Designed for kids ages 5 to 10, the United Nations Visitors Centre Children’s Tour blends interactive fun with global education inside New York’s landmark UN Headquarters. Learn how this immersive experience brings world affairs to life for young minds.
Designed for kids ages 5 to 10, the United Nations Visitors Centre Children’s Tour blends interactive fun with global education inside New York’s landmark UN Headquarters. Learn how this immersive experience brings world affairs to life for young minds.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by United Nations Visitors Centre · New York, New York
Situated at the heart of New York City, the United Nations Visitors Centre offers a unique and enriching experience tailored specifically for children aged 5 to 10. The Children’s Tour invites young adventurers to step into the UN Kids Corridor, an interactive space where global affairs become tangible and relatable. This isn’t a typical museum visit — here, kids engage directly with oversized world maps, flags of Security Council member nations, and a genuine refugee tent, grounding abstract notions of international cooperation and crisis response in vivid, hands-on exhibits.
The tour takes place within the iconic United Nations Headquarters, located on East 42nd Street, a landmark of diplomacy and global dialogue. The building itself sits on a stretch of Manhattan rich with history and cultural significance, offering families a chance to combine their adventure with a broader urban experience. Although the Children’s Tour does not access the main Conference Building, participants gain access to the General Assembly Hall when meetings permit, adding an authentic glimpse into the workings of global governance.
What sets this tour apart is its thoughtful design to foster global citizenship in young minds. Guided by knowledgeable hosts, children engage in interactive games, quizzes, and role-playing activities that illustrate the United Nations’ efforts to address refugee crises, promote peace, and uphold human rights worldwide. The experience lasts about 45 to 60 minutes, making it the perfect educational outing without overwhelming young visitors.
For families seeking a meaningful way to introduce their children to international issues while fostering curiosity and empathy, the United Nations Visitors Centre offers an unrivaled doorway to understanding the world’s complexities. Beyond the education, it’s a chance for kids to see the front lines of global cooperation in the world’s most iconic international forum, right in the bustling center of New York City.
easy.
45–60 minutes.
Suitable for young children with minimal physical exertion required
Children must be at least 5 years old to participate; those under 5 are not permitted.
The tour typically lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.
Strollers are generally not recommended as space can be limited; contact the Visitors Centre for specific accommodations.
Yes, adults must purchase a ticket and bring a valid, original government photo ID to enter the UN building.
Access to the General Assembly Hall is subject to meeting schedules and permissions; it is included when available.
All visitors must register online prior to arrival and pass security screening at the entrances.
The United Nations Headquarters was established in 1952 on the East River, symbolizing post-WWII international cooperation.
The UN Visitors Centre encourages sustainable practices and educates about global issues including environmental stewardship.
The United Nations Visitors Centre at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City provides guided tours, educational briefings, and outreach programs that introduce visitors to the work, history, and art of the United Nations. Tours on offer include the Guided Tour (English), language-specific guided tours in French, Spanish, Chinese and Russian, and specialist itineraries such as the Art Tour, Focus on Women Tour, Architecture Tour, Garden Tour, Black History Tour, and Children's Tour. Several tours grant access to key chambers, including the General Assembly Hall and the Security Council Chamber, and select experiences highlight notable artworks—such as the Mola tapestry by indigenous Kuna women featured on the Focus on Women Tour. The Visitors Centre also offers Online Briefings, In-house Briefings, Outside Speaking Engagements (UN4U), Virtual Events, and an on-site Virtual Reality Experience that complement in-person visits. Programs accommodate individuals, guided groups, school groups, and community organizations. Group Tours and tailored in-house briefings focus on topics such as peacekeeping, human rights, and the Sustainable Development Goals and can be adapted for educational audiences. Several guided tours list a 45–60 minute timeframe; language availability and specific content are noted for each offering. Located at the UN Headquarters in New York, the Visitors Centre facilitates direct learning about international cooperation and diplomacy through accessible, multilingual experiences and expert-led briefings that bring United Nations priorities to visitors of all ages.
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