50 Things to do in NYC Outdoors with Your Kids

Now that the temperatures are warming up and the trees are in bloom, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors. Here are 50 things to do in NYC with kids to enjoy being outside in the greatest city on earth. Think of this as your pre-summer bucket list. And if you visit any of these places, make sure to tag @NYMetroParents when you share your pics on Instagram!

1. Luna Park in Coney Island

Try your hand at a carnival game, enjoy a hot dog on the boardwalk, or buckle up to ride the famous Cyclone roller coaster at Luna Park in Coney Island. Enjoy aerial views a hundred feet in the sky on the swings of the Brooklyn Flyer.

2. Prospect Park Zoo

Feed a handful of grains to a gentle sheep or alpaca at the Prospect Park Zoo. See if you can spot the zoo’s Pallas cat, also known as the original Grumpy.

3. Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Run through a rain of pink petals in the Cherry Esplanade, learn about insects and native plants in the Discovery Garden, and say hello to the turtles, carp and ducks in the Japanese Garden’s pond at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

4. New York Aquarium

See the sharks swimming overhead from inside the immersive coral reef tunnel at Coney Island’s New York Aquarium. Watch the sea lions ham in up for an audience at the Aquatheater.

5. Prospect Park

Rent a boat to paddle around the lake, bike the park’s circular drive, or strap on a pair of skates and roll in Prospect Park. Run the mile of the Long Meadow—the longest stretch of unbroken meadow in any U.S. urban park.

6. Brooklyn Children's Museum

Enjoy some outdoor time at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum by exploring the Nest, an interactive play space on the museum’s roof inspired by the unique nests of baya weaver birds and crafted with wood reclaimed from city water towers.

7. Jane's Carousel

Admire the Manhattan skyline from atop a painted horse at Jane’s Carousel in Dumbo. The 1922 carousel has been lovingly restored and is ready to delight riders of all ages.

8. Brooklyn Cyclones Game

Root for the home team at a Brooklyn Cyclones game. Watch the roller coasters plunge in the Coney Island background as the sun sets over the sea.

9. Skyline Drive-in

Take in a favorite flick at the Skyline Drive-In, as well as a sunset view of Manhattan from the comfort of your car—or purchase a seat in the outdoor seating area if you don’t have your own vehicle.

10. Adventurer's Park

Ride the classic tilt-a-whirl, bumper cars, and Ferris wheel in Adventurer’s Park. There are also lots of kiddie rides designed to bring a smile to the youngest visitors.

11. Brooklyn Bridge Park

Romp in the playgrounds, cool off in the water play area, and enjoy unobstructed views of lower Manhattan from the sandy Pier 4 beach at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Check out the calendar of events for activities such a virtual story time and a family fitness class.

12. Green-Wood Cemetery

Print out or pick up a copy of the scavenger hunt for children to lead them on an exploration of the trees, plants, and animals that inhabit Green-Wood Cemetery. Keep in mind that Green-Wood is an active cemetery, and guests of all ages need to respect the sanctity of the grounds.

13. Domino Park

Take a multi-sensory tour of the sugar refining process on the one-of-a-kind playground structures in Williamsburg’s Domino Park. The waterfront views of Manhattan are also pretty sweet. 

14. Shirley Chisholm State Park

Bring your bikes for a ride alongside the water in Shirley Chisholm State Park, named in honor of the trailblazing Brooklyn crusader. If you don’t own a bike, you can borrow one from the bike library—adult and child sizes available (parks.ny.gov).

15. Central Park Zoo

Watch the seals do tricks at mealtime at the Central Park Zoo. Feed the animals at the children’s zoo, and don’t miss the entertainment of the Delacorte Clock at the turn of every hour!

16. Intrepid Museum

Climb aboard the 1943 aircraft carrier housing the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Take an up-close look at a variety of planes displayed on the ship’s deck.

17. Top of the Rock

Enjoy 360-degree views of the city at Top of the Rock. Spot Central Park, both rivers and the Empire State Building from on high.

18. Empire State Building

Take in the view of the city from the top of the Empire State Building. Whether you’re gazing down at the city from the 86th or 102nd floor, you’ll understand why the awe-inspiring panorama has remained a tourist draw for so long.

19. The Highline

Go for a leisurely stroll up or down the High Line, a linear park built atop an old elevated train track. Admire the contemporary art installations on display.

20. Central Park

Wend your way through Central Park on foot, bike, or horse and carriage. Spend some time in one of the park’s 21 playgrounds, rent a model sailboat, or clamber atop the Alice in Wonderland sculpture.

21. The Edge

Look down on the little toy cars and ant people through the glass floor of The Edge, the highest outdoor deck in the Western Hemisphere.

22. Circle Line

Circumnavigate the entire island of Manhattan and enjoy the sea breeze on a Circle Line sightseeing cruise. Spot 130 landmarks from the boat’s outdoor deck.

23. Hudson River Park

Spend the entire day at Pier 25 in Hudson River Park. Your kids can play mini golf, climb the playground structures, or cool off in the water features.

24. Hornblower Cruises

Select the sites you’d like to see up-close on a Hop-on, Hop-off City Experience by Hornblower Sightseeing Cruises. Check out the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, Battery Park, the new Hudson Yards and more!