Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Upper West Side
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Open now
Children's Museums in New York City
THE 10 BEST New York City Children's Museums
Children's Museums in New York City
Category types
10 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Speciality Museums • Bridges
Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
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Open now
Speciality Museums • Educational sites
Greenwich Village
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Open now
Children's Museums
Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
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Temporarily closed
Children's Museums
Upper West Side
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Open now
Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
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Open now
Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Midtown East
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Open now
Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Open now
Speciality Museums • Children's Museums
Flatiron District
What travellers are saying
- GailBeattyFlushing, NY18 contributionsMy husband and I visited the NY Historical society today. We highly recommend it. It's easily accessed by subway, and right across from Central Park. We spent close to 3 hours and there is so much to see we couldn't cover it all. Must sees, in no particular order, are the gallery of Tiffany lamps, Kay Walking Stick /Hudson River School, Acts of Faith and the American West, Enchanting Imagination: The Objets d’Art of André Chervin and Carvin French Jewelers and Women's Work. There's lots more, but we couldn't stay longer and are sure we'll be back.Written October 25, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- R5004QWrobertbBrooklyn, NY33 contributionsIf you are interested in the history of New York or are a fire fighting buff this museum is a must see. With two stories full of memorabilia, artifacts, vintage equipment and information this museum takes the visitor through centuries of firefighting history and tradition. Most exhibits are self-explanatory but an audio tour is available. On-site staff were helpful, knowledgeable and eager to answer questions. A gift shop is available with books, souvenirs and items suitable for kids. Located in a great neighborhood and only a block and a half away from a Subway station the museum is also just two stops away from the 9/11 memorial at the World Trade Center. Check their website for a schedule of special events and temporary exhibits.Written August 19, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- David BBrooklyn, NY1,055 contributionsJust visited the museum on 8/27/23 in the afternoon with my wife and daughter. The building originally was a bank during late 1990’s and before that, as I used to live on West 12th street. Our daughter had a lot of fun and was inquisitive about how everything worked.
I believe the only issue was lack of ventilation especially on the 2nd floor. It was rather warm and when there are a lot of people it could get a bit sticky.Written August 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Zipi32 contributionsThe children's museum is a very nice place.
Gives the children a clever point of view about the arts.Written November 30, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Lobna FCairo, Egypt148 contributionsReally nice interactive exhibits for children up to age 6. My 2 year old had a blast, especially playing with the big fire truck on the 4th floor. Would visit again!Written October 17, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Joan VTeaneck, New Jersey, United States17 contributionsI brought my 8 year old nephew here - he gives it a 10 out of 10 rating - I only gave it 4 out of 5 mostly because it falls a bit short of the promotional videos - which feature special nights for influencers - not real folks using the museum. This place is a great idea and the staff and execution of the idea are very well done. The experience mostly involves playing with giant piles of various foamy and silky tubs of material - not really slime in the old sense - more like Play-Dough or Silly Putty - but very tactical and fun.
The best part was the make-you-own slime experience - where you get to pick the texture of slime you want, and the color and scent. And then mix it all together yourself. My nephew also love the slime lava floor - where you get to jump and play on an obstacle where the floor is made up of play dough like slime.
I don't recommend paying extra for the Ultimate Experience, where they dump liquified slime on your head - Nickelodeon style. We bought those tickets and my nephew opted not to do that - that experience is just in a corner of the Sloomoo Institute and you see people waiting to get their protective ponchos on and standing and waiting and it did not look like enough fun to wait for that. My nephew just wanted to get to the Make Your Own slime and other more fun experiences - so not worth the money.
The Institute says no children under 3 allowed for good reason. I think the sweet spot for the ages that will most appreciate this is 6-12. I saw lots of pre-teen girls here with their folks who were loving the experience.
I have been wanting to check out this place since it opened and glad I didWritten August 7, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JemlnlxBronx, NY4,762 contributionsRecently visited the Museum's Holiday Display (2023).
Although you need to make reservations online at all times, entrance to the display is free before a certain date in mid-November and $5 per person after that date.
I visited on a Friday evening at around 6pm and it wasn't crowded.
The display itself was quite impressive with lots of fine details only true New Yorkers would notice and appreciate. There are a few running trains throughout the display.
There are lots of MTA-related items to purchase both in the display area and the main store area.
It is something nice to do in the area to kill a few minutes. Don't plan on spending longer than 5-10 minutes maximum there. Luckily there are lots of shops in Grand Central, including the Holiday Fair, and it is a major transportation hub...so lots of other reasons to be there.
I'm not sure the $5 admission fee is justified for what it actually is...maybe more like $2-3 would be more appropriate.Written November 22, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - hillerlee1@gmail.com4 contributionsToo many people in each group…guide left after first 1/2 and couldn’t find our way. kids in our group were super rude and annoying so that didn’t help. Let us in and had 5 mins to all use restrooms where the same kids piled in each bathroom and played until we were all late. Anyway, interesting parts but some rooms plastic plants and should’ve been better. Don’t expect something great, but not a bad night, aside of the group of pushy kidsWritten November 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LeeDiMcLas Vegas, NV296 contributionsMy 11-year-old son and I recently met a girlfriend and her 6-year-old daughter here and I was very happy that the museum held both of the children's attention for several hours. Although small, t has very cool interactive exhibits.Written December 28, 2014This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about New York City
- These places are best for children's museums in New York City:
- New-York Historical Society Museum & Library
- New York City Fire Museum
- Children's Museum of Manhattan
- Museum of Illusions
- Children's Museum of the Arts
- These are the best places for kid-friendly children's museums in New York City:
- New-York Historical Society Museum & Library
- New York City Fire Museum
- Museum of Illusions
- Children's Museum of Manhattan
- New York Transit Museum Gallery & Store at Grand Central
- These are the best places for budget-friendly children's museums in New York City:
- New York City Fire Museum
- New York Transit Museum Gallery & Store at Grand Central
- Children's Museum of the Arts