The Port Authority is a joint venture between New York and New Jersey that was established in 1921 and is now a world-class transportation hub. The Port Authority centers on transportation around the New York Harbor. It covers 1,500 square miles from both New York and New Jersey and keeps things moving by sea, land, rail, and air. While the Port Authority is something phenomenal to see, there are so many other kid-friendly things in the area to enjoy.

Grab the family and head out to explore near Port Authority. Seek out family-oriented fun like the wax museum or Times Square. If the kids are getting fatigued with all of the excitement, drop your bags and backpacks with Bounce luggage storage service and continue on hands-free!

Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is free to ride and will give you unparalleled views of Staten Island, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Look out over the New York Harbor and have your camera ready for some fantastic photos of the kids while on the ferry.

The Staten Island Ferry is a 25-minute ride one-way. Not so overly long that your kids get bored, but just long enough to give you a break and enjoy a nice cup of coffee. The ferry passes between Manhattan and Staten Island so there is plenty to see and do.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

While it may not seem like an out-of-the-box experience, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is actually a great place to unleash the kids for an afternoon of learning, exploring, and fun.

Your children will probably find interesting things to see and do at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum; the interactive exhibits such as Ellis Kid are especially fun for kids. If your children are between the ages of six and ten ask for the audio tour.

Children and adults, four feet or taller can make the trek up into the crown of the Statue of Liberty for amazing views. Stop by the Statue of Liberty Museum and check out the interactive exhibits tailored for children.

One World Observatory

Head over to One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, for a memorable afternoon of learning about the fast-paced city and look out over the horizon when at the One World Observatory, located on the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors.

Step aboard the SkyPod Elevators and rocket up 100 stories in just 47 seconds. Kids will find this elevator almost as exhilarating as amusement park rides. Stop at the 100th floor for the Sky Portal, a 14-foot wide glass disc that is 1,776 feet above street level that gives you incredible views of the street far below.

Visit the See Forever Theater and watch HD videos of New York in an audiovisual experience you will not soon forget. The interactive exhibits will draw the kids into learning about the city without them even realizing it.

South Street Seaport Museum

Spend time in the heart of the historic New York Seaport District at the South Street Seaport Museum. Kids that are interested in boats and maritime history will have a ball exploring this extensive museum.

Discover five amazing ships that have been retired. Get informed about sailing and even take part in an interactive sailing exhibit where you sail around the New York Harbor. Learn how to use a letterpress, and view intricate and amazing ship models.

The museum opened in 1967 but was heavily damaged by Super Storm Sandy. It has since been reopened and is an excellent place to spend a few hours exploring a 19th-century print shop, historic ships, and beautiful artwork.

Children’s Museum of the Arts

So, most children are probably not that into art museums, however, the Children’s Museum of the Arts is not your typical art museum. This kid-centric 10,000 square-foot museum is the perfect place for all-day fun near Port Authority.

Check out over 2,000 vibrant, colorful drawings and paintings, many created by children. Sign up for one of the hands-on workshops where your kids will learn about art history while getting their hands dirty and letting their creative juices flow.

Your kids will create memories that last a lifetime while nurturing their creative side and encouraging them to engage in the arts. They will find this museum fun and fascinating and not even realize they are learning while here.

New York City Fire Museum

Head over to Soho and visit the New York City Fire Museum housed in the 1904 Beaux Arts Firehouse. Little boys and girls will love exploring this unique museum filled with vintage fire trucks and equipment.

Learn about fire safety, climb aboard a fire engine, and view interesting and historic art and photos all pertaining to the evolution of fire departments throughout New York. See the original horse-drawn fire engine and listen to stories of heroic acts.

SpyScape

Kids and adults love exploring this espionage museum located in Midtown Manhattan. The SpyScape museum gives kids an outlet to imagine themselves as international spies and participate in several different spy-themed activities. Kids can work through solving puzzles and crawling their way through laser fields, testing their skills and determining the type of spy they would be. Will it be an agent handler or intelligence analyst?

Plan your day near Port Authority to include fun, interesting, and even interactive experiences that will help your children learn about the history of the city. Help the kids find an appreciation for the arts, and even test their skills at espionage. No matter what you plan, they will have a blast!

Kid-Friendly Things To Do Near Port Authority