How to Survive a New York City Trip with the Kids

With all its office towers, street canyons, and traffic, Manhattan may seem like a foreboding place to take your kids. That is hardly the case. Hidden within the vast skyline, highlighting the headquarters of big corporations to the homes of billionaires, are many kid-friendly attractions and activities. You can keep your children endlessly entertained in The Big Apple.

Here is a list of child-friendly things to do, but keep in mind this is not an exhaustive one.

Broadway Shows

Theater shows are popular for tourists and locals. New York is home to the original Broadway productions of Aladdin, Wicked, The Lion King, and many others. Usually, the minimum age for a Broadway show is four. The New Amsterdam Theatre has a behind-the-scenes look at Disney on Broadway. Kids can try on original costumes for their favorite shows and tour the backstage area, and get an educational experience on the history of Times Square.

Cupcake Tour

If your kid loves walking and exploring, the two-hour tour of Greenwich Village covers some of the best bake shops around. Colorful cupcakes can be seen. However, it doesn’t end there, you and your child can create a custom one and share the delicacy. Big city entrepreneurs will tell you how a perfectly formed cupcake is made and a little about their history.

Empire State Building

This imposing tower might offer an ear-popping experience on the elevator ride up, but millions of kids are astonished by the view from the 86^th-floor observatory. Viewing the panoramic view from high up, and outdoors, is an experience like none other. If you order express tickets, the long lines can be avoided. Pick your time, because the sights are amazing during the day and even at night when the city lights up. A visit at dusk can yield the most delightful views of the lights coming on and the majestic sunsets that often grace the skies here.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

If your familyRV road trip has led to the city, young children will enjoy exhibits tailored just for their age group. Exhibits are changed on a regular basis. The museum has a water play area where you and your children can sail a boat, play in the sand, and expect to get wet. Bring fresh, dry clothes just in case. There are also workshops and performances held daily, so check the schedule provided at the information desk.

American Museum of Natural History

A full-size replica of a blue whale, a world-renowned planetarium, engaging dioramas, and dinosaurs grace the American Museum of Natural History, which spans two city blocks. For kids, the Discovery Room allows them to explore the African wilderness or inspect skulls, minerals, and other specimens. There are also many educational gifts in the gift shop. Prepare to spend some time here because there is more than enough to satiate a child’s mind, and it takes more than one day to see everything here.

While these are just a few kid-friendly things to do in New York, they are not to be missed. There are many RV parks nearby, where you can park your vehicle from Outdoorsy, and you can even stay at the Sleepy Hollow camp ground, near the legendary cemetery, and explore Midtown Manhattan, from its museums and theater, shows to its observatories and restaurants.