Itineraries for Your Trip to New York City
3 Days in New York City for Families
There is perhaps no place on earth that offers more opportunities for fun and adventure than New York. The city sparkles with energy—from the lights on Broadway to the fireflies in Central Park—and there’s always another museum, park, or tasty treat around the corner.
A former New Yorker, I thought I had the city dialed in. But returning with my kid has given me a new appreciation for the city. The city is almost shockingly family friendly, and there’s never a shortage of things to see. There’s no way to do it all, but there’s really no bad way to spend your time, either—even the process of riding the subway delights kids. Here are my suggestions for a 3-day visit.
In winter, buildings are overheated; in summer, expect extreme air conditioning.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a museum visit and wander through Central Park.
On your first day in New York, hit up some classics. Start with a trip to the massive American Museum of Natural History for dinosaur bones, Native American artifacts, and a show in the planetarium. Then walk across the street and explore Central Park’s fields, ponds, castle, and zoo.
In the evening, head to Times Square for dinner and a Broadway play or book tickets to the Empire State Building’s observation deck around sunset and watch as the city lights come on.
Take the subway down to Lower Manhattan and spend the morning exploring Chinatown and Little Italy. The two neighborhoods are close together, allowing you to visit the Museum of Chinese in America, pick up some lucky bamboo, and grab a slice of pizza and some gelato in one stop.
In the afternoon, head out on the water. You can take a ferry to Governor’s Island to enjoy public art, ride bikes, and visit an “adventure playground,” or book a sail on a tall ship to see the Statue of Liberty—you might even be able to steer and raise the sails.
New York City is far bigger than just the island of Manhattan, so on your last day, head to the outer boroughs. If your kids are wild about animals, make it to the Bronx Zoo, and then stop at nearby Arthur Avenue to grab dinner at New York’s other Little Italy.
Alternatively, spend the day in trendy Brooklyn. Visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the enormous Brooklyn Museum and run around in Prospect Park, and then take the train to Coney Island and end your trip with an evening of rides, games, and boardwalk fun (Luna Park is open March-October).
- What are the best family-friendly attractions to visit in New York City with kids?
Kids visiting New York City can run around in Central Park, head to the top of the Empire State Building, take a boat tour to spot the Statue of Liberty, or experience a kid-friendly Broadway show. Some of NYC’s museums are especially family-friendly, such as the American Museum of Natural History. Top off your family trip to New York City with a visit to FAO Schwarz, considered one of the world’s top toy stores.
- What’s the best time of year to visit New York City with kids?
You can visit New York City at any time of year with children. In NYC's colder, winter months, check out top museums, admire the city’s beautiful Christmas decorations, or take the kids ice skating. View the fall foliage in Central Park in autumn, while spring is an excellent time to check out the blooming flowers in NYC’s other parks. Summer may be hot and humid, but you can always visit the Bronx Zoo or wander around Little Island.
- What are the best neighborhoods in New York City to stay in with kids?
Most New York City neighborhoods are kid-friendly, but some of the top areas to stay and explore are the Upper East Side and the Upper West Side, both of which border Central Park. Brooklyn is also an ideal place to be with the little ones—it may feel less crowded, and they’ll love Prospect Park.
- What are the best things to do in New York City with kids on a rainy day?
New York has many top museums, from the popular Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) to plenty of under-the-radar museums. If you’re in NYC with children, consider a visit to the Brooklyn Children's Museum, the New York Transit Museum, or the New York City Fire Museum. If all else fails, you can always shop for souvenirs—both kids and adults will love an “I heart New York” shirt.
- What’s the safest way to get around New York City with kids?
Most New York City streets are smooth and stroller-friendly (save for some cobblestone streets in the Meatpacking District), and walking means you won’t have to fuss with car seats. If your children are a bit older and past stroller age, take the subway. It’s affordable, and the kids will love it.