The Not-So-Cookie-Cutter Guide to NYC for Kids

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Advisor - Alejandra Schroeder
Curated By

Alejandra Schroeder

  • Arts & Culture

  • Family Travel

  • City Travel

  • New York City

  • Entertainment

  • Shopping

  • Sightseeing

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Curator’s statement

NYC is one of the most exciting destinations, but tackling it with a couple (or one that feels like a few) tots can be a little intimidating (not to say overwhelming).

But do not fret, friends! Did you know the city that never sleeps can be as kid-friendly as any other destination? As a former NYC mom (who constantly goes back with her two twisters), check out my tips and tricks for traveling with kids to this awesome city.

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Where to stay in New York City

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Things to do in New York City

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Downtown:

  • Stroll around Soho and visit the Museum of Ice Cream, the Color Factory and the Sloomoo Institute.

  • Head to Eataly Downtown to eat some fresh pizza or pasta and visit Mercer Labs.

  • Take the Ferry to DUMBO (and ride the Carousel with a view after eating a pizza at Roberta’s)

  • Battery Park playground and Sea Glass Carousel.

  • Go north to Flat Iron and visit the Camp Trolls Experience.

  • Explore the Ships at the South Street Seaport.

  • Grab a burger at Pj Clark's (or Le District) and watch the boats sail before you head over to Rockefeller Park.

Midtown:

  • Have an Ice cream and run around the Highline (take some cool pictures with some serious street art while at it)

  • Eat some tacos (numero uno) at the Chelsea Market.

  • Visit the Camp Store at Hudson Yards.

  • Take some Selfies at the Edge.

  • Get lost among toys at FAO Schwartz.

  • Have a day of fun at the Chelsea Piers.

  • Explore the lights and shops around Times Square.

  • Explore Little Island.

  • Check out a Broadway play (Aladdin and the Lion King allow kids three and over)

  • Feel like a US Navy Pilot at the Intrepid Museum.

Uptown:

  • Stroll around Central Park and visit the penguins at Central Park Zoo.

  • Make Eloise Proud and visit the eateries at the Plaza.

  • Say hi to the Dinosaurs at the Museum of Nat. History!

Day Trips:

Venture out of Manhattan and Explore

  • Brooklyn: Dumbo, BK Heights (the NY Transit museum) and Williamsburg (Domino Park is a must)

  • Bronx: Visit the world-renowned zoo.

  • Governors Island: Eat some Mexican food at Gitano and rent out a bike Cart to roam around the Island.

Places to eat & drink in New York City

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Fun and Relaxed Eats:

A little more upscale (but very friendly):

  • Bad Roman

  • Tavern on the Green

  • The Tin Building by Jean Georges

  • Eataly

  • Brookfield Place

Fun Food Experiences:

Need to know

If your tots use a stroller, download the NYC subway app to check which stations have accessibility elevators.

Use the Ferry as a fun way to get between boroughs.

Awesome Parks and playgrounds:

  • Battery Park (Battery Playscape)

  • Rockefeller Park

  • Pier 26

  • Central Park Playgrounds

  • Domino Park at Williamsburg

Advisor - Alejandra Schroeder

Travel Advisor

Alejandra Schroeder

Get in touch with Alejandra

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This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to New York City. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Erica Gould's guide, How to Spend 1 Week in NYC with Tweens.