111 Places for Kids in New York

ABRACADABRA

Where every day is Halloween

Do you feel like one day a year of Halloween is never enough? Do you love looking for costumes and very scary props any day of the year? Then simply say, “Abracadabra!”

When you walk into Abracadabra, you’ll find a huge section of kids’ costumes (Dr. Seuss, Waldo from Where’s Waldo?) as well as ideas for teens, plus pranks, light-up masks, and wacky hats. This is also the place to find everything superhero, from Guardians of the Galaxy to Shazam. You’ll find Disney (maybe Frozen? Alice in Wonderland? The Incredibles?) as well as group costumes (Harry Potter! Ghostbusters!) and funny costumes (perhaps a jar of mustard or an inflatable fire extinguisher?).

But stop by any day for Halloween-worthy gasps because the life-sized, interactive animatronics are pretty darn scary! Mummies, skeletons, monsters, and lunging mad dogs – they’re all here to greet you all year long. And have your fortune read by the classic Zoltar, just like in the movie Big.

Look for enticing prop demonstrations too, from wonder bubbles to a magic coloring book. Props for sale include a three-legged cauldron and a (fake) human brain in a jar. Plenty of professional-level props can be found as well, like snow machines and mirror balls. Abracadabra also has an amazing selection of makeup, but not your usual mascara and lip gloss. You’ll find fake blood, fangs, “Vampiress” eyelashes, and even cat-eye contact lenses. You’ll enjoy the spirit of Halloween, and you’ll be in for some scary fun every time you visit.

TIP: Take holiday photos in Chelsea Market, where they know how to decorate for every season – especially Halloween.

AFRICAN BURIAL GROUND

A serene space to honor the ancestors

New York is home to many national parks and monuments, and one of the newest, yet oldest, is the African Burial Ground National Monument, a sacred space honoring the thousands of enslaved Africans buried here in the 17th and 18th centuries.

For generations, their graves were unmarked, but the recovery of the archaeological site led to the creation of this magnificent memorial, a tranquil spot to reflect on the lives of those who built this city long ago.

Enter the Circle of the Diaspora, engraved with symbols from cultures across the Maafa, spiraling towards a central map that reveals the many lands from which enslaved Africans were taken.

In the visitor center, you’ll discover artifacts, hear stories, and learn more about the history of enslavement in colonial New York. Pick up a Junior Ranger book and earn a badge after completing activities to further your understanding of this powerful monument.

Young children will notice the many shapes and patterns incorporated into the design, while older kids will be drawn to symbols both familiar (the cross or the ankh) and perhaps new (guardian of the crossroads and continuity of human life). Next is the Ancestral Libation Chamber, designed to resemble a ship from the Middle Passage and marked with symbols of Sankofa, which means, “learn from the past.” Look for the Seven Reinterment Mounds, where the remains of those discovered here were finally given a proper burial. You are welcome to leave flowers on the mounds, a sign that the memories of these ancestors live on.

Address Broadway at Duane Street, New York, NY 10007, www.nps.gov/afbg // Getting there Subway to Chambers Street (Lines A, C, 1, 2, 3) // Hours See website for seasonal hours // Ages 0+

TIP: Visit East New York’s Sankofa Park to hear poets and storytellers at the Griot Stone.

AKC MUSEUM OF THE DOG

This one is definitely going to the dogs

Have you ever wondered what kind of dog you might actually look like? Well, you can find out at the American Kennel Club’s Museum of the Dog! At one of the interactive exhibits you’ll find there, you can have your picture taken at the kiosk and then discover what breed you would be.

Curious about the difference between a Norfolk and a Norwich terrier? Head to the touch screen to learn about various breeds. Kids can stand in the training circle and “train” Molly the Lab to do various tricks. You could probably spend all day at the interactive exhibits, but remember to look up to see the giant wire sculpture of a lab hanging from the ceiling and watch it change colors.

Some of the most popular offerings for kids include the four-million-year-old fossil of a dog jaw, as well as the skeleton of Joe, the museum’s unofficial mascot; he’s a fox terrier who was the foundation stock for the entire breed. The 4,000-volume library includes a children’s section and offers books on individual breeds. You’ll also find a crafts area, with puzzles and activities for kids.

