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What Makes an Experience Trendy in NYC

There's always something new to see in NYC, but for an experience to be deemed trendy, it has to catch the eyes—and lenses—of locals. Trendy experiences in NYC can be seen all over Instagram and TikTok thanks to visual appeal or cool cachet. Many times, trendy experiences are new or new to NYC and feature cutting-edge technology or interesting eats.

Trendy NYC Kids' Experiences to Explore Now

1. Glace Candy – Upper East Side

In the winter, you've likely seen the viral hot chocolates topped with piped-and-torched-to-order marshmallow cream, but this sweet spot is no stranger to the summer treat business.
Why it's Trendy: Glace Candy, launched by Sasha Zabar, is located next to the UES shop and lets diners shop curated bins of international sweets ranging from Japanese jellies to Swedish gummies, which can be piled high into ice cream for fully customizable sundaes or enjoyed alone. Plus, the pastel‑painted interiors are perfect for social media posting.
Age Range: Ages 3 and older
Insider Tip: Aim for a weekday midday visit (12–2 pm). That’s when the candy bins are freshest, and you’ll have time to build your ideal sundae before the afternoon crowds arrive.

2. Fluffy Fluffy – East Village

This new flagship café specializes in Japanese-style soufflé pancakes along with a full brunch menu and desserts.
Why it's Trendy: The cloud-like soufflés are picture-perfect, generating many viral moments on social media.
Age Range: All ages
Insider Tip: Try to visit during weekday afternoons (11am-2pm) to avoid the brunch rush and get better seating where kids can watch the pancakes being whisked, steamed, and plated fresh.

3. Radio Bakery – Prospect Heights

The Prospect Heights location of this Brooklyn bakery (the original location is in Greenpoint) offers freshly made sweet baked goods and savory sandwiches.
Why it's Trendy: Its triple-chocolate croissants and turkey‑pesto sandwiches gained a viral following on social media, and its long lines became even longer.
Age Range: All ages
Insider Tip: Croissants hit the counter at 7:30, focaccias at 7:30am, 10am, and 11am, and sandwiches at 11am, with many selling out by noon. For shorter lines and the best choice, visit on weekday mornings from 8-10 am to skip the 45‑to‑90‑minute weekend waits.

RELATED: NYC's Best Immersive Museums and Pop-Up Experiences for Kids

You'll feel like you're dining in a doodle at Shirokuro's East Village sushi spot. Photo by Jody Mercier

4. Shirokuro Sushi – East Village

This minimalist sushi restaurant lives up to its name—“shirokuro” means black and white in Japanese—with stunning contrasted decor. It’s stylish, elevated, and still welcoming to families; the food may be best for tweens and teens who enjoy trying new flavors, but there are more basic rolls, rice, and noodles for less adventurous palates.
Why it's Trendy: The city's first 2D cafe, the decor at Shirokuro is 100 percent hand-drawn by a local artist.
Age Range: 8 and older
Insider Tip: Book an early dinner slot to avoid peak times

5. Sunday Morning – Lower East Side

NYC's newest pastry obsession is this cinnamon-roll-dedicated bakery, dishing out 10 creative flavors daily, from ube macapuno to blueberry lemon curd. It's perfect for all ages, from tiny tasters to teens hunting the next viral bite. Sit inside at one of the cozy 20-seat spots rather than trying to eat on the go.
Why it's Trendy: Cinnamon rolls are having a moment, and this shop pushes the filling envelope, delivering a classic pastry with modern flair.
Age Range: All ages
Insider Tip: Try to get there just before opening (9 am weekdays, 10am weekends) to beat the lineup and score fresh, warm rolls.

6. Crumbl – Multiple Locations

Crumbl continues to go viral with its ever-changing weekly flavors of oversized, gourmet cookies. It's a treat and a surprise every time for toddlers, teens, and every cookie-loving grown-up in between.
Why it's Trendy: Crumbl undoubtedly has a crew of devotees, but it's fairly new to NYC, and its rotating flavors draw repeat customers.
Age Range: All ages
Insider Tip: Order single cookies sliced into quarters—it’s shareable, less messy, and perfect for sampling more than one flavor without the sugar overload.

7. Fluffy Algodón – Koreatown and Dumbo, Brooklyn

This adorable cotton candy joint specializes in artisanal, character-shaped cotton candy like unicorns, Kirby, Hello Kitty, and even Labubus, all crafted while you watch. 
Why it's Trendy: This snack is part dessert, part street‑fair art—all part of the growing trend of edible experiences in NYC.
Age Range: Ages 1 and older
Insider Tip: Track its schedule on its Instagram page (usually Thursday-Sunday at both locations), and arrive early as each design is handmade and can take 30-60 minutes.

