Museum of Illusions

Love to take wacky pictures with your kids? Is your teen looking for the ultimate selfie on your NYC vacation? (Most likely!). Check out the Museum of Illusions in the Meatpacking District. A visual, mind-bending and educational experience — and lots of silly fun, too. The optical illusion rooms were our favorites, hands down (here’s a fun little Instagram Reel of our visit). The museum is just east of the Meatpacking District, so a great spot to combine with a visit to nearby The High Line and Chelsea Market for a bite to eat.

Please note: the Museum would like you to arrive 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled timeslot (which they suggest buying ahead of time), and you are allowed 1 hour to enjoy the museum, which is the right amount of time, IMO. Tickets can be purchased in person, but there may be a chance that the museum will be at capacity, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.

Location:

77 8th Avenue (at 14th Street)

Tickets:

Adults: $24

Students/Seniors/Essential Workers (ID must be shown to verify): $22

Kids (age 6-13; under 6 are admitted free): $18

Accessibility:

Per their website, “We are in compliance with ADA. That being said, about 75% of the museum is wheelchair accessible. We have an elevator that can get guests to our first floor which hold about 75% of the museum but unfortunately the second floor is only accessible by stairs. Due to the museum being in a historical NYC building, we are unable to build any lifts or elevators up to the second floor to accommodate any guests in wheelchairs.”

Photo credit: Kid Meets City