Three Fall Days in Midtown Manhattan with Kids

Morning - Have breakfast at Ellen’s Stardust Diner which offers an all-American breakfast that kids will love, from pancakes to omelets, all while enjoying a Broadway-style performance.

Next, a must-visit, Central Park offers endless opportunities for families, including playgrounds, the Central Park Zoo, and scenic boat rides. Ancient Playground near The Met has fun climbing structures and water features, making it a great place for kids to burn off energy.

Have lunch at John’s Pizzeria – This family-friendly pizza spot in a converted church is perfect for kids. Offering classic New York-style pizza with plenty of seating, it’s a fun lunch stop right in the heart of Midtown.

Swing by Rockefeller Center and visit the LEGO Store - there’s plenty of family-friendly activities at this iconic spot.

For dinner - Head to Carmine's for generous portions of classic Italian dishes.

Morning - Have breakfast at Sarabeth's Central Park South, the perfect for a family-friendly breakfast, serving freshly baked pastries, fluffy pancakes and their famous eggs Benedict, all in a relaxed setting near Central Park.

Next, head to the Billy Johnson Playground at Central Park South – Famous for its granite slides and naturalistic design, this playground offers unique features like a large stone slide that kids love.

For lunch - Chelsea Market offers a wide range of food stalls, from tacos to seafood, giving kids plenty of options to pick from while parents enjoy the bustling atmosphere.

In the afternoon, stop by the iconic New York Public Library for story time, books and family-friendly activities in a beautiful, historic building.

Have a quick dinner at Schnippers, a casual spot serving burgers, chicken tenders, mac 'n cheese and salads, offering something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

After dinner, take a pedicab or walk to Bryant Park for the seasonal carousel, pop-up food kiosks and ice skating in the winter.

For breakfast, stop by Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish for classic New York bagels - an authentic NYC breakfast.

Take a bus or subway to the Intrepid Museum and explore historic aircraft, a real space shuttle, and even a submarine. It's a great way to spark curiosity about science, history, and space through interactive exhibits (pretend to fly a helicopter) and immersive displays.

Have lunch at The Smith for modern American brasserie fare (this location is great for lunch or dinner!).

No trip to the Big Apple is complete without a on or off-Broadway performance - the hourlong Gazillion Bubble Show is an excellent way to entertain the family in the early afternoon, it’s highly interactive and probably best for 2-8 year olds. The facility is generously sized and has ample restrooms and space for kids to run around.

Have dinner at Joe’s Home of Soup Dumplings in Midtown East for authentic Shanghainese cuisine.

Stop by the Empire State Building after dinner for lighter crowds in the inside exhibits and observation decks.