We fly out to the east coast to enjoy the crisp air and big city sites of New York for fall break. This was the kids first time in New York, marking it as their 16th state in the #50state challenge.
For over a year, the twins had been asking for a visit to the City that never sleeps, but our travel was already so packed with other destinations. We finally made it happen!
How To Get To New York
There are three nearby airports that make getting to the city extremely easy and often cost efficient from most parts of the country. We flew into Philadelphia, because we also wanted to spend some time in that cool city, and then drove to New York. Check out all the fun we had in Philadelphia here.
Where to stay in New York
If you plan to stay in the City, prepare your mind for very tiny accommodations. We stayed at the RIU Plaza Time’s Square, which is a beautiful hotel, with a great staff and delicious breakfast. However, the rooms were very small. Since we only spent a few nights, and we were only in the room to sleep, it all worked out.
If having easy access to Broadway shows and Time’s Square is your goal, definitely consider a stay at RIU.
Getting Around New York
Do Not, I repeat Do Not, even think about driving. It will be a nightmare not worth experiencing. And the parking costs alone are insane. Just driving in from Philadelphia to park was a feat in itself. We parked our rented suv and then used a combination of ubers and the subway for the rest of our visit. Sidebar: The Subway was like a whole adventure in itself for our kids. They loved it and couldn’t get enough.
Fun Things To Do In New York With Kids
- The Bright Lights of Times Square: Begin your adventure in the heart of Manhattan, Times Square. Marvel at the towering billboards, watch street performers, and soak in the electric atmosphere of this iconic destination. While exploring one evening, we stumbled upon the coolest double-dutch crew. I had immediate nostalgia thinking back to watching the girls in school double-dutch at recess. The coolest part, though, was all three of the kids getting selected out of the crowd to give it a try. They did so well. I never got the hang of it as a kid, so I was so proud of my little babies, lol. Now every time we watch a show with Time’s Square in the scene, they’ll remember all the fun they had.
- Lady Liberty: No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to the Statue of Liberty. Board a ferry and sail across the picturesque harbor to Liberty Island. Get up close to the colossal statue, learn about its history, and climb up to the crown for breathtaking views of the city skyline. In order to climb into the crown, you have to make advance reservations. The educational aspect combined with the beauty of the surroundings makes this a truly memorable experience for the entire family. If you want to make the stop at both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, book your trip with Statue City Cruises. Try to make it to the top of the ferry for the best views during the sail.
- Broadway Magic: Immerse yourselves in the enchanting world of Broadway. Choose from a myriad of family-friendly shows and let the captivating performances transport you to another world. Whether it’s a classic like “The Lion King” or a new hit like “Frozen,” the dazzling costumes, talented actors, and unforgettable music will leave you in awe.
- Delectable Delights at Junior’s: No trip to NYC is complete without indulging in its culinary delights. Head over to Junior’s in Brooklyn, a beloved institution renowned for its mouthwatering cheesecake. Treat your taste buds to a slice of creamy perfection, and while you’re there, savor their classic comfort food like pastrami sandwiches or Brooklyn-style burgers. Junior’s warm ambiance and delicious offerings make it a must-visit spot for food-loving families. The big hit with our kids were the cupcakes. They are delicious, but the cheesecake is still my fave!
- Discovering DUMBO’s Charms: Venture to the trendy neighborhood of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) located in Brooklyn. Marvel at the stunning views of the Manhattan skyline from the picturesque Brooklyn Bridge Park. Take a leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets, explore unique boutiques, and savor artisanal treats from local cafes. Don’t miss the opportunity to snap some family photos with the iconic Manhattan Bridge as your backdrop. If you want to venture out further into Brooklyn, there are lots of pocket/neighborhood parks to enjoy. We stumbled upon Cadman Plaza Park and the kids were able to play some soccer while we, the parents, were able to relax and chat it up.
- A Colorful Treat at the M&M Store: Time’s Square is filled with free fun. Namely, the M&M Store. Step into a world of vibrant colors, larger-than-life M&M characters, and a wide array of M&M-themed merchandise. Customize your own M&M mix, sample unique flavors, and browse through four floors of chocolatey goodness. It’s an interactive experience that our kids loved. I have to admit, we loved it too because who doesn’t love M&Ms. I was able to load up my faves – red and brown!
- Chinatown: Speaking of delicious treats, you have to head over to Chinatown for delicious cuisne. There is everything from yummy dim sum (if this is your fave like it is mine, you have to go to Nom Wah). Chinatown is more than food, though, explore the cool aesthetic vibe and plethora of souvenir shops.
Overall, New York is one of those cities that you have to do at least once, but preferably over and over again! There is so much to do, see, and taste, that you could go for a lifetime. It was a great time for our whole family and something tells me we’ll be back in the years to come. Let us know your favorite family friendly activities to do in New York in the comments.
Happy Travels!
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