You can find discount Broadway tickets at the TKTS Booth by TDF. Standing in line here can be a fun part of the experience before a show.
Discovering Midtown West Attractions
Interactive Family Experiences
For families looking for unique entertainment, Improv 4 Kids offers shows where all ages can get involved. If your children enjoy it, they even have Saturday classes where they can learn the craft of improv. This can be a great way to boost their confidence and creativity.
Another engaging option is The 52nd Street Project. Here, you can see plays that have been written by kids from the neighborhood, but they are performed by professional actors. It’s a wonderful way to support young talent and enjoy a unique theatrical experience.
CAMP is a family experience store with a couple of locations in Midtown West, including one at Columbus Circle and another at Hudson Yards. They often have special themed events, like The Paw Patrol Experience, and they even offer date night drop-off care, which can be a real lifesaver for parents.
The Drama Book Shop is a must-visit for theater lovers. You can browse their extensive collection of over 8,000 scripts. The store itself is quite interesting, with floating scripts that add a unique touch to the atmosphere.
Entertainment and Events
For comic book fans, Midtown Comics is a great place to explore. You can find a wide selection of graphic novels and action figures. It’s a fun stop for kids who enjoy superheroes and fantasy worlds.
Speaking of comics, the Jacob Javits Center hosts New York Comic Con. They have a special Kids’ Day where children can dress up in their favorite superhero costumes. This can be a very exciting event for young fans.
The Javits Center also hosts the New York International Auto Show each spring. It’s a chance to see a variety of cars and can be a fun outing for families who enjoy vehicles.
If you’re looking for something active, there are several bowling alleys. Frames and Bowlero Times Square offer a fun way to spend an afternoon. Bowlero has themed rooms and a good menu for snacks, making it a comfortable choice for families. I’ve learned that going earlier in the day is often best with younger children.
Broadway and Theater
Seeing a kid-friendly Broadway show is a classic New York City experience. There are many productions that are sure to delight children of all ages. I always suggest checking the show schedules in advance to find what’s best for your family.
The New Victory Theater is a smaller venue that is very welcoming to young children. They often feature shows with puppets, circus acts, and movement-based performances, offering a more intimate and often more accessible theatrical experience for younger kids.
Museums and Learning Experiences
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is an incredible place to explore. You can walk around a real aircraft carrier, tour a submarine, and even see a retired space shuttle. It offers a fascinating look into military and space history.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) offers family programs that are great for encouraging creativity. They often have art-making activities and gallery talks designed specifically for kids, making art accessible and fun.
At the Museum of Art and Design, you can participate in Family Days or book parties led by educators. These events are designed to be hands-on and engaging for children. I think these kinds of interactive museum experiences are so valuable for kids.
The Museum of Broadway is a treat for anyone interested in theater history. It’s filled with old costumes, props, Playbills, and even set pieces from famous shows. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the history of the Great White Way.
The Paley Center for Media is another interesting museum. It explores the history of media and often hosts family-friendly events, including a gaming studio that can be a big hit with kids.
Exploring Midtown West Landmarks
Iconic Views and Adventures
For breathtaking views, the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards is remarkable. You can step onto a glass floor and look down at the city below. For the truly adventurous, City Climb offers a unique thrill.
A Circle Line Cruise is a classic tourist activity that gives you a fantastic perspective of the Manhattan skyline. You can choose a full island tour or shorter trips to see landmarks like the Statue of Liberty.
Rise NY in Times Square offers a simulated flight experience over the city. If you’re curious about what it’s like to soar above New York but prefer to stay on solid ground, this attraction provides that sensation.
Shopping and Public Spaces
Macy’s Herald Square is more than just a department store. During holidays, it transforms with Santaland and festive window displays. In the spring, their Flower Show is incredibly popular and very Instagrammable. They also now have a Toys R Us outpost, which is a big draw for kids.
The Garment District is interesting to wander through. You can find fabrics, trims, and supplies for craft projects, and there’s also public art to discover.
Moynihan Train Hall is a stunning modern addition to the city’s transportation hubs. Its bright, airy space and public art make arriving or departing by train a more pleasant experience. I find the architecture quite inspiring.
