SmartSitting Guide to the Best Bookstores for Kids in NYC!
There’s nothing to get your kids reading like a super fun bookstore! Our wonderful city is full of bookstores for kids - whether it’s an entire store, or a whole floor or corner dedicated to kids. They have all kinds of events, too, from author readings to storytimes. Check out our top picks for the best bookstores for kids in NYC, and don’t forget to book a babysitter or nanny to take your little bookworms to their favorite ones!
Books of Wonder - 18 W 18th St., Manhattan
This cozy shop in the Flatiron is entirely dedicated to kids and young adults! Whichever genre of kids’ book you’re looking for, Books of Wonder has it. The store has so much charm that it was used as the model for the bookstore in the movie You’ve Got Mail!
*Pro Tip: Check out their massive collection of old, rare, and first-edition books!
Book Culture - 2915 Broadway, Manhattan (kids’ section around the corner downstairs!)
This charming and personal shop in Morningside Heights has its own floor dedicated to kids (downstairs around the side of the shop). Take the kids to one of their great storytimes, and after they've picked out their new favorite books, check out the cool collection of toys and games they sell too!
*Pro Tip: If your kids are learning a language, or already multilingual, check out Book Culture’s huge collection of foreign language books for kids!
McNally Jackson - 52 Prince St, Manhattan
This fun SoHo store (with plans to open a second location in the South Street Seaport) is a labyrinth of literary treasures for kids. Check out the children’s and Young Adult section downstairs, where you and your little ones can browse the different genres or settle into one of the cozy nooks for some reading time.
*Pro Tip: If all that reading makes you hungry, grab a bite to eat from the café on the ground floor! They sell all sorts of food and drinks, including homemade treats from Ovenly, Balthazar, Murray’s and Sarabeth.
Greenlight Books - 686 Fulton St, Brooklyn & 632 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn
This beautiful Fort Greene gem recently opened a second location in Prospect Lefferts Garden, and there’s lots going on at both locations! Relax in the spacious kids’ reading area and browse the vast collection of kids’ book recommendations!
*Pro Tip: Greenlight partners with tons of schools throughout the city - see if your kids’ school is on the list, and check out special Greenlight events and programs going on there!
Books Are Magic -225 Smith St, Brooklyn
This bookstore is brand new in town! It just opened last week in Clinton Hill, and there is a giant back room dedicated to kids. Cozy up in one of the many reading nooks under the massive skylight!
*Pro Tip: They have already had lots of children’s books authors come in and sign their books, so look out for those special personalized treasures!
The Strand - 828 Broadway, Manhattan
With 18 miles of books and 90 years in business, The Strand is a massive treasure trove for booklovers of all ages. Check out the huge kids’ section on the second floor, complete with a play area and reading space in the back left corner. They host events and storytimes every week
*Pro Tip: If your kids are up for an adventure, tell them you know of a secret place in the store, and then take the elevator up to the Rare Books Room on the 3th floor. Full of rare first editions and oversized tomes dating back to the 1400s, it’s a great opportunity for a mini history lesson - and the kids will be super impressed with your insider knowledge!
Our SmartSitters love to read to kids, help them find their favorite books, genres, or series, and take them on literary adventures. Fill out our Family Application to get started!