Not Just For Tourists: Family-Friendly Walking Tours In NYC

Yes, walking tours are great for tourists, but if there’s one thing New Yorkers know, it’s that they’ll never learn everything there is to know about their richly diverse neighborhoods. Luckily, NYC offers a variety of family-friendly walking tours for all sorts of interests, whether the kids have a penchant for delicious food, intriguing history, or stunning cityscapes. Now that the weather’s getting warmer for good, these walks are a great way to discover local surprises in the city that just keeps on giving.

foods of new york walking tours chinatown — Chinatown tour with Foods of New York

NYC Kids Explore Greenwich Village Tour
Visit some of the popular spots for kids and adults in the Greenwich Village, such as Bleecker Street Playground, the original Magnolia Bakery, and Washington Square Park. The tour is jazzed up with fun learning activities like a scavenger hunt, outdoor drama, and games related to foreign languages, math, science and art.
Saturdays and Sundays, nyctourist.com

Big Onion Chelsea and High Line Tour
Learn about the historic and architectural side of Chelsea with stops at The Chelsea hotel, “Death Alley,” the birthplace of the Oreo cookie, and much more. Celebrate the new spring season in NYC’s beautiful High Line with your family.
April 20, 29, & May 7, bigonion.com

Crosstown Pizza Walk
Get a taste of New York by eating some of the city’s finest pizza. This walk focuses on a historical perspective, which means starting with America’s oldest pizzeria and working your way up to today’s popular pizza blocks. Wear loose clothing!
April 19, 22, 26, 27, 29, scottspizzatours.com

The Luxury Chocolate Tour
This tour will take you to the chic Upper East Side where there are blocks of international stores and street cafes. You and your little ones can experience the heart of Paris with the abundant French bistros and tastings of fine chocolate from five of the best European chocolatiers.
Fridays and Saturdays at 12pm. sweetwalks.com

Explore Chinatown Food and Culture Walking Tour
Learn about Chinatown’s culture and history by eating delicious food from Dim Sum Go Go Restaurant, Peking Duck House Restaurant, and ABE Cantonese Restaurant. Come hungry and explore the hidden side streets of Chinatown and historic landmarks with your kids.
Mondays and Saturdays, foodsofny.com

Mommy/Daddy & Me Safari New York Photo Tour
This walking tour is a great way for parents and kids who love snapping pics. Using NYC as a backdrop and classroom, this photography workshop teaches basic fundamentals of photography geared toward families and young budding photographers.
May 11, 12, newyorkcityphotosafari.com

Central Park Walking Tour
What’s a better way to spend a beautiful afternoon than in the park? Put on some comfortable walking shoes and bring your little ones to a tour of Central Park that will stop at strawberry fields, cherry chill, Bethesda Terrace, the lake, and more!
Everyday, centralparktours.net

Pickles, Playgrounds, Candy Shops & More
The Museum at Eldridge Street regularly hosts children’s walking tours that reveal what it was like to grow up on the Lower East Side back when Eldridge Street Synagogue was new. The next one-hour walk includes stops for delicious candy and pickles.
June 2, eventbrite.com

Revolutionary Era Walking Tour of Lower Manhattan
Take a step back in time and learn about the city in the 1770s during the Revolutionary War. Seeing spots that were important in this exciting era is a great way for lessons in history class to become more relatable and engaging.
April 19, 20, 22-25, 27, 29, 30, zerve.com

The High Line Sunset Tour
Check out NYC’s most exciting new park and learn about the history of the Meatpacking District and Chelsea. You and your family will learn about unique architecture and edgy art around and part of the High Line, but best of all, you’ll see amazing views! It’s free, but be sure to make reservations.
April 19, 22, 26, 29 & May 3, freetoursbyfoot.com

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;

Polaris Productions Theater Camp

Kids will learn, rehearse, and perform the wonderful Maurice Sendak and Carole King musical, Really Rosie. For 10 weekdays, campers will take part in physical and vocal warm-ups and learn choreography, staging, and vocal parts. They&rsquo;ll develop skills in acting, singing, character development, and more. This camp will ignite your child&rsquo;s imagination and passion for performing, build their self-esteem, and help them form lasting friendships. They&rsquo;ll have fun! At camp&rsquo;s end, the kids will perform Really Rosie for family members and friends. Kids of all levels of experience, ages 8 through 13, are welcome to join.

The Little Gym of Bay Ridge- Bensonhurst

At The Little Gym of Bay Ridge-Bensonhurt, we specialize in unique, educational classes that revolve around active play. We give children a safe and inspiring space to direct their energy, build confidence, and develop key skills. Explore the range of classes we offer at The Little Gym of Bay Ridge-Bensonhurst to find the one that&rsquo;s just right for your child.&nbsp;