MommyPoppins.com
MAKE YOUR DAY
Get Listed Log In Sign Up My Profile Sign out Contact
New York City
  • Anywhere
  • New York City
  • Dallas Fort Worth
  • Atlanta
  • Boston
  • Chicago
  • Houston
  • Miami South Florida
  • Philadelphia
  • Washington DC
  • Orlando
  • Los Angeles
  • San Francisco Bay Area
  • Connecticut
  • Long Island
  • New Jersey
  • Westchester
Get Listed Log In Sign Up My Profile Sign out Contact

HOME - New York City

Activity Calendar

Providers

Calendar  
  • Events

  • Deals

  • This Week's Picks

  • Activity Providers

  • Submit an Activity

NYC Guide  
  • News & Openings

  • NYC Baby Guide

  • NYC for Preschoolers

  • Tweens & Teens

  • Neighborhood Guides

  • Parks & Playgrounds

  • Free Activities

  • Visitors' Guide to NYC

  • Restaurants

  • NYC Moving Guide

Things To Do  
  • Crafts for Kids

  • Recipes

  • Science for Kids

  • Games & Activities

  • Outdoors

  • Online & Virtual

Camps & Classes  
  • Camps Guide

  • Classes Guide

  • Preschools & Schools Guide

  • Directory

Parties & Holidays  
  • Gift Guide

  • Birthday Parties

  • Party Providers

  • Holidays

  • Spring Guide

  • Summer Guide

  • Fall Guide

  • Winter Guide

Family Travel  
  • Day Trips

  • Family Vacations

  • Theme & Water Parks

  • Resorts & Hotels

  • Adirondacks

  • Hamptons & North Fork

  • Poconos Guide

  • Jersey Shore Guide

Contact

Sign up for our free newsletters.
The Brooklyn Children's Museum and  North American Indigenous Center of New York host a two-day celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day. Photo by Winston Williams/courtesy of the museum
Indigenous Peoples Day Weekend in NYC: Harvest Fests, Halloween, and More Things To Do
The Little Red Lighthouse welcomes fall with an all-ages, waterfront festival on Saturday, October 4. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks
Halloween and More Things To Do in NYC with Kids October 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors
GUIDE
Halloween Events & Activities for NYC Kids
Kids can go apple picking near NYC at Alstede Farms, where low-to-the-ground trees are perfect for little pickers. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Apple Picking near NYC: Best Apple Farms and Apple Festivals for Kids
The Bronx Zoo celebrates Boo at the Zoo with family activities all October long. Photo by Julie Larsen Maher
Best Halloween Events in NYC 2025 for Kids and Families
Try your hand at corn husking and more analog entertainment during the Corn Fest at the Queens County Farm Museum. Photo courtesy of the Queens County Farm Museum
Best 2025 Fall Festivals and Fairs in NYC this September and October
Hit The High Line in costume to celebrate all things creepy and crawly on Saturday, October 25. Photo by Liz Ligon/courtesy of The High Line
Top Free Halloween Events in NYC in 2025: BAMBoo!, Great PUPkin, Labubu Fest, and More
GUIDE
NYC Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2025
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
Tom's Restaurant is situated on a fairly sleepy corner in Morningside Heights despite its high-profile turn in Seinfeld. Photo by Jody Mercier
Lights, Camera, New York! Where to Find Iconic NYC Movie Sites with Kids
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by  Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas
There's plenty of free fun to be had when we team up with Brooklyn Bridge Parents to host Playtopia at Atlantic Antic on Sunday. Photo courtesy of Playtopia at Atlantic Antic
Open House NY, Fall Festivals, Labubus, and More Things To Do this Weekend
FIND AND BOOK ACTIVITIES
calendar icon
This Week In
New York City
Featured
Free Entry at Anne Frank The Exhibition
Center for Jewish History - 9:30 AM
Rockefeller Center Skating Rink Opening Week
Rockefeller Center - 9:00 AM Pick
Indigenous Peoples Day at Brooklyn Children's Museum
Brooklyn Children's Museum - 10:00 AM Pick
Indigenous Peoples Day in Prospect Park
Prospect Park - 10:00 AM Pick
Columbus Day Parade
Fifth Avenue - 12:00 PM Pick
