There are probably as many opinions about screen time and kids as there are parents. You may believe in limiting screen time overall, but like to see your kids doing creative things. Or you may not have any issues with screen time, but worry about children’s safety online. We could probably argue all sides of these issues, but one thing I think most parents would agree on is that setting up parental controls, managing screen time, restricting inappropriate content, and protecting kids across all their devices feels like just another overwhelming job that we don’t have time for. 

As cynical as I currently am about big tech, I recently previewed the new Apple parental controls suite and left feeling pretty strongly that every family that uses Apple products, from iPhones and iPads to Macs and Apple Watches, should take five minutes to learn about this and, at a minimum, do the one thing I’ll recommend below that will significantly improve your child’s safety online. 

As parents, we do a fair amount of shopping for our kids, and we're always in search of a good bargain for ever-growing bodies. Personally, I love hitting children's consignment shops and thrift stores.

Besides being a great way to find inexpensive clothes and baby gear, it's fun to stumble across unique items you would never see at a big chain store. Consignment shops are also excellent spots for buying staples like strollers that you use for a little while and then need to pass on.

Shopping secondhand for kids' clothes isn't just budget-friendly—it's also sustainable, community-driven, and fun. From upscale consignment shops in Manhattan to neighborhood gems in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, NYC offers a treasure trove of stylish options for infants, toddlers, tweens, and even expecting parents. If you're shopping for—or with—older kids, take note: There are also some amazing vintage thrift stores in NYC.

Check out these iconic things to do in New York City with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that every native New Yorker really must experience!

The number of family-friendly happenings in New York City on any given day is enough to overwhelm most parents. Our city plays host to top-notch museums for kids, creative play spaces and indoor playgrounds, amazing parks and playgrounds, and even amusement parks, all of which pump out fun children's programming year-round.

Yet, every year, our kids grow up on us a little more. They age out of one activity after another, whether it's storytime at the library, riding a favorite carousel, or just needing to hold our hand as they cross the street. That's why we're focused on finding ways to take advantage of all the amazing things to do in New York City with kids, creating meaningful memories as we go. I created this "life list" of all the things I want to experience with my kids before they grow up. It's not just the stuff that is fun to do, but also the stuff I think will be important to do with them—things that will shape them and be formative in their experience as little New Yorkers. We're also big fans of FREE fun in NYC, so we included as many FREE things to do in NYC as possible!

Without further ado, enjoy this list of 100 things to do in NYC with kids, whether you're a local or a visitor trying to experience the very best of our city. Now, off I go to wring every drop of goodness from the damp, dirty rag that is New York City.