Times Square is NYC’s ultimate family-friendly destination. See the awe of TSQ’s dazzling lights and screens through kids’ eyes, and share the magic of a Broadway show, a unique shopping experience, and a family-style meal together. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, use our curated guide to find fun for the whole family at the Crossroads of the World.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment
Bring the whole family to experience the razzle dazzle of a Broadway show, with live performances that will delight and inspire theater-lovers of all ages. Check out our top-pick performances of kid-friendly and parent-approved shows the whole family is sure to love. Purchase tickets directly from theater’s box offices, or explore Special Family Offers from The Broadway League.
Make the experience extra special! Head to Times Square’s iconic Red Steps that house the beloved TKTS Booth, offering discounted tickets to dozens of Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. Or, take a walking tour with Broadway Up Close for a back-stage look at Broadway’s past and present.
In addition to Broadway, take little ones to experience theater made just for them. Check out live performances that are both fun and enriching for the whole family at the New Victory Theater. This Off-Broadway space hosts programming in theater, dance, puppetry, circus, and more for young audiences.
Family-Style Dining
Experience the very best of Times Square’s restaurant scene that caters to both large groups and picky eaters alike. Don't miss large, shareable menu items, comfort foods like Italian dishes and diner fare, and atmospheres the whole family will love.
Find wow-factor portions and classic Southern Italian fare at Carmine’s, the original NYC Family Style Italian Restaurant. Platters of home-style antipasto, pasta, and decadent seafood and meat entrees are meant for sharing, and are sure to be a hit even among picky eaters. Plus, everyone gets a spoon to share over-the-top deserts like tiramisu, cannoli, and Italian cheesecake.
The whole family will love tropical vibes at Havana Central, a restaurant that celebrates Cuban food, music, and culture. Share big portions of classic crowd-pleasers like Cubano Clasico sandwiches, empanadas, and pernil asada, plus try traditional dishes paired with unique recipes that have been passed down for generations.
Classic Hollywood meets historic Times Square at Bacall’s Family Steakhouse, a unique family-style restaurant in the heart of the Theatre District. Try their signature home-cooked dishes with a Jewish and Romanian flair, all meant for sharing among a big group. You can’t go wrong pairing latkes and matzoh ball soup with decadent “for the table” desserts.
Enjoy family-favorites and classic Southern Italian cuisine to share at Tony’s Di Napoli. This bustling Old New York eatery is known for signature homestyle dishes like chicken parm, ravioli Bolognese, and shrimp scampi, each big enough to share among two or three people. We encourage you to come with a big family and a big appetite!
Find great food, great fun, and of course great cheesecake at Junior’s Restaurant. With not one but two locations in the heart of Times Square, this landmark restaurant has a range of menu items sure to please large groups and picky eaters. You can’t go wrong as long as you don’t forget to order dessert – try all the indulgent flavors of New York’s best cheesecake.
Immersive Experiences & Shopping
Give kids that "WOW" moment at Times Square stores, attractions, and experiences that really know how to expand the imagination! Bring the family to magical retail experiences that will immerse kids in whimsical worlds of chocolate, donuts, animals, and storybook characters. Check out our top-picks of unique Times Square retailers that will wow shoppers of all ages.
Plus, looking for an unforgettable experience the whole family can get immersed in? Check out RiseNY: part museum, part ride, all New York! This is one of Times Square’s newest attraction that immerses visitors in the history of NYC’s architecture, fashion, film, music, and theater, and ends with a virtual ride soaring over the city. Planning a visit later this fall? The Museum of Broadway is slated to open soon in Times Square. Check out this interative experience that showcases groundbreaking moments in Broadway's history and exclusive behind-the-curtain exhibits.
Events, Concerts, and More!
Times Square's iconic plazas are always buzzing with activity, dance, music, and culture. Bring your family to take advantage of free outdoor events from the Times Square Alliance this summer and fall!
New York City's creative community and vibrant arts scene are celebrated in Times Square with free performances and events at TSQ LIVE. Four nights a week, the Times Square plazas come alive with performances, free dance, fitness, and art classes, and outdoor concerts. Jam out to DJs in Times Square every Tuesday, watch performances by local businesses at Crossroads Concerts every Wednesday, bop along to Jazz in Times Square every Thursday, and check out live concerts at Carnegie Hall Citywide every Friday. Events take place at 5 PM on two different stages in Times Square: on the Broadway plaza between 43rd & 44th Streets, and between 45th & 46th Streets. Find more details at tsq.org/live
Save the date for Curtain Up Broadway Festival, returning to Times Square September 30 - October 2! This exciting three-day event celebrates the the Broadway community and the new 2022/2023 season in the heart of the Theater District. You'll have the opportunity to experience intimate concerts with Broadway Sing-Alongs, a Broadway Block Party, and appearances from iconic Broadway Musicals and special guests all weekend long. This festival is free and open to the public, and will air live on ABC 7 New York. Check out the weekend's full schedule of events at tsq.org/curtainup
