Travelling to New York with Kids

The idea of going to New York with kids can seem exciting and exhausting at the same time. You want to visit this amazing city with your kids but it will probably include a long flight, jet lag and perhaps you have no idea what to do with (small) children in this big city. I have two children and have travelled with them many times, and tested almost all the attractions with them.

To help you out, I have gathered some tips on how to manage a New York trip with kids. Not only how to get there but also all the cool and fun things for kids in New York to make your vacation enjoyable and unforgettable for the whole family.

New York with Children

I often get asked if New York is suitable for kids. The answer is yes! The city is an excellent destination for a family trip. There’s a lot to see and it’s easy to get completely absorbed in everything around you, as the city offers continuous wow moments for all ages.

Eric’s Tip: “Before your trip, watch a film set in New York, like Madagascar, The Secret Life of Pets or Spider-Man. It’s a fun way to get ready for the holiday and once you’re there, your kids will feel like they’re in a movie too.”

Best family attractions in NYC

The entire city is an urban playground just waiting to be explored. You might be looking for the best New York attractions with kids, but you’re in luck since most sights are suitable for the entire family, starting from the observation decks and iconic landmarks such as Times Square and Brooklyn Bridge. There are some must-see museums (dinosaurs!) too.

The Central Park Zoo is very small, so it’s easy to squeeze it in with a visit to Central Park. If you want to see more, the Bronx Zoo is one of the biggest zoos in the world, so plan for a longer visit. In the summer, Coney Island is a popular destination, where you can find Luna Park and the New York Aquarium. But you can visit theme parks in New York all year round.

What to do in New York with kids

Wondering what to do in New York with kids? For children of all ages, there is so much to see and explore. Some people think that New York is not…

The American Museum of Natural History in New York

The American Museum of Natural History in New York, often just called AMNH, boasts an impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons and diverse animal taxidermies. Founded in 1869, the American Museum…

Intrepid Museum in New York

The Intrepid Museum in New York is housed aboard the aircraft carrier, the USS Intrepid. The ship has been transformed into an American military and maritime history museum where visitors…

Central Park Zoo Tickets

Get your Central Park Zoo tickets before you travel to save time and money. As the most famous and oldest zoo in New York, Central Park Zoo has been welcoming…

The Bronx Zoo in New York

The Bronx Zoo in New York is the world’s biggest metropolitan zoo. It opened in 1899 and is home to nearly 4000 animals, representing around 600 different species. Many of…

Luna Park in Coney Island Tickets

You can buy your Luna Park in Coney Island tickets online. In this famous New York amusement park you can find high-speed attractions such as roller coasters, a drop tower…

Eric’s Tip: “Many top attractions will appeal to parents and children alike, so the only thing you might miss with children in New York is the nightlife. That’s why the perfect evening activities for kids in New York are watching a Broadway show and attending a sports event. With younger children, you can opt for a matinee show, and for sports, matches typically start earlier during the weekend.”

Practicalities

With a little bit of preparation, you don’t need to worry about the practical side of things. Flying, airports, getting around – all can be resolved. For example, taking the subway is very convenient and often faster than a taxi. Even if you use the subway and taxi, you’ll anyways end up doing a lot of walking. Getting an Unlimited MetroCard is smart so the daily distances for the younger family members remain reasonable. Younger kids travel in the subway for free!

To have all the info in one place, you can download my free Eric’s New York App. Here you can find all the subway lines, many spots where you can take a break and the public restrooms in New York. Always handy, no matter what your age.

Flying with babies and children to New York

If you’re flying with babies and children to New York, it’s useful to prepare as well as possible. How to deal with booking tickets for your children? Are there any…

Where to find Public Bathrooms in New York

Public bathrooms in New York can be found throughout the city. It can be quite a relief to find a public restroom when you are exploring New York! That’s why…

Parks and playgrounds

New York can be very busy, so when you are travelling with children, it’s a good idea to take it easier and relax now and then. Luckily, the city has so many parks and different types of playgrounds, which are attractions in themselves. Central Park, for example, offers a lot of places to explore, from the soap bubble blowers at Bethesda Terrace to the model boats at Conservatory Water.

Playgrounds in New York

Playgrounds in New York are not only a meeting place for children but especially for their parents and nannies. There’s a wide range of playgrounds in New York City: big,…

Parks in New York

There are plenty of beautiful parks in New York where you can retreat from the city. Despite New York being known for having the highest skyscrapers in the world, there…

Eric’s Tip: “My favourite New York neighbourhood with kids is Greenwich Village. And even though Times Square is very busy and touristy, it’s still a must-see. The kids will love the colourful billboards and gigantic shops. If a Broadway show is not included in your list of family activities, be sure to get a taste of the talent at Ellen’s Stardust Diner where the staff sings.”

Best stores for kids

In addition to the famous toy shops, there are all kinds of stores that will capture the kids’ interest. You can find many special souvenirs, ranging from fan merchandise at sports stores to special editions at the Nintendo, Lego and Harry Potter Stores. After all that shopping, you will be hungry, so stop by a burger or pizza place. My family’s favourite: Shake Shack at Madison Square Park.

Toy Stores in New York

Toy stores in New York are fun to visit for young and old. Some of the biggest toy stores can be found in the city and are well worth a…

Harry Potter Store in New York

The Harry Potter store in New York is the biggest Harry Potter Store in the world. The three-story Harry Potter mecca next to the Flatiron Building is entirely devoted to…

Family-friendly restaurants in New York

In general, dining with young children can be a challenge, but not in New York where eating out is very common. Most restaurants are child-friendly and accustomed to the wish to share meals or make changes to orders. I’ve listed some restaurants based on their suitability for different age groups.

Where to eat with children in New York

Where to eat with children in New York? There are many restaurants in New York that cater to kids. It is very common to only order a starter or to…

Carmine’s Family Restaurant in New York

Carmine’s family restaurant in New York serves Italian food and is perfect for larger groups or families. A visit to this family restaurant guarantees a pleasant and affordable evening. Prices…