Times Square is often described as overwhelming, crowded, or best seen briefly before moving on. While those descriptions are not entirely wrong, they also overlook how many structured, family-friendly activities are concentrated within a small, walkable area. For families already planning a New York City itinerary, Times Square can function as more than a photo stop. With thoughtful planning, it can anchor a full day of entertainment that balances excitement, indoor attractions, meals, and age-appropriate experiences for children.
This guide focuses on practical, family-friendly things to do in Times Square with kids, particularly for parents traveling with elementary-age children who want a mix of memorable experiences and manageable pacing. The activities below prioritize walkability, predictable timing, and options that work well for families navigating the city together.
Experiencing Times Square Itself
Before diving into ticketed attractions, it is worth acknowledging that Times Square is an attraction in its own right. The scale of the digital billboards, the density of theaters, and the constant flow of people create a visual experience that feels distinctly New York and often makes a strong impression on children.
A good approach is to treat Times Square as a short, intentional experience rather than an all-day wandering destination. Arriving earlier in the day generally allows for easier navigation, while the evening offers the most dramatic lighting. Choosing a clear meeting point, such as the TKTS Red Steps, helps maintain structure and gives families a place to pause without needing to leave the area.
Indoor Attractions That Work Well for Kids
The Museum of Broadway
The Museum of Broadway is one of the most reliable indoor attractions for families visiting Times Square, particularly for children who enjoy music, costumes, or live performance. Unlike traditional museums that rely heavily on text panels, this space is designed to be immersive, with large-scale installations, original costumes, and interactive exhibits that walk visitors through the history and evolution of Broadway.
The museum typically requires at least 90 minutes to explore at a comfortable pace, making it a strong anchor activity for the day. It is especially useful as a midday stop, offering air conditioning, seating areas, and a clear beginning and end, which can help regulate energy levels when traveling with kids.
For families planning to see a Broadway show later in the trip, the Museum of Broadway also provides helpful context, allowing children to better understand what goes on behind the scenes and why theater is such a central part of New York City culture.
Live Entertainment Designed for Children
The Grandest Princess Ball Ever
For families specifically seeking a child-centered experience in Times Square, The Grandest Princess Ball Ever offers a structured, interactive alternative to traditional sightseeing. Hosted at Carmine’s Times Square, the experience combines live character performances with singing, dancing, games, and opportunities for children to actively participate rather than observe from their seats.
Because the event is held indoors and follows a clear schedule, it works particularly well for families who want a guaranteed activity that does not rely on weather or crowd conditions. It also naturally integrates with mealtime, as Carmine’s offers an optional family-friendly buffet during the event.
This type of experience can be especially appealing for families traveling with children who enjoy princess stories, music, or imaginative play, and it provides a distinct contrast to more passive activities such as walking tours or sightseeing. For many families, having one highly interactive, kid-focused event can help balance a trip that otherwise includes museums, transit time, and adult-oriented attractions.
Broadway and Theater District Options
Times Square sits at the center of the Broadway Theater District, which means that many families already plan to attend at least one show during their visit. When selecting a performance, it is important to consider both running time and content, as some productions are better suited for younger audiences than others.
Matinee performances are often the most practical choice for families, as they allow children to enjoy the experience without navigating late-night crowds or arranging transportation afterward. Pairing a show with a nearby meal or indoor activity helps keep the day cohesive and avoids unnecessary travel across the city.
Even for families not attending a live show, simply walking through the Theater District and seeing the marquees can be an engaging experience for kids, especially when framed as part of a broader day plan rather than an open-ended stroll.
Family-Friendly Dining in Times Square
One of the most common concerns about spending extended time in Times Square with kids is food planning. While the area is dense with restaurants, not all are equally well-suited for families.
A useful strategy is to plan one sit-down meal in Times Square and treat other food stops as snacks rather than full dining experiences. Restaurants accustomed to serving large groups and families, such as Carmine’s, tend to be more forgiving in terms of pacing and noise levels, which can make a noticeable difference when traveling with children.
Timing meals earlier or later than peak dining hours can also reduce wait times and make the overall experience more relaxed.
Building a Practical Times Square Itinerary With Kids
Rather than attempting to see everything, families tend to have the best experience by choosing two or three anchor activities and building the day around them. Below are sample frameworks that can be adjusted based on travel schedules and child ages.
Morning to Early Afternoon Plan
- Arrive in Times Square earlier in the day to explore the area with lighter crowds
- Visit the Museum of Broadway as the main indoor activity
- Sit-down lunch at a family-friendly restaurant
- Short walk for photos and souvenir shopping before transitioning to another neighborhood
Midday Experience-Centered Plan
- Brief walk through Times Square for photos
- Attend The Grandest Princess Ball Ever as the primary activity
- Post-event stroll and snack stop
- Early dinner or rest period afterward
Evening Plan With a Broadway Show
- Early dinner near Times Square
- Broadway matinee or early evening performance
- Short walk through Times Square after the show to see the lights
- Depart before the crowds peak late at night
Practical Considerations for Families
Strollers and Mobility
Times Square sidewalks can become congested, especially in the late afternoon and evening. Lightweight strollers are generally easier to manage, and planning brief stops rather than constant movement helps reduce stress.
Restrooms
Restroom access should be planned in advance. Museums, restaurants, and ticketed experiences are the most reliable options, and it is helpful to use restrooms whenever they are available rather than waiting until they are urgently needed.
Crowd Management
Establishing a clear meeting point and keeping children within sight at all times is essential. Bright clothing or distinctive accessories can make visual tracking easier in dense crowds.
A Useful Nearby Break Option
A short walk from Times Square, Bryant Park offers a quieter environment where families can regroup. Depending on the season, it may include open lawn space, seasonal activities, or simply room to sit and rest. Incorporating a park visit can help balance the intensity of Times Square, particularly on longer days.
Conclusion: Making Times Square Work for Families
Times Square is not inherently unsuited for children, but it does require structure to be enjoyable. Families who approach it with a clear plan, realistic expectations, and a mix of indoor and interactive activities often find it to be a convenient and memorable part of a New York City trip.
By combining one or two major attractions, such as the Museum of Broadway or The Grandest Princess Ball Ever, with planned meals and short sightseeing windows, Times Square can serve as a functional hub rather than a chaotic obstacle. For parents already planning city activities, treating Times Square as a destination with specific goals rather than an open-ended stop tends to lead to a smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.