Everyone knows that buzzing New York City, “The City That Never Sleeps,” has literally thousands of can’t miss things to see and do. Several time-tested “must visit” spots come to mind, such as iconic art museums like the Guggenheim and MOMA, window shopping along glitzy Fifth Avenue, strolling through romantic Central Park, and sailing the waters of the Hudson River to see Lady Liberty at Ellis Island.
But for this visit, I wanted to dig deep and find some newer, lesser-known, and more interactive family-friendly activities to experience the magic of New York City. Five of the attractions detailed below are relative newcomers to the NYC scene and offer fresh, innovative, and out-of-the-box options to elevate your traditional Big Apple sightseeing into a true vacation. The final attraction, number six on my list, may be the most famous of all NYC tourist hotspots, but it has since been reinvigorated due to its recent $165 million facelift.
I embarked on this itinerary with my two young adult daughters, my husband, and my parents. The attractions featured in this list are family-friendly, accessible for mobility-challenged individuals, and exceeded the expectations of all three generations of our crew.
All activities on this list are also winning itinerary additions in all four seasons, and the first five are perfect for making the best out of a rainy, steamy-hot, or super-cold NYC day! Escape inside with your family, making memories, sharing laughs, and even learning a thing or two.
Whether you have toured NYC dozens of times, are a native New Yorker (like my parents), a current Manhattan resident (like my daughter), or it’s your first visit to NYC, this top six list of things to do will help you amp up your vacation!
1. EMBRACE YOUR INNER CHILD AT THE MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM
Want to score some brownie points with your family (literally)? Book tickets at the uber-cool, aesthetically-decorated, and unique Museum of Ice Cream. This museum explodes with eye candy that brings smiles from Instagram-loving teens (and their parents, too).
This place lived up to its motto—“where flavor meets fun!” We saw guests of all ages enjoying their time as they explored the twelve diverse multi-sensory installations throughout the museum, and we loved seeing adults (and even grandparents) acting like kids.
Each room reveals a colorful, dreamy backdrop, perfect for taking Insta-worthy pics. As you pop from gallery to gallery, you’ll encounter themes such as a jungle of hanging yellow bananas, a cave made of sprinkles, a rainbow hallway, and a celestial subway.
We especially enjoyed jumping for joy into the tremendous, colorful (and as a bonus – antimicrobial) sprinkle pool and descending the three-story twist slide all the way down to the lower level. Be sure to check out the carnival game room with hands-on activities for all ages. Mixed into the immersive elements and tasty treats, you will find interesting facts alongside a deep dive into the history of ice cream.
A true highlight of this museum is indulging in the broad array of sweet treats greeting guests at each corner. We could not believe how generous the staff is with the serving sizes!
We loaded up on unlimited popsicles, ice cream, cotton candy, and water ice (with several gluten-free and vegan options). And for the cherry on top, we ended our visit by toasting drinks at the vibrantly decorated lobby bar where our crew sipped on mocktails, floats, milkshakes, and hand-crafted cocktails, such as Guava Palomas, Espresso Martinis, and Old Fashioneds.
The friendly staff enhanced our experience by taking pictures of our family, offering refills on our favorite treats, keeping the spaces immaculate, and never rushing us. We left with our bellies full, our camera rolls filled to the brim with fun photos, and renewed energy to continue exploring the city, starting with the many fantastic stores nearby in the heart of Soho.
DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF THEATER AT THE MUSEUM OF BROADWAY
Craving a behind-the-scenes theatrical experience? Whether you are a dedicated Broadway groupie or completely new to theater, the vibrant immersive exhibits, interactive show sets, and nostalgia galore at the Museum of Broadway will excite your family. We understand why Condé Nast Traveler named it one of the “Best Museums in NYC.”
Your whole group will cherish their time at this well-designed, interactive museum, which breathes life into centuries-long history of “The Great White Way,” dating back to 1732. The exhibits are enchanting and educational, and the photo ops are fabulous!
During your spin around this museum, your family will love spotting hundreds of popular authentic costumes, artifacts, and props from their favorite shows. Throughout the exhibits, we spotted some long-time fan favorites such as The Producers, The Wiz, HAIR, Rent, Cabaret, The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, The Producers, Show Boat, The Ziegfeld Follies, Oklahoma!, and Ain’t Misbehavin’.
For Wicked fans, the highly-detailed, intricate model of the Gershwin Theatre provides a fascinating look into the front-of-house and backstage work involved in the smash hit’s production. The museum also honors the behind-the-scenes professionals in an engaging exhibit called, “The Making of a Broadway Show.”
