Winter in Manhattan has a special sparkle when little ones are in tow — suddenly, everything from a snow-dusted stoop to a twinkling holiday window feels like pure magic. We tapped The Agency New York’s Jed Lewin for the inside scoop on seasonal fun that hits the sweet spot for kids and parents.
“As a dad raising young kids on the Upper West Side, I’ve done a lot of real-life research on this topic,” says Jed. “Here, I highlight a few of our family’s favorite winter traditions and hidden gems around the city. Enjoy and happy holidays!”
Favorite Winter-Friendly Park or Playground
In the winter, but especially after a snow, Central Park is a magical winter wonderland. With miles and miles of trees and grass and snowy trails, climbing rocks, nature preserves, castles and ponds, stone bridges and arches, and differing terrain from north to south, Central Park is 843 acres of pure joy.
Go-To Cozy Café, Hot Chocolate Spot, or Family-Friendly Restaurant
Our favorite hot chocolate spot is Mille-Feuilles Bakery Café, which is close to my kids’ school. Creamy, chocolatey, and rich, a mug of this will warm you up no matter the weather.
One Can’t-Miss Winter Activity
We love ice skating down at Brookfield Place, which is outside and right on the water. Living in Manhattan, it’s sometimes easy to forget that we are on an island. The views on the river are amazing, and the rink is less crowded than Wollman and far less crowded than Rockefeller Center.
Most Surprising Winter Activity in NYC For Families
One thing families don’t always think about in the winter is taking the kids to the American Museum of Natural History in the late afternoon or early evening. It’s quieter, the dinosaur halls feel extra magical in the dim winter light, and you can catch the illuminated holiday origami tree before closing time.
Favorite Holiday Displays, Light Shows, or Festive Pop-Ups
Our crew is obsessed with the NY Botanical Garden’s “Nightmare Before Christmas” display — it’s spooky, beautiful, has incredible displays, and just the right kind of weird for kids who love Tim Burton. It’s become a new must-do on our holiday list. (Take note, it’s a limited edition affair — and has already concluded for the year, but consider this your reminder to add it to your list of must-sees!)
A Lesser-Known Family-Friendly Holiday Gem
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, the holiday train display at the New York Historical Society is fantastic and never as crowded as you’d expect. The kids press their faces to the glass every year, and we always end up staying longer than planned.
Whether you’re gliding along the waterfront, chasing snowflakes in Central Park, or discovering a new museum moments after dark, winter with kids in Manhattan is nothing short of extraordinary. Here’s to bundling up, exploring with wide-eyed wonder — and making memories all over this incredible city.
