Looking for things to do with kids in New York City? Hudson Yards brings together outdoor spaces, interactive attractions, family programming, shopping and dining, making it easy to build a full day around whatever your family enjoys most.
Start your visit in the Public Square and Gardens, a five-acre outdoor space surrounded by Hudson Yards' most recognizable architecture. Take a walk through the gardens, see the Vessel, up close and give kids time to explore the open space.
More than 30,000 plants, flowers and trees fill the gardens, creating a changing landscape throughout the year. Throughout the space, there are ample shaded tables, chairs and benches, making it easy to stop for a break, enjoy a lunch to go outside and take in the surroundings on a beautiful day.
The Public Square and Gardens is fully paved and stroller-friendly, with ramps and designated stroller areas available during family events.
From Public Square and Gardens, head to Vessel, where kids can climb its interconnected stairways, explore different levels and look out toward the Hudson River. Interactive musical and sound elements, including gongs, give kids another way to engage with the structure.
Vessel offers two very different photo experiences, perfect for the family photo album. From the Public Square and Gardens, step back to capture the structure in its entirety and angle your phone upward from a crouching position to make it look like your kids are the same size as Vessel. Inside, no two perspectives are quite the same, with its stairways, copper-toned exteriors and shifting light creating new angles at every level. Around sunset, head to the top for views across the Hudson River.
Pro tip for families with young children: Vessel has an elevator that takes you directly to the top rather than climbing the stairs.
For another perspective on the city, head to Edge, more than 100 stories above Manhattan. The observation deck offer panoramic views from sunrise to sunset. For the kids seeking a bit of thrill, can walk across a section of the deck with a glass floor that looks straight down at the city streets below.
Kids who are nervous about heights can enjoy Edge's six all new immersive installations, designed for kids to explore shapes, colors, light, reflections, and different skyline views from behind the glass. Be sure to check out NYC's largest kaleidoscope, and let the kids experiment with photo angles.
Planning to visit both Vessel and Edge during your visit? Save 10% when you purchase the Flex Admission Bundle and surprise the kids with an unforgettable day of exploration.
When it's time to head indoors, explore The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards for shopping, dining and treats.
For kids' clothing and everyday essentials, H&M, Uniqlo and MUJI offer options for younger shoppers. At PIQ, kids can browse books, games, stuffed animals and NYC-themed souvenirs. Tweens and teens can also explore their style at stores like Madewell and Aritzia, or stop into STUDS for a first piercing.
When it's time to eat, the Eateries have got you covered, offering a wide range of quick options, including Shake Shack, Just Salad, Jersey Mike's, Eataly Caffè and Chipotle. With so many choices, families can find something for kids of all ages, including picky eaters. Many also offer easy snacks for in between activities, like chips and nuts at Pret A Manger or hummus and pita at NAYA.
Mercado Little Spain offers more than eight food and drink kiosks, giving families the chance to try and share dishes. Save room for dessert at Que Sweet, where kids can try the XuiXo, a churro-inspired treat filled with cream.
For a Hudson Yards-themed treat to take home, Li-Lac Chocolates offers a chocolate bar imprinted with the Hudson Yards skyline. Or stop at Magnolia Bakery for its signature banana pudding or featured flavor of the month.
From May through October, Backyard at Hudson Yards presented by Wells Fargo hosts free outdoor programming, including dedicated family experiences.
Family fun events are designed to get kids moving, singing, creating and learning alongside other children and their families. Crowd favorites include sing- and dance-along concerts with partners such as Mozart for Munchkins and KIDZ BOP, as well as Family Fun Days featuring face painting, arts and crafts and other interactive activities.
Check the Hudson Yards Events Calendar for upcoming family events and seasonal programming.
Is Hudson Yards easy to navigate with a stroller?
Yes. Public Square and Gardens is fully paved, making it easy to navigate with a stroller. The Shops & Restaurants has spacious elevators and wide concourses, as well as family restrooms with baby-changing stations.
How do I get to Hudson Yards with kids?
Hudson Yards is accessible by the 7 subway line, which terminates directly at 34th Street-Hudson Yards. If you're driving into New York City, several parking garages are located nearby. See our full guide to parking at Hudson Yards.
How can I find out what's happening during my visit?
Check the Hudson Yards Events Calendar before or during your visit for the latest family programming, free events, seasonal activities, concerts and other experiences happening throughout the neighborhood. You can also stop by the Concierge Desk on the Level 1 of The Shops to hear about planned events, get recommendations for other neighborhood activities, or inquire about restaurant reservations.
What else can I do near Hudson Yards?
Madison Square Garden is about a 10-minute walk from Hudson Yards, making it easy to combine a visit with a sporting event or concert. The High Line also connects Hudson Yards with Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, including access to Chelsea Piers.
Enjoy unique shopping, dining and experiences to explore. Stay connected and follow @HudsonYards for the latest updates.
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