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Why Night Markets Are Great for Families

Even the pickiest eater in the family won't be able to resist the delectable bites and stellar vibes at NYC's night markets. Unlike traditional kid-friendly restaurants, the atmosphere at these markets is laid-back and casual, which in turn, encourages kids to relax and enjoy themselves, and opens them up to trying new things in a low-pressure environment that won't break the bank.

The meals found here are often bite-sized and meant to be eaten on the go. They span many different cultures and cuisines, making them the perfect spot to try something new. Many night markets in NYC also have performances, entertainment, and fun activities that ensure kids continue to enjoy themselves even once they've had their fill of food!

Top NYC Night Markets to Explore with Kids this Summer

Queens Night Market – Flushing, Queens

Saturdays; visit the website for hours. 
The Queens Night Market is a “family-friendly open-air” gathering showcasing more than 100 food and arts vendors, plus live performances. The market also sells beer and wine. Here is a list of scrumptious-sounding food spots you’ll find there, all of which have a $6 price cap. A few sure to please the kids include La Braza, which offers roasted corn and skewers, and The Knish, which serves Ukrainian knishes. For dessert, try Sam’s Fried Ice Cream.

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Kids will be happy to eat slice after slice of the crowd-pleasing Fornino pizza at Time Out Market.

Time Out Market New York – Dumbo, Brooklyn

Open daily; see the website for hours.
The market sits on a fifth-floor rooftop along the waterfront in Dumbo and offers access to some prime views while enjoying the outdoor ambiance. Eat, shop, and check out the live music and presentations while perusing the food offerings. Soul food from Jacob's Pickles, modern Mexican by Ivy Stark, and artisanal pizza by Fornino present multiple opportunities to feed a range of curious (or perhaps not so curious) little taste buds. Don't forget the scrumptious dessert options, like delectable doughnuts from the Doughnuttery.

Smorgasburg – Multiple Locations

Fridays (Lower Manhattan), Saturdays (Williamsburg), and Sundays (Prospect Park) through the last weekend of October
Williamsburg is the original location of the ever-expanding collection of Smorgasburg markets, and you'll find dozens of vendors selling their wares. Make it an early dinner, as these markets are open only until 6pm! Favorites from past seasons include The Blue Chicken and Borrachito’s tacos, with Fluffy’s NYC’s Japanese-style rainbow souffle pancakes or fresh fruit and kombucha frozen treats from The Better Pop for dessert. At the WTC outpost, find a small crew of vendors holding down the fort, including Mao’s Bao Chinese comfort food delivered in the form of a bao-bun filled with meats or even an Impossible Burger option. For dessert, the kids will no doubt love Chocolate on Tap!

Union Square Night Market – Lower Manhattan

Thursdays and Fridays; see the website for hours.
Brought to you by the creators of the popular winter markets, Urbanspace, this market debuted last year to great success. Enjoy eats and treats from more than 35 purveyors each week, with selections like Birra LES, TNT Pineapple Bowls, and Strawberro.

RELATED: 18 Family-Friendly NYC Food Halls for an Easy, Delicious Meal

Indulge in smoky chicken satay at the Bronx Night Market.

Bronx Night Market – Fordham

Last Saturday of the month through October, from noon-7pm 
The Bronx Night Market celebrates the flavors of the Bronx with more than 35 local vendors for a great meal paired with a great community. Try the fried seafood platter from Henko Seafood, embark on a culinary trip to Puerto Rico at the Pincho Truck, or try some Ube Longganisa for an authentic Filipino taste.

Uptown Night Market – Harlem

Thursdays from 4-10pm
From the organizers of the Bronx Night Market comes this new addition. Focusing on a selection of local, Harlem-based vendors, you'll find an eclectic collection of local eats from 50+ vendors celebrating the area's culture and heritage. The market is entirely alcohol-free, making it a great place for families to spend the evening.

Know Before You Go to NYC’s Night Markets

Night Markets are a great place for the whole family to try new foods and are one of our favorite summer activities, but there are some things to keep in mind before you head out for a night. Despite being extremely family-friendly, NYC's night markets tend to get crowded and frequently have no seats. You might find yourself eating while standing around, which can be hard on little legs. You can plan ahead by scouting out areas near the markets where the fam can sit down and regroup before heading back into the crowds.

Remember that even though these markets are held on the hottest summer days, evenings can get nippy. Check the weather forecast before you go, so you can be prepared in case of a chill. Navigating night markets with food allergies can be a bit of a challenge, since the meals aren't always labeled with common allergens, and all food is prepared using the same tools. When in doubt, speak to the vendors about any concerns. Finally, keep in mind that even though most places do accept cards now, it's always worth having cash on hand in case a card reader malfunctions or you want to leave an extra tip.

Originally published in 2021. Jessica Delfino contributed additional reporting.