Indoor Gardens in NYC to Escape the Cold

New York City is full of not-so-secret indoor gardens that are perfect for staving off cabin fever during the winter with an antsy child. It’s also packed with semi-secret indoor public spaces bursting with gorgeous blooms.

Finding an indoor garden in your neighborhood can be a real winter lifesaver when the world is freezing and everything feels colorless and gray. Some gardens are so steamy and warm, you’ll feel as if you booked a tropical getaway. Here are 13 of our favorite kid-friendly indoor gardens, plazas, and urban oases for NYC families.

Bonus: Most of these public atriums and indoor gardens are FREE to wander into, and many offer seating, snacks, Wi-Fi, and public art.

Find more ways to escape the winter weather in our NYC Kids Guide to Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and Fun Zone, including our picks for the best stores where kids can play for FREE.

2. Citigroup Center – Midtown

Lexington Avenue at East 53rd Street

The Citigroup Center is a stunning glass structure that has been wowing architecture lovers since 1977 when it first was built. With its slanted rooftop and uniquely designed base that is “cut away” at each of the four corners, this NYC building is another great indoor space to visit with kids. There’s a large atrium and an open concourse with seating areas. On not-so-cold days, you can balance your indoor and outdoor time by enjoying the tree-filled plaza for some fresh air or plan a full picnic at one of the exterior seating areas.

3. Urban Garden Room – Midtown West

42nd Street and Sixth Avenue

The Bank of America Tower houses this small, yet very green, atrium where four leafy sculptures adorn the public space. Designers see it as an extension of nearby Bryant Park and an homage to the building’s LEED Platinum rating. There are tables to lounge at, but Midtown office workers are quick to snap them up at midday. Extras: While there’s not much in the way of amenities inside, you’re across the street from Whole Foods and all of Bryant Park’s offerings.

RELATED: Indoor Activities for a Rainy Day

The United Nations Headquarters has everything you need for a day out with kids. Photo by Janet Bloom

4. United Nations Headquarters – Midtown East

801 First Avenue at 45th Street

While it might not seem like a place for a family to spend the day, once you make it through security, the United Nations has everything you need for a day out with kids. Take note, though: You’ll need to pre-register before stopping by. The lower concourse features a warm public seating area, an old-school coffee shop, and a few gift and book shops with international flair. The upper entrance has a changing display of global art. Extras: The UN has its own postal service (see the website for hours before visiting) and issues its own stamps. Send a postcard from the UN Post Office on the public concourse.

5. 180 Maiden Lane – South Street Seaport

Between Front and South Streets

Light-colored wood, brass, and lots of glass create an elegant, light-filled atrium just steps away from the South Street Seaport. Well-stocked seating areas provide space to lounge and a regularly changing gallery of artwork keeps you coming back. More perks: a coffee shop provides a pick-me-up!

6. The Winter Garden at Brookfield Place – Battery Park City

230 Vesey Street near West Street

This magnificent glass atrium, flanked by two massive marble staircases and decorated with enormous palm trees, offers tons of shopping and many fine-dining and take-out restaurants, including the kid-friendly Hudson Eats. Don’t miss the world-class views of the Hudson River, especially at sunset. The seasonal outdoor ice rink is a must-visit, too.

7. Hudson Yards Atrium – Hudson Yards

20 Hudson Yards

This address is home to the Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, and also contains an enormous indoor atrium that is free to the public. With views that awe, this swanky shopping center is a Midtown West option for a place to retreat on a cold winter’s day.

8. The Ford Foundation Building – Midtown East

320 East 43rd Street

On a typical day here, you find people sitting on portable stools sketching the foliage, little kids learning to navigate the stairs, and, of course, tourists. There is no seating nor any public bathrooms; people sit on the ledges and stairs. I don’t recommend any sort of loud or boisterous activities here since it is an office building and a quiet-time place. However, it is perfect for chatting, reading, nursing, and drawing. Children enjoy exploring the green spaces and throwing coins into the wishing well (all money collected is sent across the street to UNICEF). The garden is impressive, but equally so is the landmarked building that houses it. Built in 1963 for the Ford Foundation, the building is a giant steel-and-glass cube, with a full-sized open atrium in the center. It was green way before its time. To keep the beautiful oasis from becoming a drain on the city’s water supply, the roof collects water for use in the fountain and for watering plants. If your children get antsy and need to get running again, the Tudor City playgrounds are two minutes away and accessible by taking the stairs directly to the left once you’re outside the 42nd Street entrance.

