So, you’ve booked a family holiday to New York. Congratulations! NYC is an amazing destination for children of all ages. There’s so much to see and do, and you’ll all make some incredible memories and get some fab family photos. But like any parent, that pre-holiday doubt can quickly start to set in, especially when you consider the size, the volume of people, and the general hustle and bustle of New York City…if you’re now asking yourself: what was I thinking? Don’t worry, this blog post is for you!
Visiting NYC with kids in tow can feel like an uphill struggle, but with the right planning, knowledge, and approach, everyone (including you) can enjoy your first taste of the Big Apple. For those who are yet to book accommodation, we’ll cover what you might want to look for. We’ll also look at some tips for getting around the city and planning your itinerary with your kids in mind. Read on to find out more.
Accommodation: Finding the Right Location and Hotel
First things first, staying in any hotel with kids anywhere in the world means you need to prioritise safety and practicality. Thankfully, NYC has hundreds of hotels that are child-friendly and all with great security and front desk services for total peace of mind. If you’re looking for a cheap hotel room that ticks all your boxes, then don’t panic, start comparing prices and look to make a reservation as early as possible to get the best deals and to avoid disappointment!
Try looking into kid-friendly amenities such as free breakfasts, laundry facilities, pools, extra locks on doors and windows, and easy access to public transport. For the location, you’ll probably need to look at somewhere central like the Upper West Side for its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to Central Park, or Midtown for its central location and vibrant energy. Midtown is great for first-timers, offering proximity to Times Square, Broadway, and Rockefeller Centre. Alternatively, you might want to look at booking an Airbnb or rooms with kitchenettes, so everyone has a lot more room and you can cook or prepare snacks if you need to.
Planning Your Itinerary With Kids in Mind
Creating an itinerary that balances excitement with practicality is key when visiting NYC with your children. New York can quickly become overwhelming, so make sure your itinerary allows for breaks and downtime.
Remember that not every attraction will suit every child, so try to do a mixture of activities that will appeal to everyone. This could include places like the Central Park Zoo, the American Museum of Natural History, the High Line, or Brooklyn Bridge Park. Your children might also benefit from blowing off some steam by visiting one of the many playgrounds in Central Park or heading to Luna Park on Coney Island for a seaside amusement experience.
Remember to be as flexible as possible with your plans, and consider returning to your hotel for an hour or two in the middle of the day to rest those little legs and to let older children decompress. Build buffer time into your schedule for queues, snack stops, or bathroom breaks – things always take longer with kids! And make sure you involve older children in planning your days out, that way they’re less likely to become frustrated and they’re more likely to be engaged whilst you’re out and about. Try to fill your days with a couple of “must-sees” and then label the rest “nice to sees,” that way the pressure is off you a little. Sometimes, a quiet walk and a slice of New York pizza can beat a packed day of sightseeing.
Tennis lessons
Remember that not every attraction will suit every child, so try to do a mixture of activities that will appeal to everyone. This could include places like the Central Park Zoo, the American Museum of Natural History, the High Line, or Brooklyn Bridge Park. Your children might also benefit from blowing off some steam by visiting one of the many playgrounds in Central Park, signing up for tennis lessons or heading to Luna Park on Coney Island for a seaside amusement experience.
What and Where to Eat to Keep Everyone Happy
Eating out in NYC with your children can seem expensive and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. There are so many diverse dining options that no one will go hungry in New York, and even the pickiest of eaters can be catered for.
Look for kid-friendly restaurants and casual dining spots. Your little ones aren’t going to sit still in a cramped restaurant where they’re expected to sit still for 90 minutes, make things easy for everyone and go casual at places like Ellen’s Stardust Diner, Shake Shack, and John’s Pizzeria.
If you have a picky eater amongst you, then don’t feel that sticking to familiar foods will ruin the trip or feel like they’re missing out. Little ones can still sample some of the very best pizza, pasta, burgers, sandwiches, and chicken nuggets in the world! Check out online menus before you head out so there are no nasty surprises when you’re finally seated!
If you want to dramatically cut your spending on food, then bring plenty of snacks and water for your days in the city. Hungry little ones are no fun! Some simple but tasty snack ideas that travel well include granola bars, cheese sticks, crackers, fruit, or other family favourites. Remember to bring a refillable water bottle—there are lots of places to refill these for free throughout the city.
Managing Your Expectations and Keeping Your Cool
New York City is big, busy, and exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when you’re travelling with children. The key to a successful trip is managing expectations and staying flexible when things don’t go to plan, which happens a lot with kids in tow! Here are my top tips:
- Set realistic expectations: NYC has a lot to offer, but kids get tired and overstimulated quickly. Always make time for rest and opportunities to blow off steam. Younger children may need naps or quiet time in the afternoon, while teens might prefer a slower morning.
- Stay calm when things go wrong: Meltdowns are common in unfamiliar locations, so don’t sweat it and don’t feel like everyone in NYC is judging you. Very few people will even look up! Just step aside, breathe, and let them ride it out in a calm spot.
- Waiting in long lines: Always have something to distract or entertain kids, a small toy, sticker book, or a game on your phone can help the time pass.
- Always have a Plan B!
Remember that the goal here isn’t perfection, it’s about everyone having a good time and making memories together. Make sure you and your family are flexible during your visit and take regular breaks—you might need one too!
