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Thursday, September 24
MoMA
Always exciting and decidedly kid-friendly, MoMA has spacious galleries and engaging exhibits. Feel the joy of the rainbow Sol Lewitt murals, relax in the lovely sculpture garden, see the very cool Donald Judd exhibit, explore the trippy world of Félix Fénéon in a new exhibit and so much more modern fun.
* Free access for all through September 27. Timed tickets are released one week in advance every Friday at 10 am. Members always welcome to walk in (subject to capacity restrictions). Annual memberships start at just $65.
* Contactless entry and temperature checks on entry.
* Stroller-friendly everywhere and changing tables in most bathrooms.
* Open only for members & the guests on Mondays.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyJuliette and Ella’s Play Date
Professional artists lead play-based music & ballet class for babies and toddlers with a splash of sign language. Socially distanced in Central Park. Multiple time options.
Suggested Ages: Babies to 5New Museum
Always something interesting to see – or interact with – at Manhattan’s only dedicated contemporary art museum in a geometric building in a cool neighborhood.
* Exhibits are always changing – currently check our large scale portrait paintings in Jordan Casteel: Within Reach and immersive bio-art in Daiga Grantina: What Eats Around Itself.
* Check out a great view from the top floor Sky Room.
* Admission is free for all through September 27. Online timed tickets required.
* Note not everything is kid-friendly (we once saw drawings of Superman in interesting couplings), so chat with the friendly staff before you enter the galleries.
* Lots of cool street art and galleries in the neighborhood, so save time to explore.
*Closed Mondays.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyBronx Zoo Treetop Adventure
Hangout in the treetops at the Bronx Zoo’s sustainably created aerial ropes course. Ride a 400-foot-long zipline over the Bronx River and/or swing from rope to rope, skateboard high above the ground, and navigate your way through the trees i seven courses of varying difficulties.
Must be 7 years or older, between 50 and 275 pounds and able to reach 5 ft 6 in with feet flat on the ground. Masks required.
Through Aug 16, buy three Combo Climb & Zipline tickets and get a fourth free with promo code 4COMBOS. Unlimited yearly passes available for $100, $50 for Zoo members.
Suggested Ages: 7 to 14+, Adult FriendlyJR: Chronicles
See murals, photographs, videos, films, dioramas, and archival materials of the French-born artist JR. Working at the intersections of photography, social engagement, and street art, JR collaborates with communities by taking individual portraits, reproducing them at a monumental scale, and wheat pasting them—sometimes illegally—in nearby public spaces.
This soaring multimedia installation traces JR’s career from his early documentation of graffiti artists as a teenager in Paris to his large-scale architectural interventions in cities worldwide to his more recent digitally collaged murals that create collective portraits of diverse publics. Includes a new epic mural of more than one thousand New Yorkers accompanied by audio recordings of each person’s story.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyBrooklyn Museum
A hipper version of the Met features a huge, diverse permanent collection categorized by culture, as well as thoughtful visiting exhibitions from all over the world.
* Only the 1st and 5th floors are open featuring African Art, Indigenous Americas Art, American Art and the must-see photograph/street art exhibit JR: Chronicles with an epic mural of more than one thousand New Yorkers accompanied by audio recordings of each person’s story.
* Trace the radiant history, social politics and trailblazing aesthetics of NYC’s iconic disco-era nightclub in Studio 54: Night Magic with photos, costumes, film and more (additional $2-$8).
* Free admission for health care workers and active-duty military personnel and their families (and ages 19 & under).
* Closed Mondays & Tuesdays.
* The Norm restaurant and Café are closed, but a selection of snacks and beverages are available from vending machines. Or visit nearby Lincoln Station for take-out or outdoor dining.
* On the edge of Prospect Park and next to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyStudio 54: Night Magic
Trace the radiant history, social politics, and trailblazing aesthetics of the most iconic nightclub of all time. Go behind the velvet rope with photography, fashion, drawing, and film, as well as never-before-exhibited costume illustrations, set proposals, and designs, that place the nightclub within the wider history of New York, from Prohibition through the 1970s. Blueprints and architecture models illustrate the club’s innovative development and creation, while documentation of extravagant theme parties traces its thirty-three month run.
Advance timed ticket purchase required.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult Friendly1,001 Creatures Storytelling & Workshop
In celebration of the upcoming launch of 1,001 Creatures, a new children’s book by Finnish author and illustrator duo Laura Merz and Aino Järvinen, Scandinavia House presents a virtual storytelling event and workshop. From the dung-beetle to the blue whale, no creature is too humble or huge for this gorgeously illustrated, interactive exploration of the natural world. Author Aino Järvinen will introduce and read a chapter from the book looking at the zebra, alongside a visual presentation. Illustrator Laura Merz will discuss her career as an artist and the work behind the book, followed by a creative workshop on her zebra illustrations. Viewers of all sizes are welcome to join — including kids of all ages, and adults interested in learning about bookmaking and illustration.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyVessel
* Climb 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs — almost 2,500 individual steps and 80 landings -to incredible views of the city, the river and beyond. Not for those averse to physical exertion or heights. Elevator available only for disabled visitors.
