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Best Indoor Winter Activities for Kids in NYC

1. Go Bowling at Lucky Strike – Various locations

We love Lucky Strike bowling lanes (formerly Bowlero) because there's something for the whole family. Besides bowling, kids can expend their energy on arcade games and laser tag. Lucky Strike has several locations in Manhattan and Queens. There are also a number of other bowling alleys in NYC. 

2. Go Bouldering at Brooklyn Bouldering Project – Gowanus, Brooklyn

During holiday breaks, my kids really like to hone their climbing skills at Brooklyn Bouldering Project. The gym is so expansive it never feels too crowded. It's a great activity for the whole family, no matter their skill level. While Brooklyn Bouldering Project is a bouldering-only gym, there are many rock-climbing gyms that offer other forms of climbing. 

3. Plan Indoors at Complete Playground – Financial District

On cold days, my son always asks if I can take him to Complete Playground where he loves running around on the multi-level jungle gym. This indoor playground is really unique as it offers programs and special areas for neurodivergent kids. Find more fun places to play in our comprehensive NYC Kids' Guide to Indoor Play Spaces and Fun Zones.

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Top of the Rock observation deck offers plenty of cool experiences. Photo by author

4. Visit the Empire State Building – Midtown

During the holidays, we like to play tourist and visit one of observation decks in NYC.  Last year, we went to the Empire State Building after my kids watched Elf where several key scenes take place in the iconic building. We went right when it opened to avoid crowds. There's also the One World Observatory, Edge at Hudson Yards, Summit One Vanderbilt, and Top of the Rock.

5. Finally Make it to the MoMA – Midtown East

The winter break is a great time to explore the Museum of Modern Art and take in all its family-friendly perks and priceless works of art. Don't miss the Family Art Lab where kids can get hands-on and create their own art work.  The Met is always a crowd-pleaser and has a FREE play space. The Whitney is perfect for older kids.

6. Experience Immersive Art at Artechouse – Chelsea

Step into the immersive art experience at Artechouse in Chelsea.  Afterwards, get a bite to eat the Chelsea Market and check out the holiday shops.The newer Mercer Labs is also a crowd-pleaser, with plenty of hands-on experiences and photo-ops.

7. Indulge in a Sensory Experience at Sloomoo – SoHo

Head to Soho for a day of slimy fun at the Sloomoo Institute where kids can make and play with all forms of slime to their hearts' content. And best part, you don't have to clean up. Skip the crowded restaurants in SoHo and instead walk a few block to Chinatown for the best hand-pulled noodles. Or visit the nearby Museum of Ice Cream and think warm, sticky, ice-cream-melting thoughts.

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The photo-ops at the Museum of Illusions will puzzle your senses. Photo by Sara M.

8. Enter the Museum of Illusions – Chelsea

Snap a quirky selfie and allow your eyes to be tricked at the mind-bending Museum of Illusions. The museum is small and takes about an hour to an hour and half. Try to go either right when it opens or towards the end of the day to avoid crowds during high tourist season. 

9. Play at Camp – Midtown

The store with the magic door is hosting a Bluey experience at its flagship Fifth Avenue location.

10. Disarm the Bomb – DUMBO, Brooklyn 

My kids, who range in age form 9-17, all enjoy going to escape rooms with friends. One of my kids' favorite escape rooms is Beat the Bomb in Brooklyn where kids solve puzzles and games to defuse a paint bomb. Pro tip: Even with the full gear, some of the paint might splatter on clothes so make your kids don't wear anything too precious. We've got recommendations for more escape rooms in NYC.  

11.  Explore Brooklyn Children's Museum – Crown Heights, Brooklyn

Enjoy an afternoon at the Brooklyn Children's Museum. Been there, done that? Head to the Boogie Down to explore the Bronx Children's Museum. The Play Street Museum on the Upper West Side is the perfect size for the preschool set, too.

12. Interact with Gadgets at the Spyscape Museum - Midtown West

Plan a secret mission to the Spyscape Museum where young special-ops can try their hand at interactive challenges, learn all about true spy stories, and engage with high-tech interactives. If your kids aren't too tired, have them put their wits to the test in SpyGames where players compete in high-tech puzzle challenges. 

13. Learn at the Museum of the City of New York – Upper East Side

Visit the charming Museum of the City of New York for family-friendly exhibitions and programming. Don't miss Gingerbread NYC, the Great Borough Bakeoff 2025 where professional and amateur bakers design iconic NYC buildings made of gingerbread. You can vote for your favorite. 

14. Let's the Kids Run Wild at Hapik – Industry City, Brooklyn

My son and his friends love going to Hapik, a climbing gym in Industry City with climbing walls, ropes courses, and play areas. While adults can climb as well, Hapik is geared more towards kids. The snack bar leave a lot to be desired so we always get a bite at Japan Village afterwards. 

15. Or Bounce Around a Trampoline Park

Have kids beat the winter doldrums by jumping and playing at one of these indoor trampoline parks or visit the action-packed Area 53 Adventure Parks in Brooklyn. 

