New York City abounds with things to do with kids outside (many of them, like amazing playgrounds, absolutely free) but during the winter, these spots can be a bit chilly, to say the least. (This polar vortex thing is become a bit too familiar, no?) The good news, of course, is that there is not shortage of places to have fun inside in NYC when the temperature drops. From museums to play spaces to store experiences and spots for high-activity fun, New York has a place where you can the kids can have a blast this winter, inside. Our top suggestions (which play well in combination together, FYI, below)!
Head to Kids' Week at The Intrepid Museum
Erika Kapin photography
Just in time for February break, Kids' Week returns to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum with STEAM programming ranging from animal shows, performances, science demonstrations and more! It runs from February 17-23. Full details here!
Take In One of Our Favorite Museum Shows For Kids Happening Now
Nikolas Muray
Andy Warhol! Frida Kahlo! Jackie Robinson! (And lots more.) See our list here!
Hit Some Pins at An Area Bowling Alley
Rab's Country Lanes
Old school, new school, rock and roll, in Times Square or deep in the boroughs. NYC has a bowling alley for you and the kids. See our picks here!
Escape to Singapore at The Orchid Show
NYBG
The stunning spectacle of the New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show returns for a 17th year on February 23. This year’s exhibit, “Singapore”, is a tribute to the country and its National Orchid Garden, which features sky high vertical habitats of Supertrees and Arches. Developed in partnership with Gardens By the Bay and the National Orchid Garden, the show features thousands of orchids in every shape, color, and size, including specimens from the NYBG’s extensive orchid collection as well as varieties showcasing Singapore’s achievements in orchid hybridization, research, and conservation. Tip: buy your tickets in advance online to ensure entry.
Feb. 23 - April 28 Tickets: Weekends: adults/$28; children 2-12/$12; kids under 2/free. Weekdays: adults/$23; children 2-12/$20; kids under 2/free
Check Out the Latest in Flicks for Kids at the New York International Children's Film Festival
NYICFF
The New York International Children's Film Festival is back with a full slate of features, docs, and shorts from around the world for kids ages three to 18. (Its website has a handy filter on the program page for you to screen films by age.) This year showcases films from countries including Sweden, Germany, Kenya, Malawi, Japan, Belgium, and beyond, as well as programs of shorts for different age groups. Plus: a shorts programs with a focus on girls, another dedicated to boys, and a free, VR Jr. experience for kids ages eight and up. Films are screened at numerous theaters in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Productions for kids of all ages are going up around town, including magic, puppetry, acrobatics, and those folks from Sesame Street. See what's playing here!
Push the Envelope at Teknopolis
BAM
The digital playground and showcase of cutting-edge art and storytelling returns to Brooklyn's BAM for a third year. The 2019 edition features two levels of participation (and pricing)—the main distinction being the more expensive ticket includes virtual reality experiences. (You must be at least nine to do the VR.) Teknopolis is open to kids ages six and up.
Go Deep at National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey
National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey
This popular attraction is a life-like digital aquarium in the heart of Times Square! Interactive, educational, and transporting, Ocean Odyssey will make you feel a world away from wintry NYC! Read our full review here.
Head to the Liberty Science Center for a Day of Fun
Liberty Science Center
Honestly, you can't even do this whole place in a (long) day. (Membership is an excellent idea, btw.) Permanent exhibits include a suspended Infinity Climber (pictured), a pitch black "Touch Tunnel", "Eat and Be Eaten" with naked mole rats, tamarin monkeys, leaf cutter ants and more, "I Explore", a play area for smaller kids, and the new "Microbes Rule!", featuring a gallery of colorful art made with microscopic organisms. Visiting exhibits include the interactive puzzle adventure, The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes, and The Lion Guard (opening Feb. 16), inspired by the Disney Jr. series of the same name. (And we haven't even mentioned the world-class planetarium with shows for people of all ages!) Head's up: do yourself a favor and buy tickets in advance online. The line for tickets can be long.)
Closed on Mondays Tickets: $23.75/adults; $19.75/kids 2 -12 Liberty Science Center 222 Jersey City Blvd. Liberty State Park 201-200-1000 Online: lsc.org
Catch the New York Transit Museum's Holiday Train Show
Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit
It's called a holiday train show, but it's here for a little while longer. The perennial favorite leaves Grand Central Station on February 24. Click here for more details.
Go to Camp For Some Fun and A New Snow Day Diversion
This Flatiron store/experience is a well-cultivated collection of toys and goods for kids of all ages that you enter through a secret door. There are activities like arts and crafts, performances, and readings (some free, some ticketed) plus lots of super cool things to explore like a dance party room, old school station wagon, "bunk" with a slide exit, and more. Read our full review here!
Hit Up a Smaller Museum You've Never Been To
Louis Armstrong Museum kitchen photo by Louis Armstrong House Museum
Have you been to Louis Armstrong's House in Queens? (It's a mid century time capsule.) Checked out the Museum of Mathematics? Explored the New York city Fire Museum? More ideas on overlooked spots here!
Attend a Rawther Fancy Tea Party at The Plaza with Eloise
Plaza Hotel
Splurge a little for this quintessential New York City experience having a tea party in Eloise's digs. Click here for details.
See a Movie..or Three
LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part? How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World? A free movie at the library or MoMA? There are lots of options this winter. See our guide to where to see a movie with the family (or where to catch one with a baby in tow.)
Do Some Old School Slot Car Racing at Brooklyn's Buzz-a-Rama
Site of many birthday parties and filming for Russian spy series The Americans, the Buzz is a must for indoor fun. (Open weekends. Call the make sure they're not booked up with parties.) Read our feature on it here!
Grab Some Grub at Someplace Special (or at Least Delicious)
Head indoors no mater where you are in the Borough. We've rounded up spots in DUMBO (Recess, shown here), Park Slope, Clinton Hill, Bay Ridge, Midwood, Cobble Hill, Bed-Stuy, Williamsburg, Greenpoint and beyond. Check them out here!
