Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

Hit the ice at the famed Rockefeller Center Ice Rink. Photo courtesy of the Patina Restaurant Group

Best Things To Do at Rockefeller Center with Kids

1. Ice Skating on The Rink

Take a twirl on the most famous ice rink in the city. This is an essential NYC holiday experience. Go early in the season (or after the holidays) and early in the day to avoid the lines. Skate sessions last one hour, and reservations are recommended.

2. Après Skate Chalets

Follow your skating session up with a private dining experience overlooking the rink. You'll be bathed in warmth and nosh on eats—and sweets and cocktails—from Five Acres. While this only-in-NYC experience is a splurge, it makes for a memorable experience. Shareable options include soft pretzels, a decorative cookie kit, delectable s'mores kits, and adorable holiday-inspired Shirley Temples served in a keepsake ornament cup. Each chalet can accommodate up to six guests and every reservation includes a pair of digital pic to commemorate the moment, too. Book your 40-minute reservation in advance as these sweet chalets sell out quickly!

3. Swarovski

Once you've gotten an up-close view of the giant Swarovski crystal star—it weighs 900 pounds—gracing the top of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, you might want one of your own. The star is covered in 3 million crystals, but you can get a miniature, ornament-sized one for your own tree at the Swarovski shop. Another fun Rockefeller Center tree fact: The 50,000 multi-colored lights adorning the big tree would amount to five miles worth of lights if unwound and stretched across the streets of NYC.

The Lego Store in Rockefeller Center has plenty of NYC charm.​ 

4. The Lego Store

Visit The Lego Store for a little playtime. This flagship shop offers two levels of fun, plenty of cool Lego creations, and vignettes of familiar NYC scenes. Find it on the prime corner of Fifth Avenue and 51st Street.

5. McNally Jackson

Despite its petite footprint, independent bookstore McNally Jackson stocks a robust kids section with a few sweet reading nooks that are perfect for taking a break from the craziness outside.

Visit American Girl Place for some holiday cheer. 

6. American Girl New York

Duck into the glittering American Girl Place on the northern edge of Rockefeller Plaza. There are loads of opportunities for interactive play, including a doll "hospital" and a hair and nail salon. The on-site cafe offers a special sit-down meal for girls and their dolls on select dates. Reservations are required.

7. Glace

Taste the viral hot chocolate from Glace, which parks an old-fashioned treat truck on the Plaza. Beyond its toasted-marshmallow-halo-topped hot cocoa, other treats include macaron ice cream sandwiches and freshly churned scoops.

8. FDNY Fire Zone

Learn about fire safety at the FDNY Fire Zone. The store occupies a 48th Street storefront, just east of Sixth Avenue. General admission is FREE at this fire-safety learning center, where kids play with interactive exhibits, climb aboard a fire truck, and meet a real firefighter.

You'll want to bundle up for your visit to the Top of the Rock, but the views are worth it. 

9. Top of the Rock

Head to the Top of the Rock observation deck to experience breathtaking views of the NYC skyline. Don't forget your camera. These are some of the city's best views. Top of the Rock has added some elevated experiences in the past couple of years, including The Beam and Skylift. 

10. Studs

Get your ears pierced at this outpost of the popular shop. You can also shop for baubles while you're there.

11. Nintendo New York

Game your heart out during a visit to Nintendo New York. Shop your holiday wishlist, or just spend some time trying out the latest consoles and titles!

12. Eataly Caffe

This popular Italian grocer has opened an uptown outpost of its Eataly Caffe at Rockefeller Center. Kids go crazy for the pastries and gelato, while parents appreciate the hand-crafted espresso, sure to fuel more adventures in the neighborhood.

13. Strike a Pose

The office buildings on Sixth Avenue abound with festive outdoor holiday displays. There's always something to see in this neighborhood, including glistening Christmas trees, giant ornaments, larger-than-life candy canes, and more festive fun.

14. Take a Campus Tour

Take a tour for an inside look at Rock Center's art, architecture, and history. Bonus: You'll get access to off-limits spots, like the rooftop gardens overlooking Fifth Avenue. Prefer to do it yourself? See how many of these pieces of art you can spot along the way.

Banana pudding, cupcakes, and other delicious treats are worth the wait at Magnolia Bakery. Photo courtesy of the bakery

15. Find a Sweet Treat

Be sure to try the banana pudding at Magnolia Bakery. It is not to be missed and a great end-of-the-day treat! We're also crushing on Chip City, which slings oversized, ooey-gooey cookies in flavors like vanilla dulce crumble, pumpkin spice latte, and a traditional kid-pleasing chocolate chip.

16. Grab a Bite

There's a handful of fast-casual eateries on the concourse level, and you can find more family-friendly eats at these Rockefeller Center-area restaurants.

17. Cool Sips

Indulge in a DIY-dirty soda at Cool Sips, where you can customize your drink with flavors, candies, boba, and more options galore.

Dancing on the piano at FAO Schwarz brings joy to the young and the young-at-heart alike. 

18. FAO Schwarz

At the renowned toy emporium, FAO Schwarz, greet the iconic toy soldiers at the door, and take a whirl on the giant piano before you stock up on amazing holiday gifts. There are tons of interactive experiences, including a Build-A-Bear Workshop, Jellycat Diner, a Crazy Aaron's Mix-Mart, Bluey Shop, and more inside.

19. See the Radio City Rockettes

The beloved precision dance troupe is celebrating a whole century of high-kicking action this Christmas season. See them on stage daily in the Christmas Spectacular through Monday, January 5, 2026. Even when the Rockettes aren't on stage, the historic theater is destination-worthy in its own right.

20. Lil Sweet Treat

This Swedish candy shop is a kid-pleaser. Stop by and fill a grab bag full of colorful, flavor-bursting gummies.

Visit the iconic St. Patrick's Cathedral. Photo by Mommy Poppins

21. St. Patrick's Cathedral

The seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of NYC, the soaring, gothic, St. Patrick's Cathedral has served the masses since its opening in 1869. Stop by for a service or enjoy a self-guided audio tour of the beautiful, newly restored church.

22. Today Show

The Today Show calls Rockefeller Center home. Rise early enough, and you can line The Plaza outside its studio for a chance to rub elbows with its anchors and try to get your face on TV to share holiday greetings with those near and far. Be sure to make a sign and read all our tips for catching a kid-friendly taping in NYC here.

23. See the Sights at Saks

Peek at the holiday window installations at Saks Fifth Avenue, and then high-tail it across the street to catch the light show on the store's facade. It's back after a one-year hiatus. Another tip: My favorite view of the tree is always from Fifth Avenue, when framed by the Channel Gardens, so take it in before you hightail it home.

24. MLB Shop

Baseball fans can find gear from their home team—whether it's the Mets, Yankees, or one of the other 30 MLB squads—at this flagship shop on 51st and Sixth Avenue.

Originally published in November 2010. Stephanie Ogozalek contributed additional reporting.

Unless noted, photos by the author