RiseNY NYC Review for Families

We visited RiseNY in Times Square as a family attraction that combines New York history, pop-culture exhibits and a motion-based soaring ride. The museum-style galleries were as much a part of the experience as the final ride, which makes it different from a single-attraction stop.

What Is RiseNY Like?

The experience begins with an introductory film that uses New York’s subway history to set up the attraction. From there, visitors move into galleries focused on different parts of the city’s cultural history before reaching the soaring ride.

RiseNY Galleries and New York History

The galleries are divided by themes such as Broadway, movies and radio, each presenting a snapshot of New York cultural history. We found that the mix of artifacts, recreations and explanatory material made the galleries feel closer to an interactive museum than a simple queue for the ride.

We noticed detailed signage throughout the galleries, including queue-style elements that helped explain what visitors were seeing. The attraction also leans heavily into the Times Square ball-drop theme, especially for visitors interested in New Year’s Eve history and imagery.

The RiseNY Soaring Ride

The experience ends with a soaring ride that lifts riders in front of a large-format film presentation. The setup reminded us of Disney’s Soarin’, which may help families judge whether the motion-based format suits them. The sequence moves over recognizable New York landmarks and incorporates the Times Square ball drop.

Is RiseNY Good for Families?

RiseNY is family-friendly, and the attraction noted a 40-inch height requirement at the time of our review for the soaring ride. For families interested in a mix of city history, entertainment and nostalgia, RiseNY offers more than the final ride alone. We found the galleries and attraction format memorable during our visit.

Is RiseNY Worth It?

For families who want a mix of New York history, pop culture and an immersive ride, RiseNY is a reasonable option. For another interactive Midtown attraction, see our SUMMIT One Vanderbilt review.

Check current hours and tickets on the official RiseNY website.

Ride availability, operating hours, effects and restrictions can change. Confirm current details, accessibility information and age or height guidance before visiting.