Family Friendly Restaurants in NYC

By Katie Sagal
Published: May 16, 2024
NY food

New York City is undeniably one of the culinary capitals of America. With its diversity of cuisines and rich population of top-notch chefs and restaurateurs, the New York dining scene has something to offer practically every palate. Of course, when you’re traveling with kids sometimes experimental haute cuisine just isn’t going to cut it. So to help you out, we’ve put together a list of the best family-friendly restaurants in NYC. Or, if you’re looking for a bit of time away from the kids, we’ve also thrown in some foodie suggestions. These restaurants are located in New York City and are within walking distance or a quick subway ride from a few great NYC attractions, so they can be easily worked into your family vacation itinerary.

Kid Friendly New York Restaurants Renaissance Restaurant

If you're looking for an extensive menu and inexpensive prices, this is the spot for your family. The Renaissance menu really has absolutely everything, from chocolate chip pancakes to deli sandwiches to pizza. There will definitely be something everyone in the family will enjoy. The casual environment is good for kids and the food comes out very quickly (great for short attention spans). With 24-hour service, this diner is number one for convenience, too. Nearby Attractions: Central Park, USS Intrepid Museum, Bike Rentals

Shake Shack

This popular eatery offers more than just shakes. Burgers, hot dogs, fries, and ice cream make this place a kid favorite, but fresh, high-quality ingredients mean it's a favorite among parents as well! The prices are very reasonable for New York, and the prime location makes it a definite top pick. Nearby Attractions: Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park, Central Park Movie Tours

Peanut Butter & Co. Sandwich Shop

Only in NYC could you find a restaurant dedicated entirely to menu items featuring peanut butter. You'd be amazed at the diversity of peanut-buttery options, from the classic PB & J to the Mighty Maple Sandwich (maple peanut butter with crisp bacon) to the Peanut Butter Brownie Blast Sundae. If your kids want to try out a peanut butter creation, but you'd rather not, don't worry – a few peanut butter free options are offered as well (like the tuna melt or the salad bowl). This restaurant is so perfect for kids they'll even cut the crusts off for you! Nearby Attractions: Washington Square Park, New York University, 9/11 Tribute Center

Artie's Delicatessen

This restaurant is a re-created 1930s Jewish deli featuring dozens of the owners' favorite traditional recipes. Your kids might not care for the history, but they'll love the delicious chicken fingers, frankfurters, and birthday cake for dessert. If you can get your kids to go for something healthier, they also offer very appetizing soup, sandwich, salad, and entrée options. Try to sell them on the chicken noodle soup or macaroni salad. All menu items are available in house or to go! Nearby Attractions: American Museum of Natural History, New York Historical Society Museum, Hayden Planetarium

Ditch Plains UWS

This place is a great destination for seafood lovers, burger lovers, and barbeque lovers – you name it. Their unique spin on the experience is what they call “beach dining,” a selection of classic picnic or backyard barbeque fare prepared by expert chefs. You’ll find everything from hotdogs and hamburgers to BLTs and mac and cheese at this tasty dining destination. The Upper West Side location is especially conveniently located for further exploration. Nearby Attractions: The American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan

NINJA New York

What kid could pass up the chance to dine with ninjas?! This contemporary Japanese restaurant (which includes an accessible variety of cuisines – not just the more complicated stuff) is designed to look just like a recreated 18th century ninja village. Walk through the maze-like interior and marvel at the beautiful construction – don’t forget a camera! Be warned, however, that this isn’t going to be a cheap dining experience. Nearby Attractions: 9/11 Memorial and Museum, TriBeCa, City Hall

Local Cuisine John’s of Bleecker Street

Representing NYC in the great American Pizza Wars, John’s of Bleecker Street is a local institution that’s been serving up NY-style pizza in this historic location for a long time. If you’re looking for the authentic NY pizza experience while trying to avoid tourist traps or overpriced meals, this is the place to go. Be sure to arrive hungry, because slices are big! Nearby Attractions: Hudson River Park, Ground Zero Museum Workshop, departure point for many neighborhood tours (like the Brooklyn Bridge tour)

Strip House Next Door

If you’re looking for another restaurant that represents the best of local cuisine, then why not check out this top-rated steakhouse? Prices are more than reasonable for how delicious the food is, and it’s in a trendy location that allows you to see more of the city than you might otherwise. Strip House Next Door is the perfect destination for both families and couples! Nearby Attractions: Union Square, Flatiron District, West Village

Vegetarian & Foodie Options Candle Café

For those of you in the market for tasty veggie options, then Candle Café is the perfect place for you. With locations on both the Upper West Side & Upper East Side, this trendy local hotspot features fresh, organic vegan cuisine, plus a delicious juice bar. It’s near a lot of local museums (and Central Park), so it’s easy to pop in for a healthy lunch on a busy day of sightseeing. Nearby Attractions: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, Guggenheim Museum

