Grand Central Terminal, more commonly known as Grand Central Station, is a historic landmark and transportation hub located in midtown Manhattan. It serves as a major hub for the Metro-North Railroad, which offers service to the suburbs north of New York City, as well as being a terminal for subway lines 4, 5, 6, and 7.
Millions of people enter New York via Grand Central Station every year. And if you and your family are among them, you won’t have to look far for great things to do in the area. Thanks to its midtown Manhattan location, Grand Central Station is close to lots of what makes New York so special. Drop off your bags at a Grand Central Station luggage storage, and you can walk or take the subway to some top attractions.
Located in the heart of New York City, Grand Central Station is surrounded by a variety of activities and attractions that are perfect for families with children. Here are ten things to do with kids near Grand Central Station:
Visit the New York Transit Museum
Located just a few blocks from Grand Central Station, the New York Transit Museum is a must-see for any child interested in trains and transportation. With a huge selection of exhibits on the history of the city’s subway and bus systems, as well as a collection of vintage trains and buses that kids can explore, this is a fun day out for the whole family.
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Take a stroll through Bryant Park
Another short walk from Grand Central Station, Bryant Park is a popular destination for families. The park offers a variety of kid-friendly activities, including a carousel, a small amusement park, and a puppet theater. The park also hosts tons of events and activities throughout the year, such as outdoor movie screenings and festivals. It’s a great way to get the kids to burn off some energy and spend some time outdoors, and also the ideal place to recharge your batteries before taking on the chaos of the city. And, maybe best of all, it won’t cost you a dime!
Visit the Children’s Museum of the Arts
Located on Charlton Street, the Children’s Museum of the Arts is a hands-on museum that encourages kids to explore their creativity through a variety of art-based activities. You’ll find an enviable selection of exhibits and programs designed specifically for children, including a clay studio, a printmaking studio, and a digital media lab. This museum will encourage your kids to express their artistic side and maybe even reveal some hidden talents.
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Go Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
Depending on when you visit NYC, a great family-friendly stop on your itinerary is the famous Rockefeller Center Ice Rink. The rink is open to the public during the winter months and is a great way for kids to get some exercise and have fun. If you’re in New York at the right time of year, this is one of the quintessential winter activities you simply have to enjoy. Plus, it’s one of the best photo opportunities in New York City.
Visit the Central Park Zoo
Have any animal lovers in your group? If so, check out the Central Park Zoo. A variety of animals, including grizzly bears, sea lions, monkeys, and birds, call it home. It’s a bit weird to find all these animals in the middle of Manhattan, but that’s New York for you. Plus, the zoo has experiences like animal feedings and quest stations and even has rides.
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Explore the American Museum of Natural History
A gem on the Upper West Side, the American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest and most popular museums in the world. It’s not surprising that it’s so heavily visited when you learn about all it contains. The museum features a variety of exhibits on topics such as dinosaurs, animals, and human cultures, so it’s definitely a fantastic destination for families with children. This famous museum has been entertaining kids of all ages for generations, and it is sure to be hit with your kids too.
Go on a Tour of the City
There are a bunch of tour companies that offer guided tours of New York City, many of which are geared toward families with children. These tours can be a great way to see the city and learn about its history while also keeping kids entertained. Try going on a scavenger hunt to explore some of the lesser-known areas of the city. The activity will keep your kids engaged while learning something new.
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Take a Trip to the Top of the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City, and luckily, it’s only a few blocks from Grand Central Station. The building’s observation deck offers panoramic views of the city, so everyone will love pausing here for a bit to admire the NYC skyline. Don’t forget your camera!
Visit the Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Another attraction on the Upper West Side, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, is a hands-on museum that encourages kids to explore the world around them through a variety of interactive exhibits and programs. If your kids are interested in topics such as science, art, and culture, make time for this destination when you’re in town.
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Go on a Boat Tour of the City
Most kids love getting out on the water, and there are boat tours that depart from various locations around Manhattan. Nothing beats an iconic shot of the Statue of Liberty from the deck of a boat, but the kids will enjoy exploring around the island of Manhattan and beyond. This is a great way to get some fresh air and get a better sense of what makes New York so special, including its magnificent skyline, which is never better than when seen from the water.
Conclusion
It may be big, crowded, noisy, and expensive, but New York is also a great city to visit on a family trip. There is so much to do in the Big Apple that neither you nor your kids need ever be bored. Drop off your bags and try some of these popular activities, and both you and your kids will see for yourselves what makes New York such a frequently visited city.