RELATED: 18 Sugartastic Candy Stores in NYC Kids will Flip For

Kids can choose from a rainbow of high-quality Swedish candy at BonBon's multiple city locations. Photo courtesy of BonBon

8. BonBon Candy – Multiple Locations

This Swedish pick‑and‑mix haven is lined with bins of chewy licorice, fluffy marshmallows, and vibrant gummies—all waiting to be scooped into charming pink bags.
Why it's Trendy: BonBon has taken TikTok by storm thanks to its real‑sugar, GMO‑free treats, aesthetic gold scoops, and pretty bins filled with unique candies and sweet treats.
Age Range: Ages 3 and older
Insider Tip: Go late if you can—evenings are perfect for smaller crowds and full goodie bins.

9. Queens Night Market – Corona, Queens

This open-air night market is a cultural feast. With international eats (most priced at just $5), live music, and a festive vibe, it's a family-friendly foodie adventure that feels like a passport around the world. All ages will enjoy the market from toddlers in strollers to tweens and teens.
Why it's Trendy: The Queens Night Market is far from new, but it's attracted a cult following for the vibes, variety, and affordable eats.
Age Range: All ages
Insider Tip: Arrive early when it opens at 5pm to beat the lines and snag picnic space. If you want to make a day of it, start out at the New York Hall of Science, which is right next to the market, where kids can get hands-on with a variety of rotating exhibits, including CityWorks, the new sprawling 6,000‑square‑foot exhibit which turns behind-the-scenes city systems—from transport to sanitation—into engaging, interactive play zones that teach urban planning to curious kids.

RELATED: Where to Find Cool Treats in NYC this Summer

Rooftop Cinema Club offers an elevated alfresco movie night experience high above city streets. Photo by Jody Mercier

Trendy Experiences NYC Kids Can't Wait to Try

10. Rooftop Cinema Club – Midtown West

Alfresco movies are a staple of summer, but much as we love a free summer showing, this spot brings ambiance, vibes, and comfortable seating, plus classic flicks you know you'll love all on a rooftop terrace.
Why it's Trendy: Rooftop vibes, lawn games, photo-ops, and twinkly lights make it instantly Instagrammable.
Age Range: All ages
Insider Tip: Heed the age requirements: Kids are allowed before 6pm on weekdays and 4:30pm on weekends; after that, it's 16 and older. The business is cash-free, so make sure you've got a card to snag your movie snacks, and arrive early to nab your seats.

11. Studio Calmplex Silver Clay Classes – Midtown East

This minimalist Midtown studio is the perfect backdrop for creativity. Offering both multi-week and single-session classes, this pottery studio is a gateway to handmade art.
Why it's Trendy: Teens go crazy for its silver clay classes, where they can mold their own silver rings or pendants for one-of-a-kind wearable art.
Age Range: Ages 13 and older
Insider Tip: Be sure to book your reservations in advance. Classes are kept intentionally small.

12. Jellycat Cafe at FAO Schwarz – Rockefeller Center

Step into this enchanting cafe, complete with little plush pancakes, bagels, and burgers—served up with the feel of a real New York City eatery. The cafe is ideal for ages 3 and up—little ones, teens, and grown‑ups will love the high cuteness quotient.
Why it's Trendy: With Instagram‑worthy, limited‑edition plushies like Fran Pancakes and Rene Waffle, this social media darling is sure to be a win for the whole family.
Age Range: Ages 3 and older
Insider Tip: Reservations are required, so be sure to book a reservation as soon as they open (usually about four weeks ahead on Mondays) for a group of up to six, and get there early.

13. Scattered Kind – Long Island City, Queens

New York City's first tufting workshop lets visitors get hands-on and create one-of-a-kind tufted rugs. Workshops let you do the creative part, while the team at Scattered Kind does the finishing work.
Why it's Trendy: Social media has popularized this fiber art, which users find meditative to boot!
Age Range: Ages 14 and older
Insider Tip: You can choose your own adventure here, with one of Scattered Kind's designs or bring your own creativity to your project. But, you'll need to register in advance and upload your design, which the team traces onto canvas before you arrive.

14. Pearl & The Beast – Soho

DIY jewlery meets a treasure hunt at Pearl & The Beast, where you harvest pearls from a live mussel before they're polished and prepped for a fine jewelry piece of your choosing.
Why it's Trendy: This is the ultimate experience gift for big kids—and mamas too!
Age Range: Ages 14 and older
Insider Tip: Mussel prices start at $70, and you'll pay for materials on top of that, so this is definitely a splurge. Make a reservation and set some expectations before you dive in. There is a 5 percent discount for cash payments.