family travel · New York City

New York City: Things to do with Kids in SoHo

Things to do with Kids in Soho Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, at no

Things to do with Kids in Soho

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own.

Are there really things to do with kids in SoHo? People ask all the time about this trendy neighborhood in downtown Manhattan. Shopping, brunching and late night drinks are what come to mind first when one thinks of SoHo. But there are a few kid-oriented diamonds in the rough as well.

I used to work in SoHo, a long time ago. Celeb sightings were the norm – not kids! High-end stores, art galleries, impossible-to-get-into restaurants characterize this happening neighborhood. But, like much of the world, times have changed and people are taking their kids everywhere now, including uber-hip SoHo.

I recently had to drag one of my daughters with me to an appointment in SoHo, which spurred the idea for this post. I figured, if she was coming all the way with me (we live in the suburbs), I might as well try and provide some fun for her as well.

Black tap street scenes in Soho in New York City

And fun we had! From art-making to over the top milkshakes to museums, below is a list of fun things to do with kids in SoHo. (Not that we did all of these in that one day!)

Things to do with Kids in SoHo

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer

Milkshakes at Black Tap in SoHo, New York

Black_Tap_Soho_New_York_cotton_candy_milkshake-

A visit to Black Tap in SoHo, New York for their milkshakes and burgers

Black Tap burger joint started by Michelin star awarded chef Joe Isidori is the latest restaurant chain to take New York by storm, with their gourmet burgers and insane milkshakes. It’s their “Crazy Shakes” that have made this a destination for kids just as much as adults. Serendipity 3 and Dylan’s Candy, move over! Kids come from far and wide to try these shakes. Just look at them! And grown-ups too, not just to drink them, but to get that coveted Instagram-worthy shot.

You may also be interested in: Things to do in Greenwich Village in Winter – with Kids

The burgers are as equally delicious, so you can make a lunch or a dessert of it. Beware of long lines, though, and plan to get there early. We arrived at 11:45 a.m. and waited about 20 minutes, which isn’t bad all things considered. The look on my daughter’s face would have made an hour wait worth it.

529 Broome Street, New York, NY 10013

Children’s Museum of the Arts

This fun and unique museum opened its doors to a state of the art building in SoHo in 2011 (from a previous location) and has been a major hit with NYC kids ever since. The concept is simple: children are introduced to art through classes and workshops, and make art alongside working artists. I remember the first time we took our girls and they thought it was the coolest place they had ever been to. There’s a Clay Bar, Media Lab, WEE studio and more. If your kids are into art, then they’ll love CMA.

103 Charlton Street, New York, NY 10014

You might also enjoy: Best Family Friendly Museums in New York City

New York City Fire Museum

Located in the former quarters of Engine Company No. 30, a 1904 Beaux-Arts Firehouse, the New York City Fire Museum’s mission is to “preserve and present the cultural heritage of the fire service of New York”. Permanent and temporary exhibitions contain artifacts from the late 18th century to present day. The museum’s antique fire trucks and memorabilia are on display for all those fire-engine loving kids to admire.

The coolest thing about the museum to me, however, is its fire safety education program, which teaches people how to prevent fires from happening in their homes, as well as how to protect themselves and escape a fire. The first half of the program consists of a firefighter showing a video and leading a discussion on fire safety. The second half consists of a mock fire in which theatrical smoke is released and a fire alarm goes off, and the firefighter teaches children how to escape. How cool and educational is that? Advances reservations are required – see website above for more information.

278 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013

Jacques Torres Flagship Store and Chocolate Museum

Chocolate museum? Yes! The iconic chocolatier has opened his first ever chocolate museum in the SoHo flagship store. Called the “Chocolate Museum and Experience with Jacques Torres”, New York’s first chocolate museum opened in 2017. The 5,000 square foot museum tells the story of how chocolate is made, where you can take a self-guided tour full of artifacts, 8 premium tastings and a bon-bon making demonstration. Honestly, I was had at Jacques Torres – perhaps my favorite chocolate in the city – but when I learned of the museum that sealed the deal.

350 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014

You might also enjoy: Top 10 Family Attractions in Manhattan

The Evolution Store

Skulls, skeletons, fossils, meteorites, specimens, oh my! If your child is into anything to do with natural history and science then they will LOVE The Evolution Store! Ok, so it’s technically not in SoHo anymore – it used to be on Spring Street from 1993 – 2016 – it’s now just two blocks north of Houston, the dividing line between SoHo and the Village, so I’m still putting it in this post! I remember going into this store all the time when I worked in SoHo, and it’s fascinating. They get their specimens from the very people who provide them to museums and private collectors around the world. If you’re into curiosities, this is the ultimate store.

687 Broadway, New York, NY 10012

Want to read more about New York? Check out these guides!

<br />

New York City: Things to do with Kids in SoHo

Join the Inner Circle