Art Students League of New York
8 MINUTES AWAY - 215 WEST 57TH ST, BETWEEN 7TH/BROADWAY
The historic art school’s list of famous alumni features dozens
of the biggest names in painting and sculpture, but, as part
of the institution’s commitment to community involvement, future Picasso's can begin their apprenticeship at age 8.
Bryant Park
10 MINUTES AWAY - 41 WEST 40TH ST, BETWEEN 5TH/6TH
The natural retreat in the backyard of the New York Public Library is a haven for city dwellers of all ages, but there's plenty to do for kids, including an antique carousel, open lawn, a youth reading series, and tons of colorful entertainers, like Flaubert the Frog, Starfish and Clifford the Big Red Dog.
Central Park Zoo
17 MINUTES AWAY - CENTRAL PARK AT 64TH STREET / 5TH AVENUE
In addition to the barnyard creatures, polar bears, monkeys,
and leopards, there’s a large sea lion tank in the central
courtyard.
Belvedere Castle in Central Park
36 MINUTES AWAY - CENTRAL PARK OFF THE 79TH STREET TRANSVERSE
This enchanted Gothic castle was built atop a towering layer
of Manhattan schist in 1919 as an architectural folly, and
boasts the highest views in the park.
Central Park Carousel
21 MINUTES AWAY - CENTRAL PARK OFF THE 85TH STREET TRANSVERSE
The historic carousel holds 57 carved horses and 2 chariots,
and is open year-round.
Central Park Rowboats
27 MINUTES AWAY - CENTRAL PARK AT THE LOEB BOATHOUSE OFF EAST AVENUE
Weather permitting, the Loeb Boathouse has a fleet of 100
rowboats available for rent. Enjoy an idyllic day lounging on
the water in New York’s most famous lake.
Wollmann Ice Rink in Central Park
13 MINUTES AWAY - CENTRAL PARK OFF CENTRAL DRIVE
One of the most popular spots in the park since it opened in
1949, Wollman was beautifully renovated in 1986
Heckscher Playground in Central Park
12 MINUTES AWAY - CENTRAL PARK OFF CENTRAL DRIVE
Though there are many playgrounds in Central Park, Hecksher is the largest, at 3-acres. Tucked into the center of the park, the playground abounds with swings, slides and fanciful water features.
MoMA kid’s programs
5 MINUTES AWAY - 11 WEST 53RD STREET, BETWEEN 5TH/6TH
The Museum of Modern Art’s daycare programs include a
wide range of activities from art workshops to tours and
guest lectures.
FDNY Firezone
5 MINUTES AWAY - 34 WEST 51ST ST, BETWEEN 6TH/7TH
The Fire Zone is a multimedia educational center designed
for kids to learn about fire safety while having fun.
My Gym Children’s Fitness Center
25 MINUTES AWAY - 250 EAST 60TH ST, AT 2ND AVENUE
My Gym was founded in 1983 to teach kids fitness and social
skills, replacing weights and treadmills with zany workout
gear like zip lines and a giant foam maze.
KIDVILLE MIDTOWN WEST
13 MINUTES AWAY - 515 WEST 51ST ST, BETWEEN 10TH/11TH
Specialized classes for kids of all ages in subjects including
music and dance, gym, art, enrichment, and more are
offered.
Bowlmor Times Square
10 MINUTES AWAY - 222 WEST 44TH ST, BETWEEN 7TH/8TH
With its New York City theme, the bowling alley is pure
sensory overload, with a suspension bridge modeled after
the Brooklyn Bridge, a fire breathing “Chinatown” dragon, and a deluxe tray of desserts.
Lucky Strike Bowling
27 MINUTES AWAY - 624 WEST 42ND ST, AT 12TH
Lucky Strike sets itself apart with elegant furniture, antique
mirrored walls, and an extensive tapas menu.
Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink
7 MINUTES AWAY - 600 5TH AVENUE, AT 48TH
Because the iconic rink, located adjacent to the world's most famous Christmas tree, is limited to 150 skaters at a time, the lines can be rather long. However, that means the experience of skating on the rink is wonderfully intimate.
WeBop At Jazz at Lincoln Center
17 MINUTES AWAY - 33 WEST 60TH ST, BETWEEN BROADWAY/9TH
WeBop teaches kids aged 8 months-5 years the fundamentals
of jazz, with live performances, lessons in tempo and rhythm,
and hands-on instruction in a variety of real instruments.