38 Fun Things to Do in New York City According to Kids Who Actually Live There. Illustrated by Javi Aznarez

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Cover illustration by Javi Aznarez. Art Direction by Deb Bishop

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New York City Map - 38 Fun Things to Do in New York City illustrated by Javi Aznarez / Dutch Uncle

For young explorers eager to discover New York City, the Kids Section provides a curated list of activities that showcase the diverse and vibrant offerings of the city.

These activities, recommended by kids who know the city best, serve as a perfect starting point for anyone looking to experience New York through the eyes of its youngest inhabitants.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to 38 of the best kid-approved activities in NYC :

1. See a Show at the New Victory Theater, Midtown - A theater dedicated mostly to young audiences with performances ranging from magical circuses to interactive plays.

2. Smell the Roses at the New York Botanical Garden, Bronx Park - Explore this vast garden with every type of plant imaginable, just like those seen in cartoons.

3. Make Some Art at Wave Hill, Riverdale - Engage in family art projects in this picturesque garden that also hosts various cultural events.

4. Fly Over the City via the Roosevelt Island Tramway, Midtown - Experience stunning aerial views of Manhattan and the East River.

5. Poke Around a Flea Market at Grand Bazaar NYC, Upper West Side - Discover unique finds from clothes to custom-made items in this extensive market.

6. Try a Beef Patty at Jamaican Flavors, Jamaica, Queens - Taste a piece of Queens’ culture with one of the best beef patties in the city.

7. Get a Grandma Slice at Addeo’s of the Bronx, Morris Park - Enjoy this distinctly New York style of pizza with a crispy, square slice loaded with toppings.

8. Play with Bubbles at New York Hall of Science, Flushing Meadows Corona Park - Explore science through fun, interactive exhibits focused on everyday phenomena like bubbles.

9. Hang Out with Bugs at the American Museum of Natural History, Upper West Side - Dive into the world of insects and learn about ant colonies and more in the newly updated insectarium.

10. Have a Picnic at Gantry Plaza State Park, Long Island City - Enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and delicious food from nearby food trucks.

11. Eat an Incredible Bagel at Utopia Bagels, Whitestone - Experience the best of New York bagels in Queens, renowned for their flavor and texture.

12. Play a Board Game at Sip & Play, Park Slope - Relax in this laid-back venue that offers a variety of board and card games.

13. Watch a Movie on the Sand at Flicks on the Beach series, Coney Island Beach - Enjoy cinema on the beach with family and friends.

14. Pore Over Comics at Galaxy Comics, Park Slope - A haven for comic book lovers with a vast selection and frequent special events.

15. Buy a Fancy Hat at Portabella, Fulton Street, Downtown Brooklyn - Explore this stylish store filled with suits, bow ties, and chic hats.

16. Drive a Train at New York Transit Museum, Downtown Brooklyn - Learn about the history of NYC's subway system and operate a virtual train.

17. Rent a Kayak at Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse, Brooklyn Heights - Kayak along the scenic waterfront for spectacular views of Manhattan.

18. Play Where New Yorkers Play at Governors Island - A recreational haven with biking, climbing, and unique playgrounds.

19. Head to Staten Island at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Randall Manor - Discover arts, a children's museum, and gardens teaching about diverse cultures.

20. Watch a Baseball Game at SIUH Community Park, St. George, Staten Island - Enjoy minor league baseball with stunning views of the water.

21. Hit the Beach at Rockaway Beach, Queens - A beautiful and inclusive beach perfect for morning walks and relaxing days.

22. Have a Tea Party at Alice’s Tea Cup, Upper West Side - Indulge in a whimsical 'Alice in Wonderland' themed café with delightful treats.

23. Eat a Burger at Burger Joint, Thompson Central Park Hotel, Midtown - Discover this hidden gem serving some of the best burgers in a unique setting.

24. Dance and Skate at Central Park Dance Skaters Association, Central Park - Join the weekend fun with skating and dancing in the park.

25. Film a TikTok at Pinebank Arch, Central Park - Create TikTok videos at this picturesque spot known for its beautiful backdrop.

26. Catch a Fish at Harlem Meer, Central Park - Participate in catch-and-release fishing, a fun and educational outdoor activity.

27. Ride a Wooden Horse at Central Park Carousel - Enjoy timeless fun on this historic carousel, a favorite among locals.

28. Trick Your Brain at Museum of Illusions, Meatpacking District - Explore mind-bending illusions and learn about how they work.

29. Listen to Music at Culture Lab LIC, Long Island City - Experience live music and vibrant cultural exhibitions in this creative space.

30. Taste the World at Queens Night Market, Flushing Meadows Corona Park - Sample foods from around the globe at this lively outdoor market.

31. Make a Muppet at Museum of the Moving Image, Astoria - Dive into the history of television and create your own Muppet character.

32. Look at Street Art in Bushwick, Jefferson Street - Tour the colorful graffiti murals that make Bushwick a hub for street art.

33. Eat Soft-Serve on a Pier at 69th Street Pier, Bay Ridge - Enjoy classic New York soft-serve ice cream while taking in the views.

34. Make Slime at Sloomoo Institute, SoHo - Get creative and messy making your own customized slime.

35. Load Up on Candy at Economy Candy, Lower East Side - Visit this iconic candy store, offering a nostalgic trip with a vast selection of sweets.

36. Visit an Ice-Cream Wonderland at Museum of Ice Cream, SoHo - Delight in an interactive museum dedicated to the joy of ice cream.

37. Find Hello-Kitty Heaven at Sweet Cats Cafe, Flatiron - Immerse in a world of Sanrio characters and collectibles.

38. Buy a Funko Pop at Toy Tokyo, East Village - Explore this treasure trove of vintage toys and rare collectibles, including signed Funko Pops.

The New York Times Kids Section is a dynamic part of one of the world's most influential newspapers, designed specifically to captivate young minds.

Not just informative, the kids section covers a range of fun topics from science experiments to cultural discussions, but also visually engaging through editorial illustrations by renowned artists like Javi Aznarez, Bill Mayer, Cristobal Schmal, Christoph Niemann, Lauren Humphrey and many more artists.