10 Things To Do With Kids This Winter In NYC

With the warmth of summer just a memory, the cold winter is quickly approaching! It can be tempting to stay inside and do our best to ignore it. Sometimes that’s just not realistic with little ones who seem to have unlimited energy! 

Here at Hamptons Swim we’ve put together a few activity ideas for kids of multiple ages that are winter friendly.

1. Swim lessons

Ages: 6 months to adults

Where: In the comfort of your own building’s pool, or any pool you already have access to (including a friend or family member’s). 

Swimming lessons aren’t just a summer activity — they teach a skill that lasts a lifetime! Whether you're introducing your baby to the water for the first time or helping your older child develop technique and endurance, swim lessons are a fantastic way to stay active during colder months while building confidence and safety skills. Beyond the obvious physical benefits, swimming provides a healthy outlet for kids who seem to have an endless battery life. It’s fun, engaging, and offers a structured way to redirect all that energy into movement, progress, and accomplishment.

At Hamptons Swim, our experienced instructors specialize in tailoring lessons to each child’s age, comfort level, and learning style. From playful introduction-to-water sessions for little ones to stroke development and endurance training for older kids and adults — we ensure every lesson is effective, encouraging, and enjoyable. Check out our website to learn more information: https://www.hamptonsswim.com/newyorkcitylocations 

2. Ice Skating

Ice skating builds balance, coordination, and strength. It teaches perseverance, teaches safe risk taking, a healthy break from screens, a great core memory making activity. Since ice skating isn’t available year round, it’s a fun winter treat that the children can look forward to!

• Bryant Park - Midtown West 

  • https://bryantpark.org/activities/bank-of-america-winter-village-at-bryant-park

• Rockefeller Center - Midtown East

  • https://www.rockefellercenter.com/attractions/the-rink-at-rockefeller-center/

• Wollman Rink - Central Park 

  • https://wollmanrinknyc.com/

• The Rink at Brookfield Place

  • https://www.therinkatbrookfieldplace.net/

• ArtRink at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum - Brooklyn

  • https://www.brooklynkids.org/exhibits/artrink/

3. Bowling

Who doesn’t love a good game of bowling? With bumpers, ramps, lightweight balls, and fun scoring — even toddlers can participate and feel successful. Many times bowling alleys have fun events like glow in the dark bowling and other fun activities on site.

*Some of these do have age restrictions after a certain hour of the evening. Be sure to check before going!

• Lucky Strike - Chelsea Piers

  • https://www.luckystrikeent.com/location/lucky-strike-chelsea-piers 

• Frames Bowling Lounge - Midtown West

  • https://www.framesnyc.com/ 

• Lucky Strike Times Square - Midtown West

  • https://www.luckystrikeent.com/location/lucky-strike-times-square 

• The Gutter Bar - Lower East Side

  • https://www.gutterbarbowl.com/lower-east-side 

• Melody Lanes - Brooklyn

  • https://melodylanesny.com/ 

• Bowl 360 - Brooklyn

  • https://bowl360brooklyn.com/ 

4. Rock Climbing Gym 

Rock climbing is a great indoor activity that builds strength + coordination, confidence, and teaches perseverance. Here are a few options to choose from below.

• Central Rock Gym - Midtown West (there’s also a Chelsea location)

  • https://centralrockgym.com/manhattan/ 

• Manhattan Plaza Health Club - Midtown West

  • https://mphc.com/rock-climbing-gym/ 

• VITAL Climbing Gyms - Multiple Manhattan Locations

  • https://www.vitalclimbinggym.com/wh-ues 

• MetroRock Brooklyn - Brooklyn 

  • https://bushwick.metrorock.com/bushwick-home 

• Brooklyn Bouldering  Project - Brooklyn

  • https://boulderingproject.com/location/gowanus/ 

5. Trampoline Park

Trampoline parks are a great place for kids to burn off that extra energy! Kids will learn balance, core strength, gain confidence in their abilities and it is great for social development 

• Kids N Shape - Multiple NYC Locations

  • https://www.kidsnshape.com/

• Urban Air - Brooklyn

  • https://www.urbanair.com/new-york-brooklyn/ 

6. Indoor Playground 

Indoor playgrounds are perfect for cold, rainy, or snowy days! These playgrounds encourage social skills, Inspire imagination, support physical development, and are a great energy outlet!

• Complete Playground 

  • https://completeplayground.org/ 

• Genius Gems NYC

  • https://nyc.geniusgems.com/ 

• Play Street Museum - Upper West Side

  • https://www.uws.playstreetmuseum.com/ 

• The Met’s 81st St Studio

  • https://www.metmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/81st-street-studio 

• Fairy Tale Island - Brooklyn

  • https://www.fairytaleisland.info/ 

7. Indoor Batting Cages

A great way to continue a child’s physical activity in the off season of most sports. Batting cages offer not only fun, but they can improve their hand-eye coordination, build strength, in a safe and controlled environment. 

• Asphalt Green - Upper East Side

  • https://www.asphaltgreen.org/facilities/batting-cage/

• The Baseball Center - Upper West Side

  • https://thebaseballcenter.com/ 

• The Field House at Chelsea Piers - Chelsea 

  • https://www.chelseapiers.com/sports/baseball 

• Five Star Academy - Midtown East

  • https://fivestar-nyc.com/

• Brooklyn Sluggers - Brooklyn

  • https://www.brooklynsluggers.com/ 

8. Libraries

Libraries have regular programming that is geared towards children. They provide a safe, indoor environment that make them a perfect winter activity. It’s a great way for kids to learn about a variety of subjects, and many offer programming that goes beyond just books. It’s also a great way for kids to meet other kids their age, and parents/caregivers to connect as well.

• Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library - Midtown East

  • https://www.nypl.org/locations/snfl 

• 53rd St Public Library - Midtown West

  • https://www.nypl.org/locations/53rd-street 

• Battery Park City Library

  • https://www.nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city 

• Brooklyn Heights Library - Brooklyn 

  • https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/brooklyn-heights 

• The Culture Pass allows access to at least 40 different institutions throughout the city

  • https://www.culturepass.nyc/ 

9: Sensory Experiences 

Sensory Experiences support brain development, build on fine and gross motor skills, empower them in their creativity,  and encourage exploration and curiosity among many other benefits. 

• Sloomoo institute - A fun hands-on slime experience!

  • https://www.sloomoo.com/locations/new-york 

• Museum of Ice Cream 

  • https://www.museumoficecream.com/new-york-city/ 

• Shot of Art

  • https://www.shotofart.com/city/new-york 

• Space Club - Brooklyn

  • https://spaceclub.com/ 

10. Kid Friendly Cooking Classes

It’s never too early to start a child’s interest in cooking! Since they are interactive, it engages their senses, coordination, and creativity. They will learn confidence, kitchen safety, and gain practical skills that will help them throughout their life. 

• Taste Buds Kitchen

  • https://tastebudskitchen.com/nyc/kids-cooking-classes

• Kids at Work 

  • https://www.kidsatworknyc.com/kids-cooking-class

• Green Apron Kitchen

  • https://www.greenapronkitchen.com