36 This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase. Read Disclosure. From the first “whoa” moment of seeing the Empire State Building up close to the joy of riding the iconic carousel in Central Park, New York City has something for every little explorer (and grown-ups too!) You’ll find no shortage of things to do in New York City with kids, a city that famously never sleeps and has served as a backdrop for many of your children’s favorite movies. Central Park horse and carriage ride Whether you’re soaking in skyline views on the Staten Island Ferry, diving into history at the American Museum of Natural History, or catching a Broadway show that’s just for families, New York knows how to make a small moment feel big. So, grab your little ones, your sense of wonder, your plus-size wallet, and maybe a map (you’ll need it) as we share with you the most iconic landmarks and hidden gems to visit with your kids, so you can make some big memories in the Big Apple! Table Of Contents 1. Explore Central Park Central Park is a must-see for any visitor to New York City. It’s an incredible oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle, where you can escape the chaos and unwind in a 840 acre landscape of calmness. New Yorkers (and tourists) flock here to escape the fast-paced life that is in NYC, and it can be overwhelming when you’re not used to it, so it’s the perfect place to start your NYC adventures on your family trip. Stretching three avenues wide from 59th Street all the way up to 110th Street, and covers 6% of the entire island of Manhattan, Central Park is full of recreational areas and attractions. We explored Central Park in three different ways. On foot, by bicycle, and by horse & carriage ride. It’s the place to go to let your kids have space to run around in nature. Cycling in Central Park We love riding bikes. Besides walking it’s our favorite way to explore a destination. It took us about an hour to do a full loop of the 6-mile path and that’s including a few stops along the way to take in the scenery and shoot some photos and video. The bike path is mostly flat and our kids did awesome, except for a hilly section at the northern end of Central Park. And it’s very safe, with a designated cycling path. There are cars, but the speed limit is slow, and you just have to watch out for the horse and carriage rides. We had a tag-a-long bike for Savannah (6 years old), which was attached to the back of my bike. You can rent your bikes online, or from various kiosks around the East Side. There are different sizes and cycling options, so no matter the age of your child, the whole family can do this. Bike rentals include helmets, baskets or bike bags, bike locks, and a map of the park! Walking around Central Park Of course, you can explore Central Park for free on foot. Grab a cheap map and just wander, or just wander without the map and see what you discover. Some highlights in Central Park you can visit include: Belvedere Castle Gapstow Bridge Bethesda Fountain Alice in Wonderland sculpture Walk down the Mall – lined with American elms and leads to the beautiful Bethesda Terrace. Pay your tribute to John Lennon at Strawberry Fields Loeb Boathouse Have a picnic in Sheep Meadow The Great Lawn and for the super energetic there are 58 miles of hiking trails throughout the park. There are playgrounds for the kids to enjoy and of course, the iconic Central Park Carousel. Then there’s the Central Park Zoo, if that’s your thing. 2. Window shop at American Girl Doll Store The American Girl Doll store is incredible. It’s every American Girl Doll owner’s dream. Our girls absolutely LOVE their American Girl dolls and if there’s one place we had been hearing about for months leading up to our trip to NYC, it was taking them to the American Girl Place Store in New York. We took them, and their dolls Coral and Lilliana, to get their hair styled (there’s a salon) and to have lunch with their dolls in the cafe – we decided against this as a $20 kid’s meals is a bit much! But they thoroughly enjoyed walking around the store checking out ALL the dolls and ALL the accessories. And thanks to Nanny and Poppy back in Australia, they each got to choose a new doll as an early Christmas present. Kalyra chose Gabriela (doll of the year for 2017) and Savannah chose Julie. They now have two dolls each so we have four daughters now lol. Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing The American Girl Doll Store 3. Go to the top of the Empire State Building It was so cool to stand at the top of the Empire State Building with our kids, an icon of New York City and one of the most famous buildings in the world. Many movie and TV scenes have been shot up here, and the 360-degree views over Manhattan from the 86th floor observation deck are incredible. For different experiences, you can go up during the day, at sunset, or in the evening. But like many attractions in NYC, the Empire State Building is very popular and requires some planning to avoid long wait times with kids, especially if you are on a tight schedule! 