops and Storytimes: Fun programs that let kids create, explore, and learn.
- Rotating Exhibits: New themes and activities throughout the year.
- Cultural Programs: Events that celebrate different cultures and traditions.
- Accessibility: It’s stroller-friendly and has places for diaper changing and nursing.
- Nearby Attractions: It’s close to Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History so you can plan a full day of fun.
3. New York Hall of Science
- Location: 47-01 111th St, Queens, NY 11368
- Known for: Interactive science exhibits, Rocket Park, and the Science Playground
- Best for: specially designed for children under 6 years old.
- Time Commitment: 2–3 hours
- Positive Google Reviews: 5,730+
- Phone: +1 718-699-0005
The New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is a super cool place for kids who love to explore, experiment, and learn about science. Located in Queens, this museum is packed with over 450 interactive exhibits that let kids touch, play, and discover how things work. One of the most incredible spots is Rocket Park, where you can see real NASA rockets and learn about space exploration.
For younger kids, the Science Playground is a must-visit. It’s one of the biggest outdoor science playgrounds in the country, with slides, climbing structures, and water play areas that teach kids about physics and engineering in a fun way. Inside, the Preschool Place is perfect for toddlers, with activities like building with giant blocks and exploring sensory play areas.
The museum also has 3D movies, design labs, and special exhibits that change throughout the year, so there’s always something new to check out.
Additional Information:
- Admission: Adults $22. Children, Students $19
- Hours: Open Wednesday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm (closed Monday and Tuesday).
- Special Features:
- Design Lab: Hands-on activities where kids can create and build cool stuff.
- 3D Theater: Shows excellent science and nature movies.
- Seasonal Events: Science fairs, maker workshops, and family festivals.
- Accessibility: The museum is stroller-friendly and has elevators and ramps for easy access.
- Nearby Attractions: Located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, which also has the Queens Zoo, the Unisphere, and the Queens Museum.
4. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (Intrepid Museum)
- Location: Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
- Known for: Aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, Space Shuttle Enterprise, submarine USS Growler
- Best for: Ages 4+
- Time Commitment: 2–3 hours
- Positive Google Reviews: 41,945+
- Phone: +1 212-245-0072
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is an excellent place for kids who love ships, planes, and space. Located on the Hudson River, this museum is built around the USS Intrepid, an actual aircraft carrier used in World War II. Kids can walk on the ship’s decks, see fighter jets and helicopters up close, and even check out the Space Shuttle Pavilion, where the Space Shuttle Enterprise is on display.
One of the coolest parts of the museum is the Growler Submarine, where kids can go inside and see what life was like for sailors underwater. There are also flight simulators that let kids feel what it’s like to fly a plane and interactive exhibits that teach about aviation and space exploration in a fun way.
The museum is full of history and adventure, making it an excellent place for kids who love to explore and imagine.
Additional Information:
- Admission: $33for adults, $31 for Seniors, $24 for kids(ages 5–12), free for kids under 5
- Hours: Open daily, 10 am–5 pm (hours may change depending on the season).
- Special Features:
- Flight Simulators: Try flying a plane in a realistic simulator.
- Space Shuttle Pavilion: See the Space Shuttle Enterprise and learn about space travel.
- Submarine Growler: Explore a real submarine and learn about life underwater.
- Accessibility: The museum is stroller-friendly, with elevators and ramps for easy access.
- Nearby Attractions: Close to Times Square, Hudson River Park, and Chelsea Piers.
5. Brooklyn Children’s Museum
- Location: 145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213, United States
- Known for interactive exhibits, cultural exploration, sensory play
- Best for: 6 months to 10 years
- Time Commitment: up until closing (typically 5 pm).
- Positive Google Reviews: 3,663+
- Phone: +1 718-735-4400
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is a super fun place for kids to play, explore, and learn. It was the first museum in the U.S. made just for kids, and it’s filled with extraordinary, hands-on exhibits. One of the most popular areas is World Brooklyn, where kids can pretend to run a pizzeria, a bodega, or a Chinese takeout restaurant. They can also check out Neighborhood Nature, which teaches them about local plants and animals through fun, interactive displays.
For younger kids, the Totally Tots area is perfect. It’s made for toddlers and preschoolers, with water play, building blocks, and a soft play zone. The museum also changes its exhibits and offers workshops, so there’s always something new to try.