Kids are also likely to gravitate towards the dog houses and collars, and the images of famous Hollywood dogs, from Lassie to Benji to the 101 dalmatians.

There’s even a chance for kids to create their own art on the digital Community Wall, which allows visitors to scan art they’ve made at the museum to be presented both on the wall and the museum’s Education Center Instagram. Who’s a good boy and girl? At the Museum of the Dog, we all are!

TIP: At Dog Beach

in Prospect Park, you can enjoy watching dogs cool off with a dip in the pond.

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ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA

Celebrate the magic of the movies

With so many in-home streaming services, kids today might not even know the wonder of seeing a film on the big screen. But at Alamo Drafthouse, going to the movies is still a special occasion. Whether you come for the latest release or a beloved classic, you’ll remember why the experience of seeing a movie in the theater is so special.

Reserved seating means you don’t need to rush to get a good seat. So before the show, you can pose as King Kong on top of the Empire State Building, browse the retro tiki mugs for sale, or check out the creepy House of Wax heads on display.

Once you’re in your seat, complete with tables for two, peruse the creative menu that goes well beyond standard cinema fare. Choose from gourmet pizzas and salads, top-notch popcorn, and warm chocolate chip cookies, all of which are delivered to your table during the movie by unobtrusive waiters. Instead of pre-show ads, Alamo creates its own films, such as a two-minute recap of all of the Marvel movies prior to the one you are about to enjoy. A strict no-texting policy – and a no-talking policy that is somewhat relaxed for kids’ sscreenings – means you can focus completely on the film.

Don’t miss out on the curated retrospectives. There’s no better place to introduce your young cineaste to Labyrinth or the original Hairspray. And special screenings feature paired menus, such as West African flavors with Black Panther and sugary cereal for 1980s cartoons. Even the silliest sequel feels special at this cinema!

TIP: Kids pick the winners at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s BAMkids Film Festival!

ALICE’S TEA CUP

Go down the rabbit hole for an Alice-inspired tea

You’re late! You’re late! For a very important date – a delicious tea party! You’ll feel like you’ve stepped through the looking glass and landed in a world full of steaming cups of tea and plates of buttery scones at Alice’s Tea Cup, several delightful tea shops inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

How many restaurants do you know that sprinkle kids with fairy dust as they walk in? Here, kids are given the option of wearing colorful fairy wings during their meal.

Decorated with whimsical Alice memorabilia, the restaurants specialize in a staggering variety of tea, plus a scrumptious array of baked goods. The big draw for kids is the Wee Tea, a stacked tier of yummy treats that include a cupcake, mousse, or tart and a scone (they sell 800 scones a day!). Arrive hungry and taste everything you can.

“Real” food is also to be had. The “Menu for the Small” offers classic kid favorites, like grilled cheese (probably the most popular offering) or peanut butter and jam, plus pint-sized versions of treats, like apple slices with peanut butter or Nutella.

You can even create your own crepes with sweet or savory fillings. Try bacon, cheddar cheese, sweet marshmallow fluff, or maple syrup – or a tasty combination!

Tea drinkers will love the vast selection, with lesserwell-known options like genmaicha (green tea with corn kernels and toasted rice) and herbal (decaf) teas. And never fear –you can also order a cup of classic Earl Grey. If you’re heading down the rabbit hole, this is the way to go!

hours // Ages 3+

TIP: Climb all over the beloved statue of Alice in Wonderland in Central Park.

