Need some ideas on a trip to New York City with your family? Looking for kid friendly ideas? Here’s some tips for family travel to NYC!
We love NYC.
Fortunately, I’ve had several opportunities to explore the city. However, we took my son there last year when we finally felt he was old enough to enjoy and appreciate NY! NYC can be expensive, but you can make it very doable and on budget.
There are plenty of family-friendly options in New York, as well. New York City would make a memorable fall or spring break trip! If you use the CityPASS, it can be an affordable trip as well.
How to Save in NYC with CityPASS
You can get two different options with CityPASS in New York City. The classic New York CityPASS has 6 tickets included, while the C3 pass has 3 tickets. (I would personally go for the one with 6 tickets! So this is the one I’ll focus on.)
The New York CityPASS will save you 42%!! It is a great cost saving. It has three preset tickets and three option tickets. It’s valid for 9 days!
Here’s one of the best parts: You can skip most ticket lines. If you have ever waited in line with children, you’ll know what a blessing this is!
CityPASS Admission Includes:
The Empire State Building
Located in the heart of NYC, the Empire State Building offers more than just 360-degree views. It’s an immersive experience inside a world-famous landmark that earned TripAdvisor’s 2017 Traveler’s Choice Award. Your admission includes an exclusive same-day return visit to enjoy the late night open-air view of the greatest city in the world.
The Empire State Building is spectacular the minute you walk in the door. With the beautiful mural straight ahead of you, it gives you the feeling you are about to see something special!
Don’t fear – I am very scared of heights, but I felt fine throughout the building. The view is amazing!
American Museum of Natural History
Explore human cultures, the natural world, and the universe with a visit to one of the world’s most famous natural history museums! Meet the Titanosaur, one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered, in the museum’s fossil halls. I have yet to meet a child that doesn’t enjoy dinosaurs! Don’t miss the Hayden Planetarium Space Show Dark Universe or a spectacular digital 3D and 2D film in the giant-screen LeFrak Theater.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York’s most visited museum and attraction, The Met presents over 5,000 years of art from every corner of the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. Voted TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice #1 Museum in the world.
Top of the Rock Observation Deck or Guggenheim Museum
At Top of the Rock, experience breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of New York City and beyond from interior and exterior decks on the top three floors of this legendary skyscraper. Feel the energy, wonder, and beauty of New York City day or night from 70 stories up.
At the Guggenheim, walk through Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece of modern architecture. The museum presents intriguing special exhibitions and is home to one of the world’s finest collections of 20th-century works by artists such as Kandinsky, Picasso and Cézanne. I have not yet gotten to the Guggenheim, and it is going to be what I use on my next CityPass when we visit.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island or Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
Personally, I think the Statue of Liberty is the best part of visiting NYC. She is breathtaking, and words can’t describe the feeling you get when you gaze up at her.
The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island tickets includes one 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. (Crown Tickets and Pedestal Access are not included.)
A note on the crown and pedestal access tickets:
Crown Ticket: Crown access is not included and is only available directly from Statue Cruises by advance reservation, You can visit statuecruises.com. The climb to the crown is strenuous; there are 393 steps from the main lobby to the crown and there is no air conditioning. There is a maximum of four crown reservations allowed per order. Visitors must be at least 4 feet tall to visit the crown.
Crown Tickets often sell out well in advance. If you plan to go into the crown, I would suggest getting tickets MONTHS in advance. Unfortunately, we didn’t realize how in demand these tickets are, and we were unable to get them during our visit with our son.
In the past, I have been had pedestal access, and it’s certainly worth getting.
Pedestal Access: A limited number of pedestal passes will be available each day at no additional charge on a first-come, first served basis from the Statue Cruises ticket office. Alternatively, you can purchase a reserved ticket with pedestal access directly from statuecruises.com or by phone.
9/11 Memorial & Museum or Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum
While it is a somber experience, I highly suggest the 9/11 memorial & museum. It is a very good history lesson and learning experience for our children. Take a moment of quiet at the twin reflecting pools, as well.
At the Intrepid Air & Space Museum, get an up-close look at the space shuttle Enterprise and 28 aircraft, including the world’s fastest military jet. Enter Growler, the only guided missile submarine open to the public. Climb into a real Bell 47 helicopter and land a space shuttle in the Exploreum.
Other Things to See and Do in NYC
If the attractions with your CityPASS isn’t enough, there are plenty of other fun things to do in NYC! There is a ton of shopping to do, plenty of great sights, and the best food!
Don’t miss Times Square where the characters and people watching is an event in itself! You can also visit M&M World, which your kids will enjoy. (So will you if you love M&Ms and chocolate.)
Have you been to NYC? I’d love to hear what family friendly things you did for my next trip! If you have any questions about going to NYC with your family, please ask and I’ll try to help!!
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