16. Play with Paint – Midtown

Shot of Art lets creativity explode—sometimes quite literally!—visit for spin art, splash art, fluid art, and more multi-colored fun.

17. Don't Miss Kids Week at the Intrepid – Hell's Kitchen

There's no better place to spend a day of February break than at the Intrepid's annual action-packed Kids Week, which takes place from Saturday, February 14-Saturday, February 21, 2026. Make sure to explore the history of this storied museum while you're there.

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Guy Fawkes masks, often associated with the hacker group Anonymous, are displayed in a Spyscape exhibit about hacking. Photo by Ros Muggeridge

18.  Go Roller Skating in Retro Style – Bushwich, Brooklyn

Xanadu offers a retro roller rink experience in the heart of Bushwick, Brooklyn, and is sure to help bust your winter blues.

19. Get Into Shape at Brooklyn Sluggers – Red Hook, Brooklyn

Brooklyn Sluggers is perfect for beginners and serious athletes. The locally owned spot features coin-operated batting cages, pitching tunnels, and a parent lounge. We've got more options for batting cages throughout the city. Be sure to book your session in advance.

20. Experience Pinkmas at the Edge – Hudson Yards

Museum of Ice Cream’s beloved Pinkmas celebration takes to the sky for the first time ever — only at Edge.  Step into a whimsical world of vibrant pink installations, life-size ice cream pints, and a hanging banana jungle — all set against Edge’s breathtaking backdrop.

21. Play at Let's Dress Up – Upper East Side, Chelsea

Book an afternoon of princess play fun at Let's Dress Up, which has locations on the Upper East Side and in Chelsea.

Best Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids in NYC

22. Go Sledding in Prospect Park – Park Slope, Brooklyn

Brooklyn families love to go sledding in the Nethermead in Prospect Park where hills are just sloped enough to make for a lot of speed. If you don't live in Park Slope, take the F to 7th Avenue because parking can be difficult.  For more options in Brooklyn and around the city, check our list of the city's best sledding hills. 

23. Drive Ice Bumper Cars in Bryant Park – Midtown

Bumper Cars in Bryant Park generally pops up in January, bringing with it a smashing good time. Remeber to reserve in advance because they are very popular. 

24. Glide on Ice Skates under the Brooklyn Bridge – DUMBO, Brooklyn

Go ice skating under the Brooklyn Bridge at Glide. The breathtaking views alone are worth if even if you a bit shaky on skates. Afterwards, make a stop at Jacque Torres for the most molten, best hot chocolate. Take a twirl on other outdoor ice skating rinks in NYC.

25. Take a Ride on a Vintage Carousel – DUMBO

Along with ice skating, another winter outdoor activity that makes most of the waterfront views in DUMBO is riding Jane's Carousel. The carousel spins a bit slower than the others, but all the better to enjoy the views. If not Jane's, hop on one of the other NYC's beautiful, spinning carousels. Many are open year-round and nestled in some of our favorite parks.

26. Smell the Flowers at the Orchid Show at NYBG – The Bronx

Escape the chill of winter with the NYBG's annual ode to orchids. This time, t​he theme of the Orchid Show is Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle runs from February 7 through April 26, 2026.  

27. Visit the Statue of Liberty – New York Harbor

Hop aboard the ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty Museum.

28. Spend the Day Outside

See how many of these 40 outdoor winter activities you can conquer.

Must-Do Winter Events in NYC

29. Take the Family to See Wicked – Midtown

There are quite a few family-friendly shows on Broadway! Make it a full-day adventure by exploring Times Square.

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Hit the local sledding hill for hours of fun when the flakes fly. Photo by author

30. Attend the NYBG Holiday Train Show 

The Holiday Train Show at NYBG is hands-on the best train show out there. Be amazed as model trains zip through a miniature wonderland of nearly 200 New York landmark replicas, each re-created from natural materials such as leaves, seeds, twigs, bark, acorns, and cinnamon sticks.

31. Dine in an Igloo at 230 Fifth Rooftop – Flatiron

Embrace outdoor dining even in winter by having a cozy winter meal in a heated igloo. Many of the spots are very popular so make sure to make reservations in advance. 

32. Ride on the Polar Express – Various locations

Celebrate the season by taking a Polar Express train ride near NYC. We've rounded up festive Polar Express train rides, Christmas trains, and holiday trolleys all within a whistle's blow of the New York City metro area.

33. Cozy Up with a Cup of Hot Chocolate at Max Brenner - Union Square

There's nothing better than a cup of hot chocolate to warm you up. In addition to Max Brenner, we've got some other suggestions for the best hot chocolate in the city. 

34. Peruse the Unique Finds at Williamsburg Winter Village – Wiliamsburg

Williamsburg Winter Village is the newest of the holiday markets to open in NYC featuring handmade goodies, vintage finds, and only-in-NYC gifts. Check out the wares in the holiday markets in Bryant Park, Union Square, Columbus Circle, and Grand Central. 

