Fun things to do in NYC with kids

We know keeping the kids happy can be one of the trickiest parts of any vacation—and one of the most expensive, too! But in New York City, you don’t actually need to spend lots of cash to keep your little ones happy and entertained. To help you out, we’ve gathered some great things to do in NYC with kids, all under $25.

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Make some furry friends

Want to meet snow leopards, penguins and adorablered pandas? Head to Central Park, where the small but fun Central Park Zoo is tucked in amid the trees. The advantage to its small size is that you won’t have to walk miles end-to-end while enjoying the animals and the iconic park’s scenery. And at $18 and $13 max for adult and kids’ tickets, respectively, it’ll cost about as much as lunch.

Discover ancient sea creatures

The Museum of Natural History is famous for more than just Ben Stiller movies. Here, your little ones can learn about ancient and modern history through enthralling exhibits that show life beneath the sea, man’s evolution and so, so much more. Plus, your kids might actually learn something as they stare up at the artifacts and animals from all over the world.

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See the statue of Liberty for free

Simply hop onboard the free Staten Island Ferry! It can be a fun, relaxing boat ride just as much as a tour (just make sure to bundle up in the winter). As you glide through the waters, take in views of the Statue of Liberty and New Jersey. Point out your favorite buildings in that beautiful skyline, or kick back with a warming cup of coffee from the onboard shop.

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Get that adrenaline pumping

Sure, Coney Island is a little farther away from the city center than the rest of the activities on this list. But if you’re in the market for some old-fashioned summer fun, beeline for the boardwalk. It’s chock-full of attractions and rides, including several roller coasters, namely the famous Cyclone. More importantly though, you can chow down on candy apples, pizza and lobster rolls.

Yankee Stadium Tour

This is a must for sports fans. The awe-inspiring stadium is a baseball legend all its own, meaning a tour is a must. You’ll get to poke around the stadium,including the locker room, and see some fabled awards and trophies ($18 for adults; $16 for kids). Private tours are also available for the most die-hard baseball fans.

Inside the Yankee Stadium| Flickr CC: rcubed

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Toys R Us – Times Square

Right in the heart of Times Square, you’ll find every kid’s dream: A too-big-to-be-allowed Toys R Us store. It’s so big that you can actually take a tour, or you could just roam around the store’s aisles upon aisles of brightly colored toys. Along the way you’ll find sweet treats in Candyland; a 20-foot-tall, animatronic Jurassic Park T. rex; and the entire Manhattan skyline built in Legos. You can also see all this and more from the massive, indoor Ferris wheel. Oh, and good luck suppressing that inner child in here.

Tagged: Family time, New York