Rockefeller Center Skating Rink Opening Week
Rockefeller Center - 9:00 AM Pick
Stargazing on The High Line
The High Line - 7:30 PM Pick
Sloomoo Institute
Sloomoo Institute - 10:00 AM
Community Superheroes Week with FDNY at CMOM
Children's Museum of Manhattan - 10:00 AM
P.S. Art: Celebrating the Creative Spirit of NYC Kids at The Met
The Metropolitan Museum of Art - various times
Featured
Bay Ridge Prep Upper School Open House
Bay Ridge Prep Upper School - 9:00 AM
Rockefeller Center Skating Rink Opening Week
Rockefeller Center - 9:00 AM Pick
Sloomoo Institute
Sloomoo Institute - 10:00 AM
Community Superheroes Week with FDNY at CMOM
Children's Museum of Manhattan - 10:00 AM
Tunes at The Triangle
6th Avenue Triangle - 4:00 PM
Rockefeller Center Skating Rink Opening Week
Rockefeller Center - 9:00 AM Pick
Sing with Suzi in JJ Byrne Playground
JJ Byrne Playround - 10:00 AM Pick
The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at the New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden - 6:00 PM Pick
Sloomoo Institute
Sloomoo Institute - 10:00 AM
Community Superheroes Week with FDNY at CMOM
Children's Museum of Manhattan - 10:00 AM
Featured
HudsonWay Open House for Prospective Families
HudsonWay Immersion School - 9:00 AM
Rockefeller Center Skating Rink Opening Week
Rockefeller Center - 9:00 AM Pick
The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at the New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden - 6:00 PM Pick
Fall Movie Nights at Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards - 6:00 PM Pick
Movies Under the Stars: Coco in St. James Park
St. James Park Playground - 8:00 PM Pick
Featured
Broadway Magic Hour at the Broadway Comedy Club
Broadway Comedy Club - various times
Fall Festival at Dyckman Farmhouse Museum
Dyckman Farmhouse Museum - 10:00 AM Pick
Raptors in the Autumn Sky at Wave Hill
Wave Hill - 10:00 AM Pick
Spark And Spirit: Getting Halloween READY at CMOM
Children's Museum of Manhattan - 10:00 AM Pick
Ghostscrapers at the Skyscraper Museum
The Skyscraper Museum - 10:30 AM Pick
Featured
Pippi Longstocking! Puppet Show in Andrew Haswell Green Park
Andrew Haswell Green Park - 11:00 AM
Raptors in the Autumn Sky at Wave Hill
Wave Hill - 10:00 AM Pick
Spark And Spirit: Getting Halloween READY at CMOM
Children's Museum of Manhattan - 10:00 AM Pick
Bank Street Fall Fair
Bank Street School for Children - 10:00 AM Pick
College Point Street Fair
College Point Blvd - 11:00 AM Pick
SEE ALL ACTIVITIES
SUBMIT AN ACTIVITY +
Free Entry at Anne Frank The Exhibition
Center for Jewish History
Free Entry at Anne Frank The Exhibition
Center for Jewish History
Bay Ridge Prep Upper School Open House
Bay Ridge Prep Upper School
Sign up for our free newsletters.
FOLLOW US FOR ACTIVITY PICKS, DEALS, AND GIVEAWAYS
FaceBook Instagram Twitter Pinterest YouTube
Activity Guides
  • Beaches & Lakes
  • Best Of Lists
  • Birthday Parties
  • Boats
  • Boredom Busters
  • Camps
  • Childcare
  • Christmas/Hanukkah
  • City Guides
  • City Hacks
  • Classes & Enrichment
  • Community
  • Crafts & Recipes
  • Earth Kids
  • Easter
  • Fairs & Festivals
  • Fall Activities
  • Family Travel
  • Farms & U-Pick
  • Free Activities
  • GoList
  • Halloween
  • Holidays
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Indoor Activities
  • Museums
  • News & Openings
  • Outdoors
  • Parent Talk
  • Parks & Playgrounds
  • Play Gyms & Sports Centers
  • Pools & Spray Parks
  • Preschools & Schools
  • Restaurants
  • Shows
  • Skiing & Winter Sports
  • Special Needs
  • Special Occasions
  • Sports
  • Spring Activities
  • STEM
  • Stores & Services
  • Summer Activities
  • Theme & Water Parks
  • Trains, Dinos & Heroes
  • TV, Film & Movies
  • Virtual
  • Visitors Guide
  • Weekend Events
  • Weekend Trips
  • Winter Activities
  • Zoos & Gardens
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pin It WhatsApp

Sony Wonder Technology Lab: Visiting the Free High-Tech Museum with Young NYC Kids

2/20/12 - By Petek

Unfortunately, this venue closed in January 2016.

