Day Trips from New York
← All New York day tripsDay Trips from New York: Family Activities & Kid-Friendly Fun
The best family-friendly activities and kid-approved destinations within driving distance of New York, NY. Zoos, amusement parks, interactive museums, and outdoor fun the whole family will enjoy. Drive times, ratings, and budget estimates included.
12 family activities near New York
Turtle Back Zoo Carousel
West Orange, NJ 07052
Just 37 min from New York, rated 4.7 stars by 574 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Ocean Wonders: Sharks!
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Just 29 min from New York, rated 4.7 stars by 913 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Storybook Land
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Just 2 hrs 2 min from New York, rated 4.7 stars by 3,692 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
Norwalk, CT 06854
Just 1 hr 3 min from New York, rated 4.6 stars by 7,364 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Jenkinson's Aquarium
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Just 1 hr 18 min from New York, rated 4.6 stars by 5,279 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Adventure Aquarium
Camden, NJ 08103
Just 1 hr 46 min from New York, rated 4.6 stars by 19,196 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Bugs Bunny National Park
NJ 08514, USA
Just 1 hr 19 min from New York, rated 4.5 stars, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Woodbridge Aquarium & Wildlife
Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Just 45 min from New York, rated 4.5 stars by 8,674 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Fantasy Island Amusement Park
Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Just 1 hr 54 min from New York, rated 4.5 stars by 2,108 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den
Scranton, PA 18503
Just 2 hrs 10 min from New York, rated 4.5 stars by 2,584 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Safari Adventure
Riverhead, NY 11901
Just 1 hr 30 min from New York, rated 4.5 stars by 425 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Area 53 - Adventure Park
Brooklyn, NY 11237
Just 20 min from New York, rated 4.4 stars, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Activities Day Trips from New York
What are the best family activities near New York, NY?
The best family activities near New York include zoos, children's museums, amusement parks, state parks with easy trails, and interactive science centers. Check the cards above for top-rated spots with real drive times.
What are cheap things to do with kids near New York?
State parks, nature preserves, and many community attractions near New York are free or under $15 per person. Pack a picnic and make a day of it. Check the budget estimates on each card above.
Are there indoor family activities near New York for rainy days?
Yes. Children's museums, aquariums, indoor water parks, and science centers near New York are all great rainy-day options. Look for "Family" tagged destinations above.
How far should I drive for a family day trip from New York?
For families with young kids, 1-2 hours is the sweet spot. Longer drives (2-3 hours) work well with older kids and are worth it for standout destinations like major zoos or amusement parks.
Don't know where to go?
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