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One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, there is hardly an urban playground bigger than Rockefeller Center. For families with children, there are endless ways to fill your day with adventure. From sun up until sundown, the 12-acre campus offers kid-friendly tours, dining options, shopping experiences, a host of special events, and so much more. Catch a puppet show or take in breathtaking views from Top of the Rock, take a spin around The Rink, or grab a world-class meal. No matter how you decide to spend your day, it’s guaranteed to be as much fun for adults as it is for children.
Read on for our guide on how to spend the perfect family day at Rockefeller Center.
10:30 am: Take the Rockefeller Center Tour, Jr.
Start the day on the right foot with the Rockefeller Center Tour Jr., a tour created specifically for children ages 6 to 11 (and their accompanying adults). The kid-friendly guided walk through campus takes place on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 am and delves into Rockefeller Center’s rich history and iconic hot spots. Tickets can be purchased online.
And up next, because what’s a trip to New York without a show…
11:15 am: Catch a Puppetsburg show
Innovative theater company, Puppetsburg, is back at Rockefeller Center through April 19. Dedicated to providing engaging, immersive performances for children and families, Puppetsburg creates whimsical puppet shows that blend music, humor, and imagination. Designed for children ages 6 to 12, this interactive adventure is offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 AM and 11:15 AM on the Rink Level. Shows are free and open to the public, but advance registration is required; sign up here.
And if all that excitement worked up an appetite…
12 pm: Share a meal on the Rink Level
When the show winds down, walk around the corner to Jupiter or Luke’s Lobster – both on the Rink Level. The dining options at Rockefeller Center include an array of global offerings from casual eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants. Best of all, foodies with families don’t have to miss out. For those who want a traditional sit-down option, Jupiter serves up Italian classics in a chic, sprawling space on the Rink Level. Kids can enjoy a complimentary pasta dish with the purchase of one adult meal, adding to the appeal. For a fast-casual option, Luke’s Lobster invites kids to eat for free every Tuesday. Think cheddar grilled cheeses or beef hot dogs – on the house – while parents can enjoy their famous seafood rolls.
And for dessert…
1 pm: Grab something sweet at Chip City, Cool Sips, or Tipsy Baker
There are endless options when it comes to snacks and sweets on campus. Featuring flavors like Nutella Sea Salt and Oatmeal Apple Pie, Chip City rotates its fresh-baked cookie menu weekly, so you can try something new every visit. Plus, on Saturdays through April 19, you’ll be able to snag the exclusive Confetti Thinwich: buttercream frosting sandwiched between two confetti cookies and rolled in rainbow sprinkles.
Cool Sips and Tipsy Baker are both offering an extra-special treat this spring as well. On Saturdays and Sundays through April 20, kids ages 12 and under will receive a free drink from Cool Sips with the purchase of any dirty soda from an accompanying adult. At Tipsy Baker, you’ll get a complimentary mini chocolate chip cookie with any purchase through April 19.
Now that you’ve refueled…
1:30 pm: Take a turn around the ice at The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Glide around one of the most famous ice skating rinks in the world at The Rink. A symbol of winter in the city, The Rink attracts millions of visitors every year and offers stunning views of the surrounding skyscrapers. Kids 12 and under also skate free with an accompanying adult through March 30. Just use KIDSSKATEFREE at checkout.
For the perfect family photo backdrop…
2:45 pm: Take in the sights at Top of the Rock — and experience SKYLIFT and The Beam
Top of the Rock is the only place you can catch an unobstructed, panoramic view of New York City. It has both indoor and outdoor observation decks, so visitors can soak in the sights no matter the weather. There are a few fun stops on your way to the Top, too.
Tickets can be purchased online, and you can choose to add on The Beam, which lifts you 12 feet above the deck to recreate the iconic “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photo. Better yet, The Beam is free for children 12 and under through April 12. To redeem this offer, visit the Box Office or contact customer service at (212) 698-2000. Last but not least, Top the Top off with SKYLIFT, a thrill ride that brings you shoulder-to-shoulder with the city’s skyscrapers, and stop by The Weather Room for an afternoon pick-me-up.
If you’re looking for a hands-on, educational activity…
4 pm: Learn about fire safety at FDNY Fire Zone
It’s important that every family is prepared for an emergency, and the FDNY Fire Zone is the best place to learn about fire safety. The educational center teaches visitors what to do in case of a fire emergency through interactive exhibits and presentations, giving families everything they need to eliminate fire hazards and create their own escape plans. As a bonus, kids can even meet a real firefighter and climb on a realistic fire truck. While general admission is free, tickets for the Fire-Safety Presentation are $6 for children and $7 for adults.
To commemorate the day…
5 pm: Pick up a souvenir or two
With more than 50 retailers throughout campus, there’s a store for everyone at Rockefeller Center — even kids. Voracious readers will feel right at home at McNally Jackson, and budding builders can find their next project at LEGO. For those with specific tastes, there are endless possibilities at FAO Schwarz and Nintendo, expansive stores with two levels of interactive fun.
Before you head home…
6 pm: Have a family dinner at 5 Acres
The day wouldn’t be complete without a family dinner, so gather ‘round for some good eats (and conversation) at 5 Acres. The Under 30 Rock restaurant is known for Midwestern classics like the Chicago Beef, Wisconsin Burger, and Mac ‘n’ Cheese. 5 Acres also sweetens the deal with a free kid’s dessert to accompany the purchase of one meal – the cherry on top of a perfect day.
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