4. Go ice skating (seasonal) One of the most fun things to do with your kids if you’re visiting during the Holiday season is to grab your skates and hit one of the iconic NYC ice skating rinks. We couldn’t get our kids off the ice. Caroline and I first went ice skating in NYC back in 2004 on Christmas Day in Central Park, which was magical, and we were excited for our kids to experience it too. There are four options for ice skating; Bryant Park, the Wollman Rink in Central Park, Chelsea Piers and of course Rockefeller Plaza at the Rockefeller Center. Bryant Park We got our skates on twice at Bryant Park and loved the whole Christmas in New York experience there. Bryant Park was recommended to us by many people within our online community, thanks guys. It was the first time ever ice skating for Savannah and at first she wouldn’t let go of the side barrier, but eventually, she got up the nerve to go around holding Caz’s hand and then by herself. Kalyra was a bit of a natural and picked it up almost instantly. All up the girls went around for at least 2 hours. Hot Tip: Get there before 6pm as in the evening it gets extremely busy when all the office workers finish work for the day! We also loved walking around the Christmas markets at Bryant Park. They call it “Winter Village at Bryant Park,” which includes the skating rink, the pop-up shops, the Christmas tree and other festive attractions. It’s basically a winter wonderland in midtown Manhattan. They do great hot cider here! Oh, and close by is our fave Aussie coffee shop in NYC, Bluestone Lane, and our other fave coffee spot Culture Espresso. AND across the street from Bryant Park is Whole Foods Market where we grabbed lunch and dinner a few times and sat looking out the window over the park! Bryan Park Winter Village is the only free ice skating rink in NYC, but you do need to rent the skates. Read more: best coffee shops in NYC and Australian owned coffee shops in NYC not to miss! Wollman Rink, Central Park No doubt about it, the Wollman Rink in Central Park has a picture postcard background of the downtown Manhattan skyline. This location is a special place that has been featured in movies and TV, and if you visit NYC during winter why not incorporate skating here into your whole Central Park experience. On the day we skated here it wasn’t as crowded as Bryant Park. Rockefeller Plaza And of course, the Rockefeller Plaza is a famous and very popular place to go ice skating in NYC in the heart of midtown Manhattan. We didn’t skate here. The rink is much smaller than the other two and I believe there was a wait time for general admission skating, and you can also make a reservation online before. Our kids loved ice skating at Bryant Park and the Wollman Rink and they got better and better with each skate. We did prefer the overall experience at Bryant Park. The food and drinking options were better and the staff seemed friendlier and more professional. Want tips on things to do in NYC at Christmas? Read about these magical things to do in NYC at Christmas here. 5. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge A stroll across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge is a must. It’s one of New York’s most recognizable structures and connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, spanning the East River. There’s a designated pedestrian walking path, and cycling path, in the center of the bridge above the automobile lanes, and more than 4,000 pedestrians and 3,100 cyclists cross the bridge each day. Access to the Brooklyn Bridge is 24 hours per day, with sunset being particularly nice and popular in the summer months. But any time of the day is impressive with incredible views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Manhattan Bridge. It can get chilly up there as you are more exposed to the elements so dress appropriately for the season you are in. The Brooklyn Bridge is 1.3 miles (2.09 km) long so if you are walking at a casual pace with kids, and stopping to take photos, give yourself about 40 minutes. While you’re in the Brooklyn Bridge area, why not visit Prospect Park, or get your iconic shot of Manhattan Bridge from the cobblestone intersection on Water St. Nearby is the famous pizza place, Grimaldi’s, and Brooklyn Bridge Park is a cool place to chill out with the kids. They can ride Jane’s Carousel there. Hot Tips: When you walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn you’ll end up in the DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) neighborhood. If you want to get a great photo of the Brooklyn Bridge, walk back to Manhattan over the Manhattan Bridge. If your kids are tired of walking, jump on the subway at the High Street station. 6. See a Broadway Show If you want to do something special on your trip, it doesn’t get much better than a night out at the theater, on Broadway. There are many shows to choose from, but we opted for The Lion King – it had been on our bucket list forever and it did not disappoint. Caz and the girls loved the show and loved getting dressed up for it. A must-do in NYC! Since first writing this post we have also seen Wicked on Broadway and Kalyra and I saw Hadestown on our teen getaway to NYC trip. Hot Tip: Always best to book ahead for popular shows, but if you want the opportunity to get up to 50% off same-day tickets, check out the TKTS booth in Times Square, Seaport, or Brooklyn. 7. Eat Cupcakes We never knew cupcakes were such a big thing in NYC. Turns out they take their cupcakes very seriously in NYC, and many of the well-known stores, like Magnolia’s, have lines out onto the sidewalk. We didn’t fancy waiting outside in the cold, maybe next time when we revisit in warmer months, and only tried one cupcake store so the kids could get their fix. We popped into Molly’s Cupcakes in Greenwich Village, which was cute with a nice selection (in my photo above the cupcakes were called cookie monster) and they have a cool counter with swings you can sit at. And their story is sweet (pardon the pun). Molly was the founder’s third-grade teacher, and whenever one of them had a birthday, she would bake cupcakes. So in honor of Molly and as a way to help the children, a portion of their profits is donated directly to schools in their community. Nice touch! See a short video of our NYC top five with teens. 