This is a collaborative post
New York, New York, so good they named it twice, right? We all know how alluring the Big Apple is, the bustling streets, striking yellow cabs, the backdrop of so many incredible movies, the shops, eateries, and of course its iconic skyline — it’s hardly surprising that millions of people visit New York every year, just to get a feel and a taste of the City That Never Sleeps.
But while many travellers view NYC as the perfect destination for friends and romantic weekends away for couples, would you believe that more families than ever before consider NYC to be a great place for family city breaks? Some families might think the idea of dragging their children around a metropolis to be nothing more than a huge headache — but these days, NYC is proving to be an incredibly family friendly city, one that welcomes and caters to children and families of all ages.
So, how can you make the most of your New York City experience with the kids in tow? Let’s take a closer look at how it’s done.
Choose a Great Place to Stay
It goes without saying that the accommodation on any trip can make or break your entire getaway. Thankfully, in NYC when it comes to family-friendly accommodation, you’re spoilt for choice. You’ll find a lot of cheap hotels in New York that cater for parents with children, that are comfortable, have great amenities, welcoming staff and serve as the perfect base for exploring the city.
What’s worth bearing in mind is that the city is huge and some neighbourhoods are better suited to families than others because they’re safer, are close to big attractions and provide kid-friendly services. Here’s my take on the best neighbourhoods and accommodation options for families:
- The Upper West Side: The best area for green spaces and lots of museums! It’s close to Central Park, the Natural History Museum and lots of playgrounds. There are lots of family friendly restaurants, cafes and even the sidewalks are wider, which can accommodate strollers.
- Midtown Manhattan: The heart of the city! Here you’ll be close to major attractions like the Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park and Times Square. It’s very touristy here, but that means there’s more family-friendly amenities, attractions, and hotels.
- Battery Park City: If you want a relaxed atmosphere, then head to the southern tip of Manhattan. This area is much quieter with lots of open spaces and less traffic. Here you’ll be close to the Statue of Liberty Ferries, One World Observatory and Brookfield shopping centre.
Plan How You’ll Get Around
NYC is fast-paced and knowing how you’re going to get around in advance can help you make the most of your time here. Depending on where you’re staying and which attractions you want to visit, you might find that walking is a good option, especially if you can wander through Central Park or take in some sightseeing along the way. You could also make use of the public transport links which are easy to navigate and can be a life saver for those with little legs! Check out my top tips:
Walking:
- Bring a compact stroller with you so toddlers can take regular breaks.
- For younger children, they may need breaks from walking after a time, so buses are a good option. They’re easy and fun to ride with young children if you’re not going too far
- If you have older children, walking is ideal!
- Consider planning stops at museums, parks, or cafes if anyone needs a break (mum and dad included)
Taking the Subway:
- Use the OMNY tap and go system to pay at the turnstiles.
- Or get the Metrocard if it’s better value for you during your stay.
- Kids under 44 inches — go free! So your toddler and younger children might not need a ticket.
- Not all stations have elevators, so check this ahead of time if you’re bringing a stroller with you.
- Try to avoid rush hour — 8am-10am and 4pm-7pm.
Taking a Cab/Uber/Lyft
- You might want to take a cab or Uber if you’re out and about at night. This is much safer.
- If you have lots of bags or your children are tired, consider taking a cab.
- NYC law does not require car seats to be used in taxis, but it’s always best to use one if you can.
- Consider taxi services like Kidmoto, which offer taxis with car seats
Try to Avoid These Common Family Travel Mistakes
In a fast-paced city like New York, sometimes things just don’t go to plan — and that’s ok! Just consider it part of the adventure in this incredible location. As a parent, I know how disconcerting the idea of making an error can be, especially with the little ones in tow and being in an unfamiliar place, so take a look at the most common travel mistakes parents make when taking their kids to NYC — and how to avoid them!
- Overscheduling: With so much to see and do in New York, it’s tempting and incredibly easy to overfill your itinerary. But it’s worth remembering that NYC is big and busy for little ones, who can quickly become overstimulated and upset without taking breaks, so working downtime into your daily schedule is a must.
- Not Managing Jet Lag: If you’re travelling from a different time zone, you might have jet lag to contend with, which could make the first couple of days a little challenging. Try to keep your children awake until bedtime, get as much sunshine as possible (this helps to reset their body clock) and limit naps where possible.
- Not Sticking Together: With so many crowds and busy places in NYC, it’s easy to get separated. Consider dressing your children in bright colours so they’re easier to spot, always cross roads holding hands, and practise the “look loudly” method if you do become separated.
Final Thoughts…
New York City is an incredible destination for a family city break — and one that will definitely stay with you and your children for years to come, whether you document every moment in your travel blog or you take amazing pictures. NYC is great for families who want to make special memories. Would you take your children to NYC?
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post