House Offerings

The House offers meal services to support families during their stay, helping to ease daily challenges and provide nutritious options for guests.

We are grateful to our volunteers for making this program possible! Taking part in our meal program is always optional and free of charge. The menu is posted daily on the welcome screen in the main lobby.

• Breakfast: 6 AM –10 AM
  Grab and go at your convenience. Breakfast bags, granola bars, cereal, fresh fruit, and milk are available.
• Lunch: 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
• Dinner: 5:30 PM–6:30 PM
• Leftover meals & snacks: Available at the Grab & Go counter throughout the day, while supplies last.
• Anytime: Coffee, hot water, and microwaves are available for your convenience.

The daily menu is posted on the welcome screen in the main lobby.

We strive to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. Guests must inform their hospital social worker or an RMH-NY representative of any special dietary requirements; however, accommodations cannot be guaranteed.

For families needing extra support with meals, please contact the Family Support Team for available resources.

Home to wellness programs and activities for caregivers intended to support self-care and mitigate stress. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our talented and dynamic wellness volunteers and donors, caregivers are offered a variety of services that focus on a holistic approach to wellbeing. These services include massage, meditation, group exercise classes, creative arts and more.

The Wellness Center also offers a serene, peaceful setting to have a cup of tea or coffee, a fresh smoothie or snack, or to simply take a moment to oneself to enjoy the beautiful city skyline. A fully equipped gym area allows caregivers to utilize a variety of fitness equipment in their own time.

In the spirit of meeting the needs of our diverse House population, wellness activities and special events are ever-changing and aim to meet the unique needs and requests of caregivers.

Ronald McDonald House New York offers a wide variety of programs designed to support the well-being, development, and everyday joy of children and their families. From educational activities and family dinners to special outings and cultural experiences, our programs aim to bring moments of normalcy, connection, and fun into each family’s stay.

Our Programs team offers both in-House and off-site experiences, including:

• Learning activities and enrichment for children
• Movie nights, field trips, and creative programs
• Tickets to local sporting events, Broadway shows, and other NYC attractions
• Special seasonal and holiday celebrations

In-house programs are designed to encourage play, learning, and family bonding. From homework help to recreational play, our goal is to support each child’s growth and each family’s sense of normalcy.

Guests are encouraged to check the calendar and stop by the front desk for details about current and upcoming programs. Many activities require sign-up in advance due to limited space. Please note:

• Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian at all House events.
• Children may not be supervised by another child or sibling under the age of 13.

The Play Space, is open to children and families of all ages as advised by Play Space staff.

School and Tutor Opportunities

Ronald McDonald House New York is committed to helping children and families maintain continuity in their education during their stay. We offer a range of learning support services for both patients and their siblings, as well as educational opportunities for caregivers.

• Tutoring Support, The House helps connect patients and siblings with volunteer tutors to support their academic needs and help prevent them from falling behind in school. Up to two tutoring sessions per week can be arranged, depending on tutor and family availability.
• English as a Second Language (ESL), Caregivers interested in improving their English can participate in ESL classes offered twice weekly at the House. Scheduling is subject to change based on the availability of volunteer instructors.
• School Enrollment Guidance, For families with long-term stays, we may be able to assist in exploring local school enrollment options for children. This is considered on a case-by-case basis and depends on specific eligibility criteria.

Therapy Dog Visits at the House

The House has a program specializing in certified therapy dog teams for pediatric cancer patients and their families. These visits support quality of life through therapeutic play and meaningful, compassionate interactions.

• Scheduled weekly, Monday through Sunday
• Take place in designated common areas such as the first-floor lobby and Playroom
• Children under age 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during visits
• Handlers will always remain with their dogs
• Teams will follow infection control and safety protocols set by the House and referring organization

Considerations for all families:

We recognize that not all families may be comfortable around animals. The House will make every reasonable effort to accommodate:

• Allergies or medical concerns
• Religious or cultural beliefs
• Past trauma or fear related to animals

If a family expresses discomfort or concern regarding therapy animals, please notify the Programs team so they can coordinate appropriate accommodations.

Birthday Celebrations

RMH-NY is happy to help families celebrate birthdays during their stay, for both patients and their siblings. If patients and families would like to arrange a birthday celebration, they must visit the Play Space and speak with a member of the Programs team. All requests must be asked for at least 48 hours’ notice to prepare. A limited selection of birthday supplies is available and will be reviewed with the individual at the time of your request.