SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt?
What makes it 79% Kids-Friendly: Kids enjoy mirrored ball rooms, scavenger hunts, and thrilling glass ledges, but reflective floors, loud effects, and the need for constant adult supervision can shorten the fun.
Positives:
- Free admission for children under 6: Kids aged 0–5 enter free with a paying adult.
- Family-friendly facilities: Foldable strollers allowed and restrooms have changing tables on each floor.
- Interactive exhibits: Art rooms and skyboxes invite kids to run, pose, and explore safely.
Challenges:
- Bright reflective surfaces: Mirrored floors and walls can cause glare; bring sunglasses to protect eyes.
- Safety on skyboxes: Children may feel uneasy on glass ledges; hold hands and stay close.
- Open-air terrace: Terrace can be windy and cold; pack jackets or windbreakers.
What is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt?
- A multi-level observation and immersive art space occupying the 91st through 93rd floors of One Vanderbilt in Midtown Manhattan
- Three curated environments comprising mirrored installations, transparent skyboxes and an open-air terrace
- An external glass-bottomed elevator running up the building’s east façade
What is so special about SUMMIT One Vanderbilt for with kids?
- Explore three immersive floors of mirrors and art installations.
- Step onto glass skyboxes for thrilling city views.
- Engage kids with a fun landmark scavenger hunt.
- Relax with snacks and hot chocolate in the Nordic café.
- Kids under 6 enter free, making it budget-friendly.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This time lets a family explore all three floors at a relaxed pace, including art rooms, terrace, and snack breaks.
Kids-Friendly Activities in SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Transcendence Art Rooms:
Walk through mirrored chambers that reflect light and movements.
Tip: Hold children’s hands on slick floors and pause for fun photos.
Levitation Skyboxes:
Step onto glass ledges jutting 1,100 ft above the street.
Tip: Stay close to kids and capture wide-angle shots for dramatic views.
Landmark Scavenger Hunt:
Have children find the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Central Park.
Tip: Print a simple landmark list before you go and tick them off together.
Ascent Glass Elevator:
Ride the external glass elevator 12 stories higher for extra thrills.
Tip: Buy this add-on online in advance and let older kids watch the city rise.
Nordic Café Snack Break:
Enjoy small plates, hot chocolate, and mocktails in the café.
Tip: Order hot chocolate for kids and a light snack to keep energy up.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
- Visit early or late afternoons: Arrive before noon or after 3pm for smaller crowds and better light.
- Pre-book tickets online: Skip on-site lines and secure your preferred time slot.
- Prepare a scavenger list: Print a list of landmarks for kids to find from the observation deck.
Reviews of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Jodi Parks
We don’t usually do overpriced touristy things in new cities but this is a can’t miss! The views from the 91-93 floors are unmatched and the installations are beautiful! The lines seem long but once you get elevatored up, the crowds thin as you make your way through. Highly recommend this one! We went during the day but it would be beautiful at night too!
Rosa Ghullikie
Took my mom here for her birthday last weekend. She loves exploring different things in the city and this was on her bucket list. We had a wonderful time. It was a cloudy rainy day when we got there amd the visibility sucked. Luckily about 10 mins later around 1:45 p.m, the fog started to lift and we were able to get some fantastic views. We spent about 2 hrs here and enjoyed every bit of it.
Sally Soper
Luckily this was recommended to us and it was one of the best value for money experiences of all the touristy options. We went in the morning and there was a queue, but it moves quickly. The views and photo opportunities are great and you don’t feel like there is any rush to get through the different rooms. Kids LOVED the silver balloon room and it was good for them to have a fun part amongst all ...
rodrigo jimenez
An amazing experience. We had the greatest time, it’s so fun. Take your time while walking through. You are in no rush. Enjoy, take pictures, be playful and happy. All three floors are fantastic, first floor is the one with all the mirrors, second floor has the platinum balloons and the third has the food and drinks. The cocktails are nicely loaded, grab one and hang out on the top floor soaking i...
Carl Foisy
Absolutely spectacular. We recommend visiting in the evening to see the city lights. We were planning to visit the Empire State building, but this building included the Empire State Building in our view. The experience was awesome. From the moment we walked into the elevator, through the entrance walkway, onto to the first observation floor 91. Calming audio was playing, very celestial. And the vi...
When is the best time to visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (New York, United States)?
In winter, bring warm jackets for the open-air terrace. In summer, wear sunscreen and sunglasses to handle bright reflections. Spring mornings are mild and less busy.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Adult tickets | USD 90 |
| 1 Child ticket (age 6+) | USD 45 |
| Snacks and drinks at café | USD 20 |
| Total Estimated | USD 155 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Address: 45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA
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About SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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