New York with kids – 10 must do’s
Cityguide, TRAVEL
New York City is full of fun activities and attractions for kids and teens. With great parks, museums, restaurants and sights across the five boroughs, the City is one giant playground for the little ones and a fascinating place for teens.
The city has something for everyone and many things for the whole family to enjoy together. New York with kids is a trip that everyone will remember and enjoy. With so much to see and do we did the hard work and created a list of the top ten things.
What?! Just 10 things? We know that New York has much more to offer and that however long you stay, it is impossible to see and do everything. But one has to start somewhere and better to see the best than miss out. Another plus: Any season is a great season to visit the Big Apple.
Summer is summer and you can enjoy the city by walking and do everything outside. Autumn shows the city in the most beautiful colours. Winter is for Christmas shopping. And of course Spring when everything is blooming.
Now we have 10 things for you that truly need to be on your list:
Central Park
The perfect place to visit after your arrival. Wherever you come from you are probably in a different time zone. And we think the best way to start the Big Apple with a big or small jet lag is Central Park. Let the kids burn off some energy in one of the spectacular playgrounds. Teens will enjoy a walk through the grounds and its diverse terrain or a bike ride through the greenery. You can also head to the Central Park Zoo, at Fifth Avenue and West 64th Street. Grab a New York City hot dog and salted pretzel from a park vendor. Relax and just soak in New York.
High Line
A fantastic park built atop an abandoned train track. An amazing view of the Meatpacking District and Chelsea. There are weekly free drop-in workshops of all kind for kids during the summer.
Brooklyn Bridge
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge with spectacular views of downtown Manhattan. Including the Freedom Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Governors Island. If you are coming from Manhattan, reward the little ones with a scoop at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory just at the base of the bridge in DUMBO. Stroll along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and enjoy the Manhattan skyline. Or head down to Brooklyn Bridge Park with similar views plus numerous places for the kids to get active.
American Museum of Natural History
The classic among the museums in New York is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. Showing the history of humankind from the Stone Age to the Space Age on five floors. Discover the Dinosaurs and Underwater World and the history of the Big Bang.
Jane´s Carousel
Some rounds on one of the pretty horses of Jane’s Carousel should definitely be on your program in New York! The historic carousel stands in the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge Park and dates back to 1922.
Especially beautiful in the evening, when it gets dark and the lights start to shine in front of the glass walls.
Staten Island Ferry
A ride on the Staten Island Ferry. The free ferry departs at the southern tip of Manhattan at Battery Park and takes about 20 minutes to Staten Island. The views of Manhattan, Jersey City and the Statue of Liberty are terrific.
Eataly
We love a good picnic. And with all the squares and parks you are sure to find a spot. For the best food go and get some freshly baked bread, hand-pulled mozzarella or real Italian pizza from Eataly. Coffee for the parents, delicious organic ice cream, hot chocolate during the colder months to warm you up or a crispy salad.
One World Observatory – the Freedom Tower
The tallest building in North America. On a clear day, you can see for 50 miles in any direction.
And there is much more to see besides the stellar views. The Observatory’s elevator is a unique multimedia experience and there are historical and interactive displays that will keep your kids entertained.
On your way to the tower, you can pass through the 9/11 Memorial and see the two massive Reflecting Pools that honor the victims of the tragedy.
Depending on the age of your kids, you may want to visit the 9/11 Museum which is a very informative but also a somber museum.
Rockefeller Center
This is a very famous area of the city! There are major sights nearby like NBC Studio Tour, Radio City Music Hall, Observation deck at Rockefeller Plaza. In winter the whole area becomes bedecked in decorations. The main courtyard is turned into an ice rink with skate rentals available. A breathtaking NYC view is waiting for you on the 70th floor of the Rock Center Observation Deck.
American Girl
This is a huge hit with little girls. The flagship store at Rockefeller Plaza is featuring a girl-and-doll salon, a café and opportunities for girls to design their own dolls. The popular American Girl Cafe offers a high tea for mini mamas and their dolls.
You want to stay in Europe? How about Barcelona with kids?