Hi! My kiddo is turning 4 in March, and I'm looking for something special to do with him (that's not a party space or indoor playground). He likes vehicles of all kinds (trains, trucks, etc); doesn't really care about animals or dinosaurs. We've done the Transit Museum a few times, and looking for other ideas for something fun for him. Looking for both an outing and also for special or fun (or just delicious) places to eat. For food - he's a typical toddler eater - mostly likes pizza, chicken fingers, pancakes/diner food, etc. We'll be based in Long Island City, but can travel anywhere in Queens, Manhattan, or Brooklyn. Thanks!
This is kind of basic but maybe he’ll be into the tram to Roosevelt island? He’s so little I’m thinking he can just run around the parks there while parents take in the views (weather permitting). IIRC there’s ice cream available somewhere on Main Street. You’ll likely find more interesting restaurants once back in Manhattan which i unfortunately cannot help with.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, maybe look for something interesting off a quick LIRR or Metro a north train trip somewhere. The train ride obviously being the main event!
This is a good idea! I was thinking something similar - like taking a water taxi or the Staten Island ferry to a fun lunch somewhere
There is a lighthouse museum just off the ferry in Staten Island. I haven't been yet and apparently it is very small but it could be a fun activity if you're doing round trips on the ferry.
https://www.fdnysmart.org/firezone/
This looks perfect, thanks!
I was thinking the tram would be fun too! I love it as an adult.
He’d love the Intrepid. It’s very cool.
Yes, I think this is a good suggestion! Our kids loved it!
Not in March, but you should take him to the car show at the Javits Center, April 3rd-12th. I went as a kid and still remember to this day!
Call your local fire department and ask if there is a time or day when they might be able to show your little one a truck and maybe even allow him on it. Some towns have dedicated days to do this.
If he likes trucks and stuff, there is a new indoor sandbox, Urban Dunes in the UES. It could be fun for him.
Maybe not a birthday idea, but if the Transit Museum was a hit, the Sign Museum should be as well.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Maybe not for this birthday, but when he’s a little older, how about Diggerland USA in NJ. It looks like a dream come true for kids who like big trucks and construction.
What about sloomoo Which is a slime factory.
I know its early but monster jam is Feb 14-16
Intrepid might be interesting if he likes planes too.
If they like planes, can go out to Floyd Bennet Field Hangar B (I think) - there's a bunch of old aviation enthusiasts fixing up old planes. It's like being in a museum but you can talk to everyone and they're all really excited for people to come by and ask questions.
If they like boats - you could do something like take the ferry for a long ride and have a picnic on the ferry. May even be able to have food delivered when the ferry pulls up.
Hall of Science in Queens
On a dry day check out the Playground for All Children about a ten min walk from the museum, on the path where you pass the Queens Zoo. Excellent playground with some open air, stationary vehicles to use for pretend! Fire truck, school bus, some play houses, near spaces to check out, musical sculpture… great playground for a 4year old!
And on the way back maybe hit up the petting zoo or carousel
And afterwards, you can go to one of the great Chinese restaurants in Flushing.
The NY Aquarium (in Coney Island) can be fun in the winter, sort of a quieter experience. They also have a few select opportunities for their Sharks After Dark family overnights—basically a night at the museum style camping in the aquarium overnight. That experience is pricier but includes a parking pass, after hours access, behind the scenes tours, animal encounters, a craft, and a movie I think. Looks like there is one for 1/31-2/1 and then the next one is in April, though.
Use to take my kodr to the Kids Discovery room in the Musuem of Natural History.
Kids can actually dust off Dinosaur bones and stuff.
Also new wing opened up with a room filled with a bunch of butterflies.
Childrens Museum of Manhattan?
What about one of those trampoline parks? There are some jsut for kids says my neighbor who took her four year old