Being a kid in New York City can be an extremely daunting experience— all the restaurants, lights and people can often make them feel like there isn’t anything designed just for them. There’s no need to worry, they don’t just have to take a back seat to their parents. Keep reading for lots of unique destinations designed for children. Of course—don’t forget the biggest toy store in the world—F.A O Schwarz. The store is a favorite of New Yorkers and tourists alike. Kids aren’t just shopping at any toy store, they are shopping at a place filled with history—it is the oldest operating toy retailer in North America. Many people know this legendary toy store from the movie “Big” where Tom Hanks played the life-sized keyboard. The store contains many unique mini stores featuring create-your-own Barbie, Muppet, Whatnot Workshop, doll factory, and a pottery studio. Sounds like a kid’s dream come true!

Come to Serendipity 3 to enjoy some unique sweets (with New York names) include Strawberry fields, made with cheesecake, strawberry ice cream, strawberry topping and whipped cream ($15) or the Forbidden Broadway Sundae— made with chocolate blackout cake, ice cream, and hot fudge. Make sure to make reservations to get in, the place get really packed. Also, even if you make a reservation be prepared to wait. Some people have claimed to wait hours for a table even with a reservation. Don’t forget —there is an $8.40 minimum per person but that shouldn’t be a problem to fill with their prices. For one of their newest treats enjoy the S’mores Frozen Hot Chocolate.

A few blocks away from Serendipity is Dylan’s Candy Bar, a child’s candy paradise. Created by Ralph Lauren’s daughter, Dylan’s has over 5,000 kind of candy. Kids can choose from gummy worms, peach rings, and gummy sharks. Kids who love chocolate will enjoy lots of treats covered in chocolate including pretzels, popcorn, and fruit.

The Children’s Museum of the Arts, which recently moved to a 10,000 square foot space, is perfect for aspiring artists. Every day there are several interactive exhibits, a creative play area, artist’s studio, actor’s studio, and ball pond. Lots of workshops are available including bookmaking, painting, and puppet making. Check the schedule on the website for specifics. Not many people are familiar with this museum, but it’s a real find. Perfect for aspiring visual artists kids can arrange magnetic pieces of art into famous artwork in the 2,000 square foot gallery.

Aspiring actors can visit the “Actor’s Studio,” that offers costumes, musical instruments and other props to tell their story. There's lot of space here for kids to explore the arts.

The creative play area is specifically designed for children five and under and the Art House for Slide Viewing, WEE (Wondrous, Experimenting and Exploring) Art Station and lots of other interactive exhibits. Keep in mind that the location is squeezed in between two other spaces in Chinatown. There are no galleries and one probably wouldn’t expect to find a museum on the street but it’s a great spot to hit once you find it.