You Don’t Have to be Rich to Visit Hudson Yards — But It Helps

Few construction projects have made national news with quite the splash — and controversy — that accompanied the recent grand unveiling of Hudson Yards in New York City. Dubbed a “billionaire’s playground” by naysayers, the project, in the works for about a dozen years, has taken some flack for its toney shops — Rolex, Tiffany, Cartier, just to give you an idea — pricey residences and offices and ultra-high-end restaurants.

But fans of the project, whose showpiece is The Vessel, a climbable, eye-popping artwork that tops out at 150 feet high, stress Hudson Yards is open and welcoming to visitors of all ages and incomes.

Here are a few favorites for a day of high-end fun for families with kids, whether they are part of the 1 percent or just want to live like one for a day.

Starting at The Vessel — trust us, you’ll want to — you can ascend to the top of this giant artwork, created by Thomas Heatherwick and which serves as the jewel in the crown of the five-acre Hudson Yards plaza. Even kids indifferent to scenery are going to be wowed by the views of the city and the river, as well as by the massive structure itself, whose design is meant to pay homage to the water below — or is it a beehive? You decide.

Modern architecture building Vessel spiral staircase is the centerpiece of the Hudson Yards in New York City. Photo: Mykyta Starychenko | Dreamstime.com

Bring comfy shoes and prepare to tackle the dizzying climb via 154 interconnecting flights of stairs, 2,500 steps and 80 landings to the top, although, of course, there is an elevator for visitors with tiny, or just tired, legs.

Tickets are free and bookable in advance online or on site in the morning for same-day visits.

And children won’t need art lessons to appreciate Lara Schnitger’s interactive “I Was Here” art installation, described as a giant sequin tapestry.

Hungry? Head to Belcampo, which offers kid-friendly menu options and booster seats; Li-Lac, Manhattan’s oldest chocolate company for gourmet treats in fun designs; Fuku for familiar fare with a twist — like chickpea mac and cheese; Wild Ink for upscale, Asian-inspired dishes; and Jack’s Stir Brew for Little Joey or Zoe just-for-kids hot (but not too hot) chocolate and barista-style coffee for mom and dad. Queensyard  offers high-end, British-style fare and highchairs are available; Van Leeuwen serves classic and vegan ice cream, and, yes, there is even a Shake Shack, which just launched an expanded kids’ menu and rounds out the dining options.

Do you have little ones who love to shop? Try P!Q, where you can pick up “horrible adorables” and other kid-pleasing toys and accessories; milk & honey babies for high-end, eco-conscious baby clothes and gear, and Dylan’s Candy Bar for all manner of sweets and gifts.