15 best kids museums in New York City
"Kids Museums in NYC" are an excellent way to engage young minds and inspire a love for learning. These institutions, specifically designed for children, provide interactive and educational exhibits that make learning fun and accessible. From the renowned Children's Museum of Manhattan to the New York Hall of Science, "kids museums in NYC" offer a wealth of knowledge and entertainment for children of all ages.
- 1. Children's Museum Of Manhattan
- 2. Brooklyn Children's Museum
- 3. American Museum of Natural History
- 4. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
- 5. New York Hall of Science
- 6. National Museum of Mathematics
- 7. MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM
- 8. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- 9. Museum of the City of New York
- 10. Spyscape
- 11. The Museum of Modern Art
- 12. Color Factory - NYC Interactive Art Museum
- 13. RiseNY
- 14. Liberty Science Center
- 15. New York City Fire Museum
1. Children's Museum Of Manhattan
Five floors of fun, discovery, and learning for children

The Dora the Explorer floor mat is a hit with young children. The colorful and interactive design keeps them engaged for extended periods. The rainbow bridge on the Dora floor mat is a particular favorite among young ones, providing a fun and imaginative play area.
The different themed floors cater to various interests, ensuring that there is something for everyone. One standout feature is the alphabet frog on the alphabet-themed floor. This toy reads the letters aloud when they are inserted into his mouth, making it both entertaining and educational for children. Overall, these interactive floor mats offer a fun and engaging way for children to learn and play.
2. Brooklyn Children's Museum
World's first children's museum, inspiring curiosity since 1899

The Brooklyn Children's Museum is a fantastic destination for families with young children. It encourages children to learn through exploration and play, with the Totally Tots exhibit being a particular favorite among our little ones. As they grow older, the museum continues to offer new and exciting exhibits that engage their curiosity.
This museum boasts an impressive collection of over 20,000 cultural artifacts and natural history specimens, all carefully curated to be accessible and interesting to children. In addition to its extensive collections, the museum also features live plants and animals and hosts award-winning exhibitions. The interactive and hands-on displays make for an engaging and educational experience that is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
3. American Museum of Natural History
Discover the wonders of nature and the universe.

A visit to the American Museum of Natural History is a humbling experience that makes one feel small in the best possible way. Whether visiting alone or with guests, the museum's extraordinary exhibits offer something for everyone. Those with young children will find the museum to be an especially delightful experience, as it offers the opportunity to relive the wonder and curiosity of childhood.
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's leading natural history museums and a must-visit attraction in NYC. With so much to see and explore, it's impossible to cover everything in just one day. Fortunately, with a little planning, visitors can make the most of their visit and ensure that they don't miss any of the museum's top highlights. From the iconic dinosaur fossils to the stunning exhibits on space and wildlife, the American Museum of Natural History offers a full day of educational and entertaining experiences.
4. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Explore American innovation and bravery

A wonderful experience awaits visitors of all ages at this venue, which boasts an impressive collection of aircraft, memorabilia, and photographs. One of the highlights is the interactive area, which is sure to be a hit with kids and the young at heart.
5. New York Hall of Science
Where STEM Comes to Life

The mini-golf course at the venue offers a distinctive and educational experience, although a few of the holes were found to be malfunctioning. The course featured a variety of activities, but the quantity of attractions was somewhat limited given the size of the building.
The NY Hall of Science has been a popular destination for over 30 years, providing an enjoyable and educational experience for children. During a recent visit with their 4 and 7 1/2 year old grandchildren, they found that the younger child particularly enjoyed spending time in the preschool room, while the older child was fascinated by the robot cars.
6. National Museum of Mathematics
Where math comes to life through hands-on fun!

A visit to MoMath, the National Museum of Mathematics, can lead to some wonderful discoveries. It's a fantastic place for children to explore and uncover hidden talents, all while being captivated by the interactive and educational exhibits. The museum offers something for all ages, making it a great destination for both kids and adults.
MoMath's engaging exhibits bring mathematics to life in a fun and interesting way. The museum's goal is to enhance public understanding and perception of mathematics, and it certainly delivers on this promise. With hands-on exhibits that explore a variety of mathematical concepts, MoMath provides a unique and educational experience for all who visit.
7. MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM
Where flavor meets fun in a sprinkle-filled wonderland

The Museum of Ice Cream is a delightful destination for both kids and adults. With interactive installations that are sure to entertain, this museum offers a one-of-a-kind experience for all ages. The availability of unlimited ice cream only adds to the enjoyment of the visit, ensuring that everyone leaves with a smile on their face.
Families with children are sure to have a great time at the Museum of Ice Cream. The sprinkle pool and other interactive exhibits are designed to captivate young minds and provide a fun and educational experience. The museum's family-friendly atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for a day out with the kids, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
8. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
A journey through 5,000 years of art history.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as the Met, offers a wonderful experience for children. The #MetKids program, in particular, is a standout feature. It includes interactive exhibits that engage young minds and family guides to help make exploring the museum a fun and educational experience.
Another excellent feature of the Met is the 81st Street Studio. This space is designed with children in mind and offers a variety of hands-on activities that teach art and science concepts. The 81st Street Studio is highly recommended for families looking for an engaging and educational experience for their children.
9. Museum of the City of New York
Celebrating NYC's past, present, and future.

