Let’s be honest, Times Square can feel a bit overwhelming at first; the bright lights, bustling crowds, and larger-than-life billboards. But take a deep breath and don’t let the chaos scare you away. Times Square has become one of New York City’s top destinations for families looking for fun things to do.
Broadway shows, iconic attractions, family-friendly restaurants, and free activities give visitors plenty of ways to enjoy Times Square with kids of all ages. And just beyond the Bow Tie lies incredible NYC neighborhoods waiting to be explored.
So grab those tickets to a kid-approved Broadway musical, muster up some patience for the crowds, and get ready to cross Times Square with kids off your family travel bucket list!
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Times Square: The Beating Heart of NYC
Smack dab in the middle of Manhattan, Times Square is located at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue. It stretches between West 40th and West 53rd Streets. Each day, over 300,000 people pass through the pedestrian plazas of Times Square.
Times Square earned its moniker when the New York Times opened its headquarters at One Times Square in 1904. But it wasn’t always a family destination. After thriving for decades, the neighborhood declined after WWII. Dangerous characters made Times Square an unsavory place best avoided after dark. But business, government, and the community came together in the 1990s to reclaim and reinvigorate Times Square.
Today, illuminated billboards, theater marquees, and flashing LED screens illuminate Times Square with a dazzling glow. Costumed characters, street performers, and excited tourists fill the streets. Times Square captures the energetic spirit of New York City. It definitely makes our list as one of the top family fun activities near Times Square.
Now let’s dive into the best things to do in Times Square with kids!
Things to See and Do in Times Square with Kids
From kid-friendly museums to iconic landmarks, Times Square offers endless options for family fun. Here are the top attractions and activities in Times Square for visitors with children.
Catch a Broadway Show
Seeing a Broadway musical is a quintessential NYC experience. With over 40 theaters in the Theater District, you’ll find family-friendly shows to delight kids of all ages.
Consider shows like Frozen, Aladdin, or The Lion King for young kids. Tweens and teens might enjoy Dear Evan Hansen or Beetlejuice. Hamilton remains an extremely popular choice as well.
The TKTS booth in Times Square sells same-day discount tickets. Kids may get restless during a 2-hour performance, so matinee shows are a good option. If you want to be sure your child can handle sitting through a Broadway show, introduces them to musical theater with a kid-focused production at The New Victory Theater.
Explore Times Square Museums and Attractions
In addition to Broadway shows, Times Square offers dozens of family-friendly museums and attractions to add to your NYC itinerary.
At Ripley’s Believe It or Not, encounter the weird, wacky, and unbelievable through interactive exhibits and odd artifacts. Take the kids to Madame Tussauds wax museum to pose for selfies with eerily lifelike celebrity lookalikes.
The Museum of Broadway opened in 2022 and takes families on a journey through theater history with immersive exhibits. Comic book lovers can geek out over the massive selection at Midtown Comics.
For bird’s eye views of Times Square and beyond, experience the RiseNY 4D attraction. And dave & buster’s huge arcade is always a hit with kids.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Shopping is a favorite pastime in the Big Apple. Times Square is home to several iconic stores for picking up souvenirs.
At M&M’s World, create custom candy and see larger-than-life M&M statues. Let imaginations run wild in the Disney Store. Pick up I Heart NY shirts and trinkets to bring back memories of your NYC vacation.
Of course, Times Square is also surrounded by major retail stores like Sephora, Express, and Gap perfect for teens. And Shubert Alley offers unique Broadway-themed gifts.
Free Activities for Families
The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy Times Square with kids. Free attractions and activities make it easy to have fun on a budget.
Snap photos in front of Times Square’s iconic billboards and towering LED screens. Let kids burn off some energy climbing on the red bleacher steps above the TKTS booth.
Spot the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball mounted on One Times Square. And don’t miss the iconic Father Duffy statue on the TKTS plaza.
People watching from one of Times Square’s pedestrian plazas is also endlessly entertaining. Try to spot costumed characters, street performers, and quirky New Yorkers going about their day.
Beyond Times Square: Neighborhoods to Explore
Venture outside the bright lights of Times Square to experience more of what makes New York City special. Several kid-friendly neighborhoods are just steps away.
Rockefeller Center with its famous ice skating rink and Radio City Music Hall is decked out for the holidays from November through early January.
Relax in gorgeous Bryant Park, home to a carousel and winter village. Grand Central Terminal dazzles with its starry astronomical ceiling and hidden secrets.
And what family visit to NYC would be complete without seeing Central Park? Just a short walk or cab ride away, the park offers playgrounds, a zoo, and scenic sites like the Gapstow Bridge.
Where to Stay: Times Square Hotels for Families
With convenient subway access, staying in or near Times Square allows you to easily explore New York’s top attractions.
Family-friendly hotels in Times Square include The Westin New York with comfortable rooms and amenities. The tropical-themed Margaritaville Resort Times Square opened in 2021 and has a pool and kid-approved dining.
For more space, book a suite or multi-bedroom vacation rental apartment through Booking.com or VRBO. Check hotel policies on accommodating families – some offer rollaway beds, cribs, and connecting rooms.
Top Times Square Attractions By Age
With so many options, here are top Times Square activities based on your kids’ ages and interests:
For Little Kids:
- M&M’s World
- Disney Store
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium
- Hershey’s Chocolate World
- Dave & Buster’s arcade
- Ellen’s Stardust Diner
For Big Kids/Tweens:
- Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum
- Museum of Broadway
- Bowlmor Lanes
- RiseNY flying theater
- Shopping at Times Square stores
- Kid-friendly Broadway shows
For Teens:
- The Lion King or other Broadway shows
- Midtown Comics
- Playing pool at Bowlmor Lanes
- Shopping excursions
For Parents:
- Taking in a Broadway show
- Skyline views from hotel bars
- Times Square walking tours
- Experiencing iconic restaurants like Junior’s, Carmine’s and Sardi’s
- Seeing the New Year’s ball and enjoying New Year’s festivities (without the kids!)
Bring on the Fun
Alright, hopefully this guide gets you pumped up to experience Times Square with your family, rather than avoiding it. Once you have tickets to a Broadway show, you’re gonna have a blast!
The key is going in with a game plan. Have some activities booked but also flexibility in your schedule. Arrive early to beat crowds at popular attractions like Madame Tussaud’s. And don’t try to cram too much in. Focus on a few key Times Square experiences you’ll all remember.
The neon lights beckon – it’s showtime! Soak up the chaotic energy and enjoy making memories together as a family in New York City’s iconic heart.
