Kid-Friendly Spots on the Lower East Side

You might not immediately associate Manhattan’s Lower East Side with loads of kid-friendly activities, but there’s still plenty to do for families staying in this busy neighborhood.

The Tenement Museum

If you have elementary-aged kids, the Tenement Museum is a good educational stop that connects directly to the neighborhood. The Lower East Side was an immigration hub in the past, and the Tenement Museum reflects what daily life was like for some of the majority of the area residents. It’s hands-on and costumed characters are on staff to talk with kids and answer any questions you might not know the answer to.

Museum at Eldridge Street

For more historic and cultural education, the Museum at Eldridge Street teaches kids and adults alike about the area’s Jewish roots. The museum is situated inside a historic synagogue and the hands-on family programming includes timely activities that everyone can get into, regardless of age.

Koneko

If your family is not quite in the mood for an educational experience this trip, why not let mom and dad relax with a cup of coffee while the kids enjoy some kittens. Koneko is a cat café where you can pay just $15 to hang out with some adorable cats, sip a cup of coffee and log in to the free WiFi.

Teatro SEA

Bilingual families will love Teatro SEA, the only Latino children’s theater in New York City. Bilingual shows mix actors with puppets for adaptions of your favorite kid’s stories, as well as new tales about Latino history and culture. The theater is additionally home to a puppet museum.

Petee’s Pie Company

What’s a more kid-friendly dish than pie? This tiny little hole in the wall is a great spot for all kinds of pies — both sweet and savory. Stop by when it’s not crowded to grab a seat by the window and dig in. Better yet, order several different types of pie to share among the family, so everyone gets to sample a variety.

Doughnut Plant

If, however, you need something a bit more mobile than pie, for a breakfast (or any meal, really) on the go, stop by Doughnut Plant. There are loads of inventive flavors to choose from, whether you want to harken back to a childhood classic with the peanut butter and jelly donut, or you want one of the classics, like blueberry or chocolate.