Angelica Kitchen

This is another excellent vegetarian option that uses exclusively fresh, farm-to-table ingredients in their sumptuous organic cuisine. Everything is made with only the best fruit, vegetables, and grains, so you know what your kids are eating is going to be healthy and tasty. They also offer many gluten-free options if you’ve got any allergies in the family. Nearby Attractions: East Village, Union Square, Empire State Building (a bit north)

Café Paulette

Thinking about going for a date night without the kids on your NYC vacation? Then check out Café Paulette in Brooklyn, one of our favorite French bistros. It’s more affordable than many similar restaurants in Manhattan, but offers the same level of quality and expertise. It’s also a great wine bar, so plan to spend a long time enjoying their delicious offerings in a romantic setting. Nearby Attractions: Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Lilli and Loo

For lovers of Asian cuisine – including adventurous kids! – Lilli and Loo is an excellent dining destination. Located right in Midtown, this restaurant/sushi bar has tons to offer for the discerning diner in a fun environment. They serve all of your tradition faves, plus a number of plainer options to appeal to pickier eaters. Plus, it’s super affordable, so you don’t need to worry about breaking the bank on lunch. Nearby Attractions: Midtown, the Museum of Modern Art, Top of the Rock Of course, you’ll be able to find several great restaurants in the Times Square area, so don’t feel like you have to wander out to the edges of Manhattan to find good food. These selections help you avoid some of the more touristy spots and introduce you to a variety of NYC cuisine. Some areas to explore for additional restaurant options include Greenwich Village, TriBeCa, the West Village, and NoMad. Be sure to read reviews before you go, and choose a spot near a subway station for easy transit (not a difficult task in NYC – there are subway stations everywhere).