* Same day tickets available at onsite interactive kiosks on a first come, first served basis. Limited quantities of tickets also available for future online reservations within a 14-day window.
* Some Hudson Yards restaurants are open for outdoor dining and take-out. We recommend getting gazpacho from Mercado Little Spain to eat in the plaza around the Vessel.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyLittle Jay Music and Play Carl Schurz Park
Make music and learn in outdoor, socially distanced singalong music classes that incorporate music theory through play.
Bring your own props (shakers, scarves, tambourine/drum and a puppet or stuffed toy) and blanket. Only 5 families/ class to ensure social distancing.
Also in Central Park Monday & Friday.
Suggested Ages: Babies to 5Smorg To Go
Legendary weekly open-air food market Smorgasburg is open in new takeout-only format. Order online from 5-7 favorite Smorgasburg vendors, rotating every week, pick up at 51 N. 6 St. (at Kent Ave.) Feel free to head across the street to Marsha P. Johnson State Park (where the “real” Smorgasburg happens) for a picnic with river views.
Also at LeFrak Center in Prospect Park on Saturdays & Sundays.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyAmerican Perspectives: Stories from the American Folk Art Museum Collection
See more than seventy stellar works of folk and self-taught art at the cozy, always free American Folk Art Museum. Vibrant works are organized into four sections—Founders, Travelers, Philosophers, and Seekers—that respond to such themes as nationhood, freedom, community, imagination, opportunity, and legacy.
Look for animals, trains and other fun details and share the stories you see.
Online timed tickets required.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyWhitney Museum of American Art
See bold and modern contemporary art in a very cool building.
* Crafty kids can get inspiration from striking oversized works using weaving, sewing, textiles, thread, clay, beads, and glass. Making Knowing: Craft in Art, 1950–2019. Be awed by detailed epic murals in Vida Americana: Mexican Muralists Remake American Art (through some kids may need to look out for violent/disturbing imagery). See luminous, abstract images of transcendence in Agnes Pelton: Desert Transcendentalist.
* Precautions include updated circulation routes and limited elevator capacity. All visitors, including members, must book timed tickets in advance. Tickets are Pay What You Wish through September 28. Annual memberships start at $81 and include perks like member-only hours Mon & Thurs 6 pm–7 pm and Sat & Sun 10:30 am–1 pm.
* Enjoy stunning Hudson River & city views (and discover some cool sculptures) from the multi-floor terrace.
* In-museum dining is currently closed, but lots of options and outdoor tables at nearby Chelsea Market. The High Line starts down the block.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyEdge
Look 100 stories down from the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere with with 360-degree views of the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and beyond. Lean out over the city on angled glass walls and relax in a large lounge with food and drinks available for purchase.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyDerrick Adams: We Came to Party and Plan
Acclaimed Black artist Derrick Adams brings to life the complex exchanges that take place in spaces of celebration. Imagine the lives of vibrant collage portraits within the immersive installation.
Also enjoy more traditional paintings and sculpture and the outdoor courtyard (bring your own mat or blanket if you’d like to lounge) and walk along the lawn overlooking the Hudson River.
The Planetarium, historic home Glenview and Hudson Riverama will reopen at a later date.
Free admission Saturday 5–7 pm.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlySouth Patch Kids NYC
Celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Sour Patch Kids with a Sweets Bar serving with waffles to cake shakes more crazy desserts featuring the candy (take-out only), create-your-own candy mix station, fun NYC-themed photo ops and limited-edition merchandise.
Masks & social distancing required (the store is spacious).
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyJacob Lawrence: The American Struggle
See a little-seen series of paintings—”Struggle: From the History of the American People” (1954–56)—by the iconic American modernist. Thirty panels representing historical moments from 1775 through 1817—from Patrick Henry’s famous “liberty” speech to westward expansion. Inclusive representations foregrounds the experiences of women and people of color.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyIntangible Forms
Take an audio visual journey into both the known and unknown by Japanese multi-media artist Shohei Fujimoto. This multi-sensory experience features five separate installations including kinetic laser modules set in a hazy soundscape.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyHigh Line
Follow the green dots for a socially-distanced stroll on the unique public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. Book timed-entry passes online; new times released each Monday.
Enter only at Gansevoort Street and move north to 30th Street. Look for lots of nature, art installations & cool design incorporating elements of the original rail line. Watch taxis and pedestrians below at the 10t Avenue overlook.
Elevators available. Masks required. Food vendors and water features are currently closed. fuel up at with tons of options and outdoor tables at the nearby Chelsea Market.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyWave Hill
Explore 28-acre of gardens and woodlands with more than 4,000 varieties of trees, shrubs, vines, and herbaceous plants and dramatic views of the Hudson River.
