A little-known gem of a museum found on a lower level of the New York Historical Society's Upper West Side headquarters, the DiMenna Children's Museum is a charming opportunity for children 8 and up to experience what it was like to be a young citizen of New York in the early years of the city.  A variety of hands-on exhibits trace the histories of real-life children that lived in New York.  Because it is somewhat less well-known, the museum is rarely crowded, and a reliable spot for those kids who might prefer a quieter and less stressful museum visit.  Admission is 18USD.

nyhistory.org