49 Best Things To Do on the Upper East Side

Manhattan’s Upper East Side is one of those neighborhoods where you can barely go a block without passing some kind of kid-centric business or attraction. Despite its somewhat snooty reputation, the Upper East Side overflows with family-friendly things to do.

It’s home to lots of fun (and often affordable!) activities for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens. From unique play spaces to world-class art museums, lush landscaped parks, lovely independent toy stores, and an afternoon tea complete with fairy wings, the Upper East Side has all that plus mansions, parades, public art, towering temples and churches, athletic complexes, and some of the priciest real estate in town.

Read on to discover the best things to do on the Upper East Side with kids, and find more family-friendly neighborhoods to explore from Harlem to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn in our NYC Kids Neighborhood Guide.

Best Things To Do with Kids on the Upper East Side with Kids

1. Enjoy a Family Art Program

Drop into one of the many awesome, year-round family programs at Fifth Avenue’s iconic museums, like Start With Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, kiddie concerts and art workshops at the Jewish Museum, and the Guggenheim’s after-school classes and school break camps.

Cuddle with a ball of fluff at The Art Farm in the City. Photo courtesy of the Art Farm

2. Play with Furry Creatures and Other Animals

Meet and feed a bunny or other critter, then sketch your new furry pal at The Art Farm in the City, NYC’s only indoor petting zoo.

3. Get Crafty

Learn how to sew, spin, knit, and crochet in Loop of the Loom’s after-school kids’ classes.

4. Check out the Y

Peruse the jam-packed schedule of family programs and classes at the 92nd Street Y, which offers everything from dance to cooking, art, swimming, and live performances.

5. Play Dress Up

Try on all kinds of cool and crazy outfits at Let’s Dress Up!, NYC’s only play space dedicated to dressing up and one of our top recommendations for a princess-themed crawl in the city.

6. Stay Active

Sign up for soccer, basketball, flag football, martial arts, or swimming classes at the massive athletics complex, Asphalt Green, which boasts an Olympic-size pool and was the training home of Olympic medal winner Lia Neal.

7. Learn to Play Gaga

Go gaga for Israel’s version of dodge ball at the Gaga Center, the only spot in NYC dedicated to the popular game.

RELATED: Best Indoor Play Spaces in Manhattan

Enjoy all things Eloise at The Plaza. Photo courtesy of The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel

8. Be Eloise For a Day

Put on your best pink frock and make like The Plaza’s most famous resident at the fabulous Eloise at The Plaza Shop. Don’t forget to book your reservation for a rawther fancy afternoon tea in the Palm Court while you’re there.

9. Channel Alice

Want another cuppa? Borrow a pair of fairy wings, get a sprinkling of fairy dust, and then enjoy tea for two at the enchanting Alice’s Tea Cup.

10. Visit the Mayor’s House

See the mayor’s house by touring Gracie Mansion. Public tours are offered on Mondays and cost $10. Note: Children under age 10 are not permitted.

11. Rock a New Hairstyle

Kids need a cut? Take them to Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids, a children’s-only salon, where young customers sit in whimsical chairs, watch cartoons, and leave with balloons, lollipops, and dry eyes.

12. Enroll the Kids in Fencing

Say “en garde!” and get your epée on at Sheridan Fencing Academy.

13. Try Out Different Sports

Try your hand at a variety of other sports from baseball to football, basketball, and beyond. Neighborhood staple Yorkville Youth Athletic Association serves kids of all ages and offers after-school programs and birthday parties, too.

14. Shop for Artisan Toys

Peruse wooden, educational, and artsy toys at the independently-owned shop, Mary Arnold Toys.

15. Make Art

Paint ceramics and take other art classes at The Craft Studio.

RELATED: 100 Things to Do in NYC Before Your Kids Grow Up

Explore the Second Avenue Subway. Photo by Sara Frazier

16. Explore the Second Avenue Subway

Take your train fan for a jaunt on the city’s newest line: the Second Avenue Subway.

17. Catch Some Great Views

View the Upper East Side from above by taking the Roosevelt Island Tram.

18. Five Iron Golf

Introduce city kids to the game of golf at Five Iron Golf, where you can book lessons, swing evaluations, or just time in the simulator.

Fun Free Things To Do on the Upper East Side with Kids

19. 81st Street Studio

Enter on the ground level of The Met to find this FREE art-and-play space to beat any bad-weather blues.

20. Museum Mile Festival

Admire art or make your own masterpieces during the FREE, annual Museum Mile Festival, held the second Tuesday evening in June, rain or shine.

21. Celebrate Different Cultures

Cheer on marchers at the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Israel Day, or other cultural parades that march down Fifth Avenue.

22. Play Chess, Checkers, and More in Central Park

Got kids who are into mental challenges? Enjoy FREE games of chess, checkers, dominoes, or backgammon at Central Park’s Chess & Checkers House.

23. Take the Kids to St. Catherine’s

Run around the block-long St. Catherine’s Playground—although it’s based on a holy spot in Rome, it’s open to your little devils.

