Last Updated: May 20, 2025
A Mother Daughter trip to NYC should pretty much be a rite of passage for all young girls – just like a visit to Disney World. I lived in NYC for ten years before I had kids and moved out. But going back there with my daughter let me see NYC in a whole new way through her eyes. To a little girl, New York City is about big dreams and larger-than-life ambition – the kind of place that leaves a lasting impact on the psyche of a child.
This guide is perfect for girls between the ages of 4 to 12 but can be easily altered to work with teens as well. And you know what? It even works for adult daughters wanting to rediscover the magic of NYC with Mom. It also works great for Grandmas, Aunts, Dads or just about anyone with a special little girl in their life. The experiences listed here are all about her – making her feel special and pampering her for the princess she is. It’s everything you wished you could do as a child, so why not live vicariously through her?
#1 Pamper your Doll at the American Girl Store
A first visit to the American Girl doll store is not just about shopping, it is an entire experience. Just be prepared for sticker shock as dolls here are usually upwards of $115. Whether your daughter already has an American Girl doll, or you choose to buy one there, be sure to reserve a hair salon experience and watch your doll have her hair done. You also have the option to reserve lunch or tea, where you are joined by your doll (or a borrowed doll) who is seated in her own high chair with her own little plate while you enjoy your meal.
The American Girl store is open from 10 am to 6 pm and the Cafe is open 11 am to 2.30 pm. The store is located at 75 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan
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#2 Sample Ice Cream at Museum of Ice Cream
Yes, NYC has some world-class museums but none more fun and filling than this one. This museum takes about 2 hours to visit and is filled with instagrammable decor, indoor playgrounds, a 3-storey slide and a swimming pool filled with foam-sprinkles. And of course, lots and lots of ice cream samples. So much ice-cream that you will probably just be skipping dinner that day. It is a museum so there might also be an educational exhibit in there somewhere but you have to really look hard for it.
The Museum of Ice Cream is open every day except Tuesday from 10 am to 7 pm or later. It is located at 558 Broadway, in SoHo. Reserving in advance is highly recommended.
#3 Watch a Captivating Show
An essential NYC experience – there are plenty of great kids Broadway shows to choose from. But if your child is eight or younger, consider the Gazillion Bubble Show instead. It’s a lot cheaper than Broadway (even front row seats), much more intimate and an absolute hit with the younger crowd. Even for an adult, it is pretty entertaining. Be sure to check Groupon for discounted tickets.
If you are here during the winter holidays in November and December, watching the Rockettes at Radio City Hall is pretty much mandatory. No excuses.
#4 Recreate an iconic photo on the Beam at Rockefeller Center
If you want the ultimate photo to forever commemorate this special trip, this is the one. As part of your visit to the top of the Rockefeller center, you can choose an add-on experience called “The Beam”. You will be seated on a construction beam, buckled in and then be raised 12 feet into the air before you smile for the camera. The result is a picture that mimics an iconic NYC photo from 1932. Don’t worry – at no point are you actually dangling hundreds of feet from the ground. While it might be scary for kids who have an intense fear of heights, most kids 5 and over should have no trouble with this experience.
Top of the Rock is open 8 am to Midnight every day and is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown. Reserve your tickets in advance here
#5 Virtually Soar over the City at Rise NYC
This attraction begins with several museum style exhibits that introduce you and your child to a brief history of NYC’s fashion, film, broadway, music and finance. After this educational introduction, the experience culminates in a 4-D ride where for a few brief minutes, you fly over NYC’s magnificent skyline. The music and the ride simulation combine to make this both thrilling and inspirational – worth the entrance fee. Of course, you could alternatively get a helicopter ride over NYC – but that can be a LOT more pricey.
Rise NY is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm or later. It is located at 160 West 45th Street near Times Square. You can reserve tickets here or just buy them at the door.
#6 Get your Nails done at the Salon
One of the cutest nail salons designed specially for kids is a hop, skip and jump away at Jersey City. Glitter and Glam goes all out to create a princess vibe with bright pink decor, dress-up costumes and indulgent pink robes. It also specializes in packages just for the two of you to be pampered head to toe. The salon is easily accessible by public transport from Manhattan – just take the PATH to Newport station.
If you prefer to stay in Manhattan, head to Milk and Cookies Kids Spa in Upper East Side. Or for a more grown up experience, choose from one of many nail art salons in every neighborhood of the city.
#7 Indulge in Afternoon Tea at Alice’s Tea Cup
Put on your prettiest dresses and head to this enchanting and cozy little venue for some scones, cakes and a delightful cup of tea. Alice’s Tea Cup has two locations in Manhattan. The first is in Upper West Side closer to the Museum of Natural History, and the second is on Upper East Side, closer to Central Park. Kids can borrow a pair of fairy wings to wear while they dine.
For a fancier, more upscale experience, you can also reserve afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel. While quite a bit more pricey, it’s a great way to celebrate a special occasion that neither of you will soon forget. Attire is important so just be sure to check their suggested style guide on the hotel website before heading there.
#8 Ice Skate together at the Rink at Rockefeller Center
From October to March, head to the Rink for a glide around one of the most iconic skating rinks in the World. Has your child never been skating before? You can rent a penguin ice-skating aid that she can hold on to the entire time. You can also rent skates directly at the rink, and skating sessions typically last about 60 minutes.
The Rink is located at Rockefeller Plaza. Check the website for seasonal opening hours and to make reservations.
#9 Create some Graffiti in Brooklyn
If your child has an artistic side, head to the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn to explore and appreciate one of the most vibrant street art scenes in the world. Embrace the rebel in her by joining a local artist to create your own life-sized graffiti masterpiece that you can take home. Now this is an art lesson you aren’t going to find at your local art school.
The experience typically lasts about an hour and there is usually an afternoon and evening slot. Make your reservation here.
#10 Get an over-the-top dessert at Serendipity3
Unicorn Bliss Sundae? Or the Over the Rainbow cake? That is the dilemma you’re going to have to face at this iconic Manhattan restaurant, famous for its desserts and whimsical atmosphere. Its two locations at Times Square and Upper East Side are frequented by celebrities, locals and tourists with their cameras ready for the subject of their next social media post. Salads are also available here for the grownups in the party. Because of the restaurant’s popularity, be sure to make a reservation in advance and expect to pay a very reasonable minimum order fee of about $20 per adult and $13 per child.
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