Choose from 201 Fun Things to Do in New York
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
- Give yourself at least two hours at the memorial and museum to explore and reflect.
- Hourlong staff-guided tours of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum can be bundled with museum admission. It’s best to arrive at least 15 minutes before your designated tour time.
- Mobile apps and a museum audio guide can enhance a self-guided experience.
- Some sections of the museum may not be appropriate for kids under the age of 10.
- There is a café on the atrium terrace level.
- The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is fully accessible.
Mount Gulian Historic Site
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Morris-Jumel Mansion
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Locust Grove Estate
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Lower Manhattan
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Rockaway Beach
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Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
The World War II-era USS Intrepid aircraft carrier retired to Manhattan’s West Side, where it was transformed into a museum. The complex hosts noteworthy craft, including NASA’s Enterprise space shuttle, the USS Growler missile submarine, and a Concorde jet. While there, check out original artifacts, film, and photographs, plus simulators that recreate the flying experience.
The Basics
Standard admission generally includes access to the carrier flight deck, gallery deck, and mess deck, as well as the Space Shuttle Pavilion (where the Enterprise space shuttle is held), and the USS Growler submarine. While the British Airways Concorde can be seen from outside, the interior can only be accessed by private tour. Visitors can pre-purchase an admission ticket that allows quick access via a dedicated advanced sales entrance, and upgrade to include the simulator rides. Multi-stop package tours often combine skip-the-line access to the museum with early access to the Empire State Building observation deck, a visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, guided bus tours, or hop-on hop-off boat tours along the Hudson River.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is a must-do for anyone with an interest in maritime, aviation, or military history.
- Many sightseeing passes, including New York CityPASS, New York City Explorer Pass, the New York Sightseeing Pass, and the New York Pass, grant holders free—and in some cases skip-the-line—entry to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
- Allow at least two to three hours to properly explore the complex.
- Most of the museum is wheelchair-accessible with the exception of the forecastle (the forward deck), combat information center, the interior of the Growler submarine, and the Concorde.
- In the hot summer months, bring a hat, sunscreen, and water.
How to Get There
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is located at Pier 86 (12th Avenue and 46th Street) in Hell’s Kitchen. Ride the A,C, or E subway line to 42nd Street and walk west toward the waterfront. Or, take the M34 (34th Street), M42 (42nd Street), or M50 (49th Street) crosstown buses to 12th Avenue and the Hudson River.
When to Get There
The museum is busiest during summer weekends and school holidays. Lines form but usually move pretty quickly. Mornings are the quietest time to visit. Book tickets in advance to save time.
Intrepid After Dark
For an even more immersive experience, opt for an overnight stay on the Intrepid. During sleepovers, visitors get to enjoy a buffet dinner, explore the exhibitions after hours, sleep on the hangar deck, and have breakfast onboard.
Lower East Side
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Hudson River
- The Hudson River is a magnet for sightseers who want to soak up views of both NYC and the peaceful Hudson Valley countryside.
- Bring an extra layer, as it can feel colder out on the river than on dry land.
- Some Hudson River cruises can accomodate wheelchair users.
Hunter Mountain
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Hudson Valley
- Hudson Valley is a must-see for history buffs, foodies, and nature lovers.
- The valley’s restaurant scene is famous for its talented chefs and abundance of local ingredients. Be sure to grab a bite at a local establishment.
- Most Hudson Valley towns feature bike-friendly streets, while scenic off-road bike trails are often easily accessible.
Riverside Park
In addition to purely scenic paths landscaped with trees, flowers, terraces and bridges, the park includes a wide variety of recreational options, like baseball diamonds, basketball, tennis and handball courts, skate ramps, kayak and canoe launch sites, playgrounds, and fitness paths. As part of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, the park contains car-free bike routes, and its 110-slip public marina at 79th Street is part of New York State’s Water Trail.
There are several graceful monuments within the park, including Grant’s Tomb, at West 122nd Street. This Grecian rotunda with ionic columns, visible from the Hudson River, contains the actual tombs of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant.
Legoland Discovery Center Westchester
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Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
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Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
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Rockefeller Center
- The center is wheelchair accessible and has free Wi-Fi available.
- Many miss the Rockefeller Center Channel Gardens, but it’s worth visiting the strip of fountains and plants, which change with the seasons.
- The NBC Studios tour is an interactive experience, as travelers can have their photo taken at the news desk or give an impromptu weather report.
- Stunning views of the Manhattan skyline can be seen from three observation platforms at the Top of the Rock. (Book timed tickets in advance.)