Looking for the best things to do with kids on the Upper West Side? Whether you’re a local parent or visiting Manhattan with little ones, the Upper West Side is a family paradise filled with museums, parks, storytimes, and more. This kid-friendly guide includes all the info you need to plan stress-free, fun-filled outings.
Let’s explore the top 10 kid-approved activities with full details for parents.
🗺️ Quick Overview: Top Kid-Friendly Spots on the Upper West Side
| Activity | Best For | Type | Parent Perks |
| American Museum of Natural History | Ages 3–12 | Museum | Indoor exhibits, changing tables, food court |
| Diana Ross Playground | Ages 2–7 | Outdoor Play | Water jets, shaded seating |
| Children’s Museum of Manhattan | Ages 1–10 | Indoor Museum | Sensory zones, stroller access |
| Riverside Skate Park & Playground | Ages 4–12 | Skate & Playground | River breeze, open layout |
| Randall’s Island Park | Ages 0–10 | Outdoor Play | River views, stops along the way |
| Book Culture Story Time | Ages 0–6 | Bookstore | Free events, cozy corner |
| NYPL St. Agnes Branch | Ages 0–12 | Library | Crafts, LEGO, reading hours |
| Ellington in the Park | All Ages | Family Dining | Kid menu, stroller-friendly |
| Hudson River Greenway | Ages 4+ | Bike Ride | River views, stops along the way |
| Little Engine Playground | Toddlers | Park Playground | Mini climbers, sandbox |
1. American Museum of Natural History 🦖
A must-visit for families, this iconic museum features lifelike dinosaurs, interactive science exhibits, a planetarium, and rotating kid-friendly shows. Little ones are captivated by towering skeletons, immersive video displays, and the Discovery Room designed just for children.
What Parents Need to Know:
- Opening Hours: Daily 10 am–5:30 pm
- Admission: Pay-what-you-wish for NY residents; general $28 adults, $16 kids
- Parking: On-site garage available ($20+)
- Reservation Needed: Yes, book online in advance
- Crowds: Busy weekends; mornings are best
- Kid-Friendly Features: Discovery Room, dino halls, space shows
- Food & Facilities: Café and restrooms with changing tables
- What to Bring: Snacks, stroller, refillable water bottle
- Rules: No food in exhibit halls, stroller parking in some areas
- 📍 200 Central Park West, NY 10024
2. Diana Ross Playground in Central Park 🌳
This whimsical play space offers water jets in summer, multiple climbing areas, and lots of shady benches for caregivers. Its soft surfaces and enclosed layout make it ideal for toddlers and preschoolers.
What Parents Need to Know:
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Street parking or nearby garages
- Reservation Needed: No
- Crowds: Mornings are quieter
- Features: Swings, climbing structures, splash pad
- Food & Facilities: Restrooms nearby, bring your own food
- What to Bring: Change of clothes (for water play), sunscreen
- Rules: No dogs allowed in the playground, and children must be supervised
- 📍 West 81st St & Central Park West
3. Children’s Museum of Manhattan 🎨
A five-floor indoor experience designed entirely with children in mind, CMOM offers climbing zones, water play, sensory exploration, and rotating hands-on exhibits that encourage imagination and learning.
What Parents Need to Know:
- Opening Hours: Wed–Sun, 10 am–5 pm
- Admission: $16 per person; free for under 1
- Parking: Street parking or garages nearby
- Reservation Needed: Yes, via website
- Crowds: Busier on weekends
- Features: Climbing spaces, water exhibits, art labs
- Food & Facilities: Café nearby; changing stations inside
- What to Bring: Socks, water bottles
- Rules: Adults must be accompanied by a child
- 📍 212 W 83rd St, NY 10024
4. Riverside Park Skate Park & Playground 🍹
An all-ages outdoor spot where older kids can scooter and skate, while little siblings enjoy nearby jungle gyms, sandboxes, and swings. The river views and breezes make it a bonus for caregivers.
What Parents Need to Know:
- Opening Hours: 9 am–dusk
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Limited street parking
- Reservation Needed: No
- Crowds: Afternoons can be busy
- Features: Skate ramps, jungle gyms, sandbox
- Food & Facilities: Food trucks nearby; limited restrooms
- What to Bring: Helmets, scooters/skates, water
- Rules: Helmets required; skate at your own risk
- 📍 Riverside Park South @ W 108th St
5. Randall’s Island Park 🌳
A hidden gem in the city, Randall’s Island Park offers wide open fields, scenic walking trails, and playgrounds perfect for young explorers. It’s ideal for weekend picnics or letting kids run free with views of the East River.
