New York City is full of activities that appeal to many different tastes and interests. There are plenty of healthy, fit and enjoyable activities for kids, from cultural exhibits to lush parks to unique New York experiences. Whatever neighborhood or street you are strolling, you will find something that appeals to you and your children.
Animal Sitings
Tour the Central Park Zoo, the second oldest zoo in the U.S. The Central Park Zoo is home to polar bears, curious tamanduas, sea lions, snow leopards, penguins and many more animals. Ask a zoo guide about feeding times or demonstrations to see zoo keepers and animals in action. During the summer, plan on visiting the park in the morning or late afternoon, when animals are sure to be moving around.
For aquatic life, check out the New York Aquarium in Brooklyn.
Bike Tour
One of the most surprising places in New York City is Central Park. Even if you are a local, you most likely haven't discovered every section of this massive park. The best way to see as much of it as possible is by bike. You can rent a bike, ride your own or take a guided tour. A guided tour will insure that you and your kids see the best spots of the park.
Walking Tours
Explore Chinatown on foot and expose your kids to dim sum, boba drinks and Peking duck. Chinatown has many interesting shops full of colorful knickknacks that kids love to look at.
Introduce children to the art and poetry of the Harlem Renaissance through a guided walking tour of Harlem. A guide will point out locations of original Harlem Renaissance clubs and the homes of leaders, such as Langston Hughes.
Check out New York's financial district and learn about the New York Stock Exchange. Teach your kids basic principles of the stock market as you stroll Wall Street. Take pictures of the kids in front of the famous "Charging Bull" in Bowling Green Park, close to Wall Street.
Sports
Chelsea Piers Sports complex along the Hudson River provides a variety of physical activities for active kids. There is a 30-foot rock climbing wall, a bowling alley, batting cage facility, a four-level driving range and an ice skating rink. Hours and prices vary for each facility.
Or head to Central Park in Manhattan or Prospect Park in Brooklyn for a game of soccer or to shoot some hoops. Each park has fields and courts.
Skate
During the winter, New York City provides beautiful, iconic outdoor ice skating rinks. The ever-famous Rockefeller Center is a classic New York City spot for skating or just visiting. The rink itself is small, allowing for only 150 skaters at a time, so be prepared to wait, especially around the holidays.
In the southern section of Central Park lies Wollman Rink, a larger ice rink that also hosts figure skating classes and ice hockey.
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