With its rich history and diverse regions New York State is the perfect place to take your kids on an educational adventure. And the best part? They’ll have fun while they’re learning. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a family getaway, make sure you check these kid-friendly destinations off your list.
One of the largest museums in the world, the American Museum of Natural History is both entertaining and educational for kids. Take them to exhibits on dinosaurs, mammals, space, ancient civilizations, and more, spanning the museum’s 40-plus halls.
This iconic museum and hall of fame houses thousands of famous artifacts that span the history of the great American sport. The museum sees around 300,000 visitors annually and has an entire room dedicated to Babe Ruth.
Free for kids 17 and under, this Buffalo-area museum and gallery is unique in that it’s devoted entirely to telling the history of glass. Visitors can watch live glass-making demonstrations and even try their hand at the skill.
With interactive exhibits dedicated to the history of fun and games, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, New York’s largest butterfly garden, and the National Toy Hall of Fame, kids have a lot to learn and do at the National Museum of Play.
The whole family will enjoy an adventurous boat ride and walking tour through this six-million-year-old underground cave while learning about its history. On land, there’s a zip line, a ropes course, a rock climbing wall, and more.
This 300-year-old house and still-working gristmill tells the story of the Philipses, an affluent merchant family in the 1700s. Children get to participate in hands-on chores from the time period, like linen-making and threshing wheat.
Take the whole family to Ellis Island, where you can trace the history of millions of 19th and 20th century immigrants, participate in educational kids’ games, and look up your own ancestors in the record books.
Kids will learn about Franklin D. Roosevelt’s life as they explore the grounds of his estate, where the former President’s famous “fireside chats” took place. The national park also provides an interactive children’s discovery center for those who want a more hands-on experience.
This museum explores the two Winter Olympic Games (1932 and 1980) that took place in the small Adirondack town. The exhibits delve into winter sports like skiing, luge, speed skating, curling, and the famous “Miracle on Ice” hockey game of 1980.
One of the most important forts of the 18th century, Fort Ticonderoga now hosts an interactive living history museum on the premises, where families can explore the historic fort and get points for “helping soldiers” with their daily activities.
