Camp by MaMa: Top 10 NYC Destinations for Kids | Stamford Moms

One of the advantages of living in Fairfield County, CT is that we are a quick train ride away from New York City. NYC is a huge playground for kids and I love taking my kids there. So when Stamford Moms asked me to write a blog post with my top 10 favorite places, I was really excited to share! With world-class museums, well-known zoos, thrilling theater shows, Central Park, five star restaurants, and iconic attractions, “Mom, I’m bored” isn’t ever heard. Whether you’re a local or a first-timer, here are Camp by Mama’s top ten favorite NYC spots to take the kids.

  1. American Museum of Natural History
    Central Park West & 79th St, New York, NY 10024 | 212.769.5100

One of the largest museums in the world, this complex includes 28 interconnected buildings housing 45 exhibition halls, in addition to a planetarium and a library. Their collections contain over 33 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, human remains, and human cultural artifacts. Bonus, this museum is getting a $340 million expansion that will be completed in 2020. My children especially liked the T-Rex fossil display during their visit. And did you know they have night sleepovers at the Museum?!

  1. The Blue Box Cafe 
    727 5th Ave, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10022 | 212.605.4270

Tiffany’s Blue Box Cafe is located on the 4th floor of Tiffany’s New York flagship store. Serving American classics made with the highest quality. We were so excited when the announcement was made that you could now have Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I recently took my two daughters and the whole experience was worth every penny. Ava and Gianna got dressed up to the theme of the movie with black dresses, pearl necklaces, and tiaras. Absolutely a great time!

  1. The Pint Shop by Museum of Ice Cream
    459 W 14th St, New York, NY 10014 | 856.431.3807

An interactive grocery shopping destination, complete with immersive installations, a reservation-only tasting experience and the debut of their very own ice cream. This NYC shop is a pop up through August 18, 2018.

  1. See A Broadway Show
    The Theater District is in the heart of Midtown West

NYC features plenty of theater that’s perfect for all ages: long-running classics like The Lion King and Wicked, newer musicals like SpongeBob SquarePants and Disney’s Frozen, and revivals like Once on This Island and Hello, Dolly. It doesn’t get much better than getting the kids all dressed up for the theater, on Broadway. Frozen is on our bucket list.

  1. Dylan’s Candy Bar
    1011 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10065 | 646.735.0078
    33 Union Square W, New York, NY 10003 | 646.419.2000

The ultimate candy shop, sugar high! Dylan’s is home to the largest selection of candies and candy-related gifts from around the world. Three levels of every candy you can think of. Try cotton candy in the shape of a unicorn horn, sample various flavors of fudge, and order a milkshake or ice cream. My 5 and 8 year olds were totally satisfied with the visit!

  1. Central Park 
    Central Park stretches from North 110th Street to Central Park South (59th Street), and from Central Park West (8th Avenue) to 5th Ave.

Many attractions in Central Park were created specifically with kids in mind. There are playgrounds, there’s a zoo, traditional merry-go-round, boat rides on the lake, horse and carriage tours, kids adventure theater, story telling, ice skating, Belvedere Castle’s Henry Luce Nature Observatory, swimming at Lasker Pool, fishing at the Meer, storytelling, Marionette Theatre, model boat sailing, and large bronze statues of Alice, the Mad Hatter & the White Rabbit from Lewis Carroll’s classic book. The best description is simply ‘never ending’.

  1. SeaGlass Carousel
    Water Street &, State Street, New York, NY 10004 | 212-344-3491

A fish-themed carousel in Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan Island. Created by the Battery Conservancy to pay homage to the now-closed New York Aquarium, the SeaGlass Carousel is a whimsical take on a traditional carousel. Children sit within 30 different iridescent fish that glide through an aquatic adventure, all lit up with color-changing LED lights. The carousel is open seven days a week and only costs $5 per person.

  1. Flour Shop
    177 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013 | 212.235.7049

This Instagrammable bakery is best known for their rainbow sprinkle explosion cakes. Decor is very trendy and colorful. The staff was friendly and the shop has a fun vibe to it. During our visit we purchased cake push pops, which were very tasty. The store is the perfect spot for the cutest NYC photo shoot!

  1. American Girl Doll Store  
    75 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10019 | 877.247.5223

This is a beautiful store, every little girl’s dream. My daughters spent much time walking around the store checking out the dolls and the accessories. You can literally take your dolls to get their hair styled at the salon and then have lunch with your dolls in the cafe. Be sure to call or go online to make reservations.

  1. One World Observatory
    285 Fulton St, New York, NY 10006 | 844.696.1776

The top of the One World Observatory is the highest viewpoint in New York City and offers spectacular 360-degree views all over Manhattan and beyond. The Observatory is located on floors 100-102 of One World Trade Center, with exhibits & restaurants. One World Observatory is great for kids and guests of all ages. My girls were so impressed by the stunning city views and the interactive exhibits are family-friendly.

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