New York City is one of those places that feels larger than life—and experiencing it with kids makes it even more exciting. From towering skyscrapers and famous landmarks to busy streets, historic bridges, and unforgettable city views, there is something around almost every corner to spark a child’s curiosity.
In October 2019, we packed up and headed to New York with Aiden. This was one of those trips where we wanted to see some of the city’s biggest attractions while also giving Aiden experiences that would make the city exciting for him—not just checking landmarks off a list.
We explored Rockefeller Center, went to the top of the Empire State Building, visited the Statue of Liberty, rode a horse-drawn carriage through Central Park, crossed the Brooklyn Bridge, rode the carousel on the Brooklyn side, visited Madame Tussauds, and finished up with the bright lights of Times Square.
It was busy, exciting, and definitely a trip where comfortable shoes were a must!
Why New York City Is So Fun with Kids
New York can seem overwhelming when you’re traveling with children, but that’s also part of what makes it such an adventure. Definitely be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure. We didn’t have any problems but were extra aware when in subways and at night.
For kids, the city can feel like a giant movie set.
There’s something exciting about seeing:
- Skyscrapers reaching into the sky
- Yellow taxis everywhere
- Famous bridges
- Street performers
- Giant billboards
- Busy city streets
- Parks tucked between buildings
- Boats traveling around Manhattan
- Famous landmarks they’ve seen in movies and books
Rather than trying to see absolutely everything, choose a few major experiences and let the city itself become part of the adventure.
🏙️ Rockefeller Center
A Classic New York Stop
Rockefeller Center was one of our stops during our New York adventure and is an easy place to add to a family itinerary.
The complex is home to famous landmarks, shops, restaurants, and plenty of photo opportunities. Depending on the season, families may also get to experience special events and decorations throughout the area.
It’s also a great starting point for exploring Midtown because several other major attractions are nearby.
Family Tip: Don’t forget to look up! New York’s buildings are part of the experience, and kids can have fun trying to find the tallest building they can see.
🏢 Empire State Building
See New York from Above
Standing beneath the Empire State Building is impressive enough—but going up and seeing New York spread out below you is a completely different experience.
For kids, looking out over the city can help put the enormous size of New York into perspective.
You can spend time looking for:
- Central Park
- Bridges
- Rivers
- Skyscrapers
- Boats
- Neighborhoods stretching into the distance
Family Tip: If your kids enjoy spotting things, turn the observation deck into a scavenger hunt. Give them a list of things to find from above.
⛴️ Statue of Liberty
See One of America’s Most Iconic Landmarks
No first family trip to New York feels complete without seeing the Statue of Liberty.
The Statue of Liberty is not only an iconic New York landmark but also a great opportunity to introduce kids to a little history while you’re traveling.
Even the boat ride adds to the adventure. Seeing Manhattan from the water gives you a completely different perspective of the city.
Family Tip: If you’re planning to visit the statue or go inside the monument, research ticket options and restrictions before your trip. Some experiences require advance reservations.
🐎 Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride Through Central Park
Slow Down in the Middle of the City
One of our favorite ways to experience Central Park was by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride.
After navigating the busy streets of Manhattan, climbing into a carriage and riding through the park felt like stepping into a completely different world.
For kids, riding through Central Park can make the experience feel like a little adventure of its own.
You’ll see:
- Beautiful trees and landscapes
- Historic park features
- Bridges
- Walking paths
- City views
- Horses and carriages
- People enjoying the park
It’s also a nice opportunity to give little legs a break from all the walking.
🌉 Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
One of the Best Views of New York
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is another experience we added to our trip.
The bridge itself is incredible, but the views make the walk even better.
As you cross, you’ll get views of:
- Manhattan’s skyline
- The East River
- Brooklyn
- Other bridges
- Boats moving below
- Great places to k
It can be a memorable family experience, especially if your kids enjoy seeing how big the city really is.
🎠 Ride the Carousel in Brooklyn
Once we made it over to the Brooklyn side, we also rode the carousel.
This was a fun way to add something kid-focused to an otherwise very grown-up sightseeing day.
Sometimes those little experiences end up being the moments kids remember most.
⭐ Madame Tussauds New York
Get Up Close to Famous Faces
We also visited Madame Tussauds New York, where you can get up close to incredibly detailed wax figures of famous actors, musicians, athletes, and other personalities.
This is an especially fun stop for families because photography is part of the experience.
Instead of simply walking through the exhibits, encourage your kids to pose with the figures and create silly photos.
