Is The NYC Transit Museum Kid Friendly?
Most everyone has heard of the MET or the American Museum of Natural History. Those more popular museums will be sure to land on any tourists bucket-list. The New York City Transit Museum should also be added to your list for your next family vacation.
If you are wondering if the NYC Transit Museum is Kid Friendly, then you are in luck because we kid tested this museum and can say with confidence any train loving kid will have a blast here!
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of their interactive exhibits and events tailored for young visitors so you have all the facts before making your decision about whether or not The NYC Transit Museum is right for your kids! Read on to learn more and make sure to check out their website for even more information.
Is The NYC Transit Museum Kid Friendly?
I tested this museum with my six year old recently and can confirm that this museum is in fact kid friendly. In fact we had so much fun exploring the many unique interactive exhibits, we spent close to two hours in the museum! It was the perfect place for our rainy day visit and would be a blast for kids of all ages!
What to Expect When Visiting
A visit to the NYC Transit Museum is like taking a trip through the history of the city’s transportation system. As you enter the museum, you’ll be greeted by old photographs and tools that were used to build the NYC subway tracks in the early 1900’s.
When you turn the corner you will find yourself in an old decommissioned subway station where you can see and learn more about the history of the New York City Subway. Everything from the original tokens used and how they evolved into the metro card. Walk through old turnstiles and view artifacts from old trains and tools used for construction. Kids will have a blast checking everything out on the main level.
The lower level houses vintage subway cars and other relics dating back to the late 1800s. The interactive exhibits and displays showcase the technological advancements and changes throughout the years in the city’s transit system. You can even hop aboard some of the vintage subway cars and experience the feeling of traveling through New York City’s streets in the early 1900s.
The museum offers a unique and exciting way to learn about the city’s fascinating transit history and evolution. So, buckle up and get ready to take a ride back in time during your visit to the NYC Transit Museum.
Interactive Exhibits at The NYC Transit Museum- A Lesson in NYC Subway History
The real draw of this museum is the large display of antique subway train cars through the years. Go down one more level and you’ll come upon a row of train cars on the platform.
The museum does an incredible job of making this part interactive for kids. Not only can you climb aboard every train car, but kids are offered a scavenger hunt to find images in each of the cars. I did this activity with my six year old and we had so much fun and spent over an hour on this activity.
He loved searching every single car for each item and then learning about the history and evolution of the subway trains. One of the most fascinating things was the advertisements. We loved seeing some of the old advertisements displayed in each train car and seeing some old ads of well known brands we love today.
The great part about this museum is that it doesn’t stop at subway cars. It is in fact called the NYC Transit Museum and that includes NYC buses as well. Once you finish diving into the world of the subway, the next stop is a visit to the history of the NYC bus line and the evolution of this system.
Kids will love having a chance to step inside and sit at the driver’s seat of the bus. We really enjoyed taking a pretend ride on the bus and seeing some of the very old and first versions of the NYC bus system!
Events and Programs for Kids of All Ages
The NYC Transit Museum offers a range of events and programs that are perfect for kids of all ages. The museum offers a calendar of events that are open to both the public and member only events. These will range from antique bus displays to tours in the original City Hall Station.
The antique bus display will typically take place in early summer. Similar to the antique train display inside the museum, old NYC buses will be brought onto the street for display.
You don’t have to be in New York City either to see all that the museum has to offer. The museum has various virtual events available for the public to enjoy from the comforts of your own home. This can be a great option for train loving kids who can’t make it all the way to New York City or as an option to show your kids before your visit!
Accessibility Options for Those with Special Needs
The New York City Transit Museum is committed to providing accessibility options for individuals with special needs. The museum offers a variety of facilities to make it easier for everyone to explore and learn about the history of the city’s transportation system.
Visitors can access wheelchair ramps, elevators and barrier-free restrooms while at the museum. Additionally, there are audio and visual aids available for guests who require assistance. Visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing can request American Sign Language interpreters or use the museum’s assistive listening devices.
The museum has also taken steps to make its exhibits more sensory-friendly, with dimmed lighting and reduced sound levels to make it more comfortable for individuals with autism or sensory processing disorders.
The NYC Transit Museum is dedicated to making its space accessible to all so that everyone can enjoy and learn about the city’s rich transportation heritage.
Tips for Visiting with Kids
Visiting the NYC Transit Museum with kids can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t plan ahead. First, consider visiting on a weekday morning when it’s less crowded. Plan to spend at least one to two hours there to allow enough time for exploring and interactive activities.
Kids will love checking out vintage subway cars and buses. Don’t miss the Bus Pavilion where kids can climb aboard a replica of a city bus and try their hand at driving!
Finally, make sure to stop by the museum shop for some fun souvenir options such as subway system maps and toy trains. With a little bit of planning, a visit to the NYC Transit Museum can be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
What to Expect When Visiting with Kids
It is important to note that strollers must be carried down the stairs to get to the museum. Keep that in mind and plan to bring a light weight stroller or have someone available to help you.
Once inside the museum there is stroller parking located in the back of the museum near the bus pavilion. It will be easier to navigate the museum without a stroller, so we highly recommend taking advantage of this area!
Cost of Admission
The NYC Transit Museum is a fascinating destination in New York City that showcases the rich history and evolution of the city’s transit system. The good news is that the admission fee is reasonable and affordable for families, individuals, and groups.
Tickets will cost $10 for Adults, $5 for kids ages 2-17 (kids under 2 are free!), and $5 for seniors. You can also become a member at varying price levels and receive unlimited admission throughout the year (plus get access to exclusive tickets like the tour of the City Hall Station – available to members only!)
How to get to the NYC Transit Museum
Located in the heart of Brooklyn, the NYC Transit Museum is an easy commute from most locations. To get there, simply take the subway to the Hoyt-Schermerhorn stop on the A, C, or G line, and the museum is just a short walk away.
Visitors can also take the B, D, N, or Q line to DeKalb Avenue, which is a bit further away but still within walking distance.
Final Thoughts: Is the NYC Transit Museum Kid Friendly?
From the interactive exhibits to the various educational programs, there is bound to be something for kids at every age at The NYC Transit Museum. A visit to the museum allows young minds to explore the NYC subway history while providing a safe and engaging learning experience.
The accessibility options are especially helpful for those with special needs, and tips for visiting with kids are plentiful. With such affordable admission costs and its convenient location, you won’t want to miss out on all The NYC Transit Museum has to offer.
Whether you’re a native New Yorker or a first time visitor eager to gain more knowledge about the city’s history and culture, it’s definitely worth taking a trip down below and experiencing this unique museum in all its glory!