Additional Information:
- Admission: $13 per person (free for kids under 1).
- Hours: Open Wednesday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm (closed Monday and Tuesday).
- Special Features:
- Cultural Programs: Fun workshops and events that celebrate different cultures and traditions.
- Art Studios: Spaces where kids can create their art projects.
- Outdoor Garden: A small garden area for exploring nature.
- Accessibility: The museum is stroller-friendly and has places for diaper changing and nursing.
- Nearby Attractions: Close to Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the Brooklyn Museum.
6. New York Transit Museum
- Location: 99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
- Known for Vintage subway cars, hands-on exhibits, and transit history
- Best for: Ages 7-12
- Time Commitment: 1.5–2 hours
- Positive Google Reviews: 5,604+
- Phone: +1 718-694-1600
The New York Transit Museum is an incredible place for kids who love trains, buses, and learning how things work. Located in an old subway station in Brooklyn, this museum lets kids explore real vintage subway cars from the past. They can sit in the driver’s seat, ring the bells, and even pretend to be a subway conductor.
The museum also has hands-on exhibits that teach kids about how New York City’s transit system works. They can learn about tunnels, bridges, and how trains and buses keep the city moving. For younger kids, there’s a play area with toy trains and building blocks.
Why Kids Love It:
The New York Transit Museum is like stepping back in time. Kids can climb on real subway cars, play with train models, and learn about the history of transportation in a fun and interactive way.
Additional Information:
- Admission:
- $10 for adults, $5 for kids (ages 2–17), free for kids under 2.
- Hours: Open Thursday–Sunday, 10 am–4 pm (closed Monday–Wednesday).
- Special Features:
- Vintage Subway Cars: Explore real subway cars from the 1900s.
- Hands-On Exhibits: Learn about how trains, buses, and tunnels work.
- Family Programs: Workshops and events for kids and families.
- Accessibility: The museum is stroller-friendly and has elevators for easy access.
- Nearby Attractions: Close to Brooklyn Borough Hall, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, and Downtown Brooklyn.
7. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Location: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States
- Known for: Art collections from around the world, ancient artifacts, and famous paintings
- Best for: ages 6–12
- Time Commitment: 2–4 hours
- Positive Google Reviews: 41,946+
- Phone: +1 212-245-0072
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is one of the most incredible museums in the world, and it’s a great place for kids who love art, history, and exploring. Located right next to Central Park, this vast museum has something for everyone. Kids can see real mummies and ancient Egyptian artifacts, walk through an authentic Egyptian temple, and check out suits of armor worn by knights. There are also famous paintings by artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso.
The Met has special programs for families, like art workshops, storytime sessions, and family guides that make the museum fun and easy to explore. The Arms and Armor gallery is a favorite, where kids can see swords, shields, and armor up close.
Additional Information:
- Admission: $30 for adults, free for kids under 12. $22 for Seniors
- Hours: Open Sunday–Tuesday and Thursday, 10 am–5 pm; Friday and Saturday(Extended Hours), 10 am–9 pm (closed Wednesday).
- Special Features:
- Family Programs: Workshops, tours, and activities designed just for kids and families.
- The Met Cloisters: A branch of the museum in Upper Manhattan focused on medieval art and architecture.
- Audio Guides: Kid-friendly audio tours that make exploring the museum more fun.
- Accessibility: The museum is stroller-friendly, with elevators and ramps for easy access.
- Nearby Attractions: Right next to Central Park, perfect for a post-museum walk or picnic.
Conclusion
New York City’s museums are excellent places where kids can explore, imagine, and learn. Whether your child is looking at a giant dinosaur, walking through a real spaceship, or making their art, the best museums for kids in NYC make learning fun and exciting. Every visit is a chance to discover something new, ask questions, and dream big. Take your kids to these museums and watch as they uncover the wonders of the world. These museums aren’t just fun they’re the start of a lifelong love for learning and adventure!
And Other Museum for NYC
- Madame Tussauds New York
- DiMenna Children’s History Museum (at the New York Historical Society)
- National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath)
- Museum of the Moving Image
- Children’s Museum of the Arts
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- Museum of the City of New York
- El Museo del Barrio
- Queens Museum
- National Museum of the American Indian
- Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum
- Rubin Museum of Art
- Noguchi Museum
