Is New York City a good place to visit with kids?
NYC is an amazing city that promises fun, action, and adventure for the whole family! There are a lot of things to do in NYC with kids all year, Between the exotic shows on Broadway, world-famous museums, beautiful parks, and mouth-watering International cuisines, there is something for everyone. I’ve loved taking my kids to NYC from all ages- right from the time they were babies in strollers to teenagers – it has never disappointed us!
Read on for some tips and tricks to make your family vacation memorable!
NYC City Map- How to explore New York City?
First off, get familiar with NYC. It’s a large city with lots to see and do. Without proper planning, you can end up spending a lot of time commuting and end up with some really exhausted kids. The itinerary provided here offers things to do within the same vicinity and offers some family-friendly dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. That should make for an easy and fun-filled day.
You can follow the 7-day itinerary here or explore the top things to do in NYC and pick from your own favorites. Exploring the city by neighborhoods is the best way to stay organized! Most tourist attractions are Midtown and Downtown, so plan to spend the most time there.
Best places to stay in NYC for families
Most tourists prefer to stay mid–town or downtown due to the proximity to the Subway and top tourist attractions. When booking a hotel for a family, these are some. of the things to keep in mind-
- A two-room suite or large bedroom with two queens and a pullout sofa. These are perfect for families and provide enough space for everyone
- Breakfast included makes getting out and about in the mornings a breeze.
- Dine in/Room service in the hotel for those long days when no one wants to go out the eat after a long day of waking/sightseeing
- Free wi-fi so everyone can enjoy some guilt-free screen time after a day out in the city.
- Easy Access to the subway.
Best hotels in downtown Manhattan for families-
Residence Inn Marriott Downtown/ World Trade Center – what we love about it is the adjoining rooms/ full kitchenettes, spacious bathrooms, walking distance to lots of tourist attractions, easy access to the subway, and breakfast options.
Hampton Inn Manhattan – 35th St Empire State Building – Great location, double beds, spacious rooms, breakfast included. Attractions such as the Madison Square Garden sports arena, Penn Station and Macy’s are within 3 blocks of the Manhattan Empire State Building Hampton Inn. Guests can also easily reach Times Square and Rockefeller Center.
Tempo By Hilton New York Times Square – Right in the heart of Times Square. Great views of Times Square. Comfy rooms albeit a bit tiny. Includes breakfast
Top Things to Do in NYC with Kids: 5 day NYC Itinerary
Here’s a 5 day Itinerary for NYC that is kid-friendly. Each day is based on attractions that are geographically located close together. This helps you make the most of your time each day.
Day 1: American Museum of Natural History and Central Park
Start your day exploring the American Museum of Natural History. It’s a great way to learn more about the world of dinosaurs, space exploration, and explore the interactive exhibits. Reservations are needed ahead of time, so be sure to book a timed slot before you go. This is a fantastic museum that has enough stuff to keep you occupied all day if you like. If you have older kids you can plan to explore the museum all day. For younger kids, plan to spend between 2-4 hours at the museum. The T-rex and Dino exhibits are always a hit with younger kids.
What to see in Central Park?
After lunch, plan to head to Central Park which is one of the biggest green spaces in the midst of the concrete in NYC. There are plenty of fun things to do for the whole family including the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, Bow Bridge, the Central Park Zoo, and the Great Lawn. You can enjoy walking the picturesque pathways, rent bikes or horse-drawn carriages for a scenic tour, or spread out a picnic blanket and savor a delicious picnic lunch amidst nature’s beauty. Kids will love the Central Park Zoo, home to a wide array of animals and a charming petting zoo. The Central Park Zoo is a small zoo that is perfect for younger kids. You can even spend the morning at the zoo and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Central Park. The park’s numerous playgrounds, featuring climbing structures and water play areas, will keep the little ones entertained for hours.
For an enchanting experience, consider a boat ride on the park’s serene lake, where you can take in breathtaking views of the city skyline or consider renting bikes for the whole family.
If walking is not your thing, consider a pedicab tour for the whole family which is a great way to explore the park while conserving energy,
Family-friendly places to eat in NYC near the American Museum of Natural History and Central Park
- Breakfast: Sarabeth’s Central Park South – Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Sarabeth’s, located near Central Park. Their fluffy pancakes and famous omelets are perfect for fueling up before a day of adventures.
- Lunch: Shake Shack – Enjoy a classic NYC burger experience at Shake Shack, just a short walk from Central Park. Their mouthwatering burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and creamy milkshakes are sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite.
- Dinner: The Ribbon – End your first day with a family-friendly dinner at The Ribbon, a cozy American restaurant with a warm atmosphere. Their extensive menu offers options for everyone, including delicious steaks, seafood, and comfort food.
Day 2: Lower Manhattan and NYC River Cruise
Spend Day 2 in Lower Manhattan where you can embark on a historical journey to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, symbols of America’s immigrant heritage. Explore Battery Park’s waterfront beauty and savor delicious meals while taking in breathtaking views of Lady Liberty.
Morning: Battery Park and Ellis Island- things to do
Start your day bright and early by making your way down to Battery Park, located at the southern tip of Manhattan. If you arrive early, you might catch a glimpse of the sunrise over the water. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the view of the Statue of Liberty, and explore the beautiful green space.
