Living in New York City means embracing the outdoors regardless of the weather, and as a visitor, you can, too. There are plenty of attractions and things to do in NYC with kids and the whole family that offer year-round fun. Sleet, rain, and heat are no match for all the excitement NYC has to offer.
From Grand Central Station, it's just a hop, skip, and jump to countless sights. The weather will do what it does, but you don't have to let it keep you from enjoying everything you can while visiting NYC.
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Grand Central Station
1. Start at Grand Central Station. If you're unfamiliar with NYC but ready to dive in, Grand Central Station is a great place to start. It's located in midtown Manhattan, which puts you near the city's best-known landmarks, restaurants, and immersive experiences. As a landmark on its own merit, you'll want to visit Grand Central Station during your exploration of NYC. After all, it's one of the busiest transit hubs in the world and features incredible architecture and history. Be sure to grab social-worthy snaps of the soaring Main Concourse ceiling and the majestic Vanderbilt Hall.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
2. Seek out gorgeous views. The entrance to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is located right inside Grand Central Station itself. This one-of-a-kind immersive experience is a key player among family-friendly NYC attractions and a great activity all year round in any weather conditions.
Situated atop one of the Big Apple's most modern skyscrapers, SUMMIT provides an immersive and extraordinary way to see NYC. It combines art, design, technology, and unforgettable sky-high views. The Affinity room filled with reflective balloons will surely delight kids big and small; just don't forget to bring your phone for Instagram-ready pics. Stop by Après, the family-friendly cafe on the 93rd floor, for a quick bite before heading to your next stop.
On hot days, SUMMIT is a great indoor activity that allows you to enjoy the sunshine with its floor-to-ceiling windows and mirrors. On rainy days, the moody, overcast view of the city from inside SUMMIT can be cinematic, allowing guests to experience the city in a way they've never done before—and stay dry while doing it. Even on gorgeous spring days, there's no better view than seeing the cherry blossoms around the city through the lens of SUMMIT's artistic architecture.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
3. Go museum hopping. Manhattan is home to an abundance of museums. If you have little ones, make a beeline to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). The MoMa caters to younger patrons, providing programs and activities that introduce children to the observation, interpretation, and creation of modern art. Other museums that are just as ideal for kids to build cultural know-how are the American Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), and the tantalizing Museum of Ice Cream. (It's candy for the eyes, brains, and belly!)
The New York Public Library
4. Explore famous sights. Beyond SUMMIT, be sure to see other iconic NYC sites. Want a few true Manhattan classics to check out? Try stopping by The New York Public Library, where story hours are unforgettable. From there, you can walk on foot to the nearby Rockefeller Center. To understand New York's role on the world stage, consider touring the United Nations Headquarters. Each of these landmarks offers a unique experience that makes a trip to New York City truly unforgettable.
Vanderbilt Avenue
5. Discover culinary delights. While inclement weather might tempt you to stay indoors, consider venturing out for some fine dining. New York City boasts some of the world's finest culinary offerings, including the Michelin-starred Le Pavillon and Joji, both overseen by renowned Chef Daniel Boulud. Alternatively, Urban Space on Vanderbilt Avenue offers a vibrant food hall with numerous options for those looking for variety or dining on a budget. Whether you're in the mood for high-end dining or casual eats, the city's diverse gastronomic landscape has something to offer everyone.