The Museum of Broadway also hosts rotating special exhibits, such as the current one which celebrates 30 Years of Disney on Broadway and the one we saw during our visit about Moulin Rouge. The special exhibit is included in the cost of entry. TIP: When buying tickets, see if your group qualifies for a discount or enter after 4PM to save money.
With its location right in the middle of Times Square, mere steps away from theaters, it’s easy to pair your museum visit with tickets to a Broadway play. We adored the accommodating staff who answered our many questions, helped my parents take an elevator (instead of steps) to each floor, and continually offered to snap pictures of us.
As a parent, I appreciated that this museum not only sparks joy for theater and live arts, but also subtly educates guests about the role that Broadway plays in reflecting, shaping, and challenging societal, social, and political norms. Bravo!
TIME TO FLY AT RISENY
Want to zip over the streets of New York City with wind flying through your hair? Nestled in the heart of the theater district, RiseNY captures the essence of this magical city through its interactive museum and one-of-a-kind, thrilling ride. A visit to RiseNY includes three activities for your family: a mini-documentary about NYC from 1904 until the present narrated by Hollywood actor Jeff Goldblum, a multi-gallery museum bursting with artifacts and memorabilia, and the star attraction, a flight simulation ride!
My whole family, including my parents, who grew up in New York City in the 50s and 60s, delighted in the expertly-designed exhibits, thought-provoking historical displays, and campy memorabilia. With photo ops ranging from sitting on the iconic Friends couch at Central Perk, to waving to Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street, to posing on the set of the Honeymooners, this museum catered to all generations of our family.
Exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including NYC’s financial markets, world-famous skyline, and role in fashion, music, TV, radio, theater and film. The galleries are packed full with historical artifacts, costumes, and star-studded relics provided by many well-known museums such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Museum of American Finance.
And the 180-degree, 40-feet high,4D flight simulation ride is Disneyworld-level fun! Imagine Epcot’s Soarin’ Around the World but with the breathtaking views of the five boroughs of New York City. Experience the boom and colors of the Fourth of July fireworks over the East River and the anticipation of the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square.
What a way for all ages of your crew to experience the excitement, energy, and pulse of the Big Apple! As the wind whips your face, the city’s scents tickle your nose, and the mist from the river coats your skin, this ride lives up to the hype!
We left with unforgettable memories as well as some new knowledge of NYC history and culture (even for my trivia-obsessed father). TIP: On your way out, remember to go outside and take photos with RiseNY’s own Statue of Liberty torch!
LIVE OUT YOUR 007 FANTASY AT SPYSCAPE
Intrigued by espionage? Ever dream of what it would be like to work for the CIA? Our entire family is obsessed with this new NYC attraction that is part-game, part-museum, and all fun!
Our hours at Spyscape were exhilarating, educational, and truly a blast. We started with a visit to the highly interactive museum which engages guests at every turn with physical and mental challenges. From racing to complete encryption games with timed coding puzzles, to running a surveillance operation in a room full of security screens, to listening to a secure phone to evaluate if witnesses are telling the truth, this museum is unlike any other we have experienced.
And for history buffs like my father and me, we couldn’t get enough of the espionage memorabilia, historical artifacts, and the special 007 exhibit. At the end of our museum visit, we each received a complete analysis based on our results at each task telling us what role we would serve best in spycraft. Apparently, Intelligence Operative is my calling.
Next up, grab your family, form a team for SPYGAMES, and prepare for your CIA and Special Ops assignments. Ready, set, go! Tie up your laces and compete for 50 minutes in a “fitness meets gaming” experience for teams of up to five players.
I don’t want to give too much away, but this was adrenaline-producing, brain-stimulating, and a great bonding experience for our family. My favorite part was watching my 79-year-old father weave under and over lasers pointing at him from every direction!
LEARN ABOUT THE MOST FAMOUS REBEL ARTIST AT THE BANKSY MUSEUM OF NEW YORK CITY
Enter the secretive world of the mysterious and controversial British street artist and activist known as Banksy. Head up some steps into a creatively-designed, historic Soho warehouse. Inside, you can witness the world’s largest collection of recreations of Banksy’s life-sized graffiti art murals come to life.
A team of international street artists leveraged their skill and passion to transform the space into a fully immersive experience. The founder of the museum has a focused mission to resurrect Banksy’s transient artwork, much of which has been stolen, destroyed, or erased.
To be clear, this museum is unauthorized and unaffiliated with Banksy and no originals are on display. Instead, this museum boasts 160 extremely accurate recreations of Banksy’s work. The curators mentioned that Banksy’s unconventional art did not belong in frames but instead needed to be presented in the same manner in which it was meant to be seen, on street walls around the globe.
