19 Picture-Perfect Instagrammable Spots with Kids in NYC

Whether you live on social media or post only once in a blue moon, these Instagarammable spots in NYC make a great backdrop for unforgettable family photos. We may be biased, but we think there's no better photo backdrop than New York City. With that in mind, we've rounded up our favorite Instagrammable spots for kids and families in NYC. From perfectly pink restaurants to iconic neighborhoods, over-the top eats, and lesser-known locales, the city offers no shortage of perfect backgrounds to fill up your Instagram feed.

Read on for our picks for the most Instragrammable spots with kids in NYC and find more must-visit-and-snap destinations on our New York City Kids Visitors Guide.

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Snap a sweet selfie under the lollipop tree at the colorful Dylan's Candy Bar in Hudson Yards. Photo courtesy of the store

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1. Dylan's Candy Bar – Hudson Yards

Inspired by the Roald Dahl story of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, this dreamy candy shop stocks more than 7,000 treats. Besides all the American sweets you could ever want, find plenty of goodies from around the world. Snap a shot in front of a giant lollipop, then let the kids fill up their bags in the pick 'n mix section.

2. Pietro NoLita – NoLita

Stop outside to snap a shot of the jewel box pink facade at this cozy restaurant in Lower Manhattan. Inside, the seating is tight but the pretty pink decor doesn't disappoint. Everything is pink here, from the walls and the bathroom, down to the napkins and the drinks. With friendly service and tasty dishes like chicken meatballs, burrata, steak, salmon, and Brussels sprouts, it's the perfect place for the family to stop and refuel.

3. Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain – Carroll Gardens

Located in a perfectly restored 1920s pharmacy, Brooklyn Farmacy serves plenty of old-school diner backdrops, along with classics like egg creams, sundaes, floats, and artisanal sodas. There's also a kid-friendly menu with faves like grilled cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, and mac-and-cheese. Looking for a cool spot for your kid's next birthday? The restaurant is also available for parties and other events.

4. The Sugar Factory – Jamaica, Queens, and Times Square

Part of a national chain, this sugar emporium has so many photo-ops your head will be spinning. The chain is probably best known for its goblet drinks, made to order at your table—a perfect video-op. These sugary concoctions are shareable in size, come in lots of fun colors, and are packed with gummies.

5. Serendipity 3 – Upper East Side

This picture-perfect Upper East Side cafe played a starring role in the 2001 movie, Serendipity, and its whimsical decor offers plenty of fun backdrops—as does its menu. Order the sharable Frrrozen Hot Chocolate for a sweet snap.

RELATED: Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Museums in NYC that Kids Love

On a clear day, it's hard to find a better view of NYC's iconic skyline than the view from Domino Park. Photo by Jody Mercier

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6. Domino Park – Williamsburg

Look, some NYC playgrounds are just so photogenic it's almost unfair. Domino Park, located on a lovely strip of riverfront in Williamsburg and inspired by the old Domino Sugar refinery looming just behind it, was developed by the team behind The High Line. So, of course, its play structures, sprinkler area, and beach look almost more like urban art than a playground—almost. The kids clambering all over the multi-level slides and ladders couldn't care less how cool it looks.

7. American Museum of Natural History – Upper West Side

This one is a no-brainer, but we couldn't leave it out. Once you see the giant blue whale and dinos, head to some of the less obvious yet still super cool backdrops like the Gems and Minerals exhibit or the Hall of North American Animals. The architecture of The Gilder Center itself is a perfect Instagram spot, and you can visit the butterfly vivarium and hope for a colorful friend to land on you while you're there! Afterward, step outside the museum for Instagram-worthy shots of some of the loveliest brownstone-lined streets in the city.

8. Dumbo – Brooklyn

This is another iconic location that had to be on our list. You just can't take a wrong turn with your camera here. With its cobblestone streets, stunning views of the Financial District and the Manhattan Bridge, and loads of beautiful urban industrial scenes, Dumbo doesn't disappoint. Be sure to check out the historic Jane's Carousel while you're there.

