Best Itineraries for New York City with Kids

A hotbed of culture, food, music, museums, art, and more, it’s no wonder that New York City (NYC) is one of the most popular and recognizable travel destinations in the world. Due to all the hustle and bustle of this city, you might not realize how much it has to offer for kids. Times Square, Broadway, the Statue of Liberty, the Bronx Zoo, Battery Park, and the 9/11 Memorial only make up a fraction of NYC’s sights. Families will love strolling through the High Line or taking a horse and buggy through Central Park.  Aspiring foodies, artists, and historians are sure to find inspiration around every corner – often all in one day! Whether you are looking to see major attractions or get off the beaten path, NYC will check all the boxes, satisfy your palate, and feed your soul.

To help you plan, we have curated a list of the best itineraries for vacationing in NYC with kids. NYC cannot be conquered in one trip, so think about what you want to see most on this trip (there’s always a next time). With so many family-friendly options, you can’t go wrong! NYC is perfect for making family memories that will last a lifetime.

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2-3 Days in NYC with Kids

The Ultimate Two Day Trip Itinerary to NYC with Kids!, Itinerary by Addison’s Wonderland

Photo from Addison's Wonderland

Brittany, the mom behind Addison’s Wonderland, shares her itinerary for NYC.  Traveling with her 10-year-old daughter, Brittany’s itinerary will have you enjoying the very best of NYC! First, head to the Oculus and 9/11 Memorial. From there, stroll to The Battery for a New York Water Taxi!  Kids will love cruising down the river to see the Statue of Liberty! Ready for a late lunch or high tea? Brittany recommends Lillie’s for a lovely afternoon sipping tea in a Victorian-era setting. Next, enjoy the sights and sounds of Times Square and a visit to Dylan’s Candy Bar. Treat your family to one of Dylan’s famous sweets!  Walk it off in Central Park before dinner and a Broadway show. The following day, do a bit of shopping in Grand Central Station. End your trip with lunch and a frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity! Read more here.

An Action-Packed 2 Day New York City Itinerary With Teens, Itinerary by Go Far Grow Close

Screengrab from Go Far Grow Close

If you’re taking teens to NYC, Nicole’s itinerary is a must-read and packed with teen-centered activities. Looking for something unique to do or dream of people spontaneously bursting into song around you?  Try The Ride, a bus trip through the streets of NYC where singing and dancing happens around every corner. Follow Nicole’s detailed map, starting at the 9/11 Memorial. Later in the day, engage in Accomplice New York, where you and your family will become active participants in the play. Teens will love exploring NYC through this fun, quirky experience!  End your day with an amazing dinner at Robert De Niro’s Tribeca Grill. Start day two at Ellen’s Stardust Diner with breakfast and Broadway tunes! Need a good laugh? Check out the Museum of Illusions. End your visit with another stunning dinner, Nicole suggests Becco, followed by a Broadway production. Read more here.

3 DAY NYC ITINERARY TO EXPERIENCE POPULAR NEW YORK ATTRACTIONS, Itinerary by Y Travel

Photo from Y Travel

Caz, the mom behind Y Travel, has put together a wonderful, neighborhood-focused itinerary for families. This itinerary will keep you on your feet, so be sure to pack comfortable shoes! Day 1 puts you in the Financial District and Brooklyn. Kids will love the stunning views from the One World Observatory. Take a lovely walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and explore the area under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. Treat your kids to a yummy treat at Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. Day 2 will keep you in Manhattan exploring the Empire State Building and the best urban greenery in the city. Ready for some shopping? Walk along Fifth Avenue on your way to Central Park. End your evening with a Broadway production. On day 3, enjoy Greenwich Village and the Statue of Liberty. Don’t miss an opportunity to indulge yourself at Molly’s Cupcakes before leaving the Big Apple!  Read more here.

The perfect New York Family Holiday, Itinerary by Happiness Travels Here

Photo from Happiness Travels Here

Kaylie, of Happiness Travels Here, has thought of everything! She believes there is no such thing as a cookie-cutter vacation when traveling with kids, so her itinerary is customizable to your family’s schedule or interests. Under each recommended site, Kaylie shares what to do there with kids. Times Square on your list? Kids will love the brightly colored buildings and billboards, not to mention the street performers! If your kids love heights, Kaylie offers three options for getting a great view of NYC, including the Empire State Building. Kaylie also provides some great recommendations for family-friendly Broadway shows.  With kids under 8, she recommends the Lion King or Aladdin. This itinerary will give families a ton of helpful tips and insights about traveling to NYC with kids! Don’t miss the budget-saving advice and tips for using the subway at the end! Read more here.

4-5 Days in NYC with Kids

45 Places to Discover with this 4 Day NYC Itinerary, Itinerary by Carful of Kids

Photo from Carful of Kids

Catherine and her Carful of Kids share a packed itinerary with major attractions and family fun! Start your trip at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Catherine encourages families to visit these important American landmarks, instead of viewing them from the Staten Island Ferry. Finish your day at the iconic Katz’s Delicatessen. On day 2, head to midtown and the Theater District. After breakfast, go to Rockefeller Center for stunning morning views of the city! The rest of the day includes some of NYC’s most iconic sites, including the Museum of Modern Art and Grand Central Station.  Day 3 you will explore NYC’s parks and animals, including a wonderful morning at the American Museum of Natural History. On your final day, explore Chelsea and take a New York City Cruise. Don’t miss the great tips for families at the end, including how to navigate the subway. Read more here.

5 Days in New York: The Ultimate New York City Itinerary, Itinerary by Earth Trekkers

Screengrab from Earth Trekkers

You have a week in NYC!  Great news — you won’t miss a thing! Julie, the mom behind Earth Trekkers, shares her wonderful week-long itinerary. Packed with major attractions, neighborhood strolls, and unique options, this is a great read for anyone traveling to the Big Apple. Take your time learning important American history at the 9/11 Memorial, Ellis Island, and the Tenement Museum. Throughout the week, explore the exciting neighborhoods of SoHo, Brooklyn, and Greenwich Village – with a peak in Little Italy and Chinatown. This itinerary has great restaurant recommendations, including Piccola Cucina Osteria and vendors to your heart’s content in the Chelsea Market!  Looking for something unique? Try a food tour through Foods of NY Tours. Take it easy during your visit and stroll through Manhattan’s green spaces. Kids will love running around Central Park – a great place to rent bikes or a horse and buggy! Read more here.

With so much to see and do, NYC cannot be done in one trip. It is definitely a destination your family will want to explore again and again! Hopefully, this list of the best itineraries for vacationing in NYC with kids gets you started making family memories in the Big Apple. No matter what’s on your bucket list, NYC will have you making memories as soon as you arrive!

If you’re a blogger who would like to be included in this post or write a guest post for Families Love Travel, please email us at contribution@familieslovetravel.com!

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Families Love Travel Team

The Families Love Travel Team has a zest for life and an even bigger passion for globetrotting! Comprised of real-life travel professionals, we work hard behind the scenes to provide dynamic solutions for adventuring with children. Our enthusiastic team understands the challenges that often accompany traveling with kids and is committed to making Families Love Travel an inclusive space to convey these experiences.