This newly opened museum serves us Banksy’s art in a one-of-a-kind manner, inviting you into his world using mixed media, such as videos and detailed descriptions. I recommend this well-organized museum to families with tweens and teens who are interested in understanding the artist’s motivations for his work, the political issues surrounding his art, and his lasting impact on the street art world.
Having visited the Moco Museum in Amsterdam with many of Banksy’s original works, and having seen several other of his original paintings in London’s streets, we were genuinely awe-struck by the attention to detail of these recreations of the most famous street artist in the world.
Being able to learn about and examine Banksy’s most well-known pieces, such as “Girl with Balloon,” “NOLA (Umbrella Girl),” and “Love is in the Bin,” up-close-and-personal led to a moving experience for all of us. TIP: The website lists several discounted ticket rates including a family pass and senior discounts.
GET THE MOST ICONIC BIRD’S EYE VIEW IN THE WORLD AT THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
I’m sure you are wondering how I can claim that the world-famous, almost 100-year-old, pop culture icon, Empire State Building (ESB) is hip, cool, and trendy? Easy! This already platinum-rated attraction hugely upgraded in 2019 with a four-year-long $165 million top-to-bottom reimagination that will, quite simply, take your breath away…and has resulted in it being lauded by TripAdvisor as the #1 Attraction in the World in its Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best Things to Do for the third consecutive year!!
With an average of 2.5 million annual visitors and 60,000+ 5-star reviews, we had to see what all the fuss was about. And boy, oh boy, did we fall head over heels in love with this symbol of NYC.
At 1,250 feet, this gleaming art deco-designed Manhattan beacon is so much more than just a place to witness the very best panoramic vistas in the city. With interactive exhibits across nine galleries, guests are also captivated by the building’s storied history.
Whether you prefer to sit inside and gaze out through the floor-to-ceiling windows or venture out onto the open-air deck, you will marvel at the various views each side of the building affords. On a crystal clear day, your sightline can extend up to 80 miles! You can spend as long as you like admiring the skyline.
Challenge your family to spot NYC highlights such as the Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and Times Square. When visibility is best, you can eye five states. Talk about a bucket list attraction that gets better with age!
TIPS for visiting the Empire State Building
*If visiting during high season, consider booking a ticket with a red carpet express pass for the 86th and 102nd floor view decks.
*There are also less expensive options for tickets, so it is worth exploring which package is best for your family.
*Recently, ESB has even offered bespoke experiences such as those featuring House of the Dragon and Star Wars.
*ESB requires airport-style security and there are no lockers onsite, so pack lightly for the day.
WHERE TO STAY IN NYC
Since it can be beyond overwhelming to sort through the loads of top-rated hotels in NYC, I thought I would recommend a few of my family’s favorites. For those who want to be close to popular spots such as Broadway, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Fifth Avenue, choose a hotel in midtown or Times Square.
Midtown Hotels
Old-world charm and fabulous service! The Kimberly is a luxurious boutique with over-the-top service, tasteful antique furnishings, and spacious suites (very rare in NYC)! Our favorite highlight is enjoying a delectable, European-inspired morning breakfast and sunset cocktails in the glass-enclosed, penthouse-level rooftop bar with spectacular views of the skyline.
Location, location, location! With shopping literally right out the door, and walking distance to many of the city’s world-famous attractions, The New York Hilton Midtown is the perfect family-friendly base for your adventures. Our crew loved feasting at the fabulous upscale breakfast buffet…scrumptious! The New York Hilton Midtown’s modern rooms and reasonable prices are ideal for families traveling to the city. We found the theater and transportation desk very helpful for tips, tickets, and information as we mastered our itinerary.
Time Square Hotel
If you really want to be at the epicenter of it all, check out The Hilton Times Square, which offers up a quiet oasis in the midst of the bustling chaos of the crossroads of the world. Conveniently located less than a block from the Port Authority bus station and the center of Times Square, this hotel is perfectly situated for tourists wanting to be in the buzziest area of the city and the middle of the theater district.
Grab your children and the grandparents, too, and see why NYC is fondly called the city that never sleeps! The experience of being in THE most visited place in the world is a memory as large as the Big Apple itself!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This guest post was written by Lisa Grabelle. Lisa, a freelance travel writer, has been traveling all her life…44 countries and loving it! Originally from the sunny skies of Miami, Lisa, a former big firm lawyer, lives near Philadelphia. Travel is her passion. As soon as one vacation ends, Lisa busily plans her next adventure for her non-stop family of adventurers. Lisa’s motto is “don’t just visit the destination…live it!” You can follow Lisa on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.
DISCLAIMER
The author was provided with some discounted and/or complimentary passes and breakfast so that she could try the attractions/restaurant and review them for your information. All opinions are her own. Most images courtesy of Lisa Grabelle unless otherwise noted.
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