9. Coney Island – Brooklyn

Jump on the train to this eclectic seaside spot to capture all the grit, bawdiness, and atmosphere you could want in a post. Catch photos of the Wonder Wheel, the street murals, and the urban beach views before heading to Nathan's to finish with a hot dog or a lobster roll.

10. The Staten Island Ferry – Battery Park and St. George, Staten Island

This FREE passenger ferry route runs 5.2 miles through New York Harbor between Manhattan and Staten Island in around 25 minutes. For the best Lower Manhattan photo-ops, stand in the back of the ferry when departing Manhattan and the front of the ferry when departing Staten Island. You can also get great views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and other points of interest in New York Harbor from the upper and lower decks.

11. The High Line – Chelsea

The elevation of this unique trail, located on former train rails, offers a thrilling perspective of the city. Catch views of the city's urban landscape set against the path's natural landscaping. You'll be met with one perfect photo-op after another as you venture from one end to the other. Stop at the Chelsea Market for a tasty treat from one of its many food vendors.

RELATED: 49 Things To Do in Midtown West with Kids

Sometimes it's worth splurging for the photo package at a local tourist destination like Top of the Rock to capture that perfect moment. Photo courtesy of Jody Mercier

12. Observation Decks – Multiple Locations

If you're after a sky-high selfie, you're spoiled for choice in NYC. Choose from a classic photo-op atop the Empire State Building or re-create the iconic Lunch Atop a Skyscraper on The Beam atop Top of the Rock. Enjoy shiny new views from Edge New York, Summit One Vanderbilt, and One World Observatory.

13. The Met Rooftop Garden – Upper East Side

The Cantor Rooftop Garden at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a bit tricky to find but so worth it. Take the elevator from the first floor near the Modern and Contemporary Art Galleries to the fourth floor, and a separate elevator to the top. Your reward: a stunning view of Central Park and the skyline, with a rotating array of breathtaking large-scale installations. After you've had your fill of eye candy, let the kids run wild at the Ancient Playground across the street.

14. Pier 17 – South Street Seaport

On your way to the Imagination Playground? Wander a block east toward the waterfront to explore the gorgeous river views and interactive public art at nearby Pier 17, where there's always something fun happening—including our series of Seaport Kids events.

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15. Squibb Park Bridge – Brooklyn Heights

Named after the inventor and manufacturer of pharmaceutics E. R. Squibb, Squibb Park Bridge is a footbridge connecting Brooklyn Bridge Park and Squibb Park. The bridge gained notoriety for its bungled first attempt—the original bridge opened in March 2013 but was demolished in late 2019 after being deemed structurally unsound. It has since been rebuilt and is now a safe, scenic place to snap a gorgeous shot of the city.

16. Little Red Lighthouse – Fort Washington Park

Coming in at 40-feet-high, The Little Red Lighthouse isn't exactly hidden from view, but chances are you won't be swarmed by tourists during your visit. Located directly underneath the George Washington Bridge, this beauty is one of the few surviving lighthouses in New York City and makes the perfect backdrop for a unique NYC photo. It was also the subject of the famed children's book The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge.

17. Soho

Though no one would call it "hidden," this historic, cobblestoned neighborhood offers countless away-from-the-crowds secret spots to snap the perfect New York City shot. If you get lucky, you'll be able to take your photo on a gray day or just after a rainfall when the neighborhood is at its most atmospheric and moody.

18. Sylvan Terrace – Washington Heights

One of the few remaining blocks in New York City that still boasts wooden homes, this historic gem is well worth the trip uptown. Just west of Roger Morris Park, the charming street is adorned with fully-restored wooden rowhouses, originally constructed in 1882. After the photo-op, stop into the Morris-Jumel Mansion, Manhattan's oldest building.

19. Welling Court Mural Project – Astoria, Queens

Put this stunning art project in family-friendly Astoria at the top of your NYC to-do list. Take the NYC Ferry to Astoria, and walk around a few square blocks to see some of the most colorful and powerfully messaged art in the city.