A recent visit to the museum with children revealed a wonderful experience. The museum offers a variety of hands-on activities and educational programs specifically designed for young visitors. These interactive exhibits kept the children engaged and entertained throughout the visit.
The museum is an excellent place for families with children. The exhibits are both educational and fun, and the staff is approachable and happy to help. Storytelling sessions were a hit with the children, providing a memorable and enjoyable experience for all. Overall, the museum is highly recommended for those looking for a kid-friendly educational activity.
10. Spyscape
Uncover your hidden powers with immersive spy challenges.

A recent family visit to a new attraction proved to be a hit with both children and adults alike. Initial expectations were surpassed, resulting in an extended stay due to the high level of enjoyment. The tasks, designed to entertain and educate, were met with enthusiasm from the young visitors who eagerly repeated them. The exhibits, centered around spies and gadgets, piqued the interest of both children and parents, leading to a shared enjoyable experience.
The attraction, geared towards children with a keen interest in spies and gadgets, also proved to be a hit with adults. A mother and her 13-year-old son were among the visitors who found the experience to be both fun and engaging. The exhibits, featuring a variety of gadgets, provided for an exciting and informative visit. Overall, the attraction was a success, providing an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
11. The Museum of Modern Art
A hub for modern and contemporary art.

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) offers free admission for children aged 16 and under, providing an affordable cultural experience for families. Accompanying this offer are additional perks for young visitors, including kid-friendly audio guides, activity guides, labels, and hands-on spaces. Moreover, MoMA hosts engaging events, such as Family Gallery Talks, in-person experiences, and online programs, specially designed for families to enjoy together.
MoMA's recent renovation has resulted in a 30 percent increase in gallery space, now totaling approximately 165,000 square feet of art, sculptures, and exhibitions. This expansion includes the Crown Creativity Lab, an interactive area dedicated to older kids and adults, encouraging active engagement and creativity. Additionally, the museum has long featured the Heyman Family Art Lab, a popular interactive space located in the education wing, offering families unique opportunities to explore and create art together. Ultimately, MoMA provides an engaging, inspiring, and educational destination for art enthusiasts of all ages.
12. Color Factory - NYC Interactive Art Museum
A celebration of color and creativity for all ages.

Color Factory is an art installation that celebrates the joy and playfulness of color. It is an experience that appeals to people of all ages, allowing them to connect with each other and reminisce about childhood.
During a winter visit, the Color Factory provided a welcome reprieve from being cooped up indoors. Although it was crowded on a Saturday afternoon, the staff effectively managed the visitor flow. The exhibits were interactive and multi-sensory, featuring scents tied to different colors, a silent disco, and a ball pit. The experience was both enjoyable and memorable.
13. RiseNY
Soar over NYC in a unique flight simulation ride.

A family-friendly destination that offers a delightful and informative experience is this museum. The engaging exhibits and the thrilling ride providing a bird's eye view of New York City make it an ideal spot for families with young children.
This location is perfect for families looking for a fun and educational activity for their kids. The interactive exhibits and immersive experiences kept the children fascinated, providing a great opportunity for both learning and entertainment. It comes highly recommended for families with young children.
14. Liberty Science Center
Explore science and technology in an engaging way

This establishment offers an excellent environment for children to learn and enjoy. The live animal displays were a particular favorite among the young visitors, as was the Wobbly World play area. It is a place that is sure to be visited again.
As a destination for families, this children's museum ranks high. The planetarium shows are awe-inspiring, and the Dino Dig Adventure was a resounding success with the younger crowd. It is highly recommended for a day of family fun and learning.
15. New York City Fire Museum
Preserving FDNY heritage through engaging exhibits and education

A visit to the New York Fire Museum (NYFM) is sure to delight any child who is fascinated by fire trucks. This museum offers an exciting and educational experience, with a wide range of exhibits that showcase the evolution of fire fighting equipment and techniques. Here, children can try on real fire-fighting gear and get an up-close look at both old and new fire trucks.
The NYFM features a number of historic fire-fighting artifacts, including horse-drawn fire wagons and vintage uniforms. The museum also has a variety of interactive exhibits that allow children to learn about fire safety in a fun and engaging way. From climbing aboard a real fire truck to sliding down a fire pole, there is no shortage of hands-on activities to keep kids entertained. Parents will also appreciate the museum's focus on educating children about the important role that fire fighters play in keeping our communities safe.