9. David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center – Upper West Side

Broadway between 62nd and 63rd Streets

Tourists might flock to the David Rubenstein Atrium to score deals on shows, but locals know it’s a great place to mingle. The two-story atrium has a beautiful floor-to-ceiling fountain, vertical gardens, and plenty of places to lounge. There’s also free Wi-Fi. Extras: Plan your visit around the many free performances. An all-day cafe is the icing on the cake.

You can find a complete list of indoor and outdoor public spaces on the city’s website, or use this neighborhood-by-neighborhood search.

Indoor Gardens and Exhibits in NYC

10. The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at the NYBG – Bronx Park, the Bronx

The always-in-bloom Enid A. Haupt Conservatory offers a retreat from cold New York winters. This indoor oasis provides a breath of fresh air, but you’ll have to pay admission to get entry. Around the holidays, you’ll catch the must-see train show housed here. The rest of the year, you’ll find special exhibits, including the annual orchid show, while plenty of fauna and flora call the space home day in and day out. When you’re done checking out the greenery here, explore the rest of the family-friendly gardens and amenities.

11. The Conservatories at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Crown Heights, Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Conservatory boasts six distinct indoor areas, each reflecting a different climate. In the steamy Aquatic House, you’ll find waterfalls and green foliage cascading from ceiling to pond. Delicate and colorful orchids are safely ensconced behind glass. The Desert Pavilion is filled with spiky cacti and hearty wildflowers, largely from South America and the African continent. The Tropical Pavilion features lush plants and trees and has a 65-foot ceiling to accommodate the tallest arbors. The Warm Temperate Pavilion is the place to visit in February and March, as many of the vibrant African plants are in bloom. The winding path leads to a restful viewing point, making this pavilion a personal favorite. The Bonsai Museum is home to 350 miniature trees, one of the largest collections outside of Japan. Children will be fascinated by these tiny, woody plants, which look as if they sprung magically out of a storybook. The pay-what-you-wish winter weekday admission is an added incentive to visit now.

RELATED: Top Indoor Play Spaces in NYC

12. The Conservatory at Wave Hill – Riverdale, the Bronx

This beautiful 28-acre garden and cultural center is a glorious destination in warmer months, but in the winter you can marvel at its Conservatory, a trio of glass houses that contain delicate flora. There’s the Palm House, home to vibrant South African bulbs; the Cactus and Succulent House, featuring plants from dry climates; and the Tropical House, hosting a variety of plants from humid regions. Creative Family Art Projects on the weekends are always inspired by nature.

13. Tropic Zone: The Rainforest at the Central Park Zoo – Upper East Side

This two-tiered, indoor jungle is a hotbed of animal activity. You’ll feel like you need to duck to avoid low-flying exotic birds (and their poop—watch out for it!). You’ll also spy sapphire-colored poisonous frogs, lemurs, and golden lion tamarins through the lush green foliage. Don’t worry: They’re all safely behind glass, but the continuum of trees and greenery gives the impression that you’re in the wild. The Tropic Zone is open year-round.

Planning Your Visit to an Indoor Garden or Plaza

NYC’s indoor plazas host a range of events and exhibitions throughout the year, from art installations to live music performances. These events not only provide entertainment but also offer a chance to learn and engage with the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Whether you’re interested in contemporary art, historical exhibits, or seasonal celebrations, there’s always an event that will pique your interest.

With so many events and exhibitions, it’s easy to find something that suits every interest and age. Check the schedule of upcoming events to make the most of your visit.

The Benefits of Indoor Gardens in the Winter

Indoor plazas in NYC offer a wide range of benefits, including a peaceful atmosphere, stunning architecture, and events and exhibitions. These plazas are perfect for those looking to escape the cold winters of NYC and enjoy some colorful blooms and greenery. Many offer FREE admission, meaning they are an affordable and accessible way to explore the city.

Whether you’re seeking a quiet place to read, a spot to enjoy a coffee, or a venue to experience art and culture, these indoor spaces provide a versatile retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. The lush greenery and vibrant flowers found in many of these plazas can lift your spirits and provide a much-needed dose of nature during the colder months.

Originally published in January 2010.