New York City is arguably the world’s most exciting city. To visitors and residents alike, NYC offers an almost overwhelming amount of things to do, sights to see, and places to be. But it can also seem like an “adult” city, one that’s certainly exhilarating, but can sometimes feel like a “sensory overload,” especially to growing minds. With that in mind, we thought we’d write up our favorite family activities in New York City to help you navigate the Big Apple!

Our Picks For Family Fun In New York City

Besides being the United States’ most populous city, and its undisputed cultural capital, NYC is a great place to bring kids for a day filled with fun and excitement. Here are our favorite places to find family-friendly fun in New York City.

A Stroll Through Central Park

New York City's Central ParkWe like to begin the day by walking through Central Park, an astounding 843 acre swath of beautifully-cultivated “wilderness” in the heart of America’s biggest city.

Take a boatride in the Reservoir from Loeb Boathouse, ride the Central Park Carousel, or visit the Central Park Zoo. New York’s Central Park offers enough activities to fill several days, so picking and choosing might be the least enjoyable thing you do all day!

New York City’s Central Park stretches from 59th Street to 110th Street between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West.

Head To Times Square

Times SquareNew York City's Times Square offers children and adults the quintessential New York experience. It’s big, and brash, and unabashedly neon. When we talk about “sensory overload,” Times Square is what we mean.

Overloading a bit on the sights and smells? Duck into the Toys ‘R’ Us on 44th Street for a break. You don’t have to buy a thing to ride their 60-foot ferris wheel or play in their life-size Barbie House!

Times Square is in Midtown Manhattan at the intersection of West 42nd and West 47th streets.

Check Out Books Of Wonder

Located at 18 West 18th Street, Books Of Wonder is a confirmed national treasure, a book store only for kids! Adventurous young readers can peek into numerous picture books or visit The World of Oz, Books of Wonder’s wonderland devoted to L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s series.

Books Of Wonder is home to numerous events throughout the year, including Storytimes and author meet-and-greet sessions.

Visit The Statue of Liberty

NYC's Statue of LibertyIf you’re in New York City, you have to visit the Statue of Liberty. That might not be a law, but it’s good advice! If you’re kids aren’t wowed by the sheer size of Lady Liberty, they will be by the expansive views of New York City from the tenth-floor observatory.

 New York’s Own Willy Wonka

Jacques Torres is New York City’s Willy Wonka. And he’s built his own marvelous chocolate factory at 350 Hudson Street. Blending a classic candy shop and full-0ut production facility, kids can try some of Jacques’ delicious creations while watching a chocolate bean’s journey from tree to bar! The shop is even shaped like a chocolate bean pod.

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Adoptions From The Heart, the East Coast’s most trusted private adoption agency, has a network of contrast social workers in New York City to aid families in home studies for international or domestic African-American adoptions. Please contact our office in Allentown, PA for more information.