Are you looking for the best places for kids to learn and play? Here are the top children's New York State
1Old Westbury Gardens
Old Westbury, NYOld Westbury Gardens is a historic site located in Old Westbury, Nassau County, on the Long Island peninsula in New York, USA. This former private estate is now a museum with show gardens and is also used for various cultural events and private parties, such as weddings. 2SPYSCAPE
New York, NYSpyscape, located in New York City, is a large interactive museum spanning 60,000 square feet. The museum was created by the London-based private investment group Archimedia and was designed by the renowned architect Sir David Adjaye. This modern and engaging museum offers a unique experience for visitors interested in the world of secrets and espionage. 3Rose Center For Earth & Space
New York, NYThe Rose Center for Earth and Space is a significant part of the American Museum of Natural History located in New York City. It offers a unique blend of history, science, and architecture that can be appreciated by all visitors. The center is named after Frederick Phineas and Sandra Priest Rose, and it is a comprehensive restructuring of the original Hayden Planetarium, which was established in 1933. 4Children's Museum of Manhattan
New York, NYThe Children’s Museum of Manhattan, situated on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, was established in 1973 by Bette Korman. Originally, it was known as GAME, which stands for Growth Through Art and Museum Experience. 5National Museum of Mathematics
New York, NYThe National Museum of Mathematics, also known as MoMath, is a unique institution located in Manhattan, New York City. The museum is solely dedicated to the field of mathematics, making it a distinctive destination for those interested in this area of study. It offers a unique opportunity to explore and understand mathematics in a fun and interactive way. 6Museum of Ice Cream New York
New York, NYThe Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC) is not your typical museum. It is an art installation and experiential museum that operates in several cities across the United States, as well as in Singapore and China. The museum aims to transform the conventional museum and retail experience by incorporating vibrant colors, interactive exhibitions, and an ice cream theme to foster a sense of connection among visitors and evoke their inner child. 7New York Hall of Science
New York, NYThe New York Hall of Science, situated in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, is a unique destination as it is housed in one of the few remaining structures from the 1964 New York World's Fair. This historical connection adds a layer of intrigue to the museum, making it a fascinating place to visit for those interested in both science and history. 8Children's Museum of the Arts
New York, NYThe Children's Museum of the Arts (CMA) is situated in the South Village district of Manhattan, New York, United States, at 103 Charlton Street. This location is easily accessible and offers a variety of nearby attractions for tourists to explore before or after their visit to the museum. 9Prospect Park Zoo
New York, NYThe Prospect Park Zoo is situated on Flatbush Avenue on the eastern side of Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse wildlife within the heart of a bustling city. 10Mount Vernon Hotel Museum
New York, NYThe Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, previously known as the Abigail Adams Smith Museum, is a historic antebellum building located at 421 East 61st Street, near the East River, in New York City. This museum is one of the few remaining pre-1800 buildings in Manhattan, originally planned in 1795 as an estate for Colonel William S. Smith and his wife, Abigail. However, the Smiths never completed the building; it was ultimately built as a carriage house and stable in 1799 for the nearby estate of William T. Robinson. 11The Drawing Center
New York, NYThe Drawing Center, located in Manhattan, New York City, is a museum and nonprofit exhibition space that specializes in the exhibition of drawings. These include both historical and contemporary pieces, providing a comprehensive view of the art form. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of drawings, showcasing the diversity and evolution of this medium over time. 12Raynham Hall Museum
Oyster Bay, NYToday, Raynham Hall is owned by the Town of Oyster Bay and is operated as a public museum by the Friends of Raynham Hall Museum, Inc. This organization is dedicated to preserving the house and its history, and to providing an educational and engaging experience for visitors. The museum offers guided tours, exhibits, and events that bring the history of the Townsend family and Oyster Bay to life. 13Buffalo Museum of Science
Buffalo, NYThe Buffalo Museum of Science is conveniently located at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Buffalo, New York. It is situated near the Kensington Expressway, making it easily accessible for visitors traveling by car. The museum is housed in a historic building that was designed by August Esenwein and James A. Johnson and opened its doors on January 19, 1929. 14Jewish Childrens Museum
New York, NYThe Jewish Children's Museum, situated in the Chabad-Lubavitch Chasidic community of Crown Heights at 792 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, New York, is the largest Jewish-themed children's museum in the United States. This location is not only significant for its size but also for its cultural and historical context, being embedded in a vibrant Jewish community. 15Lefferts Historic House
Brooklyn, NYThe Lefferts Historic House, a significant landmark in Brooklyn, New York City, is situated within the beautiful surroundings of Prospect Park. The house, which was constructed around the year 1783, offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the rich history and heritage of the region. 16Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
Staten Island, NYSnug Harbor, also known as Sailors Snug Harbor, is a collection of architecturally significant buildings from the 19th century. These buildings are located on Staten Island, in New York City. The site is a testament to the architectural styles of the time and offers a unique glimpse into the past. 17Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum
North Tonawanda, NYThe Herschell Carousel Factory Museum is a historic site located in North Tonawanda, Niagara County, New York. This museum is housed in a former carousel factory building, which adds a unique historical context to the exhibits and activities offered. Visitors can explore the history of carousel production and the impact of the Herschell Carousel Factory on the local community and the amusement industry. 18Brooklyn Children's Museum
