New York City is an exhilarating place for people of all ages. Its infectious energy, world-class culture, magnificent skyscrapers and limitless attractions provide enough excitement to inspire and entertain everyone in the family—even the little ones.
Manhattan has many family-oriented museums geared specifically to keep young minds engaged and entertained—which, as any parent will tell you, can be challenging at times.
But fear not! The city offers enough fun exhibits, special activities and programs to satisfy the curiosities of even the hardest-to-please youngster—with lots of enjoyment also for mom, dad, and everyone else in tow.
Here are some of our favorites:
The Museum of the City of New York
History comes alive at The Museum of the City of New York. If you love New York City and want to find out more about it in a fun and creative way, this is the place for you.
Of course, the museum tells the epic story of New York City with amazing exhibits, collections, paintings, photographs and more from past to present.
What makes it a stand-out are the imaginative and fun interactive exhibits, such as “New York at its Core” where visitors can interact virtually with famous New Yorkers, build a digital apartment building, and so much more.
Be sure to check out the masterfully-executed Stettheimer Dollhouse while you’re there.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
This popular children’s museum was designed to let kids explore, play, climb, create, and dance their way through child development activities. They’ll be having so much fun, they won’t notice that they’re learning about science, culture, history, humanities and the arts.
There are plenty of activities for families to do together as well, such as practicing “pedal power” as you learn about healthy lifestyles, experiencing the culture and spirit of dance, helping the artist-in-residence create a collage for the museum to display, and more.
Children’s Museum of the Arts
This living museum exposes children to the arts with enchanting exhibitions by professional artists along with works by children. It also encourages creative expression by providing opportunities for kids to create art in various media, working with professional artists, artisans, film-makers, sound engineers, animators, and more.
Children will have a blast flexing their creative muscles in the museum’s awesome studio spaces. Spend the day sculpting clay, experimenting with sound design and photography, drawing and painting, making animated videos, editing film, and collaborating in art-making workshops under the tutelage of working artists.
Jewish Children’s Museum
Through many hands-on and immersive activities, children from all cultures learn about Jewish heritage and history at the Jewish Children’s Museum.
The 50,000 square-foot building is chock full of state-of-the-art multimedia exhibits and activities that illuminate many aspects of Jewish life.
Engage in hands-on biblical exhibits, role-play Kosher traditions, make potato latkes, press olive oil and play a round of mini-golf—these are just some of the fun and educational things kids can participate in at the museum.
American Museum of Natural History
Long before the iconic dinosaur skeleton in the lobby of the American Museum of Natural History came to life in the movie Night At The Museum, children of all ages have thrilled to the amazing exhibits, multi-media extravaganzas, collections, and artifacts in this popular cultural institution.
Plan to spend the day here, because there is so much to see and do—from the immersive experience of the Butterfly Conservatory to the exploratory journey through space the Hayden Planetarium’s space show, to the stunning dinosaur and whale exhibits, and everything in between.
New York Historical Society Museum & Library
Inside the New York historical Society Museum & Library are two interesting attractions that are very well-suited for families and children over eight years old.
The DiMenna Children’s History Museum’s interactive exhibits, games, character-driven kiosks, story-telling, scavenger hunts and more teach kids the history of the country and New York—through the experiences and eyes of children throughout history.
Harry Potter: A History of Magic is an exhibit running through January 2019 is great for the Harry Potter fans of every age. Artifacts include manuscripts, books, “magical objects,” and many items from the archives of J.K. Rowling, the publisher, Scholastic, and several contributing artists to the Harry Potter series of books. There are also fun activities, crafts, and interactive displays throughout the run of the exhibit.
Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum
The Intrepid is one of the U.S. Navy’s most successful aircraft carriers, serving our country in World War II. The 40,000 ton, nearly 1,000-foot-long ship is now a historical landmark, and one of New York City’s most popular attractions.
There is plenty to see on this floating behemoth and surrounding area. Some of the world’s fastest aircraft is displayed on board the Intrepid. There are also historical recreations, interactive displays, and cockpit simulators that let kids of all ages get into the action.
Two other vessels—the USS Edison and the USS Growler submarine are exciting additions to the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum offerings.
Your Home Away From Home
At the end of your busy day, surround your family in the comfort of a Marmara Park Avenue suite, loft, or penthouse.
Our sophisticated rooms, luxurious bedding, full kitchens, washers and dryers, deluxe accommodations, and world-class wellness center will help everyone relax and feel at home.
Your kids will get a great night’s sleep, which means you can too. We even welcome your furry children!
Planning on staying a while? Check out our extended stay accommodations.
