For those of us fortunate enough to live close to New York City, a winter visit is a must-do. Of course, if you visit around the holidays, seeing the tree in Rockefeller Center is a must. After battling the crowds to get a glimpse of the tree and attempting to take a decent family photo in front of it, now what are you going to do? Here is just some of the NYC winter family fun to be had!
Free:
Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal – See the New York Transit Museum’s annual holiday train show.
Holiday Windows – Check out the holiday window displays at Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany & Co.
Inside:
American Museum of National History – The museum is so large that you really can’t see everything in one day. Current temporary exhibits include Our Senses, the Butterfly Conservatory, Mummies, Inside You, Earthflight, Opulent Oceans and Dark Universe.
Big Apple Circus – The Big Apple Circus is back at Lincoln Center, celebrating its 40th Anniversary. Experience an evening of thrills and laughs through January 7.
Broadway Shows – There are lots of family-friendly Broadway shows. Charlie on Broadway is closing January 14 and SpongeBob Square Pants just opened December 4. Seasonal show Elf is running until December 29 and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is playing through January 1. Other family-friendly shows include Aladdin, Anastasia, Cats, Lion King and School of Rock.
Gulliver’s Gate – A recently opened attraction in Times Square. Step into an interactive world of miniatures. Read all about our family’s experience! Reserved timed tickets start at $31 (if purchased online).
National Geographic: Ocean Odyssey – A unique, immersive underwater experience in Times Square. Read about or family’s recent visit. Reserved timed tickets start at $39.50 (adults).
New York Hall of Science – We have not been to New York Hall of Science yet, but it looks like a lot of fun! This is a hands-on science museum for children (and adults) of all ages. Through January 15, visit special exhibit Gingerbread Lane. See a village of homemade gingerbread houses. On select dates you can even take part in a gingerbread workshop ($15 plus admission). On January 15, the last day of the exhibit, from 2-5 PM, gingerbread houses from the exhibit will be given away on a first-come first serve basis.
Winter Onderland at One World Observatory – Through January 7, visitors will follow Ollie the snow owl from his home in the forest, past famous international landmarks to One World Observatory. Reserved timed tickets start at $36.
Outside:
The Rink at Rockefeller – Ice skate under the famous tree in Rockefeller Center.
Winter Village at Bryant Park – The holiday shops are open until January 2. However, the skating rink is open until March 4.
