New York with Kids: The best Family-Friendly Rooftop Bars
Enjoy Skyline Views with your Family
For us, rooftop bars belong to the absolute highlights of New York, offering views of the thousand lights of the skyline. Even if you’re traveling as a family, you don’t want to miss out on a visit with the kids above the roofs of the city.
People often ask us whether you can visit the rooftop bars in NYC with children. We’ve done some research for you and compiled the best spots in this article. Here you’ll find an up-to-date overview of rooftop bars that you can visit as a family with children under 21. Please note the respective time restrictions.
Rooftop Bars in New York with children: The best Spots
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01
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
Rooftop Bar in Midtown Manhattan
230 Fifth is arguably the most famous rooftop bar in New York City. It is well known for its stunning views of the Empire State Building, great cocktails, and large outside seating area. Whether in summer or winter, the 230 Fifth is always a good idea. The sunset is always enchanting, and in the winter, cuddled under blankets and patio heaters, it also has something to sit.
- Minors accompanied by their parents are permitted at the 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar at all times, except on Fridays and Saturdays after 7 p.m.
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02
Westlight NYC
Rooftop Bar in WilliamsburgOur Highlight
The Westlight in Brooklyn is considered one of the most beautiful rooftop bars in New York – and rightly so! It belongs to The William Vale Hotel and has a rooftop bar, a lounge area, a bar, and a restaurant. What distinguishes the Westlight from many other spots is the unspoilt panoramic view of Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.
- Minors under the age of 21 are permitted to enter Westlight daily until 6 p.m.
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03
Castell Rooftop Lounge
Rooftop Bar in Midtown Manhattan
The Castell Rooftop Lounge is located on the roof of the AC Hotel on 40th Street near Times Square and offers an elegant retreat in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
Here you can enjoy classic cocktails (especially martinis) in a stylish atmosphere—whether cozy by the fireplace or on the open, heated terrace with views of the Manhattan skyline.
- Minors under the age of 21 are welcome at the Castell Rooftop Lounge until 9 p.m.
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04
Harriet's Rooftop Bar
Rooftop Bar in DumboOur Highlight
Be sure to check out Harriet’s Rooftop, the rooftop bar at 1 Hotel in Brooklyn, even if you don’t decide to stay there. You can enjoy a fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. The bar serves great drinks and finger food.
- Minors are welcome at Harriet’s Rooftop Bar until 8 p.m.
Please note: Although the pool looks tempting in summer, this area is only accessible to guests aged 21 and over.
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05
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Rooftop Bar in Garment District
The Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge is located on the 18th floor of the Moxy Times Square Hotel and offers magnificent views over the city. The entrance hall resembles a gallery, with a few whimsical animal figures in naughty positions.
If you like to enjoy the view of the Empire State Building, you should have a drink on the elegantly designed east side. If you prefer something fancier, head to the western area of the bar, as it features rotating seating, reminiscent of an antique carousel.
- Minors are only permitted at the Magic Hour Rooftop Bar on Saturdays and Sundays for brunch. Brunch is always served from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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06
Haven Rooftop & Restaurant
Rooftop Bar in Theatre District
In the heart of the Theatre District on Times Square, you will find the Haven Rooftop & Restaurant. It is on the 10th floor of the Sanctuary Hotel at 47th Street between 6th and 7th Avenue and offers you a sensational perspective.
Although it is in Times Square, it is surprisingly quiet. I love the mix of „being in the middle of the city“ and „still having peace and quiet“ – and that’s exactly what you can expect there.
- You can stay at Haven Rooftop & Restaurant with your children until 10 p.m.
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07
Mr. Purple
Rooftop Bar in Lower East Side
Mr. Purple is a rooftop bar in the Lower East Side, located on the roof of the Hotel Indigo. The view of the city from here is magnificent – and it is one of the most relaxed rooftops in the whole city!
- Mr. Purple allows persons under the age of 21 to enter the premises until 9:00 p.m. when accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
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08
The Empire Rooftop & Lounge
Rooftop Bar in Upper West Side
The Empire Hotel has a great rooftop bar with a view of Lincoln Center and the Upper West Side. Many of you will know the red lettering that is mounted on the hotel roof. We went there to test it and take a closer look. Compared to other rooftop bars in New York, these cocktails were among the good ones – and the price-performance ratio is really ok.
- Children and teenagers are permitted in the Empire Rooftop Bar until 8 p.m. when accompanied by their parents.
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09
Upstairs at the Kimberly Hotel
Rooftop Bar in Midtown Manhattan
On the 30th floor of the Kimberly Hotel, you will find the rooftop bar and lounge „Upstairs at the Kimberly Hotel“. Located in Midtown, you have a spectacular view of one of the most beautiful buildings in New York: the Chrysler Building. Not all rooftop bars offer a limitless panoramic view, but the „Upstairs“ can offer it.
- Minors under the age of 21 are only permitted to attend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays until 4 p.m.