The High Line is an elevated park built on old railway lines. The new Moynihan-High Line Connector makes it easy to access, allowing you to walk from Moynihan Train Hall all the way down to the Meatpacking District without leaving the park.
Madison Square Garden is a famous venue for concerts and sporting events. You can also catch family-friendly shows at The Theater at MSG, making it a versatile entertainment spot.
Free Family Fun
Times Square itself is home to some fun, free attractions. You can visit giant stores like the Disney Store, M&M’s World, and Hershey’s Chocolate World, where the focus is on play and experience rather than just shopping.
Look for public art in Times Square, like Roy Lichtenstein’s “Times Square Mural” in the subway station. It’s a colorful piece that adds a touch of art to the everyday commute.
Silver Towers Playground features a whimsical Tom Otterness play structure that kids will enjoy climbing on. It’s a unique spot for them to burn some energy.
Hell’s Kitchen Park offers separate play areas for toddlers and older kids, along with a basketball court. It’s a well-designed green space for families.
Bryant Park, located near the border of Midtown West and East, is a hub of activity. It hosts events like Bank of America’s Winter Village, Bryant Park Movie Nights, and Picnic Performances. They also have a game room and reading room, with plenty of free programming throughout the year.
Bella Abzug Park is a central part of the Hudson Yards development and features a cool playground with a rope climbing structure that kids seem to love.
For a chance to get on the water, the Manhattan Community Boathouse at Pier 92 offers free seasonal kayaking during the warmer months. It’s a great way to experience the Hudson River.
Pier 84 Water Play is a fun splash pad area that’s perfect for kids to cool off during the summer.
The Columbus Library is a fantastic resource for free kid-friendly programming, including story times, craft sessions, and movie afternoons.
DeWitt Clinton Park is a large, underused park with a spacious playground, splash pad, and sports courts. It’s a nice spot for a picnic and a relaxing afternoon.
The James Farley Post Office, a historic landmark, has grand steps that make for a great photo opportunity.
Where to Enjoy a Meal
Family-Style Dining
Carmine’s is known for its hearty, family-style Italian dishes. The portions are large, making it ideal for sharing and ensuring everyone at the table gets a good meal. This is the kind of place where my daughter Emma and her younger sister Sofia always find something they like.
Zou Zou’s also offers a family-style dining experience, but with a Mediterranean twist. Their five-dip combo is a great way to start the meal and try a variety of flavors.
Unique Dining Experiences
For a truly unique meal, consider North River Lobster Company. This floating lobster shack picks up from Pier 81 and offers a two-hour cruise on the Hudson River while you dine. They serve authentic lobster rolls, and you can even order “Shelly,” a massive 28-inch lobster roll designed to feed a whole family.
Ninth Avenue is famous for its diverse culinary scene. You can find a wide array of international cuisines along this street, offering endless dining possibilities without needing to wait for the annual food festival.
John’s of Times Square serves delicious coal-fired, brick-oven pizza. The restaurant is located in a beautiful, spacious old church, which creates a unique dining atmosphere and often means there’s no long wait for a table.
Sweet Treats
Cindy Lou’s Cookies is a popular spot for giant cookies with creative flavors. It’s recommended to go early in the day because popular flavors can sell out quickly. I can imagine walking off some of those delicious cookies with a stroll on The High Line afterwards.
The Krispy Kreme mega store in Times Square is an experience in itself. You can watch the doughnuts being made and see if the “Hot Now” sign is lit, indicating fresh batches are ready.
Planning Your Stay
Hotels with Family Perks
The New York Marriott Marquis is located right in Times Square. The glass elevators are a hit with kids, and the hotel has undergone recent renovations. It also features a restaurant with high-up views of the city.
TRYP New York City Times Square South offers family-sized rooms, with some even featuring two bathrooms, which can be incredibly convenient for families traveling together. Having that extra space and a second bathroom can make a big difference for comfort.
Thompson Central Park New York provides a number of kid-friendly amenities and often has baby necessities on hand. The hotel also houses the “Burger Joint,” a somewhat hidden spot in the lobby that’s known for its great burgers.
When considering accommodation, think about what is most important for your family, whether it’s proximity to attractions, spacious rooms, or specific amenities. Checking details about amenities and availability before booking is always a good idea.
