NYC with kids: A family guide to visiting New York with children
Just so you know: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking or purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
There’s something really strange about arriving in New York for the first time. You’ve seen it so many times in films that when you’re actually there, standing on a real street with real yellow taxis and real New York police cars driving past, it doesn’t quite feel real. Every corner is busy, the food smells hit you before you’ve even decided where to eat, and the buildings are exactly as enormous as you imagined.
We arrived late, our three year old exhausted from the journey, so the first night was mostly spent playing spot the yellow taxi to keep her going. But the next morning, out on the Brooklyn Bridge with the Manhattan skyline in front of us, she was completely in her element.
We spent 10 days in New York with kids at Christmas, guided by a retired FDNY firefighter who’d spent his whole life in the city. He’s my aunt’s partner, who knows New York the way most visitors never get to. That inside knowledge shaped everything from where we ate to which ferry to take, and it gave us a version of the city you can’t really get from a guidebook
If you’re starting to plan, our New York travel guide covers everything in one place.
NYC with kids: The best things to do at a glance
Not sure where to start? These are the highlights we’d point any family towards on a first visit to New York.
1️⃣ Summit One Vanderbilt 2️⃣ Central Park 3️⃣ Brooklyn Bridge Walk 4️⃣ Bryant Park 5️⃣ Staten Island Ferry 6️⃣ American Museum of Natural History 7️⃣ Toy stores like FAO Schwarz 8️⃣ Dyker Heights Christmas lights 9️⃣ Hudson River parks 🔟 Times Square
These are the ten things we’d recommend to any family visiting New York for the first time, based on our own 10 days there with a three year old. Some are iconic, some are a bit more under the radar, and a few surprised us by being even better than we expected.
Is New York worth visiting with kids?
Many parents wonder whether New York is worth visiting with kids, especially younger children. From our experience, absolutely.
What surprised us most is how much of what makes New York great for adults works just as well for kids. The landmarks, the parks, the ferries, the food. None of it feels off limits with a little one in tow. Our three year old was beside herself every single day. There was just so much to take in.
We spent 10 days there and still felt like we’d barely scratched the surface. It’s one of those cities that just keeps giving, and we’re already planning a return trip to see the side of it we missed. It’s also more walkable than people expect, which makes getting around with children much easier than you’d think. Whether you visit in winter or summer, it works, you just experience it differently.
What it’s really like visiting NYC with kids
Before we went, I had visions of it being chaos. A huge, overwhelming city with a three year old who’d only ever known beach holidays. But it was so much more manageable than I expected.
The buggy was fine. Better than fine actually, the pavements are wide, there’s space everywhere, and locals were genuinely helpful when we needed a hand with steps on the subway. She spent a lot of the trip happily taking it all in from the buggy, which meant we could keep moving without anyone melting down.
Yes it’s busy, and yes there’s a lot of walking, but she handled a packed itinerary better than we ever anticipated. There were playgrounds to break things up, food everywhere when energy dipped, and enough genuinely exciting things around every corner to keep a three year old completely absorbed. We never once felt like we were dragging her round.
If anything it made us slow down and see the city differently – through her eyes rather than trying to tick everything off a list.
Top 10 things to do in New York with family
1️⃣ Visit an observation deck
Seeing New York from above should be on every family’s list, and if you’re only doing one observation deck, we’d point you straight to Summit One Vanderbilt. Sitting more central than the others, the views across the city are just clearer and you feel like you can see everything.
But what really sets it apart for families is how much there is for kids to actually do inside. Our daughter was completely absorbed from the moment we walked in. The mirrored rooms had her fascinated, especially the glasses, and the balloon room kept us there far longer than we’d planned. We even ended up playing eye spy looking out over Manhattan, which made the whole thing feel surprisingly relaxed for such a popular attraction.
We visited three observation decks in total during our trip. For a full breakdown of all five in New York, including the two we didn’t visit, head to our best observation deck New York guide. I persoanlly found Summit One Vanderbilt the most family friendly, particulary the balloon room. The whole experience kept our daughter engaged in a way that stadard viewing platforms wouldn’t You can read our comparison guide between Summit One Vanderbilt and Top of the Rock here.
