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United States/Things to Do in New York, with kids

Empire State Building (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is Empire State Building?

80%Kids-Friendly
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What makes it 80% Kids-Friendly: Interactive King Kong hands, 360° telescope spotting, and history exhibits fascinate kids, yet long queues, vertigo risk, and lack of playground or seated rest areas require vigilant parents.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 120,662 reviews)
Empire State Building Tour in NEW YORK!
15 min
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Empire State Building Tour in NEW YORK!
1M views • 1 year ago
Empire State Building Adventure: Family Fun at 1,250 Feet! #empirestatebuilding #kids
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Empire State Building Adventure: Family Fun at 1,250 Feet! #empirestatebuilding #kids
1.1K views • 11 months ago
The BEST views of New York City, Empire State Building Tour | Indian in America | Aanam C
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The BEST views of New York City, Empire State Building Tour | Indian in America | Aanam C
7.9K views • 2 years ago

Positives:

  • Accessibility: Elevators accommodate strollers and wheelchairs with accessible lanes from ground to observatories.
  • Family-friendly Facilities: Restrooms on the 86th floor include ADA-accessible stalls and space to regroup with kids.

Challenges:

  • Security Screening: Expect a 15-30 minute wait at the entrance security check, which can be longer on weekends.
  • Deck Wind Exposure: Open-air deck can be windy and cold; bring jackets in cooler months.
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🏖️ Explore Empire State Building with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Empire State Building. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Empire State Building?

  • An Art Deco–style skyscraper completed in 1931, standing 1,454 feet tall with a limestone and granite façade topped by a gleaming stainless-steel spire
  • A 102-story office tower originally built as multi-tenant commercial space, now hosting corporate offices, broadcast studios, and interpretive exhibitions on its upper floors
  • A National Historic Landmark that exemplifies pioneering steel-frame construction and rapid assembly—rising at a record pace of over four floors per week during its 13-month build

What is so special about Empire State Building for with kids?

  1. 360° views from the 86th and 102nd floors that thrill kids.
  2. Interactive exhibits on King Kong and building history.
  3. Iconic Art Deco lobby perfect for family photos.
  4. On-site gift shop with exclusive souvenirs for children.
  5. Elevator rides add excitement between floors.

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives enough time to explore exhibits, visit the 86th and 102nd floor observatories, and browse the gift shop without rushing.

(View Empire State Building on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Empire State Building

86th Floor Observatory:

Walk on the open-air deck to spot Central Park, Statue of Liberty, and more through 360° windows.

Tip: Go early morning to avoid lines and bring quarters for the coin-operated binoculars.

Interactive Exhibits:

Let kids explore the King Kong and construction exhibits on the 2nd and 80th floors.

Tip: Encourage children to touch the life-size riveter models and use display tablets for historic scenes.

Art Deco Lobby:

Admire the restored 1930s murals and bronze doors in the Fifth Avenue lobby.

Tip: Take a family photo beneath the gold leaf ceiling before heading up to the observatories.

80th Floor Gift Shop:

Browse exclusive Empire State Building toys, snow globes, and T-shirts.

Tip: Set a small budget and let each child pick one souvenir to manage spending.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Empire State Building

  1. Skip-the-line Tickets: Buy the Express Pass online to reduce elevator wait times for the 86th and 102nd floors.
  2. Early Morning Visit: Arrive at opening (8 a.m.) on weekdays to minimize lines and make the experience smoother for kids.
🏖️ Tour Empire State Building like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Empire State Building. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Empire State Building

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Milind “Joe” Joshi

Milind “Joe” Joshi

Oct 2025

I visited Empire State Building after 25 years and thanks to a friend visited all the three levels as a special guest. Since my last visit, the experience has been further enhanced due to digitization. The panoramic view is fantastic. Though it is no more the tallest building in the world, it has history which is worth relishing.

Deepak Kumar

Deepak Kumar

Oct 2025

Visited the Empire State Building yesterday with CityPASS. We didn’t reserve a time and just went straight for sunset. The line was long but moved quickly, with smooth check-in and security. On the way up, there were some nice exhibits and photo spots. The 80th floor had great views all around, and then we went up to the 86th floor for the open-air observatory. The city lights were absolutely amaz...

Jacky Lam

Jacky Lam

Sep 2025

The Empire State Building is truly iconic and an absolute must-visit in New York City! From the moment you step inside, you feel the history and grandeur of this landmark. The observation decks offer breathtaking 360-degree views of Manhattan and beyond—it’s simply magical, especially at sunset or when the city lights up at night. The building itself is a masterpiece of Art Deco design, and the ex...

Muhammed Cimen

Muhammed Cimen

Sep 2025

Visiting the Empire State Building is definitely a must when you’re in New York City. Getting there is very easy since it’s right in the heart of Manhattan, surrounded by subway stations and bus stops. Once inside, however, be prepared for long lines, strict security checks, and lots of people—it’s not the easiest place to explore. That being said, the moment you reach the observation deck, all th...

Teodora Šujak

Teodora Šujak

Aug 2025

Honestly, visiting the Empire State Building was such a cool experience. You always see it in movies and pictures, but standing there in person feels completely different. The building is massive, and the lobby inside is beautiful. Everything is set up really well for tourists, so it doesn’t feel too confusing even though there are a lot of people. The museum on the way up was actually pretty fun...

When is the best time to visit Empire State Building (New York, United States)?

Visit on clear winter mornings for crisp skyline views and fewer crowds; in summer, plan a late sunset visit to enjoy cooler evening breezes on the deck.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to New York on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Adult ticket (x2)USD 88
Child ticket (x2)USD 86
SnacksUSD 20
Parking (optional)USD 40
Total EstimatedUSD 234

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 Empire State Building

Address: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, USA

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Looking for other Things to Do besides Empire State Building (New York)?

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About Empire State Building

Opening Hours

Monday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Average price

US$ 43.12
Book on GetYourGuide

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Average price

US$ 43.12
Book on GetYourGuide
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