ALLEY POND ROPES COURSE

Where families reach new heights

One of the oldest and largest public adventure parks in the Northeast, Alley Pond Adventure Course offers families a chance to test their skills and perhaps face some fears on a high ropes course soaring above this expansive Queens park. Lucky families who get picked for the weekly lottery can enjoy two hours of free climbing fun, a fantastic deal in a city where similar experiences go for $60 a pop. Your adventure starts with some warm-ups before you gear up in a harness and helmet provided by the course (don’t forget your closed-toed shoes). After an overview of safety procedures, find your way to one of the day’s three adventure options, selected from over 15 elements, including zip lines, rope bridges, and climbing walls. The challenges change weekly. Brave adventurers scale a vertical pole or sidle across high wires, secured by a belay tended by one of the numerous trained adventure course guides. While the adventure course is a great place to push yourself, the guides adhere strictly to the principle of “challenge by choice,” which means that everyone is encouraged to try going a little further or a bit higher, but nobody is pressured to do anything outside of their comfort zone. For some adventurers, getting halfway up the vertical climb is enough of an achievement, even if they never get to the top. For others, the thrill of hopping across platforms 40 feet in the air is unbeatable. At every level of challenge, the course is sure to give your family a great sense of teamwork!

TIP: Go on a quest to find the Alley Pond Giant, a 133-foot-tall tulip tree that may be the tallest and oldest living organism in the city.

AMAZING MAIZE MAZE

Corny fun at the oldest farm in NYC

A working farm for over 300 years, this bit of countryside on the Little Neck Parkway has much to offer year-round, from sheep-shearing to the annual Queens County Fair. But be sure to visit in the fall for the Amazing Maize Maze, a three-acre corn maze studded with clues to help you find your way. Each year, the maze is redesigned along a new theme – recent ones include the Cheshire Cat and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. You can learn about the maze’s design while you wait in line to enter.

Intrepid maze-solvers receive a flag and a game board to keep track of their progress. Families hunt for mailboxes that hold pieces of the maze map to attach to your game board and seek out “kernels of knowledge.” Look for all nine clues, but it’s possible to get to the Victory Bridge and escape the maze without filling up the game board, and guides can give you hints if you need them. Brave children of the corn can even try to solve the maze at night, using a flashlight and a spooky sense of humor.

The maze takes about an hour to complete, so making a bathroom visit before you enter is a must, and families with little ones might find it helpful to bring a kid-carrier or backpack for when tired feet need a break.

Once you find your way out of the maze, enjoy more seasonal fun, including a pumpkin patch and apple cider donuts. Enjoy a tractor-pulled hayride, visit the historic farmhouse, stroll through the vegetable patch, or say hello to the goats and chickens year-round, and enjoy a farm day in the city!

TIP: Walk through the cloud-like mist at the Fountain of the Planets and admire the iconic Unisphere sculpture in Flushing Meadows – Corona Park.

Address 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, Queens, NY 11004, www.queensfarm.org // Getting there Bus Q36 or Q 46 to Little Neck Parkway // Hours Daily 10am – 5pm // Ages 0+

AMY RUTH’S

Feed your mouth and your soul

The mantra of Harlem soul food restaurant Amy Ruth’s is, “Comfort, Cuisine, Courtesy, Culture,” and there’s no better way to sum it up. Family recipes are at the heart of this restaurant that features Southern cuisine, from waffles with pork chops to cheesy grits and peach cobbler, many of them named after luminaries like Jennifer Holliday, Ruby Dee, former president Barack Obama, and Harlem chef Carl Redding, one of the founders. In fact, the restaurant was named for Amy Ruth Bass, Redding’s grandmother.

Not surprisingly, Redding learned to prepare many of the Southern specialties served in the restaurant from his grandmother in Alabama. He opened Amy Ruth’s on Mother’s Day in 1991 to carry on the tradition of the dishes he’d learned to make at his grandmother’s side. While classic fried chicken, short ribs, and shrimp and grits are featured, so are dishes like smothered turkey wings, pan-seared salmon with peach butter, and fried whiting. Kids will enjoy the waffle menu, with savory versions topped with pork chops or chicken, and dessert offerings with blueberries or strawberries, among others. And speaking of dessert, save room for it! Don’t resist the banana pudding, pineapple coconut cake, and sweet potato pie. While there’s no separate kids’ menu, there’s really no need for one with so many kid-friendly dishes!

With pictures of music luminaries lining the walls and chicken and waffles on your plate, Amy Ruth’s is the place to go for New York City history and soul food traditions.

