RiseNY
Rating
Family of 4
$120–160 for tickets ($30–40/person).
Duration
1–2 hours
Best Ages
5–17
About
RiseNY in the heart of Times Square offers New York City families and visitors a cinematic experience that reframes the city they're standing in — a 4D flying theater ride that soars above iconic New York landmarks in a 10-minute journey combining film, motion, and sensory effects that create the genuine sensation of flight.
The experience begins in a carefully designed New York City history gallery that chronicles the city's development from a Dutch trading outpost to the global metropolis it is today. Large-format photographs, artifacts, and interactive displays walk visitors through the five boroughs' most significant moments — the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, the opening of the subway, the rise of immigrant neighborhoods, and the transformation of Manhattan's skyline across five centuries. Children who pay attention emerge from the gallery with genuine context for what they're about to fly over.
The flying theater itself seats visitors in suspended chairs that tilt and move in sync with a sweeping aerial film. As the film soars over the Statue of Liberty, mist hits visitors' faces. When the flight dips through the canyons of Midtown, the chairs drop slightly.
Wind rushes through during the flight over Central Park's canopy. The production values are exceptional — this is among the highest-quality 4D theater experiences available in New York City.
RiseNY positions itself in the broader Times Square tourist ecosystem, and the surrounding area offers ample dining, shopping, and complementary attractions. The TKTS Broadway discount booth is literally beneath the RiseNY building, making it practical to book a matinee and an afternoon ride in the same trip.
The experience works best for children ages 6 and up who can follow the narrative arc of the history gallery and fully appreciate the aerial perspective. Teens and tweens often cite it as one of their favorite New York City experiences — the combination of education and genuine thrill is unusual.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
likely yes
Kid Meals
snacks only
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday late mornings or early afternoons; avoid Times Square evening crowds
Wait Times
20–30 minutes for the ride on busy days; book timed entry to minimize waits
Nearby Food
Times Square has hundreds of options: Ellen's Stardust Diner (singing waitstaff, 2 min), Junior's Restaurant (famous cheesecake), any of dozens of Midtown restaurants within a 5-minute walk.
Why Kids Love It
RiseNY takes visitors on a cinematic flight over New York City — a 4D flying theater ride that soars above the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and Times Square. Children experience wind, mist, and motion synchronized to the film, creating genuine flying sensations. The New York City history exhibit before the ride educates kids on how the city was built, making the flight over the skyline feel earned.
From Reddit Parents
“I've only ever been once, way back in Season 1 when Pearl Jam performed, and I got my ticket from a friend of a friend at CBS so I got to skip all the...”
Pro Tips from Parents
- The pre-ride NYC history gallery is worth 30–45 minutes on its own — don't rush through it.
- The flying ride has a minimum height requirement (typically 40 inches) — confirm before booking with young children.
- RiseNY is in the heart of Times Square — plan for the surrounding area to be busy and loud.
- Combine with the TKTS booth downstairs for Broadway show discount tickets.
- Evening flights offer a dramatic nighttime NYC skyline — worth considering for teens and tweens.
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes — there's significant walking in the pre-ride gallery
- Layers — the theater may be cool
- Timed entry tickets booked in advance
- Cash for Times Square snacks if hungry before/after
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$120–160 for tickets ($30–40/person).
No significant discounts commonly available.
Budget $120–160 total.
Tips to Save
- Book tickets online in advance to avoid sold-out slots.
- Check for NYC resident discounts.
- Combine with other Times Square/Midtown activities to justify the trip.
- Group discounts available for 10+ people.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 10AM-8PM
- Monday
- 10AM-6PM
- Sunday
- 10AM-6PM
- Tuesday
- 10AM-6PM
- Saturday
- 10AM-8PM
- Thursday
- 10AM-6PM
- Wednesday
- 10AM-6PM