I always knew New York City was a museum-lovers’ paradise, but I didn’t know how many toddler-friendly museums dotted the city until I became a mom. Some of my happiest days have been spent watching my kids toddle around children’s museums, lighting up at every colorful new discovery. Many grown up museums are also surprisingly toddler-friendly and offer a chance for mom and dad to have some fun, too.
Whether you’re looking for a quick outing or an all-day event, we’ve compiled a list of the best museums for toddlers in New York City. These places feature hands-on learning, sensory play, and space to toddle or crawl. Most of them are stroller-friendly.
For more on the best museums for kids of all ages, check out our extensive NYC Kids’ Guide to Museums and Galleries. And peruse our list of when and where to take advantage of FREE admission at museums, zoos, and other attractions in New York City.
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Best Toddler-Friendly Museums in NYC1. 81st Street Studio at The Met – Upper East Side
This FREE children’s studio at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a 3,500-square-foot, hands-on art and play area that opened in 2023. It’s an awesome, toddler-friendly addition to a magnificent museum.
Best for: Little builders; music lovers
Why toddlers love it: There’s a small slide, a padded nest area, and plenty of room to romp. There are also building blocks, sandbags to stack, and an interactive music corner.
Good to know for parents: The 81st Street Studio is FREE for all. While you’re there, ask for an 81st Street Studio Family Field Guide and use it to secure free admission for up to four visitors to the main museum. The 81st Street Studio is easiest accessed from the ground-floor entrance on the south side of the museum, where the line is usually much shorter! Outside the museum, Ancient Playground is just steps away on the edge of Central Park.
Toddlers can touch, play, and sort their way through the Discovery Room at AMNH. Photo by Jody Mercier
2. American Museum of Natural History – Upper West Side
This kid-friendly museum got even better a few years ago with the addition of the massive new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. But little ones have long been wowed by the classic exhibits like the dinosaur skeletons, life-sized animals in their habitats, and the giant blue whale hanging from the ceiling.
Best for: Dinosaur fans and animal lovers; intrepid toddlers and parents who don’t mind navigating the massive space
Why toddlers love it: The dinosaurs! The whale! Animals galore! There’s also a year-round live butterfly exhibit (a paid add-on to regular admission) and enough exhibit halls to wander all day. We’re big fans of the newly reopened Discovery Room, which offers hands-on fun for learners of all ages—but is particularly tot-friendly during its Pre-K hours on weekday mornings, when kids 4 and younger get the space to themselves.
Good to know for parents: It’s not unusual for crowds of people to stretch down the block at AMNH, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons like summertime and the holidays. Go on a weekday if you can, about an hour after opening. If your little one is easily scared, take note that many of the exhibit areas have low lighting and some of the animal displays can be scary (like the giant squid in the Hall of Ocean Life and some of the predators in other areas). General admission is pay-what-you-wish for those who live, work, or go to school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut.
Skip if: You’re not into crowds
3. Bronx Children’s Museum – West Concourse, the Bronx
Bronx parents rejoiced when this museum opened in 2022 and brought a much-needed kid-friendly space to the Boogie Down borough. Featuring all kinds of themed play areas, The Nest is the most toddler-friendly. It’s designed for babies and children up to age 3 and features a mini ball pit, space to crawl and toddle, and lots of hands-on sensory play.
Best for: The littlest ones; children who enjoy sensory play.
Why toddlers love it: A 35-foot-long water table with boats to play with and levers to pull; a hands-on animal exhibit where little ones can touch a horseshoe crab shell and search for the resident tortoise; plenty of activities and room to roam within a bright and open space
Good to know for parents: The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Keep an eye out for special events and “Sensory Saturdays,” with blocks of time dedicated to accommodating children of all abilities. Bring a change of clothes if your little one is into water play. (Smocks are available, but of course aren’t always 100% effective.)
4. New York Hall of Science – Flushing, Queens
While this huge, STEM-focused museum is great for older kids, there are plenty of hands-on exhibits for little ones, including Preschool Place for ages 6 and younger. When the weather is nice, don’t miss the awesome Science Playground outside.
Best for: Adventurous toddlers; little ones with older siblings
Why toddlers love it: Preschool Place features fun pulleys and wheelbarrows, as well as soft padded areas for crawling and exploring.
Good to know for parents: The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. FREE admission is offered on Fridays from 2-5pm. Just be sure to book your tickets at 10am the same day to get a spot.
CMOM is perfectly sized for toddler play! Photo by Jody Mercier
5. Children’s Museum of Manhattan – Upper West Side
This small but mighty museum is a toddler wonderland. Little ones can feed letters to Alphie the Dragon, climb on a mini firetruck, and romp around multiple floors of exhibits. In 2028, the museum is expected to move to a huge new location at 96th Street and Central Park West.
Best for: Kids who are OK with some chaos; vehicle lovers
Why toddlers love it: The space is colorful and fun, but not overwhelming in its size or scope. It’s especially designed for the littlest New Yorkers, so just about everything is within reach of little hands.
