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Best Things To Do with Kids After Dark in NYC

1. See A Broadway Show – Midtown Manhattan

Going to see a Broadway show is a classic pastime in New York City, and it’s something kids love, too! There are always a handful of family-friendly shows on Broadway, and there's good news: Seeing a show on the Great White Way doesn't have to break the bank with these money-saving tips for Broadway tickets, which includes booking directly from our Family Event Calendar.

2. Laser Bounce Family Fun Center – Glendale, Queens

Kids love the excitement at Laser Bounce Family Fun Center, one of our favorite local trampoline parks for kids. Visit on Friday nights to take advantage of its unlimited play specials and choose from a night of unlimited laser tag, bounce park, ballocity fun—or even all three—for an affordable price.

3. Sleep at the Intrepid Museum Overnight – Hells Kitchen

For an educational adventure, consider splurging an overnight at the Intrepid Museum, a World War II-era aircraft carrier turned American military and maritime museum filled with history, aircraft, a submarine, and even a Space Shuttle. Overnights take place onboard Intrepid, giving families a whole new perspective on this unique museum. A handful of other local culture spots offer museum sleepovers in NYC, too.

4. The Holidays at Rockefeller Center – Midtown West

The holidays at Rockefeller Center are magical. From the Christmas tree to ice skating, holiday windows, and the light show at Sak's, plus delicious treats and eats, it’s the perfect atmosphere for a winter night out with kids.

5. Stargaze at The High Line – Chelsea

On Tuesday nights, from sunset to 30 minutes before park closure, the High Line offers a FREE stargazing experience that's open to the public. With telescopes to scan the sky, you and your family can start a relaxing and educational Tuesday night tradition of learning about the stars together. Members of the Amateur Astronomers Association are on hand to assist and share knowledge. No experience is necessary!

6. Check Out Color Factory – Soho

If you haven’t taken your family to Color Factory, it’s time to plan a trip! This interactive and immersive museum makes art more fun than ever and is open late on the weekends. Each exhibit is designed to make you think, learn, and envelop all of your senses. It's one of our favorite immersive museums in NYC.

7. Visit an Observation Deck – Midtown Manhattan

Whether it's your first visit to the city, or you're a jaded local, seeing the New York City skyline after dark is something all ages can appreciate. New York City's observation decks are all open after dark, so you can see the skyline come to life from the Empire State Building, Edge New York, Summit One Vanderbilt, Top of the Rock, or One World Observatory.

8. Jump On the NYC Ferry – Citywide

Another neat way to explore the city after dark is by taking a ride on the NYC Ferry. Seeing the shoreline from the water, all lit up, is a magical way to appreciate the city. Have fun quizzing your children about everything they see, and enjoy the relaxing ride.

9. Indulge at the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory – Chinatown

If you want to treat your littles to a yummy sweet after dinner, consider a visit to the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. In service for almost four decades, it’s regarded as an “unofficial” New York City landmark. With so many regular and unique flavors on its menu, it’s a spot you may have to go a few times, and it's open until at least 9pm nightly—later on weekends! Grab a scoop and wander the streets of Chinatown and Little Italy while you lick.

10. Drop-in at Chelsea Piers – Chelsea

The action-packed Chelsea Piers is a top spot for New Yorkers because it offers so many activities. Enjoy drop-in sports like ice skating, rock climbing, batting cages, and more well past bedtime. Brooklyn families can look to the Prospect Heights Chelsea Piers location for local fun, too.

11. Go On A Ghost Tour – Lower Manhattan

For kids who are a little older and love all things spooky, a New York City ghost tour is a great option. Plus, not only will your children get a kick out of all the haunted places, but they’ll learn about the city’s history.

12. Brooklyn Museum's First Saturdays – Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Museum is always a top spot to visit with your family, and its First Saturday program takes place from February through August. Admission is FREE and the doors are open until 11pm. Enjoy all the treasures of the museum, plus fun, thematic programming each month.

13. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge – Civic Center

Fresh off a "glow up" in honor of its 140th birthday, the Brooklyn Bridge is a stunning spot for an evening walk. Enjoy iconic skyline views and a brand-new LED lighting system that really makes NYC's most famous bridge glow.

14. Root, Root for the Home Team – Multiple Locations

Is there any better way to blow bedtime than with a night game cheering for one of NYC's home teams? No matter your rooting interest, booking tickets to see the New York Yankees, New York Mets, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty, or New York Rangers is always a good play in our book.

15. Times Square – Midtown West

The Crossroads of the World really shines after dark—and sometimes the crowds are a bit lighter, too. We suggest grabbing a seat on the red steps and enjoying some people watching while the billboards flicker in the background.

16. Coney Island – Coney Island, Brooklyn

This beachfront enclave comes alive on summer nights. Its Friday Night Fireworks are an annual favorite and you can't beat a few thrill rides as Luna Park lights up the boardwalk. Of course, a ride on Deno's Wonder Wheel to take in the whole scene is a must in our book, too.

17. Governors Island – Lower Manhattan

Another pick for summer fun, Governors Island stays open late on select weekend evenings each season. Enjoy the sunset over the Statue of Liberty, and drink in the quiet relaxation of this island in the harbor before catching the late ferry—and city lights.