All indoor areas are closed (except for bathrooms). Currently no onsite parking or shuttles from public transportation; nearest parking lots is a 5 minute walk. Timed reservations and masks required.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyMetropolitan Museum Of Art Storytime
Enjoy Met’s popular storytime from home. Join museum educators every Thursday to look, listen, sing, and have fun with picture books. Recommended for families with children ages 18 months to 6 years.
Virtually explore the galleries after at the MetKids website (ore reserve a timed ticket to visit in person).
Suggested Ages: Toddlers to 6The Met
Explore a vast collection that spans millennia and continents. You might get lost searching for iconic favorites in the grand halls and you’ll definitely discover fascinating art that appeals all ages.
* Advance timed tickets required. Temperature checks on entry and face coverings required. Coat check is temporarily closed.
* The American Wing Cafe is open with a limited menu. Rooftop and other cafes are closed.
* Stream select audio content in the galleries on your phone for free. Audio guide rentals not available.
* On crowded days (or any day), enter through the accessible Uris Center for Education entrance on 81st Street to avoid long lines.
* Look at and perhaps print the engaging family guides & maps with titles like Explore Arms and Armor: Fierce or Fancy?, Animals All Around and Percy Jackson & the Olympians. No paper maps or guides available on site.
* Walk like an Egyptian inside the Temple of Dendur and say hello to nearby crocodile and feline statues. Admire enchanting sculptures, fountains and Central Park in the American Wing Courtyard. Compare the chain mail of European knights on horseback with elaborate Japanese samurai gear in Arms and Armor. Be amused and frightened by the oversized carvings of realistic and fantastical creatures in Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas. The Van Goghs, Monets and Degas in 19th- And Early 20th-Century European Paintings And Sculptures are a must for all ages. Wander around and be surprised and delighted as your kid finds his or her own favorites.
* Prepare for your visit (or reminisce after) by reading You Can’t Take a Balloon into the Metropolitan Museum
which pairs the adventures of a balloon flying around NYC with artwork from the Met.
Thursday & Friday: 12 pm – 7 pm
Saturday–Monday: 10 am – 5 pm
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
Pier 25 Mini-Golf
Manhattan’s only 18-hole miniature golf course features waterfalls, streams, a pond, foot bridges, sand traps and even a cave plus a stunning location on Hudson River Park’s Pier 25. Lemonade, ice cream & other snacks available or purchase. Also on the pier, find a great playground with lots of water features
and a large artificial turf lawn.
Masks are required and need to be kept on.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyMuseum of Ice Cream
Explore a sweet pop-up with 13 interactive installations across 3 floors, a big sprinkle pool, a three-story slide and lots of ice cream to try.
The first few rooms are not that exciting, but kids love the later rooms, especially that pool (ps make sure they know these sprinkles are not edible – plenty of other treats throughout).
Masks must always be worn except when eating. Temperature checks upon entering.
Private tours available ($250/max 20 guests).
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyTop of the Rock
Experience the incredible views from 70 floors up in Rockefeller Center without the usual crowds. indoor and outdoor viewing decks offer breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. Also check out the Rockefeller Center Flag Project around the rink and a masked Atlas statue.
Free for ages 12 & under through labor day. Free for all essential workers August 14-16 (plus one guest).
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyManhattan Kayak
Rent single and tandem kayak and paddle boards for boat rides with magnificent midtown views (and maybe some dead fish). Kid sized equipment available for easier maneuvering. Life jackets and Ziplock baggie for face covers and phones provided. BYO water bottle and lock for lockers.
Reserve ahead online. No water experience needed. Ages 3-10 must ride with a parent. Ages 11-17 can ride alone as parents watch. Well-mannered dogs ride free.
Suggested Ages: 3 to 14+, Adult FriendlyFreshmade NYC Online
Cook at home with the wonderful teachers of Freshmade. Learn fun recipes like Homemade Twix Bars, Baked Pretzels and DIY Veggie Sushi Night with professionals teachers. Private custom class sessions also available.
Suggested Ages: 2 to 14+MOCAKIDS Storytime @ Home
Join Museum of Chinese in America every 2nd and 4th Thursday for a virtual spin on its signature bilingual storytime program. Includes a song, interactives story, and craft on a different, fun theme in English and Mandarin.
Best for kids ages 3-6 and their care partners, but younger and older kids are welcome.
Suggested Ages: 3 to 6Improv Workshop
Explores the joy of musical improvisation with Two Bridges Arts. Make music with regular household items, your body or instruments you have at home. Kids and parents can create in a rich and nurturing environment while learning the technical skills to form melodies.
Suggested Ages: 3 to 14+SERRA FIORITA by Birreria at Eataly
Dine at Eataly’s “flowering greenhouse,”a rooftop restaurant with a blooming Italian summer atmosphere inspired by 3D pop-up books. Dine on vibrant seasonal plates infused with traditional flavors of the Italian countryside and featuring top local, seasonal produce.
Online reservations recommended; eat at the bar if there’s a wait at the tables. Open rain or shine – the roof is retractable.
Suggested Ages: All