Take in the city sights from a new height! The best way to truly appreciate New York City is taking in the skyline from above, and the Big Apple offers five different observatories to choose from! Which one appeals to you, and which is best for children? Read on as we take a look at the best observatories for kids in NYC (and be sure to click our links for booking for an exclusive 10% discount on each!).
An Infinity View – Summit One Vanderbilt
Part art installation part observatory – One Vanderbilt is guaranteed to be unlike any experience you have seen. The mirrored installation called Air (seen here) mixes transparency and reflectivity, giving the illusion of a boundless city, faceting the skyline into infinity. Visitors also will experience Ascent, an all-glass elevator that ascends on the side of the building, and Levitation, a skybox that allows guests to step out from the envelope of the building and stand on transparent glass 1,063 feet above Manhattan. There’s also a sky projection room that’s fun for photos. Bonus – one of the rooms is filled with metallic balloons.
FOR KIDS: The infinite city reflections and epic balloon room experience will be something they will never forget.
WHERE: 45 E. 42nd Street, New York NY
TRAVEL TIPS: You may want to bring sunglasses! On a sunny day the lights can be blinding. With an infinity mirrored floor, you will want to be sure no one in the family wears a dress.
TICKETS: Exclusive 10% discount on tickets HERE
Living on the Edge – The Sky-High View at The Edge
The Edge is the highest sky deck in the Western Hemisphere! The deck spans 7,500 square feet and stretches 65 feet out from the 101st floor of the building at 30 Hudson Yards with a one-of-a-kind design: it’s suspended in mid-air, giving you the feeling of floating in the sky with 360-degree views of New Jersey, NYC, and beyond. Its height makes it the fifth tallest in the world. Don’t miss the triangular glass floor at the center of it all, the experience’s indisputable showstopper. Adrenaline seeker? The Edge recently opened City Climb – an epic experience where you climb to the top of the skyscraper (Note: there’s a height + age requirement for City Climb! Must be 13+).
FOR KIDS: The floor level glass barriers do not restrict views – making it a great option for younger kids/toddlers.
TRAVEL TIP: The Edge offers an indoor casual cocktail bar that has a selection of juices and sodas.
WHERE: 30 Hudson Yards, entrance on he 4th Floor. New York, NY
TICKETS: Exclusive 10% discount on tickets HERE
Top of the World Views – Top of the Rock Observatory
Situated on top of 30 Rockefeller Center, this incredible midtown landmark offers quite a panoramic view of Central Park and Manhattan skyscrapers. The gorgeous, tri-level viewing area from the 68th, 69th, and 70th floors are spacious and offer both indoor and outdoor viewing options. The views rival those of the Empire State Building, but some say they’re even better – a city skyline view here includes the Empire State Building itself. Top of the Rock often adds fun decals on the glass that change often to match the season or current events.
FOR KIDS: Little ones will love exploring all 3 viewing platforms. Tired? Try snagging one of the window seats on the 609th floor – its the best seat in the house.
TRAVEL TIP: Top of the Rock offers some of the best views of Central Park and the Empire State Building.
WHERE: 30 Rockefeller Plaza. New York, NY
TICKETS: Exclusive 10% discount on tickets HERE
Amazing Sights at Astonishing Heights – One World Observatory
The One World Observation deck sits atop the 104-story skyscraper is one of Manhattan’s top tourist attractions. The building is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and at 1,776 feet – this is where visitors will get an unparalleled view of New York City and its surroundings. Take in breathtaking 360° views from the comfort of an indoor climate-controlled space. A visit includes the SkyPod Elevator climb (102 stories in 47 seconds!) and the See Forever Theater: a audiovisual experience set to the rhythms of the city ends with your first glimpse of the spectacular skyline. It will take your breath away.
FOR KIDS: Little ones will love seeing the city from such a height, and will be big fans of the elevator ride.
TRAVEL TIP: New heights create an appetite? One World observatory has a restaurant and cafe right on site.
WHERE: One World Trade Center. 117 West Street, New York, NY
TICKETS: Exclusive 10% discount on tickets HERE
Be the King of the NYC Skyline – Empire State Building
So big that it has its own zip code, the Empire State Building has quite an amazing view from it’s platforms! Visitors to New York City’s most iconic skyscraper can soak up panoramic views of Manhattan and beyond from the newly reopened 102nd floor, come face to face with King Kong himself in one of the gorgeous and fully immersive gallery exhibits, and take in all of the city’s splendor from the world’s most iconic skyscraper. Visitors can gaze at the city below from the observation deck on the 86th floor, or pay for an even higher view from the 102nd floor. On a clear day, visitors can see up to five states and mesmerizing views of Central Park, the Chrysler Building, and Times Square. Little builders will love the history lesson in the Dare to Dream exhibit, which chronicles the construction of the famous building, Read more about the museum portion of the exhibit, as well as the 102nd Floor tour HERE.
More than just a famous building – the Empire State Building is home to some awesome hidden secrets. We did a feature on these, more HERE.
FOR KIDS: Children will never forget standing on top of the world’s most famous building! Don’t miss the exhibit where you can hang with King Kong, its epic.
TRAVEL TIP: The basement of the Empire State Building is home to a Starbucks Reserve, one of only a few in the city. An easy coffee or hot cocoa spot before or after the observatory.
WHERE: 20 W 34th Street, New York, NY
TICKETS: Exclusive 10% discount on tickets HERE
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