8. Walk The High Line If your budget is stretched, then take the kids to walk The High Line in Chelsea. What a great concept this is. They turned an old elevated train line into a pedestrian walkway spanning 20 blocks – it’s a nice way to escape the busy traffic on the streets below, and there’s some cool architecture and street views along the way. When we did this walk in December it wasn’t as colorful as it would be in the spring, and a word of warning if you do it on a weekend like us, it can get crazy busy – consider doing it on a weekday! There’s plenty of seating along The Highline and apparently, during summer there are weekly free drop-in workshops for kids. For a bite to eat along the way check out the popular Artichoke Pizza for one of the best slices in NYC (be prepared to wait) or the Chelsea Markets (very busy on weekends also). We enjoyed the cool and cozy atmosphere for lunch at the nearby Grey Dog on W 16th Street. Our kids are generally good walkers and love to burn off their energy, and this walk is a must do in NYC. It can take 30 minutes to an hour, or more. 9. See the Christmas Lights at Saks 5th Ave (seasonal) If you visit during Christmas time, one of the festive things to do is see the Christmas Lights on the exterior of Saks 5th Ave. Just don’t do what we did and attempt to see this on a Saturday night – the crowd was insane – so avoid the weekends if you can. The light display is on every 10 minutes and runs for about 4-5 minutes and gets you in the Christmas spirit. Great for the kids to see! 10. Snap a selfie with the Rockefeller Christmas Tree (seasonal) Again, avoid this on a weekend night if possible, and if you attempt to see it on opening night like us, good luck and go super early or you will miss out like we did – one of the craziest crowd scenes I’ve been a part of. We finally got close enough on the same night we saw the lights at Saks 5th Ave, and it’s definitely pretty. 11. Admire views from Top of The Rock view from Top of The Rock You can’t visit NYC and not see the Manhattan skyline from above at night time. The Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Building) is located nicely between the Empire State Building and Central Park, and the 70th floor offers an excellent perspective on both. I suggest going up an hour before sunset so you get to see Central Park in daylight, then see the beautiful sunset over the Hudson River and the lights come on in the city. Sunset from Top of The Rock I almost missed sunset as I booked my time for 45 minutes prior to sundown and it takes a while to get through security and through the lines to the elevator. I would book your time for 90 minutes prior to sunset. Just make sure you book your ticket in advance to avoid the ticket lines as it’s very popular, especially at sunset. 12. Ride the Subway When in New York… As much as we love exploring a city on foot, and New York is very walk friendly and easy to navigate with its grid system, you can’t walk everywhere with young kids, especially if you are there in winter, or in the summer when it’s super hot. We bought a weekly pass for each member of the family. Luckily Savannah was still free (basically, if your kid can fit under the turnstile they are free). It wasn’t too expensive given how frequently we used the subway. Our kids had fun and we love to travel like the locals, see a city from their eyes, and you can be sure there is no lack of entertainment on a NY subway train. Book a hotel that’s within easy reach of a subway station and you can be anywhere in NYC in no time. We had a subway stop right near our Innside New York Hotel in Chelsea and could walk to Penn Station, which was a super practical location for either taking the subway or walking. 13. Visit Times Square Flashing lights, streaming news, gigantic billboard ads, and a mixture of locals and visitors from all corners of the globe…it is the “crossroads of the world”. Every visitor should visit Times Square once. But, prepare your kids for heavy crowds, traffic congestion, and costumed characters who are happy to pose with you for photos, but expect to be paid. Just walk through Times Square as an experience, stop for a moment and take it all in, then go and do something else close by that New York has to offer: See a Broadway play (get those discount tickets at TKTS) Make your way to Bryant Park and Rockefeller Plaza Jump on one of the hop-on-hop-off buses Oh, if you do stick around to grab a bite to eat here, we enjoyed Hard Rock Cafe which is never our first choice but pretty good for a chain as far as quality and price go. 14. The Ride Many of our readers and followers suggested going on The Ride. So we did, and what fun we had. Just picture a multi-million dollar bus with theater-style seats facing sideways towards the sidewalk with street performers entertaining you as you drive around the city. The ad-libbing rapper was sensational. It was included in our Attraction Pass. I thought it was great value. I’m not too sure if I would have paid for it otherwise. 15. Pay your respects at One World Observatory & One World Trade Center We spent most of the day visiting the One World Observatory (or Freedom Tower), the 911 Memorial and Museum, and The Oculus, which is extraordinary in its design, symbolism, and remembrance. So many emotions went through our minds when we visited the site of the September 11 terrorist attacks in NYC. They have done such a remarkable job here honoring those who perished and the heroes who responded. New Yorkers are seriously strong and amazing people! