The Perfect Weekend Itinerary with Kids in NYC
If you’re planning a trip to New York City with your kids, you probably have a few (okay, a lot) of questions. NYC is big, busy, and endlessly exciting — but with a little prep, it’s also one of the most rewarding places to explore as a family. This might be a controversial thing, but I am here to tell you it is actually a great place to visit with kids. There is of course so much to see and do. One of the best things about being in NYC is walking around and taking in all of the sights for FREE! But with that sometimes a lot of your day will be walking from place to place and so making it fun for kids to help navigate or having something to give them incentives will help with this.
Stay: Thompson Hotel
Reservations/ Tickets to buy ahead of time:
- Lion King Play (or whatever broadway show you choose)
- Manhatta
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island boat tour
Day 1
Morning:
Breakfast: Sarabeth’s Central Park South – famous for fluffy pancakes and kid-approved brunch options.
Explore Central Park: Take a leisurely walk and let the kids climb the rocks and run around. Stop at:
Heckscher Playground - located close to Central Park South between 6th & 7th Avenues.
Central Park Zoo - small but perfect for a few hours
Ride the Central Park Carousel
Lunch: The Smith Lincoln Square — casual but upscale, great for both adults and kids. OR go to PRET right by the entrance of the park and grab some sandwiches and have a picnic in the park.
Afternoon:
Visit the American Museum of Natural History. The dinosaur exhibits and planetarium are great.
For NY, NJ, and CT residents w/ an ID - Admission is "pay-what-you-wish" at the ticket counters. (For all other visitors - tickets are 18-30 . With discounts for children and when you book ahead).Grab a hot chocolate and walk through the Upper West Side
Evening:
Early Dinner: Carmine’s in Times Square which is a family-style Italian restaurant that is nice but not super fancy.
Show: Catch a Broadway musical. Great family-friendly picks:
The Lion King - It is recommended for ages 6+ but 4+ is allowed to attend. We took my 4 year old and it was great even though the show is about 2.5 hours.
If you are visiting in November or December, we highly recommend seeing The Rockettes - a Christmas themed show with dancers, soldiers and Santa
Day 2
Morning:
Breakfast: Clinton St. Baking Company in the Lower East Side — famous pancakes & worth the wait.
Visit: One World Observatory or The Edge for incredible skyline views
Explore Battery Park - playgrounds + Statue of Liberty views & SeaGlass Carousel
Optional: Short Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island ferry trip (you can stay on the boat if you want a shorter outing).
Lunch: Eataly Downtown — variety of options for all ages and a great indoor spot if it’s chilly. You can walk-in or book a table online.
Afternoon:
World Trade Center Complex - you can see all the 9/11 grounds and oculus for free or you can pay to visit the museum.
9/11 Pools
Oculus
Optional: New York Transit Museum - museum that displays historical artifacts of the New York City Subway, bus, and commuter rail systems in the greater New York City metropolitan region
Dinner:
Manhatta - Modern American that is set on the 60th floor and has amazing city views.
Pro Tip: Go for an earlier dinner with kids. This will be your one nicer $$ meal but the restaurants are usually less chaotic earlier in the night.
Day 3
Morning:
Breakfast: Banter in Greenwich Village — Aussie-style café with a cozy fall vibe
Lunch: Grab a bite at Chelsea Market. There are so many great options like tacos, noodles, or grilled cheese. Pro tip: Get a few things and let everyone try a few different things.
Afternoon:
Walk the High Line — gorgeous in the fall with golden foliage and art installations along the way.
Stop at Little Island (floating park) to let the kids run and explore.
Pop into FAO Schwarz near Rockefeller Center for toy heaven.
Evening:
Dinner: Casual dinner at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes and make sure to get one of the epic milkshakes
End the trip with a stroll by Rockefeller Plaza — sometimes fall decorations or ice rink are up early.
Tips for NYC with Kids
Bring layers — mornings can be crisp, afternoons mild, especially in the fall.
Take yellow cabs or Uber for shorter trips; subways are easy but can be crowded with strollers so plan accordingly.
Book Broadway and museum tickets in advance.
Don’t overschedule — NYC walking alone can fill a lot of time.
NYC with kids doesn’t have to be stressful — it’s all about balancing big sights with little joys. Let them chase pigeons in Central Park, share a giant pizza slice, and take in those skyline views together.
FAQ
Q: Where can we find clean bathrooms when in New York City?
A: When looking for a public bathroom, I always resort to department stores, or coffee shops like Starbucks. If you try to use a restaurant they might make you purchase something. Parks like Central Park and Bryant Park also have well-maintained facilities. Some attractions (like the American Museum of Natural History) have family restrooms and changing areas.
Q: Is NYC too expensive for families? How can we make it more affordable?
A: It can be — but there are lots of ways to cut costs:
-Visit free museums (like the Natural History Museum’s “pay what you wish” hours).
-Spend time in parks and playgrounds.
-Try food markets or get food to go and enjoy in the park or lobby of your hotel instead of full-service restaurants.
Q: Should we rent a car or rely on public transportation?
A: Skip the car! Parking is expensive and traffic is intense. The subway and buses are the fastest way to get around. Taxis and rideshares work well for shorter trips, especially with younger kids or strollers.
Q: Is New York City safe to visit with kids?
A: Yes! New York is much safer than many people expect, especially in the main tourist neighborhoods. Families are everywhere — in Central Park, Times Square, and down by the Seaport. Just use normal city smarts: keep an eye on your bags, stick to well-lit streets, and use official taxis or rideshares.
Q: How long should we stay?
A: 3 days is the sweet spot for us. It gives you time to see the classics — Central Park, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty — without rushing through. Sprinkle in downtime for playgrounds, pizza breaks, and exploring local spots off the main path.
