Explore Madame Tussauds NYC: Kids' Adventure Tips
By Jennifer C. Williams, LCPC, PMH-C
We love summer in NYC!
We were very excited for our adventure at Madame Tussauds New York in Times Square.
Short version? They loved it. It is such a fun adventure, and really amazing for adults and kids. Of course our boys love the Marvel Hall of Heroes, and the music and lights really made it feel like a party!
But before you buy your tickets, let me give you the tea. The stuff the ticket page will not tell you.
The quick version
Here is what a busy parent needs at a glance:
Best for ages: 4 and up
Time to plan for: about 90 minutes
Stroller friendly: yes, and you keep the stroller with you the whole way through. There are elevators and stairs. You start at the top level and work your way down.
Where: 234 West 42nd Street, Times Square, New York
Snacks: yes, drinks and light bites are sold on different floors
What made it worth it
Kids light up when they see their favorite people up close.
Not on a screen. Right in front of them.
The boys got a real kick out of the Marvel experience and the sports gallery, those were highlights for them.
We also got up close to music icons like Whitney Houston. Seeing legends across generations in one place hits different.
And the staff? Some of the friendliest we have met.
They were helpful, warm, and made the whole day better. That matters when you are wrangling kids through the excitement of a museum.
The real tea for parents
Here is what I wish someone had told me:
You bring the stroller through the museum. There is no stroller check.
The staff make the experience. Ask them questions. They will point you to the best photo spots and help with the little ones.
Snacks are available inside. You do not have to leave to grab a drink or a light snack. Handy when someone gets hangry.
Photos are the whole point. There are no ropes or barriers. Your kids can pose right next to the figures. Bring your phone charged. Just be careful not to touch.
Lactation Room is available on the 9th floor. You may also ask the staff for other areas for lactation. We
ePrices (online is cheaper than walk-up):
silver: from $34 (walk-up $39)
gold: from $39 (walk-up $44), adds fast track and photos
platinum: from $54 (walk-up $59), adds the wax hand and guidebook
kids 1 and under: free
everyone 2 and up needs a ticket
Hours: open daily, 10am to 9pm (summer). check the site before you go, it can close early for private events.
The wax hand is worth it, but know this: it's a separate add-on price if you don't get the platinum ticket. same with the 7d game. those are not included in the basic ticket.
A heads-up on the scary stuff
This is the part I do not want you to skip.
There is a 7D game called Clown Chaos. It is part ride, part laser game. There is a separate fee to play the game and the lasts about 5 minutes. It is not a sensory friendly experience so please keep that in mind.
My boys loved it. But it can feel intense for little ones or kids who scare easily.
There is also a separate scary area recommended for ages 13 and up.
It is very scary.
If your kids are younger or spook easily, skip it. No fear of missing out here. There is plenty of fun everywhere else.
You know your kids. Trust that. And yes, it is actually scary
How the CARE framework shows up here
At SONshines and Playtime, we look for the ways everyday outings help all kids grow. A wax museum sounds like pure fun, and it is. But a day like this quietly builds all four parts of CARE: Curious, Adventurous, Resilient, and Emotionally Intelligent.
Here is how it played out for us.
Curious: Every figure sparks a question. Who is that? When did they live? Why are they famous? You get to tell stories about musicians, athletes, and history makers your kids have never heard of. Curiosity grows one question at a time.
Adventurous: Times Square is loud, bright, and busy. Walking through it, riding the 7D game, and posing with larger-than-life figures gives kids a safe way to try something bold. Adventure does not need a plane ticket. Sometimes it is one brave new experience.
Resilient: The scary spots give kids a chance to make a choice. Try it, or skip it. Both are okay. When a kid feels a little nervous, works through it, and comes out smiling, that is resilience in real time.
Emotionally Intelligent: This is where the magic happens. You can name feelings out loud as they come. "That clown game felt scary, and that is okay." "You felt so excited to see your favorite hero." Naming feelings in the moment helps kids understand them. That is emotional intelligence, built on an ordinary Saturday.
You do not need a lesson plan. You just need to notice these moments and talk about them.
How long should you plan for?
Our visit ran about 90 minutes.
That felt right. Long enough to see it all. Short enough that no one melted down.
If your kids move fast, you could do it in an hour. If they want every single photo, give yourself a little more.
From the Website:
We Are Kulture City Certified!
Why become certified?
It caters to everyone with sensory needs not just autism. This includes military vets with PTSD, adults with dementia, Parkinson's disease, stroke patients just to name a few.
It is also easy to execute with staff training, and simple yet impactful modifications made to the location. The location will then always be Sensory Inclusive™.
Sensory Inclusive™ ensures daily accessibility not limited by time and location thus creating an accepting and inclusive community.
If you need to participate in our Kulture City "Sensory Inclusive" accommodations, please reach out to our staff at any time throughout your time in the attraction!
For more information about being Kulture City certified please go tohttps://www.kulturecity.org/sensory-inclusive/
Who this is best for
Madame Tussauds is a yes if:
You are looking to have fun doing something that is not a trampoline park.
You love a good photo op
You want an indoor win on a hot or rainy day
It is a maybe if:
You have very little ones, some of the people they may not know so they can lose interest quickly
You are on a tight budget for a big group
The bottom line
We had a great time.
The boys are still talking about it.
If you are planning a family day in Times Square, put this one on the list. Just go in with a plan for the scary stuff, keep your phone charged, and have fun.
Have you taken your crew? Tell me what your kids loved most.
For more info go to: https://www.madametussauds.com/new-york/
Every day is a great day to have a great day.
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Our family visited Madame Tussauds New York as part of a partnership with Merlin Entertainments. All opinions, and all the tea, are our own.
Be sure to check out our other adventures:
Myrtle Beach, SC Is The Perfect Family Vacation
[^1]: Madame Tussauds New York. (2026). Madame Tussauds New York official site. Retrieved July 16, 2026, from https://www.madametussauds.com/new-york/
[^2]: GetYourGuide. (2026). NYC: Madame Tussauds entry tickets, verified reviews. Retrieved July 16, 2026, from https://www.getyourguide.com/new-york-city-l59/new-york-city-madame-tussauds-ticket-t205264/
