How to Have a Family-Friendly Day Out Downtown

Lower Manhattan has plenty of things to keep kids entertained, you just have to know where to look. To help, we’ve rounded up a whole day of kid-friendly activities, from massive indoor playgrounds to interactive museums to iconic New York sights. Here’s our itinerary for the perfect family day in Lower Manhattan — do note that this might be a bit packed for some kiddies, so you can also stretch these activities out over the course of a multi-day trip (or save some for the next time you’re in town!). 

First Stop: Pearl Diner (212 Pearl St.) 

Fuel up at Pearl Diner, a classic diner that’s got something for even the pickiest eaters in your family: Pancakes, waffles, breakfast burritos, egg sandwiches and omelettes are all on the menu. Wash down the biggest meal of the day with unlimited coffee (for the adults) and hot chocolate or orange juice for the kids. 

Second Stop: Battery Urban Farm 

Located in the Battery between the Oval and the SeaGlass Carousel, this unique urban farm is worth a visit. Your family can walk the grounds and learn about the many herbs, flowers, fruits and vegetables through educational signage scattered throughout. The garden also offers more structured kid-centric programs, including farm tours and family volunteer days. It’s open to the public between April and November, and it’s typically open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Third Stop: Complete Playground (30 Broad St.)

Let the kids get their wiggles out at New York City’s largest indoor playground. It’s designed specifically to accommodate children who are neurodiverse as well as those who are neurotypical. Here, everyone can roll, slide, climb and bounce to their heart’s content. They have special sensory hours from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The space also has an attached cafe with interactive tables that allow everyone to share photos, create artwork and then print out their own creations in the cafe. On the menu, you’ll find Ukrainian-inspired dishes along with kid crowd-pleasers like chicken nuggets, pasta with cheese and mini burgers. A two-hour pass to Complete Playground for kids is $35 on weekdays and $45 on weekends; adults or infants are just $15. You can book playtime through the website. 

Fourth Stop: South Street Seaport Museum (12 Fulton St.) 

This isn’t your typical museum. At the South Street Seaport Museum, you and the kids can climb aboard historic ships “Ambrose” and “Wavertree,” which are permanently moored at Pier 16. Looking to have your own seafaring adventure? Set sail on New York Harbor on the 1885 schooner “Pioneer” or the “W.O. Decker,” the only surviving example of a New York-built wooden tugboat from 1930. The museum also hosts family activity weekends to highlight different aspects of maritime and New York City history. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, and $5 for children under 18.

Fifth Stop: Industry Kitchen (70 South St.) 

Just steps from the South Street Seaport Museum is Industry Kitchen, a casual restaurant with gorgeous waterfront views. For the grown-ups, there are options like braised short rib bao buns, miso-glazed salmon and summer squash gnocchi. The kids menu has items like cheese pizza, cavatelli pasta and a sundae for dessert. 

Sixth Stop: China Institute in America (100 Washington St.) 

This non-profit gallery showcases exhibitions on Chinese art and culture , but the China Institute also frequently hosts family-friendly events like the Hoppy Rabbit Playdate for kids to flex their creativity and play together. The China Institute is open Saturday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and free for children under 16 and China Institute members. 

Seventh Stop: The Skyscraper Museum (39 Battery Pl.)

If your kids love tall buildings (and what kid doesn’t?), they’ll love to look at the exhibitions of models, drawings and photos at the Skyscraper Museum. The museum regularly hosts in-person family programs in which children engage with an educator to learn about urbanism, architecture and engineering through hands-on activities — usually some sort of building or crafting. See the upcoming family schedule here. The best part? Admission is free to all visitors! Just make sure you book tickets ahead of time online. Walk-ins are welcome on a limited basis. Gallery hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m.

Eighth Stop: The Statue of Liberty 

Take the family to New York City’s most iconic landmark. On Liberty Island, you and the kids can get up close and personal with Lady Liberty herself and take photos that are sure to become holiday cards. You can also head over to Ellis Island to learn more about the history of U.S. immigration and walk through the buildings that nearly 12 million immigrants traveled through. Statue City Cruises is the only authorized tour provider. Reserve your tickets online ahead of time; tickets are $25.50 for adults and $16.50 for children. Statue City Cruises ferries depart from Battery Park. The Statue of Liberty is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the last entrance to the statue is at 3:30 p.m. 

Ninth Stop: La Pizza & La Pasta (101 Liberty St.)

After the fam’s big day out, have an early dinner at La Pizza & La Pasta at Eataly’s downtown location. There are pasta and pizza options for all, plus salads, Italian appetizers and desserts like gelato and chocolate custard. For the adults, there’s an extensive wine, beer and cocktail menu. Kick back with a drink — you deserve it. 

main image: courtesy Complete Playground