The ‘City that Never Sleeps’ may not feature high on your list for a family holiday with young children whose day-to-day temperaments depend on appropriate bedtimes. Yet truth be told, a
New York City holiday offers an abundance of things to see and do for all ages that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether your plans include culture and history or hands-on exploration and outdoor fun, New York delivers a world of activities that are perfect for family bonding and unforgettable moments.
That’s why we’ve created a go-to family holiday checklist when in New York City, highlighting some of our favourite sights, landmarks, and all-round enjoyable places to visit – all ‘mum approved’ by our team at Ocean Florida!
1. Central Park
The city’s most famous outdoor venue is more than just a park! Central Park is steeped in history and remains one of the most popular hotspots in New York for all ages. There are 21 playgrounds here, but younger kids will love the Ancient Playground, an Egyptian-inspired complex with equipment designed to encourage imaginative and explorative play. The seven-acre Central Park Zoo will also delight little ones with its twenty-three waterfowl species, snow leopards, grizzly bears, and more than 70 penguins splashing about – inspiration and conservation are at the forefront of this incredible attraction.
2. American Museum of Natural History
What could be more stimulating to youngsters than giant blue whales, majestic elephants, and a fossilised T-rex? The fascinating American Museum of Natural History sits on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and boasts them all, plus so much more! From exhibitions on insects, gems and minerals, North American forests—complete with a real-life slice of a 1,400-year-old sequoia tree—and the Rose Center for Earth and Space, this mind-blowing museum will thrill enquiring minds and engage kids of all ages for hours on end.
3. Statue of Liberty
Not only does the Statue of Liberty look impressive, but she’s also quite fun to get to. Take the kids on a ferry ride across to Liberty Island and tour the pedestal and crown of New York’s most iconic and historic landmark (make sure to book your tickets months in advance). The newly renovated Statue of Liberty Museum also features an immersive theatre, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Lady Liberty’s conception, construction, and the history behind her journey and arrival to the US. Join the ferry at The Battery in Lower Manhattan and make a day of it; this gorgeous city park features a kids’ playscape, carousel, gardens, walking paths, and beautiful harbour views!
4. One World Observatory
There are several hotspots for breathtaking panoramic views in New York, but the One World Observatory at the World Trade Center trumps them all with its presence as America’s tallest building and its exhilarating ride more than 100 floors up. Little daredevils will love the speedy ascent in the Sky Pod elevators—some of the fastest in the world—to the Sky Portal, where a huge circular disc offers a heart-stopping glimpse in real-time down to the busy streets below.
5. The High Line
Set along an abandoned freight train track that soars above Manhattan’s West Side for more than twenty blocks, the High Line displays a masterful use of recycling and urban green space design. This hybrid public park comprises a pedestrianised walkway where visitors can experience art, nature, and architectural planning. Take a stroll amid its peaceful gardens above the bustling neighbourhoods of Chelsea and the Meatpacking District and let the kids run free during their time in the city. Keep an eye out for festivals, tours, and kids’ programmes for additional entertainment, too!
6. Coney Island
Escape the city for a few hours to the southern area of Brooklyn and visit the ever-popular Coney Island, a place full of seaside charm and childhood nostalgia for many locals. Give the kids their first taste of a classic corn dog, take them on the rides and amusements at Luna Park, or hit the beach in summertime to cool off from that crushing New York heat. Coney Island is also home to the New York Aquarium, set just off the Boardwalk, where kids can observe an array of fish, birds and mammals including otters, sea lions, penguins, and sharks.
7. Broadway Show
Where better to see a showstopping musical than on Broadway, one of the world’s premier theatre destinations? If your children are over six years old and fans of make-believe and magical entertainment (let’s face it, all kids are different) then they’ll love the glitz and the razzle-dazzle of Disney classics like The Lion King and Aladdin, or the frenetic fun of Back to the Future! All-in-all, a Broadway show is a quintessential New York experience, and one they are sure to remember forever.
8. Grand Central Terminal
Set in the heart of Midtown Manhattan sits the enchanting Grand Central Terminal (often referred to as Grand Central Station), a timeless New York landmark that has been a hub of rail transportation for more than 150 years. Inside, the famous clock is an awe-inspiring sight, and the lofty teal-hued ceiling of the main concourse will wow the kids with its splendid adornment of celestial zodiac signs. The station’s 67 tracks and 44 platforms allow for the thrill of watching hundreds of trains chugging in and out daily, and for a little science lesson, kids will marvel at the acoustic tricks of the ‘Whispering Gallery’, where they can stand at opposite corners of the arches and have conversations as though they are stood next to each other!
9. Museum of Illusions
Experience the impossible at this amazing kid-friendly museum in the vibrant West Village, where more than 70 head-scratching illusions will captivate visitors of all ages. Its exhibits include mind-bending images, perspective-altering rooms, and hypnotising installations all designed to play tricks on your mind and your senses. This immersive experience will delight and astound you just as much as the kids, prepare to be puzzled!
10. Hudson River Park
Kids who are full of beans will enjoy burning off some of that energy in one of New York’s numerous playgrounds, most notably the five that sit within Hudson River Park. The waterfront haven at Pier 25 boasts a huge play area with slides, swings, and water features, sand volleyball courts, and an 18-hole mini golf course complete with a pond, bridges, sand traps, and waterfalls.
The newly opened Pier 97 promises hours of fun at its 5,900 sq ft play space with a huge seasonal water spray zone, high tower climber with slide, ship’s hull, and a dedicated area for smaller kids. Adults won’t miss out on all the fun though and at the western end of the pier, they can zip down the all-ages slide down to the sunset deck below!
11. Harry Potter Flagship Store
When you think of Harry Potter attractions in the US, Universal Orlando Resort comes to mind. But the Harry Potter flagship store on Broadway holds everything kids could want from the Wizarding World, with exclusive products, a dedicated Wand Shop, a Butterbeer bar, and immersive in-store shopping experiences like the Dark Arts cellar and the Atrium of Awe, which connects all three floors. In fact, we think this flagship store is sure to delight Potterheads of all ages!
If you’re planning on a city getaway with kids soon, consider the Big Apple as your playground for adventure. For more tips, advice, and to book your dream New York holiday, get in touch with our USA experts today. 
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