The 15 Best Things To Do With Kids In NYC — Overnight Museum Visits, Decadent Desserts, Slimy Fun, & More

Danielle Valente Editor, Secret NYC January 20, 2026 Even the littlest New Yorkers want to take a bite out of the Big Apple, so we suggest keeping our list of things to do with kids in NYC handy. We scoped out the city from a youngster’s vantage point — from funinteractive exhibits toplaces to eat — and we discovered a bunch of great experiences the whole family will love. Trust us, even the pickiest of kiddos will find something up their alley. Before you peruse our guide and embark on a day out with your littles, we have one bit of advice: wear comfortable shoes. You’re gonna need ‘em. Sign up for a sleepover at the museum -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 200 Central Park West A night amongst dinosaur fossils, animal dioramas, and but of course, the iconic 94-foot blue whale? Count us in. After a five-year hiatus, the [American Museum of Natural History](https://secretnyc.co/a-night-at-the-museum-overnight-experience-sleepovers-return-amnh/) reinstated its beloved sleepovers, where kiddos ages 6-12 can get access to the coolest attraction in the city after closing time. From deep dives into exhibits to trivia games and fun giveaways, this event is perfect for the budding scientist in your life. Check out the [2026 sleepover dates](https://secretnyc.co/a-night-at-the-museum-overnight-experience-sleepovers-amnh-2026/) and sign up ASAP. Read more See a Broadway show --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Budding thespians will be stunned with the talent and creativity of the Great White Way. Why not [scope out tickets](https://secretnyc.co/great-big-game-show-times-square-nyc/) to our favorite family-friendly shows? * Aladdin * Harry Potter & The Cursed Child * The Lion King * Wicked Read more Get lost in a world of bubbles -------------------------------------------------------------- 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ Immerse yourself in all-things bubbles at this epic experience with VR features, fun colors, Instagram-worthy moments, and eight rooms of magic. Buy Tickets Indulge in some hot chocolate... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ When temperatures dip, a warm treat is in order. (For young’uns and adults alike.) Our guide to the [best hot chocolate in NYC](https://secretnyc.co/best-hot-chocolate-nyc-this-winter/) will help you find the perfect, decadent cup. No matter what you’re craving — red velvet-flavored cocoa, toasted marshmallow rings, or hearty dollops of whipped cream — there’s something for everyone. Read more ...or ice cream --------------------------------------------------------------- Sundaes, shakes, and scoops, oh my! Whether you’re tackling Brooklyn Farmacy’s over-the-top sundaes or want a spoonful of Chinatown Ice Cream Factory’s Asian-inspired flavors (hello, ube), NYC’s option are plentiful. Read more Take a ride on ice bumper cars --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bryant Park January 9, 2026 – February 28, 2026 The winterized amusement park ride is the talk of the town, and rightfully so. After the popular ride hit Midtown several years ago, everyone was willing to trade their ice skates for a seat on the bumper cars. Ten-minute slots are available for park-goers, and we’d strongly suggest that you book a slot in advanced. [Our ice bumper car guide](https://secretnyc.co/ice-bumper-cars-bryant-park-nyc/) has all the intel you need to know before your journey. Read more Hit the ice ------------------------------------------------------ Should you prefer the more traditional route rather than ice bumper cars, no sweat. The [best ice rinks in NYC](https://secretnyc.co/ice-skating-rinks/) offer great locales to test your skills *and* great views. Read more Get your game on at an arcade -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ready to test your skeeball skills? How about a game of hoops? NYC arcades will keep the fun coming, so explore [our guide](https://secretnyc.co/best-arcades-in-nyc/) to see which one catches your eye. Read more Stop by a local playground --------------------------------------------------------------------------- NYC is an architectural marvel, even on a small scale. The best playgrounds throughout the five boroughs have aesthetically-pleasing features that will keep the kiddos occupied for hours, whether it’s the 45-foot granite slide at Central Park’s Billy Johnson Playground to the industrial Domino Park Playground (above) with an elevated play space and futuristic-looking slide. Read more Visit the brand-new Great Big Game Show ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1619 Broadway Ever wish you had the chance to star on your favorite game show? As Beetlejuice would say, “It’s showtime!” NYC’s newly-opened venue, The Great Big Gameshow , allows groups to enter fledged game show sets and engage in some friendly competition. There are over 17 selections to choose from! Bring the competition! Read more Play with slime at SlooMoo Institute ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 475 Broadway Coined as the world’s number one slime experience, this Soho spot is the perfect place for kids to get their hands dirty (and leave the mess out of your apartment). Options abound at this 12,000 square-foot creative hub: walking across 300 gallons of slime , creating DIY picks with over 40 colors and 60 scents, and testing your aim with the slingshot slime! [Get tickets online](https://www.sloomoo.com/locations/new-york). Stop by NYC’s best toy stores ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our go-to toy stores include far more than stuffed animals and action figures: they up the ante with cool, interactive features , fun events , and of course, well-stocked shelves . Budding engineers will love the LEGO Store while all ages will find something at the multi-level FAO Schwarz (hello, Jellycats!), and we’re partial to old-school mom and pop shops like Mary Arnold Toys . Read more See what’s playing in theaters ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2026 has a great film lineup, and kiddos are going to be delighted to return to Andy’s room in *Toy Story 5 * (yes, 5!) on June 19th and catch *Spider-Man: A Brand New Day *. (July 31st). See the [2026 movies](https://secretnyc.co/2026-film-releases/) we’re most excited about. (Shoutout to a late 2025 favorite that’s still in theaters: *Zootopia 2 *!) Buy Tickets Go exhibit hopping at the best kids’ museums ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “The Big Bubble Experiment” at the New York Hall of Science . Submarine exploration at The Intrepid . All-things numbers at the Museum of Math . There are plenty of [children’s museums in NYC](https://secretnyc.co/best-kids-museums-in-nyc/) worthy of your little one’s attention, and one that caters to all interests. Where will you start? Read more Go sledding ---------------------------------------------------- This winter is supposed to be [NYC’s snowiest in five years](https://secretnyc.co/nyc-snowiest-winter-in-five-years/) , which means you need to fine the nearest sledding hill and take advantage of what Mother Nature is throwing our way. Read more Source: https://secretnyc.co/best-things-to-do-with-kids-in-nyc/