When you’re in New York City with the family, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of sights. On this lively island, you’ll find a lot of the world’s most famous landmarks—Times Square, Statue of Liberty, and the grandest museums. But if you’re tired of walking city tours, take advantage of New York City’s vibrant art scene with a visit to its top museums and exhibits.
From dinosaur fossils at the American Museum of Natural History to interactive art displays at the Museum of Modern Art, we’ve found the best family-friendly museums in NYC!
1. American Museum of Natural History
Come across the huge Tyrannosaurus Rex! - Image Credits: @aditya1702
History comes alive at the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side. Made up of 28 buildings and 45 exhibit halls, this museum houses the most extensive scientific and cultural collections in the world. It’s the home of over 33 million specimens, including the 94-foot long Great Blue Whale, Lucy―the earliest hominid—and about 31 million other things to see!
There’s a planetarium, butterfly conservatory, library, and plenty of kid-safe exhibits for you and the entire family to explore! Plus, it’s also the set of the Hollywood hit, “Night at the Museum.”
2. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Imagination at work!
Let your imagination run wild at one of the biggest museums in New York City! The Museum of Modern Art―or MoMa, in short―features the most famous paintings by the masters (we’re talking about Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and the likes here!) hands-on art activities for the little ones. Because art isn’t only meant to be appreciated by adults!
To get started on your art adventure, MoMA holds special gallery talks to explain art to the kiddos, as well as a Sculpture Garden to enjoy snacks. This fancy art gallery is high up on our list of best museums to visit in New York with your family!
3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
There’s no place like the Met! - Image Credits: @robertbye
If visiting the other two museums isn’t enough, take the kids to the Met! Visit the Temple of Dendur, wander through the Astor Court, or play on the famous Met steps. This grand museum lets you traverse through 5,000 years of history from across the globe. To make the most out of the Met, you can join the #MetKids program and get access to special maps, tours, and films just for families!
4. The Whitney Museum of American Art
Catch works by Andy Warhol and other modernists
You’ll never run out of things to do in New York with family because there’s more art to tickle your fancy! Besides historical artefacts and famous paintings, get your fresh dose of contemporary and performance art at the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Here, kids and adults can interact with mind-blogging art installations made from various materials. Go check out David Hammon’s monumental installation, Day’s End, located right along the Hudson River and across the museum. It’s a sight to behold! The museum holds over 23,000 works of American artists, plus theatres, educational centres, a rooftop café, and more!
Explore the Big Apple with a Go City Explorer Pass!
Your all-in-one access to New York City’s finest!
Can’t get enough of New York City? Experience the best of this bustling metropolis with a Go City - New York Explorer’s Pass! You can choose from three, four, five, to seven attractions and get to explore NYC at your own pace. The attraction pass packs excellent value for money—from the Empire State Building to the Metropolitan Museum of Art!
Pro tip: Check out this attraction list and plan your New York itinerary with the family!
