Things to Do With Kids in the Gramercy Park Area in New York City

The Gramercy Park area of New York has fun attractions for kids.

The private Gramercy Park lies in the heart of the Gramercy district in Manhattan, New York. While only those who live around the park have access to it, plenty of other attractions around the park offer the chance for kids to have some entertainment. Whether interested in education, history or just plain old fun, kids have attractions to choose from in the Gramercy Park area.

Historical Activity

Historical attractions in the area include the birthplace of Theodore Roosevelt, the only U.S. president born in New York City. Administered by the National Park Service (nps.gov) as a National Historic Site, the building provides kids with an insight into the life of Roosevelt. Park rangers give guided tours of five period rooms in the home, and visitors can also take in two museum galleries dedicated to the life of Roosevelt. Children can visit with parents, and the site also caters to school group visits. Repair work in 2011 closed the attraction temporarily.

Play Activities

Two public parks managed by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (nycgovparks.org) provide open space and playground equipment in the area for kids to have some fun. Union Square Park covers around 6.5 acres and has playgrounds and swings for children. Madison Square Park has 6.2 acres of parkland with playground equipment available. This park also hosts the Madison Square Kids concert series during the summer months, providing musical entertainment specifically for children.

Entertainment Activity

The Gramercy Theater (gramercytheater.com) caters to both adults and children, and this venue stages music concerts throughout the year. This includes entertainment suitable for all ages, with the theater having seats at the back and a standing area nearer the stage for those who want to dance along to the music. The theater allows kids aged 16 and older to take in a concert on their own, although children under the age of 16 must visit in the company of a responsible adult.

Educational Activity

The Solar One Green Energy, Arts & Education Center (solar1.org) sits in Stuyvesant Cove Park on the East River. Its mission involves educating people on the benefits of renewable energy and green design. The center offers educational programs for school children that focus on renewable energy, sustainable design, and the ecology of Stuyvesant Cove Park and the East River. Schools in the five New York boroughs can access the programs, which include a field trip to the Solar One Center.

References

• Gramercy Park Hotel: Gramercy Park
• National Park Service: Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
• New York City Department of Parks & Recreation: Union Square Park
• New York City Department of Parks & Recreation: Madison Square Park
• Gramercy Theater: Venue Information
• Solar One Green Energy, Arts & Education Center: Short-Term Enrichment Education