Attractions

The FDNY Fire Zone in New York City is a family friendly and educational attraction at Rockefeller Center. This state of the art learning center is fun for kids and adults. Children can learn about the power of fire, they can try on bunker gear, and climb on a real fire truck. This facility provides an experience for kids with chance to meet real firefighters in New York City.

Firefighters are on-site to teach kids and families the importance of fire safety in the home. Each visitor leaves the Fire Zone with the materials needed to make their home a safer place. This attraction is handicap accessible and also has an adjacent gift shop.

Entrance into the FDNY Fire Zone is free, but there is a $6.00 charge for the fire safety presentation. The presentation is not suitable for children under five years of age. A firefighter and facilitator bring groups through a multimedia fire-safety presentation every hour on the half hour, starting at 9:30 am, with the last presentation at 5:30 pm. On Sunday, hours are shortened from 11:30 am – 3:30 pm.

The Official Store of FDNY Fire Zone is operated by the FDNY Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation established to fund Fire Safety in New York City and the professional development, training and education of members of the FDNY.

I was fortunate enough to come across this attraction during a trip to New York City. I was amazed at the number of fire department patches representing departments from all over the world, on display all over the Fire Zone. The fire presentation was very real and I can see where there would be caution in allowing younger children into the presentation. The depiction of an actual fire scene can be very scary. This did not deter a number of nearby children who proceeded to climb and jump all over the stationary fire truck housed inside. Once local mother told me she brings her children to FDNY Fire Zone for a weekly visit.

I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to remember the lives lost on 911. The fallen firefighters of FDNY live on in the memories of those still serving the City of New York and visitors alike. If you travel to New York City for family vacations or even a business trip, be sure to stop in and see this wonderful attraction that gives back to the city.

Photo taken by Shannon Hurst Lane