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10 Best Toddler-Friendly Attractions and Sights in New York City

These are the best places to take your toddler when visiting New York City

By , About.com Guide

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Bringing your toddler or preschooler with you to New York City? These family-friendly attractions are great choices to include on your visit to New York City with your kids.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants | Family-Friendly Broadway Shows

1. American Museum of Natural History

Rainy Day Friendly! From the famous dinosaurs to the Living Sea exhibit, young children will be enthralled by everything from fossils to gems. The museum also offers activities and programs specifically for families and children, including story hour and science and nature programs.
American Museum of Natural History Visitors Guide

2. Bronx Zoo

Baby Snow Leopard at the Bronx ZooMario Tama/Getty Images
With over 4,000 animals to visit, the Bronx Zoo is a great place for children of all ages. The bug carousel, children's zoo and camel rides are sure to be a hit with young children (additional charges apply).

3. Central Park

Alice in Wonderland Statue in Central Park
Over 800 acres of fun for the whole family await in Central Park. Favorites for kids include Central Park Zoo, the Woods and Water Exhibit at Belvedere Castle, boat rides from Loeb Boathouse, and Central Park Carousel. In the summer there is storytelling at the Hans Christen Andersen statue.

59th Street to 110th Street, between 5th Ave and Central Park West

Central Park Visitors Guide

4. Children's Museum of Manhattan

Toddler Enjoying "City Splash"
Rainy Day Friendly! Frequently changing exhibits at the Children's Museum of Manhattan are interactive and engaging for young children and primarily book-themed. During the summer the "City Splash" exhibit offers an outdoor water-play area (bringing extra clothes and/or a towel encouraged).
Children's Museum of Manhattan Visitors Guide

5. Brooklyn Children's Museum

Rainy Day Friendly! Brooklyn Children's Museum was the first museum created specifically for children when it first opened in 1899. The Totally Tots exhibit is specifically geared toward children five and under, and features interactive experiences to promote literacy and development.
Brooklyn Children's Museum Visitors Guide

6. American Folk Art Museum

Rainy Day Friendly! A self-guided scavenger hunt available at the front desk will guide children through this museum's extensive collection of folk art from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Highlights of the collection that will appeal to children include carousel horses and dolls.

7. Children's Museum of the Arts

Rainy Day Friendly! Hands on creative activities at the Children's Museum of the Arts include everything from collage to clay to encourage children's imaginations. Check their schedule for special morning activities, as well as movies and more.

8. New York Aquarium

Rainy Day Friendly! Take the subway to Coney Island and enjoy a day at the New York Aquarium, home to over 10,000 species of marine life. Sea lion demonstrations, penguins, seals, and walruses are all great fun to for your toddler to see.

9. New York City Fire Museum

Rainy Day Friendly! Learn about fire fighting and fire safety while you explore the New York City Fire Museum's extensive collection. The problem of fires in early New York will surprise young children and they can even see the first fire alarms -- which were nothing more than wooden rattles.

10. New York Hall of Science

Rainy Day Friendly! More than half of the 400 exhibits at the New York Hall of Science are hands-on, which is a great way for children of all ages to learn about science. The Science Playground features fun exhibits on balance, sound and more.

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