What Parents Need to Know:
- Opening Hours: Daily 6 am–9 pm
- Admission: Free
- Parking: On-site parking available (free in many areas)
- Reservation Needed: No
- Crowds: Light on weekdays, busier on weekends
- Features: Playgrounds, picnic areas, bike paths, sports fields
- Food & Facilities: Restrooms available; bring your own snacks
- What to Bring: Picnic blanket, sunscreen, bikes or scooters
- Rules: Children must be supervised at all times
- 📍 Randall’s Island Park, NY 10035
6. Book Culture Bookstore Story Time 📚
A favorite of Upper West Side families, this indie bookstore hosts free weekly story times and occasional seasonal crafts, all in a cozy, kid-friendly space.
What Parents Need to Know:
- Opening Hours: Daily 10 am–7 pm
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Metered parking nearby
- Reservation Needed: Some events require an RSVP
- Crowds: Small space; come early
- Features: Story corner, curated books, seasonal crafts
- Food & Facilities: Nearby food options
- What to Bring: Blanket (for sitting), snacks
- Rules: Respect quiet times during readings
- 📍 450 Columbus Ave, NY 10024
7. New York Public Library – St. Agnes Branch 📖
This welcoming library branch features regular toddler storytime, LEGO building days, and family craft events—all free and open to the public.
What Parents Need to Know:
- Opening Hours: Varies by day (closed Sundays)
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Limited street parking
- Reservation Needed: Sometimes for special events
- Crowds: Storytimes fill quickly
- Features: Kids’ books, LEGO Club, crafts
- Food & Facilities: No food inside; restrooms available
- What to Bring: Library card or ID for borrowing
- Rules: Quiet environment; phones on silent
- 📍 444 Amsterdam Ave, NY 10024
8. Ellington in the Park (Family-Friendly Dining) 🍔
Located right off Riverside Park, Ellington in the Park is a casual, kid-friendly outdoor café with river views, a relaxed vibe, and a menu that satisfies all ages—from burgers and fries to salads and tacos.
What Parents Need to Know:
- Opening Hours: Daily, 11:30 am–10 pm (weather permitting)
- Admission: Menu priced
- Parking: Street parking nearby
- Reservation Needed: Walk-ins welcome
- Crowds: Busy during weekends and warm evenings
- Features: Open-air seating, family-friendly menu
- Food & Facilities: High chairs, public restrooms nearby
- What to Bring: Sunscreen, stroller-friendly
- Rules: No outside food; pets allowed on leash
- 📍 Riverside Park, W 105th St & Riverside Dr, New York, NY 10025
9. Hudson River Greenway Bike Ride 🚲
This riverside bike path offers wide lanes perfect for families with bike trailers, scooters, or training wheels—and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
What Parents Need to Know:
- Opening Hours: Always open
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Street parking
- Reservation Needed: No
- Crowds: Weekends are busier
- Features: Smooth paths, playground stops, river views
- Food & Facilities: Food trucks and public restrooms nearby
- What to Bring: Bikes, helmets, sunscreen
- Rules: Stay right, pass left, wear helmets
- 📍 Entrance at W 72nd St
10. Little Engine Playground 🚂
This adorable train-themed playground features a mini engine climber, a sandbox, and low slides designed just for toddlers. It’s a peaceful, shaded spot great for morning play.
What Parents Need to Know:
- Opening Hours: 8 am–dusk
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Street parking nearby
- Reservation Needed: No
- Crowds: Less crowded on weekday mornings
- Features: Climbing engine, sandbox, mini swings
- Food & Facilities: Limited facilities nearby
- What to Bring: Wipes, snacks, water
- Rules: No bikes, supervise children closely
- 📍 W 67th St & Riverside Blvd
Final Tips for Families Exploring the Upper West Side
🥃 Pack snacks and water for playground days
🚫 Always check for restrooms before long visits
📱 Bookmark this list or save it on your phone for quick access
🎟️ Book museum tickets in advance to skip lines
🌤️ Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded
✅ Wrapping It Up: Your Upper West Side Family Fun Checklist
Whether it’s sunny park days or indoor play on rainy afternoons, there’s no shortage of family fun on the Upper West Side. From dinosaurs to playgrounds and storytime adventures, your child’s perfect day is just around the corner.
📌 Planning your next adventure? Share this guide with fellow parents or bookmark it for your next family outing!
🌟 Looking for a nurturing, play-based learning environment right here on the Upper West Side?
At StarAKidz, we combine fun, learning, and care to help every child shine. Whether you’re exploring the neighborhood or planning your child’s next adventure, make us part of your journey.
👉 Schedule a tour today and discover how StarAKidz can support your family’s early learning goals.
