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Top 10 Kids Indoor Activities in NYC

Here are the top 10 kids' indoor activities in NYC, perfect for keeping little ones entertained, especially during cold or rainy days:


Top 10 Kids Indoor Activities in NYC
Top 10 Kids Indoor Activities in NYC

1. Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM)

This five-floor museum is designed specifically for kids to combine play and learning.

  • Key Features:

    • PlayWorks: A floor dedicated to toddlers and preschoolers with a giant fire truck, water play areas, and imaginative zones.

    • Cultural Exhibits: Explore global cultures through interactive displays and activities.

    • Workshops: From art projects to story time, there’s always something new.

  • Age Range: Best for ages 0-10.

  • Price: $16 for adults and children over 1 year; free for children under 1.


2. American Museum of Natural History

An iconic NYC destination, kids love it for the mix of awe-inspiring exhibits and hands-on areas.

  • Key Features:

    • Dinosaur Halls: Life-size skeletons of Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops are highlights.

    • Discovery Room: A hands-on space where kids can examine fossils, crawl through a replica of a baobab tree, and more.

    • Hayden Planetarium: Amazing space shows narrated by stars like Neil deGrasse Tyson.

  • Age Range: Great for all ages, especially school-age kids.

  • Price: Suggested donation of $25 for adults, $14 for children (ages 3–12); free for under 3.


3. Squarena

Interactive "floor is lava" games perfect for both kids and adults.

  • Key Features:

    • Square Arena Games: Train your kids' pattern recognition skill and physical agility with different game levels.

    • Squarena Challenge: Challenge the games with limited lives to get on the top of the leaderboard with your team.

    • Birthday Party: 2 hour birthday party package available for a unique celebration.

    • Age Range: Best for any one ages 3 and up

  • Price: $20 for kids 3-9 year old. $30 regular admission.


4. The Color Factory

An Instagram-worthy art exhibit that’s also super fun for kids.

  • Key Features:

    • Ball Pit: A massive pool of colorful balls kids can jump into.

    • Interactive Installations: Rooms that play with light, sound, and touch.

    • Art Stations: Opportunities to create take-home souvenirs.

  • Age Range: All ages, though younger kids may need help in some areas.

  • Price: $38 for adults and children over 2; free for children under 2


5. SPYSCAPE

This high-tech, spy-themed attraction is perfect for older kids and teens.

  • Key Features:

    • Spy Challenges: Test your skills in hacking, code-breaking, and agility.

    • Laser Maze: Sneak through lasers like a real spy.

    • Espionage Stories: Learn about real-life spies through engaging exhibits.

  • Age Range: Best for kids 10+ and teens.

  • Price: $42+ per person (general admission).


6. New York Hall of Science (nysci)

A hub for hands-on learning and STEM exploration.

  • Key Features:

    • Interactive Exhibits: Explore physics, chemistry, and biology with engaging displays.

    • Maker Space: Build and tinker with provided tools and materials.

    • 3D Theater: Captivating science-themed films.

  • Age Range: Best for ages 5 and up.

  • Price: $16 for adults, $13 for children (ages 2-17); free for under 2.


7. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Housed on a historic aircraft carrier, this museum excites kids with its unique setting.

  • Key Features:

    • Space Shuttle Pavilion: Home to the space shuttle Enterprise.

    • Aircraft Displays: Explore real fighter jets and helicopters.

    • Interactive Simulators: Experience what it’s like to pilot a jet.

  • Age Range: Best for ages 6 and up, though younger kids will still enjoy exploring.

  • Price: $36 for adults, $26 for children (ages 5-12); free for under 5.


8. Brooklyn Children’s Museum

One of the most beloved children’s museums in NYC, offering endless opportunities for exploration.

  • Key Features:

    • Totally Tots: A sensory play area for toddlers.

    • World Brooklyn: Pretend to shop and work in kid-sized versions of local businesses.

    • Seasonal Activities: Changing exhibits and special events keep visits fresh.

  • Age Range: All ages, but especially geared towards kids under 10.

  • Price: $13 for adults and children over 1 year; free for children under 1.


9. The Museum of Ice Cream

A fun, sweet-themed experience that blends play and treats.

  • Key Features:

    • Sprinkle Pool: Dive into a giant "pool" of colorful sprinkles.

    • Sweet Treats: Enjoy unlimited ice cream samples.

    • Interactive Rooms: Each room has a different ice-cream-related theme.

  • Age Range: All ages, but kids 4+ will especially enjoy it.

  • Price: $48+ per person; free for children under 2.


10. Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex

A one-stop-shop for active families looking to burn energy indoors.

  • Key Features:

    • Toddler Gym: Perfect for the littlest visitors with soft play equipment.

    • Ice Rink: Open year-round for skating fun.

    • Rock Climbing Wall: For older kids who want a challenge.

    • Bowling: A family-friendly bowling alley with bumpers for kids.

  • Age Range: All ages, with specific programs for toddlers, kids, and teens.

  • Price:

    Bowling: $10-$12 per game + shoe rental.

    Ice Skating: $15 admission + $5 skate rental.

    Toddler Gym: $30 per drop-in session.


Have you bring your little ones to all of these activities? Leave a comment below to share your experience : )

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