2️⃣ Explore Central Park
Central Park in winter is something else. Even with bare trees and cold air, it’s beautiful, and for a three year old with an obsession with Home Alone 2 and Elf, pointing out the filming locations was genuinely one of her highlights of the whole trip.
For us as a family from Liverpool in the UK, the John Lennon memorial was a moment we weren’t quite prepared for. There were two buskers taking turns singing his classics while people gathered around, and it just felt really special in a way that’s hard to explain.
We went ice skating at Wollman Rink, and I use that term loosly in my case since I spent most of it holding onto the side. Our daughter had a go with the kids skate assist frame which made it really manageable for little ones. But having seen Wollman Rink in so many films made it a proper pinch me moment stepping out onto the ice. The kids skate assist aides were helpful and it’s well set up for little ones. One thing worth knowing though, check the cleaning schedule before you book. We’d barely stepped on the ice before they closed it for a 30 minute clean, and that isn’t flagged anywhere when you’re booking.
We’d love to come back in warmer months for the rowing boats and Central Park Zoo, but even in December it’s an easy highlight.
3️⃣ Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
We did the Brooklyn Bridge walk on our first day, and it worked perfectly. If you’re visiting from Europe, doing it early in your trip is a really good idea. Jet lag means you’ll likely be up before the city is, and the bridge with hardly anyone else on it is a completely different experience to the busy version you’d get later in the day.
When we reached the DUMBO side it was still quiet, which made it even better. This is where you’ll find the photo spot with the Manhattan Bridge perfectly framing the Empire State Building, worth hunting out while you’re there.
We headed to Time Out Market afterwards, where the rooftop has great views across Manhattan. Because we were so early, only a couple of the bagel spots were open and the rest of the food stalls were still setting up. Jane’s Carousel was shut too. It doesn’t open until 11am and so bear that in mind if you’re planning your morning around it.
I’ve mapped this out as part of our New York City 4 day itinerary if you want to see how we structured the whole first day.
4️⃣ Visit Bryant Park
Bryant Park at Christmas is an experience, though fair warning, it is absolutely packed. Think sardines.
Getting around with a buggy is doable as the floor is pram friendly, but the crowds make it slow going, and if your little one is walking rather than riding, keep a firm hold of them.
That said, it’s worth it for the food alone. My partner went straight for the Pickle Me Pete pickles and was very happy about it. I found No Chewing Allowed, which does a hot chocolate that I am still thinking about. I went back for more before we left, bought some to bring home, and my aunt has since been back to New York and restocked me. That tells you everything you need to know.
We also grabbed bao buns which were delicious, and there’s an ice rink in the middle of it all if you fancy skipping the queues at Wollman.
5️⃣ Ride the Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is one of the best free things to do in NYC with kids, you pass the Statue of Liberty and get the Manhattan skyline from the water, all without spending a penny. We didn’t actually make it to the free one on this trip, but it’s firmly on the list for next time.
On the recommendation of my New Yorker uncle, we took the $4 ferry from Brookfield Place in Battery Park City instead. It’s quicker, gets you a bit closer to the Statue of Liberty, and we were there and back within the hour. Fair warning though, it was choppy and very windy, so we had a tight hold of our little one the whole way round. Worth it, but go prepared.
For more ways to keep costs down in New York, head to our NYC on a budget guide.
6️⃣ Visit a toy store
If you’re visiting NYC with kids, the toy stores are an experience in themselves, and just as exciting for the grown ups if we’re being honest.
FAO Schwarz was a highlight. Staff are dotted around demonstrating toys, which makes it feel really interactive rather than just a shop. Our daughter ended up choosing a remote control car that was being demoed right in front of her, and watching her face in that moment was worth the trip alone. She also had a go on the famous piano from BIG.
We’re also big Harry Potter fans in our house, so the Harry Potter store was always going to happen. I’ll admit, as a self confessed Potterhead, that one was probably as much for me as for her. We also popped into the Disney Store and the LEGO Store, which made for some great photos.
The American Girl store was probably our biggest surprise. We ended up spending half a day there. We bought our daughter her doll in store, picked out the clothes and accessories together, and the staff were brilliant, really patient and genuinely helpful rather than just going through the motions. She then took her brand new doll straight to the salon to have her hair done, and ears pierced.
