Bryant Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Bryant Park?
What makes it 89% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 can ride the carousel, borrow free games, join crafts and story time, and skate during Kids Week; clean restrooms with changing tables and open lawns simplify supervision.
Positives:
- Central Midtown Location: Steps from the NY Public Library and major subway lines for easy access.
- Free Daily Activities: Art cart, games area, and story times keep kids entertained at no extra cost.
Challenges:
- Crowds at Popular Events: Holiday Market and movie nights draw large crowds, making seating and stroller space limited.
- Weather-Dependent Schedule: Outdoor shows and art cart hours can change with rain or extreme temperatures.
What is Bryant Park?
- A four-acre public park in midtown Manhattan, bordered by Fifth and Sixth Avenues between 40th and 42nd Streets, directly south of the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
- Landscaped lawns, ornamental gardens, and tree-lined promenades established in 1884 in memory of poet and editor William Cullen Bryant
- Features a winter ice-skating pavilion, a historic Le Carrousel, and permanent kiosks alongside an open-air reading room
What is so special about Bryant Park for with kids?
- Enjoy free crafts and games at the Art Cart & Games Area.
- Take a family carousel ride at Le Carrousel.
- Catch weekend kids shows in the open-air Reading Room.
- Skate together at the Winter Village ice rink.
- Relax on the Great Lawn for outdoor movies in summer.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A visit lasting 2-3 hours lets kids enjoy key activities without fatigue.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Bryant Park
Le Carrousel Ride:
Classic French carousel with animal figures and music.
Tip: Get tickets at the 40th Street entrance; ride in the evening to avoid midday lines.
Art Cart & Games Area:
Borrow crafts or board games like chess and Connect 4 for free.
Tip: Visit between 11 am–7 pm; bring a tote to carry art supplies.
Weekend Kids Shows:
Puppet shows, magic, and music in the Reading Room followed by crafts.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early for good seating; check weekends in summer.
Ice Skating at Winter Village:
Free-admission rink with skate rentals available.
Tip: Book a 50-minute session online to secure family time; rent skates early for best sizes.
Outdoor Movie Nights:
Family-friendly films on the lawn on Monday evenings.
Tip: Bring blankets and snacks; arrive by 6 pm for good picnic spots.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Bryant Park
- Check Online Calendar: Review the park schedule on bryantpark.org to plan around special events.
- Arrive Early: Get picnic spots or seating by arriving 15 minutes before popular activities.
- Use 42nd Street Entrance: Enter from 42nd Street near the carousel to avoid long lines on 40th Street.
Reviews of Bryant Park
Jim Riffe
Beautiful park area in the city. There are currently many Christmas booths of unique items set up and food vendors. We enjoyed the outdoor ice skating rink though there was a bit of a line. The weekends can be packed with people and we saw many less folks during the weekday. It is a nice break from the concrete jungle.
Leilani Mendoza
Bryant Park is huge, and the little shop section is honestly one of my favorite parts of visiting Manhattan. Every time we’re in the city, we end up here without even planning it — it’s like a ritual at this point. The whole area is full of small shops, pop-ups, and unique finds, and it always feels a little different each visit, which keeps it fun. When you get to the food section, prepare your ...
yesika diaz
Had the best ice skating experience. Make sure you get your tickets online and be 20 minutes early. Everyone from the team was very helpful. Highly recommended. If you not skating you there is an area for you to wait for the kids and take pictures.
Sean Allen
I recently visited this lovely park that truly offered a scenic experience. The atmosphere was peaceful, and I felt completely safe throughout my time there. One of the highlights was the abundance of seating options, with plenty of tables available for visitors to relax and enjoy their surroundings. Plus there were packs of well behaved teenagers there. I feel old seeing that but it was nice to s...
Simone P
My favorite place in NYC. I love to get a coffee & pastry at a local Cafe and just sit. I could easily stay for hours. Holiday time is a different story- too much chaos. But any other time is perfection.
When is the best time to visit Bryant Park (New York, United States)?
In summer, bring blankets for Monday movie nights. In winter, avoid the Holiday Market at peak hours if using a stroller. Spring and fall offer mild weather ideal for art cart activities.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Carousel Ride (per ride) | USD 4 |
| Ice Skate Rental (2 kids) | USD 40 |
| Kiosk Snacks (family) | USD 50 |
| Total Estimated | USD 94 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Bryant Park
Address: New York, NY 10018, USA
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Bryant Park (New York)?
About Bryant Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 212-768-424210 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, with kids
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities