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Top picks in New York

Kid-Friendly Beaches

A day at the beach should be easy for the kids and stress-free for you.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
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Beach volleyball court

Indoor beach volleyball courts feature deep, soft sand and netted ceilings in a spacious, well-lit facility. The atmosphere is friendly and uplifting, with music and a variety of games creating a lively, social vibe. Additional amenities include a full bar, kitchen, and lounge areas for relaxing between games.

Indoor courts feature fine, clean sand that is watered to mimic a real beach. Coaches provide engaging instruction for all ages, making it a solid spot for beach volleyball without wind interference.

Coaches provide targeted feedback that helps kids improve their beach volleyball skills. Organized activities keep children engaged and excited to run and jump on the sand.

People are saying

"The instructors here make learning volleyball so fun!"

"This place is great for kid-friendly birthday parties with helpful staff."

"The beach volleyball instructors here are so welcoming and great at teaching."

Good to know

1

Free volleyball trial classes are available on Saturdays at 1 PM.

2

QBK Sports hosts tournaments on the weekends.

3

The Sunday Skills class includes 30-minute skill-based segments with 1:1 feedback from coaches.

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Rockaway Beach image 1
Public beach

Public beach offers beautiful views and a calm, relaxing atmosphere with live music and varied sporting activities like basketball and surfing. Renovations include a blue carpet walkway and murals, enhancing the experience. Food trucks and a self-serve bar add to the lively yet peaceful vibe.

Waves here support surfing right in the city. Families find it great for kids with plenty of space to play. The beach offers fresh, clean air and lively concession stands that add to the experience.

Lots of playgrounds and swings keep kids busy, while safe, clean water makes swimming worry-free. Several restaurants and games cater to families, plus new parks and a Pickle Ball court add variety.

People are saying

"I found the beach here to be beautiful and clean."

"I enjoyed the beautiful scenery and amazing water."

"This beach is really clean and safe for kids."

Good to know

1

Swimming is only permitted between 10am and 6pm.

2

Lifeguards leave at 6 PM during summer.

3

Parking is free at the beach.

03
Rockaway Beach 116 st image 1

Spacious public beach offers quiet, relaxing atmosphere with clean water and family-friendly amenities. Accessible by multiple transit options, it provides a peaceful setting away from crowds, suitable for walks and casual activities.

Long stretches of clean, beautiful sand meet calm, relaxing waves. The beach offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere that is family-friendly and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

A play area for children offers a safe spot for kids to enjoy. The beach provides sun, sand, and a splash of sea water for about 45 minutes of fun, though caution is needed with small children.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be beautiful and clean."

"It's so peaceful and relaxing here, perfect for summer."

"The play area here is great for kids."

Good to know

1

Rockaway Beach is just a block away from the A-line train and buses.

2

It takes about an hour by subway to get from Times Square to Rockaway Beach 116 st.

3

There are various food vendors along the beach for snacks and refreshments.

04
Pat Auletta Steeplechase Pier image 1

Fishing pier offers panoramic ocean views and spacious seating with benches lining its length. Atmosphere stays calm and relaxing, especially early mornings and nights when crowds thin. Structure features weather-resistant materials and solar-powered lighting, blending durability with environmental care.

Panoramic views of the beach, ocean, and amusement park rides stand out from the pier. The pier offers a pleasant walk above the beach with plenty of seating to enjoy the sunshine and waves.

Kids enjoy playing with the sand and digging holes near the pier. Nearby, there is a park and amusement rides that add to the fun for children.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful and peaceful place to escape the boardwalk."

"I enjoyed the scenic ocean views during sunset."

"The pier offers breathtaking panoramic views of the beach and ocean."

Good to know

1

Boardwalk biking is permitted from 5am to 10am.

2

There is free parking available at the pier.

3

Expect the pier to be crowded on weekends.

05
Pelham Bay Park image 1

Park offers a quiet atmosphere despite proximity to major highway I95. It provides a calm space away from typical urban noise.

Spacious yellow sand beach with a waterfront promenade offers a safe swimming area with many lifeguards. Nearby, a playground, dog park, baseball field, and BBQ grills add to the beach experience.

A huge playground and ample parking make it easy for families to visit. Kids enjoy horseback riding and free sports camps from 9 AM to 12 PM. Open spaces let children run and play freely.

People are saying

"It's a huge park with spacious trails and waterfront views."

"You can relax on the beach or go fishing here."

"It's a nice playground for kids to run around and have a blast."

Good to know

1

The park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset.

2

Parking is available at the main entrance with no fees.

3

Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times.

06
Pebble Beach image 1
Public beach

Rocky shoreline offers unbeatable views of Manhattan and iconic bridges. Kids enjoy the children's playground and water park nearby. Small pebble beach creates a unique setting for quiet moments and photography.

Small and beautiful, this beach offers postcard-perfect views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. The pebble shore creates a unique setting for photography and quiet moments by the water.

Kids play in the water and throw pebbles along the shore. A children's playground and a small water park sit nearby for extra fun.

People are saying

"I loved the nice view of the Manhattan skyline and bridges."

"This small beach offers incredible views of the Manhattan skyline."

"The views of the bridges and skyline are breathtaking."

Good to know

1

The viewpoint is open all the time and has no entry fees.

2

You cannot swim here due to water quality issues.

3

Visitors should plan accordingly to avoid afternoon crowds.

07
The Rockaway Hotel image 1

Hotel offers rooftop bar with skyline and ocean views and a heated pool with lively atmosphere. Spaces feature high-quality art and a calm, chic ambiance during the day, shifting to loud music and energetic crowds at night.

Close proximity to the boardwalk beach offers easy access and great views. A pool by the beach adds a relaxing option, and the staff provides towels and rosรฉ for beachgoers.

Heated swimming pool and a playground sit just a short walk from the beach. Staff provide help with bags and make efforts to keep kids entertained during stays.

People are saying

"The hotel staff's warmth made my stay feel personalized and special."

"The staff here makes you feel like VIPs at the beach."

"The staff's genuine kindness made our stay feel so welcoming."

Good to know

1

The Frances Pope Memorial Foundation hosts their 3rd annual Beach Ball on July 13, 2023.

2

Reservations are required for the restaurant.

3

Cabanas have a minimum spend of $1500, which may not suit small groups.

08
Orchard Beach image 1

Wide open beach with boardwalk and sports courts offers space for barbecues and family gatherings. Calm ocean waves contrast with loud music from multiple groups, creating a noisy atmosphere on busy days. Older visitors bring a nostalgic vibe with music and flags along the boardwalk.

Gentle water with no waves makes it safe for kids and older adults. Free parking and beach access add convenience. Strong police presence offers a sense of security. The area is well maintained and surprisingly clean for a city beach.

Calm water without waves makes it safe for kids and older adults. Sprinklers, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a large grassy area offer plenty of activities for families.

People are saying

"I found the beach beautiful and great for walking."

"It's a really fun, kid-friendly place with a great park."

"The view here is beautiful, especially the Long Island Sound."

Good to know

1

Free salsa concerts are held on Sundays at the beach.

2

Expect a parking fee of $10-15 during peak season.

3

The beach closes at 7 PM, which is also when the last shuttle leaves.

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