Then we had lunch afterwards, they pull up a tiny chair for the doll at the table, which is a lovely touch. You pick your main from the menu, but before it arrives there’s a whole afternoon tea style course that comes out first, so go hungry. We weren’t expecting it and it was really good value for everything you get.
We didn’t make it to the CAMP experience store or the Nintendo store, but both are on the list for next time.
7️⃣ See the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
If you’re visiting NYC with kids at Christmas, Dyker Heights belongs on your list. This Brooklyn neighbourhood is famous for its Christmas displays, and nothing quite prepares you for the scale of it. Think National Lampoons Christmas Vacation but even more extravagant, and the families who do it don’t charge a penny to come and look.
The main displays are concentrated across just two or three streets, which makes it really manageable. You could absolutely do this as a DIY trip on the subway and take it at your own pace.
We booked a tour, which we’d recommend if you’re going with young kids. The coach made getting there and back easy, and our guide gave us detail about each house as well as some New York history on the way. The stop at Pebble Beach to see the skyline lit up in the evening was a brilliant bonus.
One practical tip – some of the houses have buttons that activate snow machines, which our daughter thought was incredible. We left the buggy under the coach but she got tired towards the end and I ended up carrying her, so bring it along just in case. It was also pretty busy by the time we were leaving, which made getting photos tricky. Go earlier if you can.
We have a full Dyker Heights guide with everything you need to plan your visit.
👉 Check this Dyker Heights tour with New York skyline views on Viator
8️⃣ Visit the American Museum of Natural History
We didn’t make it to the American Museum of Natural History on this trip, but it’s high on the list for next time, particularly as a rainy day option in winter. It’s huge, with dinosaur skeletons, space exhibits and interactive displays that are apparently brilliant for kids.
One tip if you’re going with little ones, watch Night at the Museum beforehand. It’s set there, and going in already knowing the characters makes the whole thing feel like stepping into the film.
9️⃣ Hudson River parks
The Hudson River parks are another great option when visiting NYC with kids, especially if you’re looking for somewhere to slow the pace down a little.
Stretching along the west side of Manhattan, there are loads of different spots along the river with playgrounds, open spaces and even piers with things like mini golf and climbing frames. A great way to break up the day and let the kids run free. Although we didn’t make it here on our trip, it is definitely somewhere we would try next time. I have also read that the views are incredible too so something for grown ups too.
🔟 Explore Times Square
Times Square wasn’t my favourite place in New York. It’s very busy and very touristy. But still, it’s one of those bucket list experiences that you have to see at least once.
For kids, it’s actually quite exciting. The huge screens, flashing lights and constant buzz of people make it feel larger than life, and ours was completely fascinated by it all.
There are also a few shops around there that are worth popping into, like the Disney Store, and for slightly older kids (or let’s be honest, the adults too), there’s a Sephora right in the middle of it all.
It’s probably not somewhere you’ll want to spend too long, but it’s definitely worth seeing while you’re there.
NYC itinerary with kids: How to spend 4 days in New York with family
Here’s a rough idea of how you could structure four days in New York with kids. Every family moves at a different pace, so treat this as a starting point rather than a strict plan.
Day 1: Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO – do this early to beat the crowds and make the most of any jet lag. Head to Battery Park afterwards and jump on the ferry for views of the Statue of Liberty.
Day 2: Central Park, then Summit One Vanderbilt in the afternoon. Grand Central Station is worth a quick stop too, even just to look up.
Day 3: A museum day. The American Museum of Natural History is a good shout, especially if the weather turns. Finish with toy shops, FAO Schwarz and the American Girl store alone could easily fill a half day.
Day 4: Bryant Park, then use the rest of the day for whatever you haven’t got to yet, the Hudson River parks are a good option for letting little ones run around.
I’ve put together a full New York City 4 day itinerary based on our December trip. It’s Christmas focused but the structure works for any time of year, just swap out the festive bits for whatever suits your visit.
👇 You can also grab our free editable itinerary planner below. it’s the same one I used to organise our trip and you can customise it to fit your own.
What age is best for NYC with kids?
Any age, genuinely. New York has something for every stage, and we saw families of all shapes and sizes making it work.