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Why Kids Absolutely Love the American Museum of Natural History  Families flock to New York looking for amazing adventures—and when it comes to sparking curiosity, there’s nowhere quite like the American Museum of Natural History. Standing proudly on the edge of Central Park, this beloved institution is packed with dino-sized discoveries, secret science nooks, and interactive zones made just for hands-on explorers. From towering T. rexes to star-studded planetarium shows, the museum transforms science into boundless fun for visitors of all ages. But why do kids, especially, leave wide-eyed and buzzing with excitement after every visit? Step inside with us as we reveal the 10 reasons youngsters simply can’t get enough of the American Museum of Natural History. 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Inside, you’ll find the Hayden Planetarium—a domed theater that launches kids right to the edge of the universe. Neil deGrasse Tyson, the planetarium’s legendary director, narrates shows that swoop through the cosmos, explore black holes, or explain what makes up a star. The effect? Kids aren’t just learning about planets and galaxies—they’re literally seeing them fly by.  The Rose Center offers plenty of hands-on fun. There’s the Scales of the Universe walkway, which uses real weights to help kids grasp enormous distances in space. The giant meteorites (touching one is a must) let your child literally get hands-on with space history. Interactive screens, glowing models, and “space trivia” stations keep little astronauts busy.  For many families, the Rose Center is a hit because it feels both grown-up and playful. It’s a place where future stargazers dream big—some even leave with a list of ideas for their next school science project.  The Butterfly Conservatory (Seasonal)  From November to May, the American Museum of Natural History becomes home to thousands of fluttering, jewel-toned butterflies in a tropical oasis kids will never forget. The Butterfly Conservatory is like walking straight into a storybook. Before you even enter, the air gets warmer and smells faintly of damp earth and nectar—then suddenly, you’re surrounded by hundreds of butterflies from all around the world.  Children immediately become gentle explorers, tiptoeing through lush greenery as blue morphos, monarchs, and swallowtails swirl overhead and land on flowers or—if you’re lucky—a friendly shoulder. There’s something magical about making eye contact with a curious butterfly! Along the way, helpful guides share “did you know?” facts about metamorphosis and butterfly habitats.  This exhibit feels like a living fairy tale, perfect for little naturalists and daydreamers. Watching your child’s eyes widen as a butterfly settles nearby is the kind of moment you’ll want to capture forever.  The Hall of Ocean Life with its Giant Blue Whale  Ask any New Yorker about their first memory of the American Museum of Natural History, and you'll likely hear the same thing: “The blue whale!” Suspended from the ceiling, the 94-foot-long model blue whale is truly awe-inspiring in scale. Kids lie on the floor underneath, gazing up, caught between amazement and a bit of giggling disbelief at how ENORMOUS the ocean’s gentle giant can be.  But there’s more than just the whale: the Hall of Ocean Life lets families peer into delicate dioramas of undersea creatures—from glowing jellyfish to fearsome sharks. Interactive panels teach kids about ocean conservation, whale songs, and different types of beaches and sea creatures found from the Arctic to the tropics.  With its soothing blue lighting and soft echoes, the hall magically mimics the underwater world. Expect lots of “Whoa!” and “Look at that!” especially from curious little ones eager to learn just how many weird and wonderful things exist below the surface. For every budding marine biologist (or “Finding Nemo” enthusiast), this is pure delight.  Hall of North American Mammals  Nature documentaries come to life in this immersive, beautifully designed series of animal dioramas. The Hall of North American Mammals places you eye-to-eye with moose, grizzly bears, wolves, and elusive mountain lions—all preserved in lifelike habitats that spark both awe and an urge to learn more.  Kids can “camp out” in front of the enormous Roosevelt Elk, peek at otters diving through “icy” mountain streams, and spot birds tucked into realistic trees and rocks. Clever lighting makes you feel like you’re peeking into a real forest at dawn or dusk. The tiny details are what seal the deal: paw prints, burrowed dens, and even hidden critters for those with eagle eyes.  Why do kids love this hall? It’s where a sense of adventure meets a dose of reality. All those wild animals that fill bedtime stories and cartoons seem to step out of the pages, making it easy for children to imagine themselves as explorers on a North American wilderness trek. And when their feet get tired, there’s always a cozy bench for a mid-museum snack break.  Gems and Minerals Hall  Looking for “oohs” and “wows” that aren’t dino-sized? Enter a world that gleams, glitters, and glows—the spectacular Halls of Gems and Minerals! Kids gravitate to these displays for a treasure hunt unlike any other. Massive quartz crystals, gleaming meteorites, deep-blue sapphires, and even fluorescent rocks dazzle under the lights.  The centerpiece, the legendary Star of India sapphire, has an otherworldly shimmer that’s sure to impress even the most hard-to-please kiddos. Young visitors can play detective trying to spot minerals that look like candy, crystals cut into technicolor shapes, and mysterious stones with hidden shapes inside.  The Hall’s vibrant, immersive layout—with its mirrored alcoves, interactive touch screens, and educational games—makes it feel a bit like a friendly science maze. Kids love learning fun facts about how these stones form, where in the world they’re found, and which gems are hidden in their very own jewelry box or favorite cartoon. Every visit, there’s something new sparkling from the shadows.  The Titanosaur: Step Into the World of Giants  Not every museum can boast of a resident guest who’s literally too big to fit in the room. Meet the Titanosaur—stretching 122 feet from nose to tail, this towering cast of a giant herbivore from Patagonia fills the Hall of Vertebrate Origins (and stretches out so much, its head peeks out into the hallway!).  For kids, the Titanosaur’s wild size is a lesson in both science and adventure. Stand at its feet, and you’ll realize just how small we humans are. Panels line the display with truly wild facts (the real animal weighed as much as ten elephants!), helping kids compare themselves to creatures from ages past.  Families take fun “dino selfies” beneath the drooping neck, and the friendly staff offer up interactive worksheets and activity packs to lead aspiring paleontologists on a scavenger hunt, searching for hidden features all over this gentle giant’s display.  The Titanosaur feels less like a distant fossil and more like a friendly giant—one that inspires awe, laughter, and a deep dive into the world of ancient giants.  Fossil Preparation Lab  You’ve seen the finished skeletons—now peek behind the scenes at how scientists actually prepare them! The Fossil Preparation Lab in the David H. Koch Dinosaur Wing lets kids watch real paleontologists in action as they clean, restore, and research bones unearthed from far-flung dig sites.  Big windows and live cameras bring plenty for onlookers to see. It feels like reality TV for science lovers! Budding fossil hunters can ask questions, watch experts carefully dusting off million-year-old bones, and understand just how much real work goes into making a T. rex ready for the museum floor.  Watching scientists at their benches—armed with tiny chisels, paintbrushes, and high-tech tools—kids learn that the world’s coolest discoveries start with slow, precise work. Any future paleontologists will leave inspired, and even not-so-science-y kids end up fascinated by how science “happens” in real life.  Family-Friendly Dining: The Cafeteria  Let’s be honest: little explorers need fuel, and the museum delivers! The in-house cafeteria is perfect for families needing to recharge between adventures. Unlike typical museum canteens, AMNH’s food halls provide lots of choices to suit even picky eaters. There are pizza slices, fresh salads, classic mac and cheese, as well as fun “build-your-own” sandwich stations and sweet treats for a quick morale boost.  Seating is spacious, stroller-friendly, and often sprinkled with dino-themed decor or wall murals that keep the science-y fun going. Closer to the Rose Center, specialty vending machines serve up organic snacks and New York bagels—just what you crave before another round of exploring.  For those visiting in summer, grab your treats and picnic outside in Central Park (just across the street). The museum’s location allows you to enjoy a quick lunch break, cool off under a tree, and jump right back into discovery.  Plan Your Perfect Family Day at AMNH  Whether your family is obsessed with dinosaurs, mesmerized by space, in love with sparkly gems, or just in need of an indoor adventure, the American Museum of Natural History has something for everyone. Walk through its grand halls and you’ll see giddy toddlers, school-age scientists, and even grown-ups all wide-eyed at the sheer scale of discovery waiting around every corner.  A day here is more than just entertainment—it’s a chance to open up a world of wonder and imagination for your kids, one fossil, planet, and butterfly at a time. For your next New York family adventure, this place is at the very top of our list.    Enjoyed this? Find kid-friendly fun galore here, and check out our guide to visiting the Big Apple with teens.  Step up your sightseeing with Go City®    We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started! 
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