New York, NYThe Brooklyn Children's Museum, located in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, holds the distinction of being the first children's museum in the United States. Established in 1899, the museum has a long history of providing educational and engaging exhibits for children. 19Staten Island Children's Museum
New York, NYThe Staten Island Children's Museum, situated on the grounds of Sailors' Snug Harbor on Staten Island, New York, is a destination that has been welcoming visitors since 1976. The museum's location offers a unique blend of history and culture, providing an enriching experience for all visitors. The museum's establishment was made possible through the support of the community and government, reflecting its importance and value to the local area. 20The Strong National Museum of Play
Rochester, NYThe Strong, located in Rochester, New York, is an interactive educational institution that focuses on the study and exploration of play. It offers a unique experience for visitors, providing them with the opportunity to engage with a variety of exhibits and activities that highlight the importance and history of play. 21Staten Island Museum
New York, NYThe Staten Island Museum, also known as the Staten Island Institute of Arts & Sciences, is a cultural institution located in Staten Island, New York City. This museum is a significant part of the city's cultural landscape, offering visitors a chance to explore various aspects of natural history, fine art, and local history. 22Yeshiva University Museum
New York, NYThe Yeshiva University Museum houses a vast collection of over 8,000 artifacts. These include fine and folk art, ethnographic and archaeological artifacts, clothing and textiles, Jewish ceremonial art objects, documents, books, and manuscripts. This diverse collection offers a comprehensive insight into Jewish culture and history. 23Long Island Game Farm – Wildlife Park and Children's Zoo
Manorville, NYThe Long Island Game Farm, a well-known establishment in Manorville, New York, was founded in 1969 by Stanley and Diane Novak. This family-built zoo, spread over 29 acres, has become a significant landmark in the town and a popular destination for many who make it a yearly tradition to visit. 24Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site
Stony Point, NYStony Point Battlefield is a significant historic site located in Rockland County, New York. It is known for being the location of the 1779 Battle of Stony Point, a pivotal event during the American Revolutionary War. The site has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark and features a museum that provides insights into the history of the battlefield. 25Akin Free Library
Pawling, NYThe Akin Free Library is situated on the first floor of the building and houses several thousand books. These include books of local interest and by local authors, a dedicated children's section, and a collection of newspapers. This wide range of resources provides a rich cultural experience for visitors. 26Newhouse Center For Contemporary Art
New York, NYSailors Snug Harbor, also informally known as Snug Harbor, is a collection of architecturally significant buildings from the 19th century. These buildings are located on Staten Island, which is part of New York City. The site is a testament to the architectural styles of the past and offers a unique glimpse into the city's history. 27Museum of the Earth
Ithaca, NYThe Museum of the Earth, located in Ithaca, New York, is a natural history museum that was opened in 2003. It is part of the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI), an independent organization that conducts research and education in the history of the Earth and its life. The museum is formally affiliated with Cornell University, a prestigious institution known for its research and academic excellence.- 28
The Toy Museum of NY
Brooklyn, NYThe Toy Museum of NY, located in Brooklyn, is a unique institution that combines theatrical performances with its extensive collection to narrate the story of societal change. This approach provides an engaging and interactive experience for visitors, making it more than just a display of toys. - 29
Center For Creative Education
Kingston, NYThe award-winning cultural and arts center for low income children promotes dance, music, theatre and visual arts. - 30
Mid-hudson Children's Museum
Poughkeepsie, NYThe Mid-Hudson Children's Museum, now known as the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum (MHDM), is a children's museum situated in the Hudson River Valley. This museum, nestled between the larger New York City and Albany markets, has been a staple for children's education and entertainment for many years. In 2022, the museum underwent a strategic assessment and visioning process, which led to an extension of the age range of the children it serves. This was achieved through the addition of a new science exhibition and more relevant STEM programming. - 31
World Awareness Children's Museum
Glens Falls, NYVisit a museum where you can admire a growing international collection of children's works of art. It's a very inspiring place for sure. - 32
Sciencenter
Ithaca, NYThe Sciencenter, located in Ithaca, New York, is a science museum that encourages hands-on learning. It was established on February 28, 1983, and has since grown to become a nationally recognized institution. The museum offers a variety of exhibits and educational programs that cater to all ages, making it an ideal destination for families. - 33
Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling
New York, NYThe Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling is situated in the Sugar Hill neighborhood of Upper Manhattan. Specifically, you can find it at the intersection of 155th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue. This location is part of the Sugar Hill Development, which also includes a preschool and affordable housing under the Broadway Housing Communities. - 34
Children's Museum at Saratoga
Saratoga Springs, NYTwo floors of interactive and hands-on exhibits where your kids are free to explore at their own pace. - 35
The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier
Binghamton, NYThe Discovery Center of the Southern Tier welcomes children of all ages and abilities and their families to come play with us! Established in 1984, this 22,500 square foot space houses exhibits designed to be touched, examined, played with, and experienced up close by our visitors. Exhibits offer - 36
A.J. Read Science Discovery Center
Oneonta, NYThe A.J. Read Science Discovery Center, located in Oneonta, New York, is a hands-on science museum that is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) Oneonta. The center offers an interactive experience, allowing visitors to engage with science in a tangible and exciting way. It's a great place for both children and adults to learn and explore.