TIP: Nearby Hex & Co. Games Café is the place to go if you love board games and smoothies with friends.

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THE ARGOSY BOOKSTORE

Maps, atlases, and sea charts for your voyages

Hidden in plain sight in midtown Manhattan, The Argosy, which specializes in antiquarian and out-of-print books, is a book lover’s dream. Founded in 1925 and now in its third generation of family ownership, the store takes up six floors, and they also have a warehouse in Brooklyn.

Kids will enjoy the incredible selection of old maps and prints, including one of the most extensive collections of antique maps in the city. Older kids often gravitate to the American History section. And don’t miss the sea charts, atlases, and globes, as well as many types of maps, including topographical and geological. You never know what you might find, and that’s part of the appeal. It’s like an incredible library where everything is for sale.

While you’re wandering among the treasures, you’ll also find a trove of old sheet music, postcards, and prints, many of them conveniently placed at kid-level. You can always ask to see anything that’s out of reach.

TIP: Books of Wonder has a wonderful section of old and rare kids’ books from long, long ago.

There’s a small section of kids’ books, consisting mostly of older and even out-of-print books. Argosy is a great place to find a forgotten classic or a book you loved as a kid. Do you love reading fairy tales out loud (see ch. 31)? You might find a 1947 edition of Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales or a beautifully illustrated copy of Cinderella and the Two Gifts from 1886. Some things never change.

On the other floors that do not have children’s books, kids will still enjoy seeing the sheer number of books that are piled everywhere, waiting to be opened.

ARTECHOUSE

Become part of an immersive experience

Entering an exhibition at Artechouse is like entering a world made of light, color, and sound.

Artechouse works with new media artists to produce new work and rethink new versions of older work, and also presents the exhibitions themselves. Exhibits showcase different themes and use of technology, often showcasing the intersection of technology and art. They offer different installations at each of their locations in New York, Washington, DC, and Miami Beach.

A recent New York City offering, for instance, showcased an immersive experience through fractal dimensions, or repeating mathematical patterns, that are projected onto the ceiling, walls, and floor, reflecting and refracting as they do. It’s like being inside a giant kaleidoscope that never stops shifting. It’s also mesmerizing and completely engaging – everywhere you look, there’s a new pattern, and a new way to feel a part of it. Kids often love the interactive elements and finding new ways to explore and be part of the show. Other exhibits have been inspired by the color blue, taking the form of a multi-sensory experience, as well as a laser light performance and installation (see ch. 45).

You don’t come here merely to observe – you become immersed in installations, letting them pull you in. You can experience the same installation more than once and have completely different experiences. And while art has the power to transport you, these installations will often make you feel like you’ve been pulled through a portal into another dimension entirely.

TIP: With all the optical illusions, holograms, and an anti-gravity room at the Museum of Illusions, you won’t believe your eyes!

Address Chelsea Market, 439 West 15th Street, New York, NY 10011, www.artechouse.com // Getting there Subway to 14th Street

(Lines A, C, E, L, 1, 2, 3) // Hours

Daily 10am – 10pm // Ages 4+

Evan Levy runs fable & lark: storied adventures, which offers interactive museum tours and scavenger hunts inspired by great stories. She loves constantly discovering new parts of New York City, where she lives with her family. She is on a quest to try every kind of donut in the city, no matter how long it might take. www.fableandlark.com

Rachel Mazor is an English teacher in an NYC independent school, where she loves leading students along Holden Caulfield’s journey around Manhattan. She enjoys introducing her two children to all of the wonders New York has to offer, but she has a special appreciation for her home borough of Brooklyn. On a hot summer day, she can usually be found cooling her feet at the Splash Pad in Prospect Park.

Joost Heijmenberg is a Dutch photographer currently living in Brooklyn with his wife Marjolein and three young children. A lifetime traveler and wanderer, his passion for people, culture, art, and nature has fueled his entire life and has especially influenced his photography. When he’s not carting soccer balls, bikes, and backpacks all around New York City, he is dreaming of the next destination for himself and his family.