Hudson Yards With Kids: A Summer Family Day

Start at Vessel or the High Line  

Start with a walk. The High Line connects right into Hudson Yards and is stroller friendly, with gardens and public art to point out along the way.

Vessel is open to all ages, though children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The staircases and platforms give kids plenty to climb and explore, with views of the Hudson River along the way. Vessel is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Timed tickets are $14, flex tickets are $20, and kids 5 and under are free. Following recent safety upgrades, certain mesh enclosed sections of the upper levels are currently open, so check vesselnyc.com for the latest before you go.

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‍Shop and Snack

Head into the mall for a family friendly break. Dylan's Candy Bar and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream are easy wins with kids. Magnolia Bakery is a good stop for cupcakes, and Xing Fu Tang is a must try if your kids like bubble tea. There's plenty of room to walk around between stops, and strollers move easily through the mall.

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Lunch

Shake Shack and Pret A Manger are quick, kid-friendly options if you want to keep things simple. Joe & the Juice works well for a lighter lunch, and Vive La Crêpe is a fun, casual option if your kids are looking for something sweet or savory on the go.  

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‍Backyard at Hudson Yards: Free Summer Programming for Families

Backyard at Hudson Yards, presented by Wells Fargo, fills the Public Square and Gardens with free outdoor programming from May through October, which makes it an easy add on to a summer visit. Look for family friendly movie nights that pair a live opening concert with a screening on the lawn, big screen sports watch parties, and a rotating lineup of concerts and community events all season long. There's plenty of open lawn for kids to stretch their legs between stops, and the lineup changes throughout the summer, so check hudsonyardsnewyork.com for the current schedule before you go.

Other Options Nearby

If you have extra time, a few nearby spots are worth the walk:

• Chelsea Waterside Park: a playground with climbing structures and splash pads, about a 10 to 12 minute walk south along the High Line.

• Little Island: the floating park on the Hudson, a bit further south of Chelsea Waterside, roughly 15 to 20 minutes on foot from Hudson Yards, with its own free family programming in the amphitheater.

• Chelsea Piers: bowling, ice skating, and indoor rock climbing, also about 15 minutes on foot, good for burning off extra energy.

• The Shed: sometimes hosts family-friendly shows and exhibitions worth checking in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Is Hudson Yards a good destination for families with kids?

Yes. Hudson Yards offers family friendly attractions, restaurants, shopping, and open public spaces all within a walkable neighborhood. Families can explore Vessel, catch free programming at Backyard, enjoy treats like ice cream and cupcakes, and take advantage of nearby parks and playgrounds.

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Can children climb Vessel?

Yes. Vessel welcomes visitors of all ages, although children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Kids often enjoy exploring the interconnected staircases while taking in views of Hudson Yards and the Hudson River. Only certain sections of the upper levels are currently open to the public.

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What free things can families do at Hudson Yards in the summer?

Backyard at Hudson Yards runs free outdoor programming in the Public Square and Gardens from May through October, including family movie nights, live concerts, and big screen sports watch parties. It's a relaxed, no cost way to round out a day that also includes Vessel and lunch or shopping at the mall.

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What family friendly attractions are near Hudson Yards?

Nearby attractions include the High Line, Little Island, Chelsea Waterside Park, Chelsea Piers, and The Shed, all within about a 20 minute walk. The Public Square and Gardens at Hudson Yards also hosts seasonal family programming, including music, movies, and special events throughout the year.

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How much does a family day at Hudson Yards cost?

Vessel tickets run $14 to $20 per person, free for kids 5 and under. Add roughly $10 to $15 per person for snacks or lunch at the mall. Backyard at Hudson Yards and nearby parks like Little Island and Chelsea Waterside are free.

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What is the best time of year to visit Hudson Yards with kids?

Summer is a great fit for families, since Backyard at Hudson Yards runs its full lineup of free concerts, movie nights, and watch parties from May through October, and the longer daylight hours leave time for the High Line, nearby parks, and splash pads after a day of exploring Vessel and the mall.

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