NYC is not one of the places that you automatically consider when determining your next family vacation destination-but this kid friendly NYC travel guide will have you this top travel spot.
When my husband signed to play football for the New York Giants instead of feeling the expected excitement & enthusiasm that came with a new move & a new team I began to feel anxious. Just the thought of maneuvering the NYC with kids in tow had me breaking out in hives. You see, at this point, I only knew two things about New York City:
1. New Yorkers are rough & rude people
2. New York City is no place for children.
Well, as it turns out, I was dead wrong on both of these accounts.
If you haven’t taken your kids to NYC then you simply must. My boys loved every day we had in the big city. The endless excitement of NYC is contagious regardless of age. And with a city this big, there is more than enough for everyone, even the littlest of littles. That thing about New Yorkers being rude? That’s just plain false (well, most the time). I’ve never experienced such kind consideration as I did in NYC. No matter how busy the subway was, other riders always offered their seats to me & my sons, lent a helping hand to carry my stroller across the threshold or help with my bags, & I never once had to struggle to open a door while pushing a stroller. You’ll see, New Yorkers are good folk, especially around little ones.
You’ll see, New Yorkers are good folk, especially around little ones.
Travel Tips: NYC with Kids
1. Central Park:
Hello, it has the word ‘park’ in its name. Every kid needs to experience a day (or two, or three) in this famous playground. Central park is not only home to a handful of playgrounds, it also has its own zoo, a castle, a boathouse, gardens, & a conservatory. This place is a must for every trip to NYC with kids- no matter how many times you’ve come there is always something new to see.
2. Empire State Building:
My oldest was smitten with this skyscraper well before we went to NYC. I mean, it is the third tallest building in the U.S. But even if your children aren’t into buildings there’s no doubt they will love the unbeatable 360-degree views of the city from the top.
3. Broadway:
No trip to NYC is complete without a Broadway show- even a trip to NYC with kids. With the wide variety of musicals, you are sure to find something that suits your family’s interest.
4. Public Transportation:
Taxis! Trains! Subways! Buses! It could be straight out of a storybook. It doesn’t matter where you are going in NYC because getting there is most the fun!
5. Time Square:
Nicknamed the “the crossroads of the world” time square is one of the world’s busiest pedestrian areas. But don’t let that intimidate you. The mayhem is what makes it a must. That, and the incredible array of kid stores unlike any where else in the country. Fun stops include the Toys R Us with its own fully functioning ferris wheel, Hershey’s Chocolate World store, the Disney Store, & M&M World.
6. Natural History Museum:
Not only is this place incredible educational, it is incredible fun. Your kids will be so busy eating up every display they won’t even notice they’re learning, while on vacation! Be sure to check their calendar for any special events that may align with your trip.
7. The Lego Store:
There are Lego stores and then there are NYC Lego stores. Believe me, no matter how many Lego Stores you will still be amazed by these. The lego replica of New York City is truly something else.
8. Ferry Ride to the Statue of Liberty:
When you visit the Statue of Liberty (because you will) the ferry ride is another fun way to get around. On your way to the ferry be sure to stop by Battery Park to let the littles burn some energy before you put them on the boat.Coney Island: Rides, games, shows, fireworks, & a beach! It’s really worth the trip over.
9. The High Line:
This is the perfect spot to soak up unbeatable city views while letting the kids explore (and did I mention, it’s free!). If the city starts to feel a little too busy come here for a breath of fresh air.
10. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum:
This is another great way to sneak some education into your vacation. Did you know it is the new home of the space shuttle Enterprise?
11. Dylan’s Candy Bar:
If your kids love candy (and I’m just going to assume they do) they will be forever grateful to you if you take them by Dylan’s.
12. A Ball Game:
NYC has more than its fair share of professional sports teams. No matter your child’s favorite sport they are sure to love a big game in the big city.
14. The Seaglass Carousel:
We have yet to experience this showstopper but it is definitely at the top of our list of things to try on our next trip.
Ok, all this talk of New York has me dreaming of our next visit. And cronuts, definitely going back for cronuts. We are even considering a timeshare for our family in NYC. Have you explored NYC with kids? What are some of your favorite kid-friendly destinations?
Traveling with the kids doesn’t have to be a hassle – check out these other great tips for traveling with your kids:
Around the World – Top 10 Tips for Traveling with Kids
Kids Travel Pack
To Grandmothers House We Go – How to Survive the Holiday Road Trips with Kids!
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Iris says
So let’s say you need to take a taxi or Uber from the airport, don’t you need a carseat? That’s the one reason I’ve shied away from going is having to haul around a carseat
Sara Watkins says
Surprisingly, kids are not required to ride in carseats in NYC taxis. I was terrified of taking my baby seatless in a taxi & refused to do it until after an especially long day of walking & the subways were packed. It’s not something I would readily recommend but it is doable. I guess it depends mostly on the size & age of your kids. You can always bring the carseats to NYC & just leave them in your hotel room. That way you’ll have it for the biggest car ride (the one from the airport) & on the plane (it’s always nice to have somewhere to securely strap them in during long flights). Good luck!