RELATED: Best Playgrounds Around New York City

Speed down the long, steep slide at Billy Johnson Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

24. Visit the Central Park Playgrounds

Do a playground tour of Central Park: Notable Upper East Side romping spots include the Egypt-themed Ancient Playground near the Met, the “big slide playground” aka Billy Johnson Playground, the oldest playground in the park, Heckscher, and the East 72nd Street Playground.

25. Learn to Swim for Free

Enter the lottery for free summer swimming lessons at John Jay Park’s 145-foot outdoor pool.

26. Play Name that Flag

The consulates of France, Pakistan, Italy, India, and Russia are all located in the neighborhood so make a little game to spot all the flags.

27. Browse the Library

Enjoy free movies, live music, and children’s book readings at the 96th Street Library.

28. Revel in Halloween Activities

Trick-or-treat door-to-door on Halloween at decked-out brownstones on East 92nd, East 94th, East 95th, and East 78th Streets.

29. Visit Carl Schurz Park

Explore Carl Schurz Park, a 15-acre waterside green space featuring a popular playground and lots of annual family events.

30. Celebrate Chinese New Year

Skip Chinatown’s crowded parade and ring in the Chinese New Year on the UES at the Asia Society, which hosts an annual celebration.

31. Discover New Artists

Hit the Park Avenue Malls to see what public art display is on view.

32. Hit the Slopes

When the flakes fly, flock to Central Park’s many hills for some of the most popular sledding spots in the city.

33. Find the Perfect Book

The Corner Bookstore has a dedicated section for children offering a carefully curated selection of books for children of all ages. Spend the afternoon browsing to find the perfect book for your reader.

34. Walk or Bike Along the East River

The East River Greenway makes for a perfect walk or bike ride while taking in the amazing views of the East River and Brooklyn.

Top Attractions on the Upper East Side for Families

35. Central Park

Manhattan’s backyard is filled with family-friendly things to do, including going on a Central Park statue hunt. Kids love climbing the iconic Alice in Wonderland mushroom sculpture, posing with Balto, hearing free stories on summer Saturdays at the Hans Christian Andersen statue, and watching the animals of the Delacorte Musical Clock turn round on the half hour.

36. The Park Avenue Armory

The Park Avenue Armory hosts family-friendly art performances and installations, so make sure to check its calendar.

37. The Met

NYC’s largest art museum is way too big to explore in one day, but the good news is, children enter for FREE and it’s pay-what-you wish for New York residents.

38. Central Park Zoo

Feed the goats, alpacas, sheep, and cows in the Children’s Zoo before heading to the Central Park Zoo’s main grounds to see the sea lions, grizzly bears, penguins, exotic birds, and other wild animals.

39. Wollman Rink

Go ice-skating in a winter wonderland at Central Park’s Wollman Rink.

40. Bloomingdale’s

Visit the flagship Bloomingdale’s on 59th Street to explore in-store experiences or peep the spectacular holiday windows during the Christmas season.

41. Central Park Carousel

Take a spin on the Central Park Carousel, but be prepared for speed: It’s noticeably faster than NYC’s other merry-go-rounds.

Dig into an old-fashioned sundae at Lexington Candy Shop. Photo by Jody Mercier

Best Restaurants for Kids on the Upper East Side

42. Lexington Candy Shop

Indulge in an egg cream, malt, or root beer float at Lexington Candy Shop, which looks like it hasn’t changed in 70 years and is one of our favorite old-school soda shops in NYC.

43. Serendipity 3

Satisfy sweet cravings and relax with a frozen hot chocolate as big as your head at Serendipity 3.

44. 2nd Avenue Deli

Offering quintessential deli fare like matzah ball soup and pastrami sandwiches, going to the 2nd Avenue Deli is an experience in itself. Portions are huge so perfect for sharing.

45. Tony’s Di Napoli

With traditional old-school decor and cozy Italian favorites, Tony’s Di Napoli is a great family restaurant offering huge portions meant to be shared. Prices are easy on the wallet.

46. Barking Dog Restaurant

Not only is Barking Dog Restaurant family-friendly with a delicious kids’ menu, it’s also dog-friendly. Families are encouraged to bring their furry friends who are allowed to hang out on the patio.

Where to Stay on the UES with Kids

47. The Plaza

For the ultimate New York experience, stay at The Plaza Hotel, home to the much-loved character of Eloise. Stay in her suite or book book connecting rooms and suites for larger families. If you’ve got a big appetite, book the Kevin McCallister-inspired, 16-scoop ice cream sundae. 

48. The Lowell Hotel

The rooms at the Lowell Hotel are spacious, and many have kitchenettes, making it ideal for families and large groups. Situated right next to Central Park and Museum Mile, the Lowell is perfect for sightseeing.

49. Loews Regency Hotel

Families can stretch out in the spacious rooms at the Loews Regency Hotel, located on Park Avenue. The Loews Loves Families program includes special perks for kids and amenities designed to make parents lives easier during travel!

This post, originally published in September 2012, has since been updated. Diana Kim provided additional reporting.

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