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The top of the new One World Observatory is the highest viewpoint in the western hemisphere and offers spectacular 360-degree views all over Manhattan and beyond. I won’t spoil the surprise for you, but be prepared to be wowed when you first enter the viewing floor and are shown a short movie. It’s epic. Our kids enjoyed arriving at the top via Sky Pod elevators (climbing 102 stories in 47 seconds) whilst it reveals the transformation of New York City. They also loved using the interactive iPad (One World Explorer). 40 of New York’s most interesting sights are highlighted for video content, including a section of special interest to kids. Read More: How a visit to the One World Observatory and 911 Museum 16. Play at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum Photo Credit: Flickr Of course, you must visit a children’s museum. There are a few in the city, but the very first (and most famous) is the one in Brooklyn, which has been running since 1899. It was the first Children’s Museum in the world. The exhibits are specially designed for families to help their children learn through sensory play. Exhibits are based on themes of nature, natural science, technology, and the world. It’s educational but in a fun way – they probably won’t even realize they are learning! The museum also offers programs based on visual arts, music and performance, natural science, and world cultures. Another great Children’s Museum is the Children’s Museum of Manhattan in the upper west side. 17. Learn at The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum The USS Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is an attraction that’s fun for the whole family! It’s an American military and maritime history museum where you can board retired navy ships and have a true, immersive experience while learning about this unique history. Kids will love exploring the ship, wandering through the hanger, and seeing real-life warplanes and helicopters. It is located at Pier 86 on 46th Street on the Hudson River. 18. Ride the ferry to Liberty Island No trip to New York City would be complete without taking a trip to see the famous Statue of Liberty. While kids may not appreciate the statue and the history of Lady Liberty or what she represents, the ferry over the New York harbor is a really fun-filled activity for kids. As you sail towards the island, you’ll pass by the iconic cityscape of New York with skyscrapers and high-rise buildings of lower manhattan. Ferries depart every 15-20 minutes from Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan in New York City, and Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Or you can see it for free by riding the free Staten Island ferry. 19. Shop at Dylan’s Candy Bar Dylan’s Candy Bar is a candy store that has the largest selection of candies and candy-related items in the world. There are several stores in NYC, but the biggest store is in Times Square. As well as being a place to shop, it’s also fun to see what candies people eat in other countries. The decor, as you might imagine, it also candy-themed. See more than 7,000 types of candy and try your best to choose something unique to take home! 20. Visit Luna Park, Coney Island Luna Park in Coney Island is one of the world’s most famous amusement parks. It’s a combination of nostalgia, thrills, and seaside fun. This iconic amusement park has an array of old school rides and attractions that will be loved by kids of all ages. Younger children can enjoy gentle classics like the carousel and the colorful teacup ride, while older adventurers will love the famous Cyclone roller coaster — one of the oldest and most exhilarating wooden coasters in the world. Even walking along the vibrant boardwalk, with its street performers and cotton candy stalls, make Luna Park a quintessentially New York experience. 21. Be amazed at the American Museum of Natural History You may have seen the American Museum of Natural History in the family comedy classic, Night at the Museum, but it’s not just a film set, it’s a captivating journey through the wonders of the natural world. This world-renowned museum is a treasure trove of exhibits that ignite your curiosity. Stand out exhibits include the giant dinosaur fossils in the Fossil Hall and the dioramas in the Hall of Mammals. The Rose Center for Earth and Space is another highlight. 22. Wander around the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) Met Museum The most famous art gallery in NYC, if not the whole of the USA, is the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met). With its vast collection spanning over 5,000 years of history, the Met is more than just a place where art is stored. We love the Egyptian Wing, where you can see towering mummies and intricate tombs, as well as the medieval relics in the Arms and Armor galleries. The Met’s also puts on programs for kids, such as art-making workshops and scavenger hunts. While here you may want to explore more of New York’s Upper East Side. 23. Go to the Bronx Zoo Nestled in the heart of the Bronx, the Bronx Zoo is a wildlife haven with over 6,000 animals from around the globe. We’re not big fans of zoos, but the Bronx Zoo gets high marks from people who are. If you have small children, there is a Children’s Zoo where they can get hands-on encounters with farm animals. Is New York City a good destination for kids? Brooklyn Bridge, NYC You might be asking yourself if New York City is a good place to visit with kids. While it’s not the first destination that springs to mind when I think of family holidays, we