The Sony Wonder Technology Lab has long been one of our favorite free plays spots for kids in New York City. We first reviewed the technological wonderland after it underwent a multimillion dollar renovation in 2008. But a few things have changed since then, both at the Sony Wonder Technology Lab and technology in general. (Can you remember a time before Angry Birds? Probably not). So we decided to take a second look at the Lab, which is a great destination for February break or anytime the kids aren't in school.

As a hardcore techie (my resume includes stints as a network administrator and director of Internet development at a startup), I enjoy sharing my love of all things geeky with my preschool-age daughter. Although the Sony Wonder Technology Lab is recommended for children ages 8 to 14, younger kids will still find lots of things to do here (even though they'll probably need an adult's help). My almost-four-year-old loves pressing buttons and touch screens, so she was my sidekick throughout our visit.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

The interactive exhibits we raved about last time are still there. My daughter enjoyed watching robots interact with each other in the Robot Zone. The Interactive Floor was another favorite. She loved the way circles of light rippled beneath our feet and pooled together when we got close.

The Dance Motion Capture installation is a big hit with tweens and teens, but it doesn't work well for younger children (although there's no official height requirement, my three-and-a-half foot daughter couldn't make it work). Still, she got a kick out of watching the video of the animated character she chose performing mommy's dance moves. Come in pants: If you wear a skirt or dress, it may have trouble capturing your leg movements.

Other highlights include the Production Studio, where visitors can record a TV segment which is broadcast on a large flat screen; Moviemaker, where you can create your own trailer from Sony Pictures clips; and a not-too-graphic Virtual Surgery station, where you can perform simulated open-heart surgery (this was particularly thrilling for me since I underwent open-heart surgery as a child!).

Since our original review, the Sony Wonder Technology Lab has added a handful of attractions. Our favorite was the Music Mixer, where we were able to remix Alicia Keys' song Empire State of Mind (Part II) by moving around "3-D audio blocks" on an interactive table. And of course the PlayStation® 3 alcoves are equipped with brand-new games and high-definition displays.

There are 23 attractions in all at the Sony Wonder Technology Lab, including a 73-seat high-definition theater, which regularly screens little kid favorites like Sesame Street and Dora as well as Sony features. There are also hands-on workshops for families, from bot building to nanoscience. Since you create a digital profile when you enter, you can follow the exhibits in sequence and then get a printed certificate when you log out at the end. But there's no guarantee your data will transmit properly; a couple of stops were missing on ours.

Although visiting the Sony Wonder Technology Lab is free, you should call ahead to reserve timed tickets. You can also show up and take your chances, but you may end up waiting a while or get shut out completely.

Sony Wonder Technology Lab is located at 550 Madison Avenue at 56th Street
Open Tuesday-Saturday (except major holidays) 9:30am-5:30pm
212-833-8100


Read about other must-see museums for kids in New York City.

Places featured in this article:

Map All Locations
Close Map X
  List All Location Details

Sony Wonder Technology Lab
212-833-8100
550 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022
Free Activities Museums Kids Tweens & teens Uptown Midtown East New York City

Featured Local Savings

Sign up for our free
newsletters.
New York City
Dallas Fort Worth
Atlanta
Boston
Chicago
Houston
Miami South Florida
Philadelphia
Washington DC
Orlando
Los Angeles
San Francisco Bay Area
Connecticut
Long Island
New Jersey
Westchester
MommyPoppins.com
Mommy Poppins is a family activity website that helps people find things to do with kids.
QUICK LINKS
Activities
Providers
Family Travel
CONTACT
Newsletter Subscribe
Contact
About
SITEMAP
Submit an Activity
List Your Business
Advertise with Us
© 2025 MommyPoppins. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms of Use.
5.342
X
Click Here to Sign Up!
Register/Login if you don't want to see this popup.