Big City Learning: Fun Educational Activities in New York For Kids
We all need a break sometimes. Whether it’s from the loving grind of raising kids at home or making money to take care of the family, we all deserve a break. And if you’re looking for one, there’s no better place than New York City! The city that never sleeps is the perfect place to have a fun and educational vacation. Here are three things to do in the Big Apple that everyone is sure to love:
Go to a museum
Gone are the days of stuffy museum visits and overpriced gift shops (okay, the gift shops are still there). Now, New York has some of the most diverse and interesting places of interest in the world. One of the hidden gems is the Museum of Arts and Design, where contemporary artwork is interspersed with classic, handmade objects. There’s also an education center for the kids, where they can spend some hands on time with the same raw materials that decorate the museum.
Watch a (non-Broadway) show
It’s not surprising that most kids find plays and readings quite dull, they’re made for adults after all. The Brooklyn Academy of Music has set out to change this, where for the past few years they’ve been developing programs and performances geared specifically for children. There are concerts and readings weekly that are sure to enthrall even the youngest in the family.
Visit Japan
Well, maybe not actually Japan, but a beautifully manicured Japanese garden in the heart of Brooklyn. At the Brooklyn Botanic garden, visitors can stroll around in relative calm, enjoying a sprinkle of nature in a traffic-soaked city. The centerpiece is a Japanese hill and pond garden, where you and the family can spend some time in peace. It’s a welcome break if you’ve been on the go all day. Plus, depending on when you go, there are some of the best kid-friendly festivals at these gardens.
A visit to New York City is what you make of it. It can be purely for fun, or a time spent learning. Best of all, it can be a bit of both. You’re sure to have a blast. Age, that’s just a number.
Marina Moore says
Very pretty pictures! I love NY.
kathy pease says
I have always wanted to go at Christmas time. Like in Home Alone 2 with the big tree in Rockefeller Center. Shopping there would be a blast also 🙂
Shannon F says
I’ve only been to New York once in my life and I absolutely loved it. It was a really quick trip because we were just passing through. We walked through Battery Park and then took a ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. I would absolutely love to go back and really take my time and go to museums and see more things!
Jenny Q says
I love looking for great ideas of places to bring my kids. I would like to bring then to the museum of arts and design .
denise a says
I have lived in NYC all my live, and still find new and exciting things to do all the time, I love this city!
Tara says
I would love to visit NY some day! My husband was born there & lived there until he was 20 but I’ve never been! I know my kids would love it too!
Della Barker says
I’ve never been to New York City, but would love to visit one day. There are so many things I’d love to see!
Stephanie Larison says
I’ve never been to NY before, but I’ve heard it’s beautiful and so much to see and do. Maybe one day. 🙂 It’s sure a long way from Missouri.
Mary Withrow says
I sometimes need to be reminded that there is beautiful, wonderful places all around us and we need to take time and enjoy them! I shall plan a trip for this coming weekend, that the whole family can enjoy!
Robin Wilson says
Great pictures! They make me want to go and visit myself. But is’s nice to know there’s so many things to do with the kids as well.
Jill Myrick says
We have family that live in New York and these are all great suggestions for things to do while there. I will be looking into the non-Broadway show option before our next visit.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
Denise B. says
I lived most of my life in the New York City area and in New York, and I never understood why they call it “The City That Never Sleeps”. Go there around 2:00 or 3:00 a.m.–absolutely dead. I’ve been there many times in the middle of the night, and it’s hard to find anything open. However, I still love going to the city. There’s a lot of the unknown to visitors. New York has a lot to offer when it comes to food, and if you stay off the beaten path, there’s a lot of cheap eats in New York City and a lot more to see.
Alaina says
Nice pics.Great blog. I’ve been to NY doubt I’ll ever be back. It’s not for me.
Theresa Jenkins says
As a child we would go to New York a couple times a yr to visit family… we still have friends but no family so when we took our kids up during the Christmas holidays it was fun but not the same
janet woodling says
I have been to NYC. Would love to return for a Broadway Show and visit more museums.
Heather Hayes Panjon says
Beautiful Photos! Looks Like A Great Place For The Entire Family!
Leela says
I love those flowery trees.
Laura J says
Oh such neat ideas! I really hope to get out that way someday! Would love to see the Japanese Gardens!
Penelope Guzman says
There is so much to do here, we always have fun (and sometimes learn along the way 🙂 )
Birdiebee says
Beautiful garden. Years ago when I lived in a larger city, one of the parks had Japanese botanical gardens with ponds and bridges and such beautiful flowers. Everywhere where one travels or visits, one must surely take in all the places of interest and beauty.
James Robert says
One day, we will make it there. My family has been talking about it. You took some great pics
Cynthia R says
We are lucky to be close to a science museum, gardens, and children’s museum. Kids really enjoy a day trip to any of these places.
Rebecca Parsons says
Some great ideas and cheap ones too, right up my alley. I started to read the Visit Japan one and was like I wish lol.
Natalie F says
I’m glad The Brooklyn Academy of Music is designing programs for kids. I love taking my kids to the Children’s theatre and they love it too. Of course, they would not love an adult play! I want them to appreciate the art of theatre with age appropriate programs. Love the pictures too.
Teri says
My first NY experience was last week and I am in love. I cannot wait to go back as a walking traveler!
Kimberly Schotz says
What beautiful pictures. I especially like the Cherry Blossoms
June S. says
I have not been in that area in along time, looks like a lot of great places to go and visit.
Melinda says
Nice pics.
Janet W. says
Those pictures are beautiful! I wish I lived closer and I’d love to visit someday!
Melissa says
i love taking the kids to local museums and science centers, so fun! 🙂
Ashley Bree Perez says
Beautiful pictures! 🙂
Marcie W. says
My mom and her entire side of the family is from New York so I grew up visiting quite often. It is truly an amazing place with some of the best food ever!
Deborah Dorris says
Never have been to a big city but the idea of visiting the Brooklyn Botanic Garden does sound very nice and relaxing.
courtney b says
you have a great camera i want it !:) and i would love to go to such a peaceful gorgeous town. thanks for sharing xoxo