The one exception I’d make is babies. Not because it’s impossible, but the combination of not being able to walk yet and needing nappy changes means you’d spend a lot of time ducking in and out of shops. It adds a layer of logistics that a slightly older child takes away.
From age two or three upwards it starts to get really good. We went at three and it worked brilliantly. Old enough to take it all in, young enough to be completely wowed by everything. As they get older, things like the museums, the observation decks and the longer walks become even more rewarding. But honestly, there’s no bad age to go. Just a different version of the trip.
Getting around NYC with kids
Getting around New York with kids is more manageable than most people expect. We used the subway a lot since we were staying with family in the Bronx, so it was our main way in and out of the city every day. Children under 44 inches tall travel for free on the subway too which is worth knowing.
The one thing to know is that not all stations have lifts, so if you’re travelling with a buggy you’ll sometimes hit steps. We found that a local would almost always appear and help without even being asked, which was really lovely. On the odd occasion that didn’t happen, our daughter had to hop out while we folded the buggy up, fine at three, but worth factoring in if you’re travelling with a baby.
Walking is often the easiest way to get between things in Manhattan, the blocks are very walkable and the streets are wide. And if little legs give up, taxis and Ubers are easy to grab pretty much anywhere.
NYC with kids at Christmas
If you’re visiting NYC with kids at Christmas, the atmosphere alone is worth the trip. The big department stores go all out with their decorations, and standing in front of the Rockefeller Center tree for the first time, having seen it in countless films your whole life is one of those moments that’s hard to describe.
New York at Christmas has a feeling to it that I’ve not experienced anywhere else. Part of it is the scale, part of it is the fact that everywhere you look is somewhere you recognise from a film. You spend your whole life watching this city and then suddenly you’re in it, hearing that accent everywhere you go. It’s a strange and brilliant thing. On that note, our daughter was having a bit of a moment at one point, and a local leaned over and told me I should “kick her ass.” Very New York.
Beyond the atmosphere, there are some Christmas specific activities worth planning in:
Macy’s Santaland is a really beautiful and free experience for little ones which you can book 5 days in advance when slots go live each dy at 6.30am on Macys’ website. The Bronx Zoo light trail is easy to get to on the subway and our daughter loved it. The Polar Express train ride is just under an hour away in New Jersey and well worth the trip. And Dyker Heights, which we’ve covered above, is unmissable.
👉 Read our full Dyker Heights guide
NYC with kids in winter
People worry about New York in winter but honestly, it’s very manageable if you pack right. We went from the 25th of November for 10 days and the first week was mild. Light jackets, blue skies, sunglasses. There was one day I actually had to take my jacket off. By the second week the temperature had dropped and the hats and gloves came out, but none of us ever felt cold or struggled.
We had one day of rain in 10, which felt like a result. And on the days the weather was cooler, the museums, toy shops and observation decks meant we were never short of somewhere warm to head to.
If you’re visiting in winter but want to avoid the Christmas crowds, many of the seasonal activities, ice skating, winter markets, run from October through to the new year, so there’s still plenty on.
What we’d do differently next time
As much as we loved our Christmas trip, we feel like we barely scratched the surface. We packed a lot in and loved every minute of it, but next time we’d go at a slower pace, more time in Central Park, proper exploration of Brooklyn, a wander through Williamsburg.
We’re actually drawn to the idea of going back at October half term. New York apparently goes all out for Halloween in a way that rivals Christmas, and Governors Island in particular is supposed to be spectacular. Coney Island is also on the list.
Having done so much of the first timer stuff this time around, I think next time would feel like a completely different trip, and that’s exactly why New York keeps pulling people back.
Final thoughts: Visiting NYC with kids
So, is New York worth visiting with kids? Without question.
There is just as much to do with little ones as there is without them, if anything, seeing it through a three year old’s eyes made it better. Our daughter was beside herself every single day. Every corner had something new, something loud, something exciting. We did 10 days and still felt like we’d barely touched it.
It’s not a city that needs good weather or a particular season to work. It just works. And once you’ve been, you’ll already be planning the next trip before you’ve even landed home.
Ready to start planning? Head to our New York travel guide for everything in one place.
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