A Day at the New York Public Library

Today we woke up to gray clouds and heavy rain. To be honest, I’ll take any excuse to be indoors, separating ourselves from the scorching heat and thick humidity. I will also take any excuse to be out of the apartment and not cooped up with the kids. Living in tight quarters makes it difficult to be home all day. The absence of outside space or room to run around makes us all go a little cray-to-the-zay. Literally!

I decided to switch it up today and we took off to the New York City Public Library. I didn’t know what to expect or how the kids would behave, but we went for it and it ended up being a really fun day. I am not going to act like it was a seamless adventure free of tantrums and fall outs. We had those, we sure did, but we also found some awesome new books, played games on the computer and explored the massive space of the 5th avenue NYPL location. Large, wide hallways provide enough space to separate from the crowds and let the kids explore.

LOCATION: 476 5th ave

If you are in the city and need some ideas for rainy days, here are a couple of things to keep the kids occupied and not running circles around you asking for water 30 times a day.

Rainy Day Activities for Kids in NYC

MOMA 

We’ve taken the kids to the Museum of Modern Art many times. The words “kid friendly” don’t usually come to mind when you think of an art museum. However, the MOMA does a great job incorporating the kids with art tours, and the second level has an art studio with tons of crafts and materials to make their own art to take home!

LOCATION: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019

OCULUS

Oculus in the World Trade Center is a transportation hub and shopping center. The state-of-the-art architecture is visually stimulating for the kids and yourself with plenty of space and shops to explore. Grab a bite at one of the kiosks or bakeries and enjoy adventuring around all the different levels.

LOCATION: 33-69 Vesey St, New York, NY 10007

AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Definitely a fan favorite in my house. The kids love the dinosaurs, huge whale and the mummies. It is extremely kid friendly and the kids are intrigued the whole time. Don’t miss the space exhibit, my daughter asks to go every time. *TIP* I always bring my stroller for the kids, as this one is really big and you could spend the whole day there. If they get tired I let them nap and grab lunch in the cafeteria.

LOCATION: Central Park West & 79th St, New York, NY 10024

DYLANS CANDY BAR

It’s a “treat day” kind of trip. Dylan’s candy bar is even fun for adults! It is a plethora of every kind of sweet treat known to man. You’ll definitely be tagged the “cool mom” this day and don’t forget to go upstairs for lunch or a fun ice cream.

LOCATION: 1011 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10065

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF MANHATTAN

We visit this museum quite a bit. My kids, ages 4 and 2, are the perfect ages for this interactive play place. Each floor and exhibit is literally indestructible and the kids can play for hours. They can climb, build, paint and explore without any worries they will break something. “Can I get an AMEN?!”. Plan on grabbing lunch across the street at Cafe Lalo. It is adorable and has a bunch of kid friendly items on the menu. Mommy can even have a cheeky glass of wine. You deserve it!

LOCATION: 212 W 83rd St, New York, NY 10024

These are a few ideas for those rainy days in NYC when apartment (or hotel) life just isn’t going to cut it. I usually go way before nap and come home after or leave after everyone is well rested. The worst outing is accompanied by a tired toddler. All of these venues have cafes and food options, but I also bring snacks and/or bribery for those moments when the hunger is just too real for them to handle life. Another idea is to show them the websites or google images of the space you will go to. They will get excited and want to see all of the exhibits or special art they saw on the computer. I also discuss running, screaming and the “no no’s” inside museums or public spaces.

Enjoy NYC even in the rain!

xx

Chanyn