Good to know for parents: Because the space is on the small side, it can get chaotic fast. Try to avoid weekends and holidays if you can.
6. Color Factory – Soho
This vibrant space in Soho is more of an Instagrammable experience than a traditional museum. It’s also the most expensive spot on our list. But it’s full of bright and beautiful spaces that are, of course, quite colorful, and little ones can have a great time here.
Best for: Photo-ops, toddlers who love a ball pit
Why toddlers love it: Rainbows of color at every turn and a massive ball pit with a slide
Good to know for parents: Prices range from $35-$45 per person (everyone 2 and up needs a ticket). Admission includes some snacks and a small gift at the end. Be aware that you’ll be funneled into a gift shop before exiting.
Skip if: You’re on a budget; you want a more traditional museum experience
7. Jewish Children’s Museum – Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Whether your family is Jewish or you just want to explore Jewish heritage with your little one, this interactive museum in Brooklyn has multiple exhibits with room for toddlers to wander, but without the crowds of tourists that can make NYC’s better-known museums feel overwhelming.
Best for: Kids who enjoy a calmer experience
Why toddlers love it: The Noah’s Ark exhibit features a ball pit, a climbing structure and slide, and a soft play area for little ones.
Good to know for parents: The museum is closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Children 2 and under visit for FREE; tickets for kids are $19, and adult tickets cost $17.
Skip if: You’re on a budget
An interactive grocery store is just one of the attractions at BCM. Photo by author
8. Brooklyn Children’s Museum – Crown Heights, Brooklyn
This was both of my kids’ favorite museums when they were toddlers. The Totally Tots exhibit features a large water table, and it was hard to get my daughter to leave it in order to check out everything else the museum has to offer. The mini grocery store is always a huge hit, along with a hands-on nature exhibit, and a rooftop that’s perfect for romping.
Best for: Adventurous toddlers; little ones who love sensory play
Why toddlers love it: The Totally Tots exhibit, the colorful tunnel near the entrance (though it’s a bit dark), the miniature shops with hands-on play.
Good to know for parents: Weekends are quite busy, and weekdays can become chaotic if a school group is visiting. Your best bet is to arrive early. Bring a change of clothes if your little one is into water play. (Smocks are available, but my kids always managed to soak through their pant-legs and shoes anyway.)
9. New York Transit Museum – Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
If your little one is obsessed with vehicles, this is the place for you. Located underground in a decommissioned subway station in Brooklyn, this has always been a favorite for both of my kids, but especially my son. Climb aboard real, old-fashioned train cars and NYC buses at this interactive ode to transit.
Best for: Train and bus enthusiasts; older toddlers
Why toddlers love it: They can get behind the driver’s seat of a real bus and climb aboard dozens of train cars.
Good to know for parents: The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. While strollers are permitted, there are no elevators to get your stroller down the two flights of stairs to the entrance (there is a lift available exclusively for visitors who are disabled). More stairs await once you’re in the museum. Since the museum is located in an old subway station, all the floors are concrete, so it’s best for toddlers who have a handle on walking.
Skip if: You don’t want to lug your stroller down several flights of stairs; you have a crawler or early walker who takes frequent tumbles
10. Staten Island Children’s Museum – Snug Harbor, Staten Island
This underrated, toddler-friendly spot is located within the beautiful grounds of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center. This is one of the smaller museums on our list, but there are plenty of hands-on activities for littles.
Best for: Warm-weather visits (so you can enjoy the outdoor Sea of Boats exhibit and the gorgeous grounds of Snug Harbor)
Why toddlers love it: Block Harbor is an exhibit designed for ages 0-5. Toddlers can build with (and knock down!) soft, colorful blocks and play on a pirate ship. Firetruck enthusiasts can climb aboard an authentic firetruck from 1941 (retrofitted to be kid-friendly).
Good to know for parents: The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Check ahead for special events and members-only hours.
Skip if: You live outside of Staten Island and aren’t up for a drive or a transit adventure involving the Staten Island Ferry and a bus
Tips for Visiting NYC Museums with ToddlersPack plenty of snacks if you have a picky eater or don’t want to pay NYC museum prices ($$$) for food. Most of these museums have designated areas for eating.Don’t forget to pack diapers and at least one change of clothes. Those water tables get me every time.Get an early start if you can. This not only helps you to avoid crowds but also allows your toddler maximum time to explore before getting tired and cranky.If your little one is old enough to chat with you, enhance the museum experience by prepping him or her for what’s to come. Read a dinosaur book before visiting the American Museum of Natural History, or play with some subway train toys before stepping into the New York Transit Museum. I’ve found that my kids get more excited about museum exhibits when they have some familiarity ahead of time.Keep your expectations in check. You will not be able to experience the entire American Museum of Natural History in one day with a toddler. Same goes for The Met. You should still plan to visit a couple of your own must-see exhibits, but it’s probably best to gaze at your favorite artwork when you’re not holding (or chasing) a toddler.