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If you asked Mr Otis and Us, I think he would say New York City is his favourite place in the world. We loved the hustle and bustle, the atmosphere, the colours, the people, the buildings, and the sheer fact that there was always something to do and see. You can visit New York City a million times and still not even scratch the surface. That being said it got me thinking, we visited New York twice just before we had the children, but would we return with the tribe in tow and how child friendly is New York City? What are the best New York City attractions for families?
Best New York City attractions for families?
I asked a number of fantastic bloggers their thoughts…here is what they come up with.
Top of the Rock
You can’t say you’ve been to New York unless you have taken in the sites of the Big Apple from the Top of the Rock observation deck at the Rockefeller building. Here you can experience an amazing view of some of New York’s popular landmarks from the Empire State Building to Brooklyn Bridge. View New York City day or night from 70 stories up. Reanne who writes over at Sparkles and Raindrops shares her thoughts following a recent visit to NYC. “My biggest tip would be to ensure you book. I turned up thinking you can go up whenever you get there. Unfortunately you have to book time slots, which if you are on a tight schedule can be tricky to arrange so book in plenty of time.” Another tip is to try and plan your visit for dusk. That way you get the last of the daylight and can then watch New York come to life with all the street and building lights. Cass who writes over at Frugal Family adds that Top of the Rock was a highlight from their visit to New York City – “The views literally took our breath away – it was amazing and we had so much fun spotting the sights.” Finally Chelsey from Cecelauren adds “Top of the Rock in the evening is a must! Much better than Empire State for photos as can get the iconic building in the photos!”
Photo courtesy of Sparkles and Raindrops
Empire State Building
Whilst we were in New York we couldn’t leave without a visiting the unforgettable Empire State building. Located in the center of Midtown Manhattan, the iconic building offers unforgettable 360° views of New York City and beyond. Lisa who writes over at That British Betty recommends a visit to the Empire State building during your stay- “The empire state building is iconic, it is featured in so many movies, the views are breathtaking and the art deco interior is beautiful. ”
Central Park
I think this had to be our favourite place to visit during our trip to NYC, and we spent so much of our time here. It is a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy city. It is often said that Central Park is the ‘green’ heart of NYC with meadows, forests, lakes and monuments. During our stay we loved to take a stroll, sit on a bench and people watch whilst listening to the jazz. We visited twice in Winter and I loved the iceskating and dining at the Tavern on the Green, an iconic restaurant in a beautiful Central Park setting. There is so much to do in Central Park – kids will love the Central Park Zoo and the many playgrounds.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is perhaps considered New York City’s most familiar landmark. It is only accessible by boat. I am embarrassed that we visited New York City twice and overlooked this during both of our trips – I hugely regret not making the time to visit this iconic statue and it is definitely top of my list to visit when we return with the children in tow. CityPASS includes a round-trip Statue Cruises ferry ride with stops at Liberty Island (Statue location) and Ellis Island, an audio tour on each island, plus Ellis Island Immigration Museum admission (please note that Crown Tickets and Pedestal Access not included)
Photo – Pixabay
9/11 Memorial and Museum
Not a place that you would necessary think to take the children, but one where you can all learn and connect with history. It is an extremely thought-provoking experience. Take the opportunity to pay your respects to the victims of 9/11 and take a moment at the twin reflecting pools. They feature the largest man-made waterfalls in North America and are inscribed with the names of the nearly 3,000 victims. A powerful reminder of the loss of life.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Veronica who writes over at My Parenting Journey recommends a visit to Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. She adds “My second child who is fascinated with ships and airplanes really enjoyed going to Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, an educational institution with a mission to promote awareness of history science and service and centred on the aircraft carrier Intrepid. Kids will love the Bell 47 helicopter, interactive submarine and steering the wings of an airplane in The Exploreum.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Great for slightly older kids. The Brooklyn Bridge is iconic, and walking across not only feels like a massive bucket list achievement, but it also gives you some awesome views across Manhattan. Head over to Dais like these to read more about Daisy’s bucket list walk
Photo Courtesy of Dais Like These
About CityPASS
If you are planning a visit to New York City you can save up to 42% off the regular combined admission prices by purchasing a CityPASS discounted admission ticket booklet. CityPASS discounted admission ticket booklet allows you to see New York’s top attractions packaged together at a significant saving.
CityPASS Admission Includes
- The Empire State Building
- American Museum of Natural History
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Top of the Rock Observation Deck OR Guggenheim Museum
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island OR Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum OR Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Read more about CityPASS online
What are your best New York City attractions for families? I would love to know your thoughts.
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