Family Challenge: See who can come up with the funniest pose!
🌆 Times Square
Bright Lights, Big City
And then there’s Times Square.
If you’ve never experienced it before, the sheer amount of lights, screens, people, and activity can be overwhelming—in the best possible way.
For kids, Times Square can feel like walking into another world.
The giant digital advertisements and nonstop energy make it one of those places where you almost don’t need an attraction. Simply standing there and taking it all in is an experience.
It’s especially fun to visit after dark when all the lights are glowing.
Family Tip: Times Square can get extremely crowded. Keep younger children close and establish a meeting point just in case your group gets separated.
🍕 Eating in New York with Kids
One of the best parts about visiting New York is the food.
You don’t need an elaborate restaurant reservation for every meal. Some of the most memorable family meals can be simple.
Consider trying: Bagels, Pretzels, Deli sandwiches, New York-style pizza, Classic diners, Cheesecake, Street food, and International food from the city’s many neighborhoods.
Let the kids choose one or two foods they’ve never tried before. It can turn meals into another part of the adventure.
Other places to eat
Katz’s Delicatessen — Lower East Side
A true NYC classic, famous for its huge pastrami sandwiches and old-school deli atmosphere. It’s also frequently included on lists of NYC’s iconic restaurants.
Carmine’s – 44th Street – NYC — Times Square
A popular family-style Italian restaurant near Broadway. Portions are made for sharing, so it’s especially good if you’re traveling with family or a group.
🚇 Getting Around New York with Kids
New York is a walking city, but you’re probably going to want to combine walking with public transportation.
The subway can be an adventure for kids in itself, and it’s often much faster than trying to drive around Manhattan.
You’ll want to plan your days by neighborhood or area whenever possible.
For example, combine attractions that are close together rather than crossing the city several times in one day.
This saves time, reduces walking, and helps prevent the dreaded: “My feet hurt!” from happening before lunch.
💰 Financial District
See Where New York’s History and Business Meet
New York’s Financial District is another fun area to explore with kids, especially if you’re already visiting the Statue of Liberty or walking around Lower Manhattan.
This is the part of Manhattan where you’ll find some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, including Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, and the famous Charging Bull statue.
For kids, Wall Street may not sound particularly exciting—but seeing the giant buildings, busy streets, and landmarks they’ve probably seen in movies can make the area surprisingly fun to explore.
Find the Charging Bull
One of the most popular stops is the Charging Bull, the massive bronze bull sculpture near Bowling Green. It’s practically a rite of passage to stop for a photo!
👟 Tips for Visiting New York with Kids
Wear Comfortable Shoes
This might be the most important tip we can give you.
You will walk. A LOT. Even when you think you’re taking it easy, you’ll probably rack up plenty of steps.
🧥 Dress in Layers
New York weather can change quickly, especially during fall and winter. Layers make it easier to adjust throughout the day.
🎒 Bring a Small Backpack
Pack:
- Water bottles
- Snacks
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen
- Portable charger
- Light jacket
- Small first-aid supplies
📅 Don’t Overpack Your Itinerary
It’s tempting to try to see everything. Don’t. Kids need breaks, snacks, bathroom stops, and time to simply enjoy where they are. Pick your must-see attractions and leave some breathing room.
🎟️ Book Popular Attractions Ahead
Major attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and popular museums can be busy. Check reservation requirements before your trip, particularly if you have specific dates or times you want.
🚇 Make Transportation Part of the Adventure
Don’t be afraid to let your kids experience the subway, ferry, or other public transportation. These everyday parts of New York can become some of their favorite memories.
🍎 Always Have Snacks
This is true pretty much everywhere with kids—but especially in a city where you’re constantly on the move. Keep a few easy snacks in your bag so you aren’t forced to stop immediately every time someone gets hungry.
✨ Why New York Belongs on Your Family Adventure List
New York City is loud, busy, crowded, exciting, historic, and completely unforgettable.
It can be a little overwhelming with kids—but that’s part of the adventure.
Take a carriage ride through Central Park. Look out over the city from a skyscraper. Ride the carousel in Brooklyn. Watch the Statue of Liberty appear as you approach by boat. Walk across one of America’s most famous bridges. Then stand in Times Square and let your kids take in all those lights.
You don’t have to see everything to have an amazing New York adventure.
Pick the experiences that fit your family, slow down when you need to, and let the city surprise you.
Because sometimes the best family memories aren’t the things you planned—they’re the moments that happen between the landmarks. 🗽❤️