Stop by Castle Clinton National Monument to learn about its history. It also serves as the ticket office for the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Purchase tickets for the ferry to Ellis Island from Castle Clinton located at the park. The ferry operates regularly and takes you to both Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration: Once you arrive at Ellis Island, spend a few hours exploring the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. This museum is dedicated to the history of immigration to the United States and is incredibly informative.
The lines to purchase tickets to Ellis Island are often long in the summer months. To save time, we highly recommend booking ahead of time. You can also save time by booking a private cruise through Viator which is one of my favorite tour companies.
Late Afternoon: 9/11 Memorial and One World Observatory
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum: Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum to pay your respects and learn about the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
- One World Observatory: After the memorial, consider visiting the One World Observatory at One World Trade Center for breathtaking views of the city.
- Westfield Mall at World Trade Center– Check out the most beautiful mall at the location of the World Trade Center. They have some great shopping and restaurants onsite and some of the best gelato in NYC. On really hot or cold days the mall offers a refuge from the excessive heat or cold outside. The subway is also located within this location.
If you have time, you can also explore these nearby attractions. - Charging Bull and Fearless Girl: Head to the iconic Charging Bull sculpture located near Bowling Green Park. Right nearby, you can also visit the Fearless Girl statue, which symbolizes female empowerment.
- New York Stock Exchange: Walk to the New York Stock Exchange and marvel at the historic building and its iconic Wall Street sign.
- Federal Hall National Memorial: Explore Federal Hall, the site where George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States.
An evening dinner cruise is a great way to explore the Statue of Liberty and enjoy the breathtaking views of Manhattan from the Hudson River.
Kid-friendly places to eat in NYC near Lower Manhattan:
- Breakfast: Brooklyn Diner – Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Brooklyn Diner, located near Battery Park. Try their signature Brooklyn omelet or their famous fluffy pancakes.
- Lunch: Battery Gardens – After exploring the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, have lunch at Battery Gardens. This waterfront restaurant offers beautiful views and a diverse menu with options for both adults and kids.
- Dinner: Pier A Harbor House – End your day with dinner at Pier A Harbor House, a historic building with breathtaking harbor views. Their seafood dishes and New American cuisine are sure to please the whole family.
Day 3: Children’s Museum of Manhattan , Times Square and Broadway
Delve into a day of creativity and entertainment with a visit to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, where kids can learn through play and exploration. This is an excellent museum for younger kids that offers a lot of opportunities for hands-on exploration. with five floors to explore, there’s plenty to keep the kids occupied for a couple of hours. Reserve tickets in advance. Given the size of this museum, the kids will probably be exhausted after a day of exploring. So enjoy a low-key evening and consider perhaps room service and an early bedtime.
There are several options near the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) that offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner:
Breakfast:
- Viand Cafe: A classic diner-style spot serving breakfast favorites.
- Le Pain Quotidien: Offers a variety of breakfast options, including pastries and healthy choices.
- Birdbath Neighborhood Green Bakery: Known for its organic pastries and breakfast items.
Lunch:
- Shake Shack: A popular spot for burgers, fries, and shakes.
- Parm: Offers delicious Italian-American sandwiches and salads.
- Jacob’s Pickles: Known for its comfort food like fried chicken, burgers, and pickles.
What to do in Times Square and Broadway:
In the afternoon/evening, enjoy Times Square, and catch a show on Broadway. There are afternoon and evening shows available on Broadway. With younger kids, it’s easier to do the afternoon shows. However, if you have older kids, you should definitely enjoy a late-evening show. Times Square is magical at night and the whole experience is a must-do.
Some of the best shows to explore with kids on Broadway-
Kid-friendly places to eat in NYC near Broadway:
- Breakfast: Alice’s Tea Cup – Treat the kids to a whimsical breakfast at Alice’s Tea Cup. This Alice in Wonderland-themed cafe serves delightful scones, sandwiches, and of course, a variety of teas.
- Lunch: Ellen’s Stardust Diner – Experience a unique dining experience at Elen’s Stardust Diner where talented singing waitstaff entertain you with Broadway tunes. Enjoy classic diner fare with a side of musical performances.
- Dinner: John’s Pizzeria – Head to John’s Pizzeria in Times Square for some of the best pizza in NYC. Their thin-crust pies and family-style atmosphere make it a great spot for a relaxed dinner.
Day 5: Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center and the Stockyards
- Kid-friendly places to eat in NYC near Empire State and Rockefeller Center
- Breakfast: Norma’s – Have a lavish breakfast at Norma’s inside Le Parker Meridien Hotel, known for its creative and extravagant breakfast offerings.
- Lunch: Rock Center Cafe – Enjoy lunch at Rock Center Cafe, with a view of the iconic Rockefeller Center ice-skating rink.
- Dinner: Ellen’s Stardust Diner – To end your week on a high note, return to Ellen’s Stardust Diner for a memorable dinner filled with Broadway-worthy performances.
Note: This itinerary is designed to offer a diverse range of family-friendly activities, but feel free to mix and match based on your family’s interests and preferences. Additionally, make sure to check the opening hours and availability of attractions and restaurants before your visit. Have a fantastic time exploring the best of NYC with your kids!
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