did find it to be an enjoyable destination for a family and have been back several times – when our daughters were young, and also when they were teens. Here are our top things to do in NYC with teens. As well as having plenty of kid friendly things to do in NYC, we felt safe. Most of the attractions are in touristy areas, so we never ventured into a neighborhood that would cause us trouble. The main concern for parents bringing their kids to NYC is traffic and the number of people. Keep an eye on your little ones and don’t let them run off and you’ll have a great time! NYC CityPass I just wanted to show you something that will help you save a ton of money, the NYC CityPass. Traveling as a family can get expensive, and NYC is not known to be budget friendly. If you don’t have much time and you have fussy children that make planning difficult, an attraction pass can eleviate some of that stress. It gives you discounts on many of the top NYC attractions, and some special tours. This allows you to skip the queue, save on entrance fees, and save time. There are many different types of attraction passes, each vary on how many attractions you can enter and how many days you are visiting for. The one you pick will depend on what you want to see and how long you spend in NYC. Best time to visit New York City with kids the Edge NYC The best time to visit New York City with kids really depends on what kind of experience you’re after. If you want an iconic family holiday in NYC, December for the Holiday season is undoubtedly the time to go. This is when the holiday magic of ice skating at Rockefeller Center, the dazzling lights of Fifth Avenue, and festive markets spread Christmas cheer. Just be prepared for cold weather, and pack layers for your little ones. For general sightseeing, spring (April to June) and fall (September to early November) are ideal. The weather is mild, making it perfect for exploring park outdoor festivals. Summer (June to August) is the busiest time of the year and the city is buzzing with energy. It can be hot, but it does mean outdoor movies in the park, concerts, and more. Where to stay in New York City with kids Innside New York Nomad The most convenient and family-friendly neighborhoods in NYC are in Manhattan. This island is where the majority of attractions are, so you can save time traveling around and stay to where you want to visit. Midtown Manhattan is the prime spot for first-time visitors, as you are in really close proximity to iconic landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and the Museum of Modern Art. Many hotels here offer family suites and concierge services to help plan your adventures.We have stayed several times at the INNSIDE New York Nomad and love it! If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, or perhaps have older kids or teens who want something more trendy, consider Greenwich Village or Brooklyn. These neighborhoods are quieter but still central, with charming streets, local parks, and a more relaxed vibe, making them ideal for families who want a little escape from the hustle and bustle. Upper West Side, adjacent to Central Park, is another great option, with casual dining spots for picky eaters and lots of Gossip Girl film locations to explore. Here is a list of top places to stay in New York City. You can view hotels and vacation rentals in NYC in the following interactive map: Getting around New York City with kids Love the Highline in summer NYC has an extensive subway system, which is the quickest and cheapest way to get from one borough to the next, and kids will love the novelty of hopping on and off at different stations. Some stations like Grand Central and Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall are landmarks in themselves and are known for their impressive architecture. If you’re feeling adventurous, walking is the best way to get around. NYC’s sidewalks are teeming with things to see, and walking from neighborhood to neighborhood is one of the best ways to experience the city firsthand. Sidewalks can be busy though, so do keep an eye on your kids and be mindful of traffic when crossing the roads. Walking the Highline is also a NYC highlight, especially in the summer! We don’t recommend taxis, the traffic is too much and they are expensive. Final thoughts The Edge As soon as you land in the Big Apple, you’ll be met with a culture shock. Expect honking cars, steaming subways, and a lot of people, all seemingly in a hurry to get to their destination. There’s nothing quite like it, and your kids will be amazed by the enormity and energy of it, even if you’re city folk. We have visited NYC more times than we can count, and never get bored of the sights, the sounds, the food, and the most popular New York attractions. There are so many things to do in NYC with kids, there is never enough time to see it all. In this guide, we shared our personal favorites and a few hidden gems for those families who like to discover something new. All that’s left for us to do now is wish you a great time in the city. New York City Travel Videos And if you need more inspiration, check out our New York City playlist and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. Free PDF of a 3-Day NYC itinerary We’ve planned out a 3 day itinerary of NYC for you, including maps and main attractions. It will save you time! More USA Inspiration Are you planning to see any other cities in the USA? Then you may find these resources useful: Pin To Save It On Pinterest What are you most looking forward to doing in NYC with kids? Let us know in the comments Adblock test (Why?) Ytravel Blog Original Article
