Planning a family trip to New York City can come with a lot of questions. What will actually keep the kids entertained? What can the whole family enjoy together? And, perhaps most importantly, what can you do that doesn't involve walking another 30 blocks?
If you're looking for a family-friendly attraction in the heart of Times Square, RiseNY offers a way for kids and adults to experience New York City together — combining interactive galleries, NYC pop culture and a thrilling 4D flying ride under one roof.
Here's what parents should know before visiting RiseNY with kids.
Is RiseNY Good for Kids?
Yes. RiseNY is a family-friendly NYC attraction designed for visitors of all ages.
Rather than a traditional museum where kids are asked to quietly look at exhibits, RiseNY combines multimedia, interactive elements, famous artifacts, immersive storytelling and a flying theater ride.
That variety can make it especially appealing for families trying to find an attraction that keeps different ages entertained.
Kids can discover NYC's music, television, movies, fashion and Broadway history before finishing their visit by virtually soaring above New York City.
And parents might learn a thing or two, too. Don't worry. We won't tell the kids.
What Is RiseNY?
RiseNY is an immersive attraction located in Times Square that lets families experience the history, culture and skyline of New York City in approximately 60–90 minutes.
Your journey starts inside a recreation of New York's historic City Hall subway station, where you'll watch a short film from award-winning filmmaker Ric Burns, narrated by Jeff Goldblum.
From there, families explore seven interactive galleries celebrating the industries and cultural moments that helped shape New York City, including:
- Finance
- Skyline and architecture
- Television and radio
- Fashion
- Music
- Broadway
- Film
The experience concludes with RiseNY's 4D flying theater ride, where you'll soar over landmarks and destinations across all five boroughs.
What Is the RiseNY Flying Ride Like for Kids?
For many young visitors, the flying ride is the highlight of RiseNY.
Guests take their seats before being lifted into a massive projection dome. Using 8K aerial footage and multisensory effects including wind, mist and scents, the experience creates the sensation of flying above New York City.
Along the way, you'll soar past some of NYC's most recognizable sights and experience the city through different seasons and celebrations.
It's designed as a smooth soaring experience rather than a roller coaster. However, children or adults who are particularly sensitive to heights or simulated flying may prefer to skip the ride.
Guests who don't want to ride can still enjoy the rest of RiseNY.
How Tall Do Kids Have to Be to Ride RiseNY?
Children must be at least 40 inches (102 cm) tall to experience the RiseNY flying ride.
Families with children who don't meet the height requirement can still explore the other parts of the attraction, including the film and interactive galleries.
If the flying ride is an important part of your family's visit, it's a good idea to check your child's height before purchasing tickets.
What Ages Is RiseNY Best For?
RiseNY is designed for all ages, but it's particularly well suited to families because different generations can find something they recognize or enjoy.
Younger visitors may gravitate toward the interactive elements and flying ride, while older kids and teenagers can explore exhibits centered on music, fashion, television, film and Broadway.
Parents and grandparents may recognize artifacts, performers and cultural moments from different eras of New York history.
In other words, this isn't an attraction where the kids have fun while the adults stare at their phones waiting for it to end.
How Long Does RiseNY Take With Kids?
Most visitors spend approximately 60–90 minutes at RiseNY, although families are free to explore the galleries at their own pace.
That makes RiseNY easy to add to a larger family itinerary without committing an entire day to a single attraction.
If you're planning a day around Times Square, you could visit RiseNY before seeing a Broadway matinee, eating nearby or exploring other Midtown attractions.
Is RiseNY a Good Rainy-Day Activity for Families?
Yes. RiseNY is an indoor NYC attraction, making it an easy option for rainy, cold or extremely hot days.
New York weather doesn't always cooperate with carefully planned family vacations. When Central Park suddenly becomes less appealing in a downpour, you can still explore New York — and even fly over it — without worrying about the weather outside.
Its Times Square location also means families are close to restaurants, Broadway theaters and other indoor activities.
Will Teenagers Enjoy RiseNY?
RiseNY isn't just designed for young children.
The galleries feature recognizable names and artifacts spanning music, fashion, Broadway, movies and television, giving teens plenty to explore.
The combination of immersive technology, photo opportunities, pop culture and the flying ride can also make RiseNY a good option for families traveling with teenagers who might not be particularly excited about spending another afternoon in a traditional museum.
Is RiseNY Educational?
Yes! RiseNY introduces visitors to New York's history and the industries that helped shape the city into a global center for entertainment, culture, finance, architecture, fashion and media.
Families can learn about the evolution of NYC while seeing real artifacts and exploring interactive exhibits.
That combination of education and entertainment makes RiseNY particularly useful for families who want to add some history and culture to their trip without making the day feel like a field trip.
Where Is RiseNY?
RiseNY is located at 160 West 45th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, just steps from Times Square.
That central Midtown location makes it easy to combine RiseNY with Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Fifth Avenue or a Broadway show.
For families trying to maximize a limited number of days in New York, having several attractions within walking distance can make planning considerably easier.
Is RiseNY Worth Visiting With Kids?
If your family wants an NYC attraction that combines entertainment, history, pop culture and a thrill ride, RiseNY offers something a little different from a traditional museum or observation deck.
In one visit, kids can learn how New York became New York, explore the people and industries that shaped the city's culture and then experience the sensation of flying over landmarks across all five boroughs.
It's a way to see a lot of New York without actually making your kids walk across all of New York.
Quick Answers for Parents
Is RiseNY family-friendly?
Yes. RiseNY is designed for visitors of all ages and includes interactive galleries, multimedia experiences and a 4D flying ride.
What is the height requirement for the RiseNY ride?
Guests must be at least 40 inches (102 cm) tall to ride.
How long should families plan for RiseNY?
Most visits take approximately 60–90 minutes.
Can you visit RiseNY without going on the ride?
Yes. Guests who don't want to experience the flying ride can skip it.
Is RiseNY indoors?
Yes, making it a convenient family activity for rainy, cold or hot days in NYC.
Where is RiseNY?
RiseNY is located at 160 West 45th Street in Times Square.
Make RiseNY Part of Your Family Trip to NYC
There's a lot of New York to see. At RiseNY, you can experience a surprising amount of it in one place.
Explore the stories, people and cultural moments that made NYC famous, then buckle up and soar above the city on a one-of-a-kind flying adventure.
Part Ride. Part Exhibition. All New York.
Ready for takeoff? Plan your family visit to RiseNY and experience New York from an entirely new perspective.
