Family travel in New York City

New York City welcomes people of all ages – but it’s important to note that New York’s culture may differ from what your children are used to. People in New York tend to move faster and may be more direct in their communication, but plenty of New Yorkers love (and have!) children and are happy to help if needed.

When it comes to interacting with children, it’s important to remember that New York is a big city, and people are often in a hurry. To avoid any confusion or misunderstandings, keep your kids close by and don’t let them wander too far from you. Also, teach your kids about the importance of personal space and not getting too close to strangers, especially when on the subway or in other crowded scenarios. Overall, New York City is a welcoming and child-friendly destination that offers plenty of opportunities for families to explore and have fun together.

New York City is packed with family-friendly attractions, from iconic landmarks to interactive museums. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best things to do with kids in the city that never sleeps.

Visiting the Statue of Liberty is a fantastic experience for families visiting New York City. The ferry ride to Liberty Island offers incredible views of the New York City skyline and the harbor, making it an exciting adventure for kids of all ages. Once you arrive at Liberty Island, you can walk around the statue’s base or climb up to the crown for panoramic city views. Kids will love learning about the statue’s history and significance, and the interactive exhibits at the museum inside the pedestal provide an engaging and educational experience.

Central Park is a beloved family-friendly destination, offering 843 acres of green space in the heart of Manhattan. The park provides various activities for all ages, including playgrounds, sports fields, walking paths, and picnic areas. Kids will love exploring the Central Park Zoo, riding on the Central Park Carousel, or renting a rowboat on the lake.

With more than 45 permanent exhibition halls, the American Museum of Natural History is home to an incredible collection of fossils, minerals, and wildlife specimens. Kids will be amazed by the life-sized dinosaur skeletons and the massive blue whale suspended from the ceiling of the Hall of Ocean Life. The museum also features ever-changing interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, making it a fun and educational experience for kids of all ages.

Taking in a Broadway show is a quintessential New York experience that the whole family can enjoy. From classics like “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” to newer productions like “Hamilton” and “Frozen,” there’s a show for every taste and age group. Seeing a live performance on Broadway is a magical experience that will create lasting memories for kids and adults alike. Many theaters also offer special family-friendly matinees, making bringing younger children to the show easier.

Rising 1,454 feet above the city, this iconic skyscraper offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. Kids will love the thrill of riding the elevator to the observation deck, and the interactive exhibits on the 86th and 102nd floors provide a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Whether you visit during the day or at night, the views from the top of the Empire State Building are genuinely unforgettable and provide a unique perspective on the city.

Housed aboard the USS Intrepid, a retired aircraft carrier that served in World War II and Vietnam, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum features historic aircraft, ships, and exhibits that will fascinate kids of all ages. From exploring the flight deck to climbing aboard the space shuttle Enterprise, there’s no shortage of hands-on activities and interactive exhibits to enjoy. The museum also offers a variety of special events and programs, making it an educational experience for the whole family.

This elevated park, formerly an old railroad track, winds through Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, with beautiful city views at every turn. Kids will love exploring the unique architecture and public art installations that line the pathway, and there are plenty of benches and seating areas to take a break and enjoy the scenery or have a picnic.

The Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States, offering an unforgettable experience for families visiting New York City. With more than 6,000 animals and a variety of exhibits, there’s something for everyone at the zoo. Kids will love getting up close to animals from around the world, from tigers and lions to penguins and gorillas. The zoo also offers a variety of special events and programs throughout the year, including zoo sleepovers, behind-the-scenes tours, and animal encounters.

Take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for stunning views of the city skyline and the East River. Kids can learn about the bridge’s remarkable history and construction, with plenty of photo ops along the way. The walk across the bridge is just over a mile long and takes about 30-45 minutes, making it a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the city with your family.

Brooklyn’s Coney Island is a classic New York destination. The amusement park has various rides and attractions that will thrill kids of all ages, from roller coasters and carnival games to the famous Cyclone wooden roller coaster. There’s also a boardwalk with a variety of food vendors and shops, as well as the New York Aquarium. With its historic charm and classic attractions, Coney Island is great for families looking to experience a piece of old New York.

Getting around New York City with kids can be challenging, but plenty of options are available. The subway is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city, but it can be crowded and overwhelming for young children. If you’re traveling with a stroller, be sure to plan your route to include subway stations with elevators – not all have them.

Another option is to use taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. This can be a more comfortable and convenient option for families, especially if you’re traveling with young children or a lot of luggage. However, remember that traffic in New York City can be unpredictable, and most ride-share drivers do not offer car seats, so plan accordingly.

If your kids are a little older and you’re looking for a more leisurely way to explore the city, consider taking a bike tour or renting bikes for the day. There are plenty of bike rental shops throughout the city, and many offer child-sized bikes and helmets.