Creative Winter Day Trips from NYC

35. Visit Kartrite Indoor Water Park – Monticello, New York

The Kartrite indoor water park, located in the Catskills, is home to 80,000 square feet of rides, slides, and pools. The entire space is covered by the world’s largest Texlon transparent roof, ensuring it stays at an optimal 84 degrees. If you have kids who love to swim year-round, there are plenty of indoor water parks just a short drive from NYC.

36. Book a Staycation at Rocking Horse Ranch Resort – Highland, New York

Less than two hours from Manhattan, Rocking Horse Ranch Resort has activities to keep everyone occupied and stimulated like ice skating, horseback riding, mountain snow tubing, seasonal outdoor water sports, mountain climbing, archery, an arcade, and a weatherproof indoor water park. The all-inclusive price also includes delicious meals. Check our list of  family-friendly hotels in New York.

37. Take a Hike at Westchester's Minnewaska State Park

Plan a day trip to explore the trails in Westchester's Minnewaska State Park or New Jersey's High Point State Park.

38. Visit Art Omi Sculpture Park – Ghent, New York 

Plan an outdoor art day trip to explore larger-than-life sculptures and breathe some fresh air. Art Omi is a great sculpture park for young kids because the artworks are contained within a smaller area and there are kids' workshops on the weekends. Admission is FREE. 

 39. Hop On a Train For a Daycation

Explore one of these nearby towns or attractions, even without a car.

40. Hit the Slopes at Mount Peter – Warwick, New York

Make your plans now to hit the slopes at one of these local-ish ski areas. Mount Peter is  particularly great for beginners and kids and they FREE beginner lessons. 

41. Go Snow Tubing at Campgaw – Mahaw

Campgaw Mountain has 10 snowtubing lanes and the closest to Manhattan. Here's more options for snow tubing near NYC.

42. Hang Out at American Dream Mall – New Jersey

Indulge in some over-the-top suburban fun at the action-packed American Dream Mall. Romp in the Sesame Street Learn and Play, ride the rides at Nickelodeon Universe, the slopes at Big Snow, or the waves at DreamWorks Animation Water Park. You can also hit the links with the Angry Birds, explore the Sea Life Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center, or, you know, just shop in a super-sized candy store or two-story Toys R Us.

Free or Cheap Things To Do with Kids in Winter in NYC

43 . Spend a Day at Governors Island 

There's plenty to do over at Governors Island, just a seven-minute ferry ride from Manhattan. Visit on Saturday, February 7, 2026, to watch master artists at work carving ice statues.

44. Attend the Lunar New Year Parade – Chinatown

Line the streets of Chinatown to cheer on the dragon dancers and usher in the Year of the Horse at the annual Lunar New Year Parade on Sunday, March 1, 2026. FREE

45. Play at FAO Schwarz – Midtown East

FAO Schwarz is a fun anytime destination to dance on the giant piano, take a selfie with a toy soldier, browse the aisles, and see a few amazing magic demos.

46. Explore AMNH – Upper West Side

The American Museum of Natural History never disappoints and is always pay what you want for the permanent exhibits. While you're there check out the Gilder Center, peruse the Impact The End of the Age of Dinosaurs exhibit, and introduce yourself to its newest star dino, Apex. Don't forget to see the amazing butterflies in the Butterfly Vivarium, which requires separate tickets. 

47. Encourage Book Worm Behavior at Books are Magic – Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights 

Browse the shelves at one of our favorite independent bookstore, Books are Magic or visit one of these public library locations with great children's sections. Books are Magic hosts kids' events so make sure to check their calendar. 

48. Wander Around Grand Central – Midtown East

Outside of rush hour, you can wander around a relatively peaceful Grand Central and explore some of the family-friendly fun within.

49.Test Your Luck at a Anime Claw Claw Machine Arcade – Flushing Queens

Claw machine arcades have been popping up all over the five boroughs. Do you have the steady hand required to nab a cute and cuddly prize at one of these colorful locations? At Anime Claw, the tokens are $1 and most games between 2-3 tokens per play, 

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Enjoy a scenic skate underneath the Brooklyn Bridge with spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. Photo by Diana Kim

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See NYC's leading lady without all the tourists. Photo by author 

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Mount Peter, in the heart of the Hudson Valley, is a great place for beginning skiers.

FAQs About Winter Activities in NYC

Q: What are the best indoor activities for toddlers in winter?
A: For toddlers, seek out indoor playspaces, storytimes at bookstores and libraries, and children's museums. Some of the climbing gyms and trampline parks have toddler areas with soft-blocks and toys. 

Q: Where can I find free winter activities in NYC?
A: Libraries, parks, and local community centers often host no-cost family events.

Q: What are some winter activities that work for all ages?
A: For kids of all ages, we love escape rooms, outdoor light shows, train rides, and indoor playgrounds. 

Q: Is there snow in NYC during winter?
A: New York City gets most of its snow in January and February. Hit the sledding hills, or make snow angels in your nearby city park.  

This post, originally published in January 2010, is updated annually.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of their respective venues